Kael Veyran's heart raced as the chamber trembled around him. The dark orb pulsed violently, like a heartbeat from another world, and shadows twisted into monstrous shapes along the walls. The deep, resonant voice echoed again, shaking the very air:
"Who dares awaken the Celestial Codex?!"
Kael didn't flinch. He could feel the power of the Codex thrumming against his skin, calling to him. With a grin, he whispered, "I do… and I intend to claim it." The shadows recoiled slightly, as if acknowledging his audacity.
[System Notification: Threat Level Extreme | Recommended: Level 20+]
[Current Level: 5 | XP +0]
The Codex Guardian emerged from the shadows. Towering, clad in black-and-gold armor etched with runes older than memory, its glowing eyes locked onto Kael. Every step it took caused the floor to quake. Energy radiated from it like a storm contained in flesh. Kael's body tingled with anticipation—the fight wasn't just physical; it was a chance to grow, to break limits.
[System Notification: First True Trial Detected | Reward: Artifact Mastery + Hidden Skills]
Kael activated Shadow Step, vanishing into the air and reappearing behind a shattered pillar. He tested Void Manipulation, letting strands of shadow energy coil around his fist. The Guardian swung a massive blade of dark energy. Kael dodged, the air splitting with a thunderous roar as his system buzzed with updates:
[Strength +5 | Agility +5 | Void Manipulation: Skill Level 2 | XP +150]
The Guardian laughed, a deep, metallic sound that reverberated through the chamber. "A mortal… daring, yet insignificant. Come. Show me your growth."
Kael smirked, a spark of mischief in his eyes. "Insignificant? You'll see soon enough." With a thought, he summoned strands of Void energy, forming shadow blades in each hand. He moved with a fluid grace, Shadow Step letting him strike from multiple angles in a blink. The Guardian blocked each blow, but the system's notifications kept him alert:
[Combat Insight +1 | Void Energy Control +1]
Time blurred as they clashed. Kael's every movement was precise, his mind analyzing patterns, learning the Guardian's speed, predicting attacks. For the first time, he realized the Codex wasn't just a passive artifact—it trained him, forcing him to evolve with every strike.
Then, the Guardian unleashed a shockwave of energy that shattered the pillars around them. Kael rolled through the debris, feeling his body strain against limits he hadn't even known existed. Pain lanced through him, but the system flared:
[Threshold Surpassed | Strength +10 | Agility +10 | Void Manipulation: Level 3 | Skill Unlocked: Shadow Rift]
Kael rose, energy crackling across his body. Shadow Rift opened beneath the Guardian's feet, a tear in reality pulling at the ground. The Guardian staggered, surprised. Kael smiled, feeling the exhilarating rush of power. "I told you… I'm just getting started."
The Guardian recoiled, reassessing him. It lunged again, faster, stronger—but Kael was faster. His attacks now flowed naturally, combining Shadow Step, Void Manipulation, and new skills, weaving a dance of power that even the Guardian struggled to keep up with. The system buzzed constantly, awarding him points, skills, and XP faster than he could process:
[Strength +15 | Agility +15 | Void Manipulation: Level 4 | XP +300 | Skill Gained: Temporal Echo]
Finally, the Guardian paused, energy crackling violently around its form, as if acknowledging Kael's growth. Its voice softened, almost reverent:
"You… are worthy of the Codex. But this… is only the beginning."
The orb of the Celestial Codex floated before Kael, glowing with divine light. He reached out, feeling its energy surge into him, knowledge and power flooding every nerve, muscle, and thought. In an instant, he understood secrets of the realm, ancient techniques, and potential far beyond mortal comprehension.
[Artifact Mastery: Celestial Codex | Skill Gain: Void Manipulation Mastery + Shadow Rift Mastery | XP +500 | Level Up: 10]
Kael exhaled, a grin spreading across his face. Every sense tingled with exhilaration; his body, mind, and spirit were evolving at a pace no one else could match. The temple, the shadows, the Codex—it all bowed, in a sense, to his awakening potential.
And as he turned to explore deeper corridors, he realized a thrilling truth: the temple had more secrets, greater trials, and even higher threats awaiting him. Gods, rivals, and ancient guardians would all take notice soon enough.
Kael laughed softly. "Bring it all… I can handle it. I will become Sovereign of Infinity."