"The Fated Rival of the Moon"

The Second Trial Begins

Azrael Kaelthorne took a deep breath as the system window flickered before his eyes. His body still ached from the first trial, but there was no time to rest.

[ Ding! The Second Trial Begins. ]

[ Trial of Destruction: Destroy the Five Golem Cores. ]

[ Each Golem defeated will grant 5 stat points and 300 System Points. ]

[ Each Golem is infused with a different element. ]

Azrael's golden eyes narrowed. Five golems… Five elements… He would have to exploit their weaknesses.

The cave rumbled.

From the depths, five towering figures emerged.

Each golem stood over four meters tall, their forms composed of solidified elemental essence.

Flames crackled around the Fire Golem.

Ice mist swirled around the Ice Golem.

Lightning arcs flickered across the Lightning Golem.

A radiant glow pulsed from the Light Golem.

The final one, larger than the rest, stood like a mountain—an Earth Golem.

Azrael clicked his tongue. This was going to be difficult.

---

The Battle Begins

The Fire Golem was first to strike. A massive fist, wreathed in flames, crashed toward him. Azrael dodged, feeling the heat scorch the air around him.

His katana flashed. With a single precise strike, he sliced through its fiery core. The flames flickered before vanishing completely.

[ Fire Golem defeated. ]

[ +5 stat points gained. ]

[ +300 System Points. ]

The Ice Golem followed. It swung a colossal arm, aiming to freeze him on the spot.

Azrael didn't hesitate—he infused his blade with fire-aligned mana and cut through it. The intense heat caused the Ice Golem to crack, and with another powerful slash, it shattered into pieces.

[ Ice Golem defeated. ]

[ +5 stat points gained. ]

[ +300 System Points. ]

The Lightning Golem was faster. Bolts of electricity danced across its form, striking the ground violently.

Azrael activated his Aura Cloak, using his enhanced speed to dodge the attacks. With a precise movement, he channeled ice magic into his katana, freezing the lightning momentarily before delivering the finishing blow.

[ Lightning Golem defeated. ]

[ +5 stat points gained. ]

[ +300 System Points. ]

Now, only two remained.

---

The Golem of Light

The Light Golem loomed over him, radiating an overwhelming brilliance. It was resistant to physical attacks—his sword wouldn't be enough.

Azrael smirked. Then I'll use darkness.

Raising his left hand, he gathered mana infused with the abyss.

"[Eclipse Fang]!"

Dark energy twisted and coiled into the shape of a black wolf's maw. It howled before lunging toward the Light Golem, devouring the holy energy as it clamped down on its core.

The radiant light dimmed, flickering before shattering into nothingness.

[ Light Golem defeated. ]

[ +5 stat points gained. ]

[ +300 System Points. ]

---

The Final Challenge: The Earth Golem

Azrael exhaled sharply.

The final golem was twice the size of the others. Its entire body was composed of solid blackstone, unyielding and nearly indestructible.

Azrael lunged forward. His katana struck the golem's body— and bounced off.

His blade couldn't pierce it.

Tch. This is bad.

The golem slammed its massive fist down. Azrael barely managed to evade, but the sheer force sent shockwaves through the cave. He couldn't cut this thing.

Then he remembered. There was another way.

Azrael gritted his teeth.

If his sword didn't work… he'd use his fists.

He gathered his mana and aura, forcing it into his arms. His muscles tensed.

"[Titan's Wrath!]"

His fist, coated in a dense layer of aura and mana, smashed into the golem's chest. A crack formed.

Azrael didn't stop.

With each punch, the fractures widened. The shockwaves from his strikes echoed through the cave.

Five hours passed.

His left arm was completely shattered. His right eye leaked blood, his body barely holding on.

But finally—

The Earth Golem collapsed.

[ Earth Golem defeated. ]

[ +5 stat points gained. ]

[ +300 System Points. ]

The trial was over.

---

Recovery & Stats

Azrael staggered, barely able to stand. His body was at its limit.

[ Ding! System Shop Opened. ]

[ Mid-Tier Health Potion – 300 Points Each ]

He bought five.

[ -1,500 System Points. ]

The moment he drank the potions, his wounds closed, his shattered bones mended. The blood covering his body dried instantly.

[ Full Recovery Achieved. ]

Azrael sighed in relief before opening his status window.

---

Status Window

Name: Azrael Kaelthorne

Title: Abyssal Crown of Fated Eclipse Tyrant

Title Description:

A title bestowed upon Azrael Kaelthorne by the Abyssal Crown System. It signifies his destined rule over power, death, and mana, intertwining his fate with the abyss itself. The title enhances his growth, but at a cost—it requires him to embody the qualities of a tyrant: arrogance, pride, and ruthlessness.

---

Title Effects:

1. Abyssal Regeneration (+200% Recovery Rate)

Azrael's body recovers at twice the normal speed.

Even severe injuries, such as broken bones and deep wounds, heal rapidly.

Drawback: Healing slows if he shows weakness or hesitation.

2. Eclipse Authority (Command Over Darkness & Light)

Passive: Dark and Light magic are naturally drawn to him, enhancing their effects.

Active: Can weaken light-based opponents and empower dark-based spells.

Drawback: Prolonged exposure to either extreme light or abyssal energy causes internal strain.

3. Tyrant's Will (Unbreakable Resolve)

Cannot be mentally controlled, charmed, or influenced by outside forces.

Gains a resistance to illusions and fear-based magic.

Drawback: If he ever doubts himself, his power temporarily weakens.

4. Abyssal Speech Restriction

If Azrael fails to act with pride or arrogance, he loses his ability to speak.

This enforces the mindset of a ruler—one who commands, not begs.

Drawback: Cannot express humility or submission without severe consequences.

5. Fate's Eclipse (Unseen Influence)

The System subtly alters fate to push Azrael toward greatness.

People and events unknowingly shift to create challenges and opportunities for him.

Drawback: The System does not act in his favor—it merely ensures his path remains one of struggle and conquest.

Aura: Level 3

Mana Cycle: 3

Stats:

Strength: 75

Agility: 65

Endurance: 80

Mana: 55

Senses: 50

Spirit Energy: 2

Aura: 50

Skills:

Kaelthorne Swordsmanship (Basic) – The foundational sword techniques of the Kaelthorne family.

Eclipse Fang (Dark Magic) – A manifestation of abyssal energy, devouring light-based mana.

Titan's Wrath (Physical Enhancement) – Channels all aura and mana into raw physical force, significantly amplifying strength.

---

Azrael closed his system window, exhaling deeply.

Two trials down.

But the cave wasn't finished with him yet.

With one final glance at the darkness ahead, Azrael Kaelthorne stepped forward.