The chamber trembled with anticipation. The third commandment burned in crimson letters above:
> "Prove your loyalty through sacrifice."
A hushed panic spread among the remaining hunters.
"Sacrifice… what do they want us to sacrifice?!" a C-Rank hunter shouted, eyes wide with fear.
The colossal statue at the throne raised its greatsword. Dust fell from its shoulders as it slowly pointed at the hunters, as if judging them individually.
Kael crouched behind a shattered pillar, heart hammering. He looked around. His guildmates were frozen in terror. Some were whispering to each other, others praying, but all knew one thing: hesitation meant death.
The guild master's voice broke through the fear. "We need a plan! Whoever fails… we'll pull together and—"
Before he could finish, one of the hunters, a greedy B-Rank, lunged forward, attacking another hunter.
"Stop! What are you doing?!" the guild master shouted.
But it was too late. The statues moved.
A massive stone hammer slammed down, crushing the aggressor instantly. Screams echoed as the rest scrambled, panic taking control. Hunters began turning on each other, fearing that the one who hesitated would die next.
Kael pressed his back against the wall, his breaths shallow. This… isn't about strength. It's about survival.
The statues advanced methodically, cutting down anyone who broke the commandment. Chaos consumed the chamber. Blood and fear mingled into a living nightmare.
Suddenly, the guild master turned to Kael. "Kid… go! Run! Survive!"
Kael shook his head. "I… I can't leave everyone…"
The man grabbed Kael's shoulders, shaking him hard. "They're already dead! Look around! Move or you die too!"
But Kael's eyes remained on the slaughter. Every guildmate he had trained with, every friend — gone. The statues moved with terrifying precision.
And then the massive greatsword came down toward him.
Pain exploded across his vision as he screamed, unable to dodge. Everything went white.
This… is the end…
Then—
DING!
A cold, metallic voice rang in his mind:
> [System Detected.
User: Kael Ardyn.
Critical Condition: Near Death.
Awakening Sequence Initiated.]
Kael felt a surge of energy unlike anything he had ever known. His broken body began to heal, his senses sharpened. The world slowed around him.
For the first time, he felt power. Real power.
The statues raised their weapons again. Kael gritted his teeth, staring at the looming threat.
This time… he would not be weak.
The awakening had begun.
⚡ End of Chapter 4 ⚡