Chapitre 9: The 4th Test 1

***

After a year of intense training and cultivation, Shin had made remarkable progress. He had reached the Peak Mortal realm, mastering all his elemental affinities to the point where he could utilize each of them proficiently. In addition, Shin had been diligently experimenting with his newfound bloodline abilities, focusing primarily on the enigmatic powers associated with the Mongel bloodline. These abilities proved to be exceptionally challenging to comprehend, as they were linked to an element entirely unfamiliar to him.

This mysterious element, known as nihil, became the focal point of Shin's research. Through extensive study and relentless dedication, he discovered that nihil bore a resemblance to the void element, yet it was more profound and significantly stronger. According to the system, nihil is one of the rarest elements in the universe, adding to its enigmatic allure and Shin's fascination with it.

The rarity of nihil cannot be overstated. In the vast expanse of the universe, where countless elements and energies exist, nihil stands out as a unique and unparalleled force. Its scarcity is such that only a select few ever encounter it, and even fewer can harness its power. This rarity is not merely a matter of infrequency but also of the profound difficulty in understanding and controlling nihil. It operates on a level of complexity that surpasses most known elements, making it a formidable challenge for even the most gifted cultivators.

Shin's journey into understanding nihil was fraught with obstacles. The element's elusive nature meant that conventional methods of elemental manipulation were ineffective. Shin had to devise new techniques and approaches, often relying on intuition and experimentation. His efforts were akin to navigating uncharted territory, where each discovery opened up further mysteries rather than providing clear answers.

Despite these challenges, Shin's persistence began to yield results. He gradually unraveled the fundamental principles governing nihil, allowing him to harness its power in ways previously thought impossible. This breakthrough significantly enhanced his combat capabilities.

In conclusion, Shin's ascent to the Peak Mortal realm and his mastery of multiple elemental affinities were remarkable achievements. However, his most significant breakthrough during this year of intensive training was his discovery and understanding of the rare and powerful nihil element.

***

The gatekeeper appeared beside Shin, who had been patiently awaiting his arrival. "Are you ready for the next test, Shin?" he inquired.

"Yeah, I'm ready," Shin replied confidently.

"This time, you'll face even stronger monsters," the gatekeeper continued. "The first one will be in the same realm as you, but the next four will each be a minor realm higher."

Shin's excitement surged at these words. He was eager to test the skills and abilities he had honed during his intense year of training.

The gatekeeper tore through the fabric of space once again, transporting them to a new location for the fourth test. They arrived in a circular room, dimly lit by torches mounted along the stone walls at regular intervals. The flickering flames cast long, dancing shadows, creating an atmosphere of tension and anticipation.

The room was not particularly large, suggesting that the intent was to force Shin into close-quarters combat with the summoned monsters. The stone floor was worn and marked, evidence of countless battles fought here before. The air was thick with the scent of burning torch oil and the lingering echoes of past conflicts. Shin couldn't help but feel a surge of adrenaline as he prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

"Now, the fourth test will begin," the gatekeeper announced. "After you defeat each monster, you will have 30 minutes to rest. Once you defeat the final monster, you will have one hour to recover before the ultimate challenge: a battle against me."

Shin nodded in understanding. Without another word, the gatekeeper vanished, leaving Shin alone to prepare for the trials ahead.

As Shin waited for a couple of minutes, he noticed his first adversary entering the arena. It was a goblin, but significantly larger than the hobgoblins he had faced during the third test. This goblin was armed with two imposing broadswords and clad in armor, giving it the appearance of a formidable knight. Intrigued by its imposing presence, Shin decided to appraise the creature. The appraisal revealed it to be an Ancient War Goblin, leading Shin to deduce that it must be an evolution from the Ancient Hobgoblin he had encountered previously.

Observing the goblin's movements, Shin readied himself for the battle ahead. He extended his elemental claws, imbuing them with the nihil element, curious to test its effects. As the goblin charged forward, Shin did the same, meeting the goblin's slash head-on with a powerful punch.

What happened next left him completely dumbfounded. His claws sliced through the goblin's broadswords effortlessly, but the devastation didn't stop there. His attack continued, cutting the goblin clean in half. Yet, the strangest part was not the goblin's defeat; it was the aftermath. Both the goblin and its swords vanished entirely as if they had been banished from existence.

Shin stood there, stunned by the unexpected outcome. His new power, the nihil element, had proven to be overwhelmingly potent, erasing his adversary. The implications of this newfound ability left him both awed and wary, realizing he had tapped into something far beyond his initial understanding.

Determined to understand this mysterious power, Shin decided to refrain from using it during the remaining tests. He wanted to continue researching and testing the nihil element after leaving the ruins. For now, his priority was to devour these creatures for their bloodlines, enhancing his abilities further. With this resolve, Shin steeled himself for the challenges ahead, eager to uncover the full potential of his newfound power.

The gatekeeper and the guardian spirit were equally flabbergasted. The guardian spirit, Oslo, who had created this realm, was even injured, having summoned every monster within it.

"What happened there, Oslo?" asked the gatekeeper, his concern evident.

Coughing and spitting blood, Oslo slowly regained his composure. "After this trial is finished, go back to the academy and tell Zephyros to send some of the strongest members here. They need to recruit that kid immediately after he leaves this planet. What he just used is an element similar to the void element, but much more profound and higher-ranking."

The gatekeeper took a step back, almost stumbling. "Are you sure, Oslo?"

"Why would I lie, Bernard?" Oslo replied seriously. "The headmaster saved me, and I want to repay him. This youngster will undoubtedly become a superpower in the future unless he is killed."

"Alright, I'll do that immediately after he finishes all the tests," Bernard agreed, with a determined look on his face.