[Since you completed four Objectives you may choose to receive one of the following:
* Four Special Items
* Two Rare Items
* A single Epic Item
You have ten minutes to choose.
Jack stared at the black door ahead, his mind still reeling from the battle. He assumed that was the entrance to the floor Boss. He considered trying to find his companions, but if he tried, they might miss each other in the dark. It's better to wait here and hope they were strong enough to make it this far without him. The stone corridor seemed to pulse with a strange energy as if the very air was waiting for him to make his choice. He had just been notified of his reward options, and he needed to make a decision quickly. Four Special Items, Two Rare Items, or a single Epic Item. Each choice had its own potential advantages, and Jack needed to weigh them carefully.
He took a deep breath, forcing his exhausted body to focus. His recent battle had drained him both physically and mentally, and he was tempted by the immediate appeal of numerous special items. Four Special Items could provide a variety of tools and enhancements, each potentially useful in different situations. They might include weapons, armor, or even magical artifacts. Still, Jack knew from experience that the combined value of multiple items might not always be as high as a single, well-chosen item.
On the other hand, Two Rare Items could be significantly powerful. Rare Items were often highly sought after, with unique properties that could make a substantial difference in combat or exploration. The potential benefit of having two such items could be great, offering a balance between variety and power. He recalled his encounters with Rare Items before, their abilities were usually impressive and often game-changing.
But then there was the Epic Item. The thought of acquiring a single Epic Item was enticing. Epic Items were known for their exceptional qualities, often possessing abilities or enhancements that could surpass those of Rare Items. Adventurers coveted them for their power and utility. An Epic Item could potentially transform his capabilities, providing an edge that could turn the tide in future challenges.
Jack’s mind flashed back to the intense battle he had just fought. The venomous spiderlings, the relentless Split Soul Spider, and the fire-resistant webbing—it all reminded him of the sheer unpredictability and danger of his adventures. He needed something that would not only bolster his current strengths but also help him face unknown threats ahead.
The Epic Item was not without its risks, though. Its power might come with a significant cost or responsibility, something he’d have to learn to master. It could be a game-changer, but it might also have drawbacks he couldn’t yet foresee.
Jack weighed his options. Finally, he made his decision.
[You have chosen to receive an Epic Reward]
[You have received the Memory Crystal of Sun Wukong]
There was the faint sound of crystal on stone as the item appeared before him, hovering in the air for a moment before falling to the floor. Jack reached down to pick up the Memory Crystal of Sun Wukong, feeling its cool surface against his fingers. The translucent crystal shimmered with an iridescent glow, and as he held it up to the light, intricate patterns swirled within its depths, almost as if it contained a living tapestry of history and power.
He inspected the crystal carefully, his curiosity piqued. The name "Sun Wukong" rang a bell—wasn't he a legendary figure from Chinese myth? Jack recalled stories of a powerful warrior who could perform incredible feats and wield unmatched strength. He also recalled him being called the Monkey King for some reason. If it was the same person, did that mean that the myths were real? Regardless, if this item was named after him, it might be imbued with extraordinary abilities.
[Memory Crystal of Sun Wukong
Rarity: Epic
Quality: Perfect
Durability: 1000/1000
Material: ????
Properties: Memory Assimilation
Charges:3/3
Description: This artifact contains the accumulated wisdom and power of the legendary Sun Wukong. It allows the user to access the memories, skills, and abilities of the legendary warrior, including his famous combat techniques and mystical knowledge.]
Jack held the crystal in his hands, the cool, smooth surface against his palms a stark contrast to the warmth of his exhaustion. He turned the item over, studying its intricate patterns, which danced with shifting colors like a living aurora. The more he looked, the more he felt the pull of the crystal’s potential, urging him to unlock its secrets.
He took a deep breath and began experimenting with different methods to activate the crystal. First, he tried tapping it lightly, hoping that a simple touch might trigger some reaction. He knocked on it gently, then harder, but the crystal remained still, its surface unresponsive.
Frustrated but determined, Jack decided to use a different approach. He held the crystal up to his forehead, trying to align his own energy with the crystal's core. He pictured Sun Wukong in his mind, imagining the legendary warrior’s strength and wisdom flowing into the artifact. Still, the crystal did not respond, though he could feel a subtle shift in the air around him.
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Jack’s last resort was to use his Mana Channeling Skill to channel mana into the crystal. He closed his eyes again and drew deeply from his reserves, focusing on the crystal’s inner patterns. He concentrated on directing a strong, steady stream of mana into it, envisioning the energy merging with the crystal’s essence. The room seemed to pulse with anticipation as he poured his energy into the artifact.
A sudden flash of light erupted from the crystal, blinding Jack for a moment. The light was warm and enveloping, and as it subsided, Jack felt an overwhelming sense of being drawn into the crystal. He lost all sense of his surroundings, the corridor, the black door—everything faded away.
In the void, he felt as if he was being pulled through a tunnel of shifting colors and swirling energy. It was a disorienting experience, and he lost track of time as he was drawn deeper into the crystal’s core. Then, just as abruptly as it began, the sensation stopped, and Jack found himself in a new environment.
He stood in a vast, lush forest with towering trees and vibrant foliage, a stark contrast to the dark, cold corridor he had just left. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the distant calls of exotic creatures. The sky above was a bright, clear blue, and the sunlight filtered through the canopy in golden beams.
In the distance he could see a mighty mountain, its peak extending beyond the clouds that floated lazily in the azure sky. The mountain’s grandeur was both awe-inspiring and daunting, a majestic sentinel rising high above the landscape. Its sheer cliffs, veiled in wisps of ethereal mist, seemed to pierce the very heavens, creating an impression of something both otherworldly and implacable.
As Jack looked around, he saw a figure approaching from between the trees. It was a striking sight: a figure with a mischievous grin, dressed in elaborate robes that fluttered like leaves in the breeze. He had a long, bushy tail and a posture that exuded confidence.
His form was that of an anthropomorphic monkey, tall and commanding, yet graceful in his movements. His fur was a radiant blend of gold and russet, shimmering with an almost metallic luster that caught the light with every shift of his posture.
His face was expressive and animated, with sharp, intelligent eyes that sparkled with a mischievous gleam. They were framed by thick, expressive brows that arched and danced with his every emotion. His nose was broad and flat, with a slight flare that gave him a look of playful arrogance. His mouth was wide and often curled into a knowing smile, revealing a set of sharp, white teeth that hinted at both his cunning and his charm.
Wukong's ears were large and pointed, adorned with gold hoop earrings that jingled softly as he moved. His long, prehensile tail curled and swayed with a life of its own, punctuating his gestures and adding a dynamic quality to his movements. He wore a simple yet regal outfit: a vibrant crimson tunic with intricate golden embroidery that depicted swirling patterns and mythical symbols. The tunic was cinched at the waist with a broad, ornate belt studded with jewels. Over his shoulders draped a flowing, silk sash that trailed behind him like a banner of his high status.
In his right hand, he wielded a long black staff capped with golden bands at either end.
The figure stopped before Jack, his gaze appraising and playful. "Ah, a mortal ventures into my domain," he said, his voice smooth and melodious, with a hint of amusement. "I am the Monkey King, Sun Wukong. You've chosen to call upon my essence. How delightful!"
Jack's eyes widened in recognition. The actual Monkey King from the legends was standing before him, and Jack couldn’t help but feel a mix of awe and apprehension. He’d heard tales of the Monkey King’s incredible abilities and his cunning nature. This was no ordinary encounter.
Sun Wukong’s grin widened as he observed Jack’s reaction. "I see you’re familiar with my legend. Good, good. It saves us some introductions. Now, let’s see if you’re worthy of the powers contained within my memory crystal."
"To truly access my powers," the Monkey King continued, "you must prove yourself. Show me your worthiness, and I shall grant you a glimpse into the skills and wisdom I possess."
Jack squared his shoulders, readying himself for whatever challenge the Monkey King would present.
“So what? I have to fight you to prove my worth?”
Sun Wukong seemed to find that hilarious. He bent over laughing hysterically for half a minute while Jacks's face grew redder and redder. Finally, the Monkey King managed to regain his composure. Mostly. He still let out a slight giggle before responding “You fighting me? You? Now that is an amusing jest mortal. No, no, no. Nothing so pedestrian as that.”
Jack tried to keep his composure in the face of the Monkey King's insults. He did not want to lose the opportunity to learn from this strange being just because he couldn’t keep his temper in check.
Jack's face flushed a deep shade of red as Sun Wukong's laughter echoed through the verdant forest. The Monkey King's mirthful guffaws, though genuine, felt like sharp jabs to Jack’s pride. He clenched his fists, feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration rise within him. The Monkey King's casual dismissal stung more than he’d like to admit.
As Wukong’s laughter gradually subsided, Jack’s initial irritation simmered into a boiling stew of determination. He could feel the weight of the challenge settling on his shoulders, heavier now due to the King's mocking tone. His pride was wounded, but more importantly, he felt an urgent need to prove himself, not just to Sun Wukong, but to himself.
The Monkey King’s dismissive comment about Jack fighting him seemed like a challenge to his very worthiness. Jack’s muscles tensed as he fought to control his growing anger. He was determined not to let this powerful figure see him falter. The taunting laughter echoed in his mind, stirring memories of past failures and doubts he had struggled to overcome. He had faced numerous trials before, but this moment felt different—more personal, somehow.
He forced himself to take a deep breath, pushing away the sting of humiliation. His eyes met Wukong’s with a steely resolve. He couldn’t afford to let his emotions cloud his focus. This was more than just a challenge; it was an opportunity to gain the wisdom and power that could turn the tide of his adventures. The weight of his past struggles and the unfulfilled potential that lay within him fueled his resolve.
Sun Wukong's eyes gleamed with mischief as he regarded Jack, who stood ready to face whatever challenge was about to unfold. The Monkey King’s staff twirled lazily in his hands, a mere gesture of his casual confidence.
“Very well,” Wukong declared, his voice rich with amusement. “To earn the power of my memories, you must complete a task that few have ever achieved. Are you ready?”
Jack nodded, his determination unwavering despite the eerie sense of anticipation hanging in the air.
“Your challenge,” Wukong continued, “is to retrieve the Golden Fruit from the top of the Celestial Peak.” He pointed towards the distant mountain; its peak lost in the clouds. “However, there’s a catch. Your climb cannot be aided by any Abilities, Active Skills, or magic. Only your wits and will can guide you.”
Jack’s eyes followed Wukong’s gesture. The mountain(presumably the Celestial Peak) loomed high above, shrouded in mist and seemingly unreachable. The challenge appeared daunting, almost insurmountable. Nevertheless, he squared his shoulders and set off towards the mountain, resolved to prove himself worthy.