"The Fated Rival of the Moon"

Azrael Kaelthorne stepped into the third chamber, his breath steady but his body tense. The darkness was absolute, swallowing even the faintest glimmer of light. The cold air carried an eerie silence, as if the room itself had no life. Then, the System Window materialized before him.

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[System Notification]Third Trial: Face Your FearObjective: Overcome the nightmare that haunts your soul.Reward:

25 Stat Points

2,000 System Points

Key to the Reward Room

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A chill ran down his spine. Face your fear? He had fought against countless monsters, endured relentless pain, and survived under constant oppression. What fear could possibly make him falter now?

Then, she appeared.

A woman stood in the darkness, illuminated by a pale, ghostly light. She was beautiful, with soft silver hair cascading down her shoulders and deep violet eyes filled with warmth—eyes that reminded him of himself. She wore a regal dress, yet her presence carried a sorrowful weight.

Azrael's eyes widened. His body froze.

"Mother…?"

The word slipped from his lips before he could stop it. His heart pounded against his ribs, and for the first time in years, tears welled up in his eyes. He had never forgotten her—the woman who had given birth to him, the only one who might have truly loved him in this cruel world.

She stepped closer, her hands reaching out gently.

"Azrael," she whispered, her voice filled with warmth. "You've grown…"

He wanted to run to her, to embrace her, but his instincts screamed at him. His grip tightened around the hilt of his katana. His Abyssal Crown of Fated Eclipse Tyrant did not allow weakness. This was a test, a fabrication meant to break him.

His vision blurred as his tears finally fell. He charged forward.

With a swift motion, he beheaded his mother.

Her body collapsed, dissolving into dark mist.

Azrael stood still, sword trembling in his grip, his vision darkened by grief. His heart screamed at him, but he remained silent. His voice, hoarse and barely above a whisper, finally broke the silence.

"I'm sorry."

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Trial Complete

[System Notification]You have conquered your greatest fear.Rewards Granted:

+25 Stat Points

+2,000 System Points

Key to the Reward Room

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He wiped his tears away, forcing himself to move forward.

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The Reward Room

Azrael stepped through the newly unlocked door, entering a grand chamber filled with golden treasures. At the center of the room sat a small jade vial, radiating a soft glow—the Elixir of Life.

Without hesitation, he picked it up and uncorked it. The scent of ancient mana filled the air. He drank.

Immediately, his body burned as if fire raged within him. His veins pulsed, his mana surged, and his body demanded control. He dropped to the ground, entering a meditative stance. This was his chance.

With absolute willpower, he guided the rampaging energy, refining it.

Fourth Cycle… His mana core pulsed and condensed further.Fifth Cycle… His control deepened, the energy flowing naturally.Sixth Cycle… A surge of power erupted within him.

His Aura, too, surged forward, reaching Level 5.

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Additional Rewards

Azrael scanned the chamber, picking up several valuable treasures:

Gold – Worth enough to buy several estates.

Necklace of the Phoenix – An ancient artifact.Effects:

+30 Spirit Energy

+30 Senses

Fire Resistance (High Immunity to Fire Attacks)

Satisfied, he called up his System Window.

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[System Status Window]

Name: Azrael Kaelthorne

Title: Abyssal Crown of Fated Eclipse Tyrant

Aura: Level 5 (Sword Aura Active)

Mana Cycle: Sixth Cycle

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[Stats]

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[Skills & Techniques]

Kaelthorne Swordsmanship – Basic

The fundamental techniques of the Kaelthorne family.

Mastery Progress: 35%

Spells:

Dark Magic: Abyssal Devourer – Consumes light-based attacks, converting them into mana.

Fire Magic: Infernal Fang – A high-speed flame strike.

Lightning Magic: Sky Severance – A piercing bolt of electricity.

Reinforcement Magic: Titan's Might – Enhances physical strength for a short time.

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Azrael clenched his fists, feeling the sheer power coursing through his veins.

The cave had tried to break him, but instead, it had reforged him into something stronger, colder, and more unstoppable.

His journey had only just begun.