Chapitre 10: The 4th Test 2

The second monster Shin was set to face was an ancient kobold. As the kobold entered the room, gripping its spear, it glared at Shin with fierce determination. Shin, however, remained indifferent, summoning his scythe with a casual motion.

Upon seeing the scythe, the kobold felt a sense of impending doom wash over it. Shin, unwilling to waste any time, snapped his fingers and slightly slowed down time to hinder the kobold's reactions. Utilizing his space and shadow affinities, he immediately appeared behind the kobold, slicing it cleanly in half.

The battle was over almost as soon as it began, showcasing Shin's formidable power and efficiency.

[Killed 1 Ancient Kobold and gained 50 SP]

[Bloodline ability evolution evolved the Enhanced Senses into Intuitive Perception]

[Intuitive Perception: The user's enhanced senses allow him to intuitively understand and interpret complex sensory data, such as reading subtle body language or detecting lies through minute changes in heartbeat and perspiration.]

"Not bad. This evolution ability is really handy," Shin mused to himself, a creepy smile spreading across his face.

Watching this, Bernard and Oslo exchanged uneasy glances. They had always known Shin was powerful, but they hadn't realized the true extent of his strength until now. The monster he had just defeated was only a minor realm higher but that also meant it was a major realm higher. The gap in strength between major realms was substantial, making Shin's effortless victory all the more astonishing. But not totally out of their expectations as he had a lot of different affinities.

Their awe was mixed with a sense of unease, but they had little time to dwell on it. The next monster entered the arena, demanding their immediate attention once more.

The monster who entered the arena was an ancient ghoul. It resembled a malnourished human with pale white skin, long slender limbs, and long flowing white hair. Its sharp claws glistened with a sinister fluid that Shin presumed to be corpse poison.

The ancient ghoul posed no threat to Shin, as the poison coating its claws was harmless to him. When the ghoul lunged forward, Shin simply side-stepped and countered with a blade of pressurized water, slicing the creature cleanly in half and ending the battle in an instant.

Despite the ghoul's higher cultivation base, its primary attack method was poison. It lacked physical strength, speed, and intelligence.

[Killed 1 Ancient Ghoul and gained 50 SP]

[Gained Ancient Ghoul bloodline(Master)]

[Integrate bloodline Yes/No]

"Yes"

[Integration successful host gained following bloodline skills]

[Corpse Poison: The ability to produce a deadly toxin that can cause debilitating effects, such as paralysis or decay, upon contact.

Decay Touch: The ability that touch can induce rapid decomposition in organic materials.

Reanimated Minions: The ability to summon or control lesser undead creatures or reanimate recently deceased bodies.

Necrotic Aura: The ability to emit an aura that drains vitality from those nearby, weakening them over time.]

Shin nodded, satisfied with his recent accomplishments. Suddenly, a tingle of danger made his senses alert. Reacting swiftly, he slowed down time as much as possible, summoned his sanctified armor, and shrunk the space around him to move away as quickly as possible.

When he turned around, having moved safely to a far-off location, he saw a small bird with pitch-black feathers and fiery red feet. Fluttering where he had just been standing. On the ground lay a massive gash, filled with molten lava that bubbled and seethed with intense heat.

Shin felt a chill run down his spine as he realized how close he had come to death. He might have been struck down instantly if he hadn't dodged in time. The near-miss was a stark reminder of his arrogance; despite his efforts to remain vigilant, his previous successes had made him complacent. It was hard not to become a bit lax when everything had always worked out so smoothly until now.

He slapped himself twice and muttered, "I've already died twice. I can't afford to mess around anymore. I might not get another chance. I need to make the most of this life and not let my own arrogance be the cause of my downfall!"

After berating himself he summoned his scythe and slashed it downwards unleashing the move he was most familiar with the abyssal slash and shrinking the distance towards the small bird it got sliced in half.

[Killed 1 Ancient Cindershadow and gained 50 SP]

[Gained bloodline Ancient Cindershadow(Master)]

[Integrate bloodline Yes/No]

"Yes"

[Integrated successfully]

[Host awakened Fire affinity]

[Host learned the following bloodline abilities:

Ashen Mirage: this ability can create illusory duplicates of itself made of swirling ash and flame. These mirages mimic its movements and actions, confusing enemies and drawing their attention away

Scorching Dive: This ability performs a dive attack, it releases a burst of intense heat and flames upon impact. This ability allows it to inflict additional fire damage and briefly daze enemies caught in the area of effect.

Pyroclasmic Strike: A concentrated burst of fire energy is channeled into the user's claws, allowing it to unleash a powerful, focused flame attack. This strike can penetrate armor and deal significant damage to a single target.]

The next monster to enter the room was an ogre a massive, two-headed creature with green skin and four muscular arms. Wielding two broadswords and two maces, making it an imposing opponent.

Shin swiftly appraised the ogre, noting that it had no special abilities that posed a significant threat to him. Deciding on his approach, he transformed into poisonous mist and advanced toward the ogre with swift movements.

As Shin materialized in front of the ogre, he summoned his poison field. Instantly, he extended his claws, charged them with lightning, and delivered a powerful punch directly to the ogre's chest. Caught off guard, the ogre was struck in the heart dying instantly.

[Killed and gained 50 SP]

[Gained bloodline Ancient Ogre(Mortal)]

[Integrate bloodline Yes/No]

"Yes"

[Integrated successfully]

[Host learned the following bloodline abilities:

Super Strength

Enhanced Endurance.]

"Alright, it's time for the final challenge—the fight with the gatekeeper. At last, an opponent with whom I can test out new strategies and skill combinations," Shin thought to himself, feeling a surge of anticipation.

"Excellent job, Shin," the gatekeeper said, stepping forward. "Next, you'll face me. Don't hold anything back. I want to see your best. If you impress me, I might even offer additional rewards."

After waiting for an hour so that Shin could recuperate, Shin and the gatekeeper stood facing each other, preparing for the final test.

"Give me everything you've got," the gatekeeper declared, his voice filled with challenge and anticipation.