The Demon of Desire: the rise of the slum rat

Chapter 36: Chapter 36: The Summit of Trials



The ascent was treacherous. The jagged peaks jutted into the sky like broken teeth, their surfaces slick with frost and ancient runes carved deep into the stone. As Mikhael led his companions higher, the melodic hum they had heard below grew louder, resonating through the air like a heartbeat.

"This is definitely another trial," Kael said, their voice tense as they navigated a narrow ledge. "The question is, who—or what—is waiting for us at the top?"

"Does it matter?" Koneko replied, her claws finding purchase on the icy rock. "We've handled everything so far."

"Don't get overconfident," Mikhael said, his crimson eyes scanning the path ahead. "This isn't like the dungeon. Something's different here."

The Barrier of Whispers

They reached a plateau near the summit, where an enormous archway stood shrouded in mist. The arch glowed faintly, its surface covered in swirling runes that seemed to shift and writhe like living things. The melodic hum was loudest here, a sound that burrowed into their minds, filling them with unease.

As they approached, a voice echoed from the mist, deep and resonant.

"Prove your worth, or turn back. Only the strong may pass."

Mikhael's grip on his blade tightened, the artifact against his chest pulsing faintly. He stepped forward, his voice steady. "We're not turning back."

The mist parted, revealing a shimmering barrier of light that stretched across the archway. Beyond it, the summit glowed with a blinding radiance.

The Trial of Reflection

As Mikhael stepped through the barrier, he was engulfed in light. When the brilliance faded, he found himself alone in a vast, featureless expanse. The air was still, and the ground beneath his feet was smooth and reflective, like a mirror.

"What is this place?" he muttered, his voice echoing unnaturally.

The artifact pulsed against his chest, its whispers sharper now. "This is your trial. Face yourself, or fall."

Before Mikhael could respond, the mirror-like ground rippled, and a figure rose from its surface. It was an exact replica of him, down to the faint smirk on its face and the crimson glow in its eyes.

The reflection drew its blade, its movements identical to Mikhael's.

"Of course," Mikhael said dryly. "A fight against myself. How original."

Clashing with the Reflection

The reflection moved first, closing the distance between them with blinding speed. Mikhael barely had time to activate Shadow Step, dodging the strike and reappearing behind his opponent.

But the reflection mirrored his ability perfectly, vanishing and reappearing in the same instant. Their blades clashed, the sound ringing out like a bell in the empty expanse.

Every move Mikhael made, the reflection countered. Every skill he used, the reflection matched.

"This isn't just a copy," Mikhael thought, gritting his teeth as he deflected another strike. "It's me at my peak. No hesitation, no doubt."

The Sins Intervene

As the battle raged, the artifact's whispers grew louder, and Mikhael felt the presence of the sins stirring within him.

"Use us," came Pride's voice, sharp and commanding. "You cannot win alone."

For a moment, Mikhael hesitated. But as the reflection's blade sliced through his guard, forcing him to retreat, he realized he had no choice.

He activated Amplify, pouring his energy into the artifact. The air around him crackled with power as dark flames erupted along the blade's edge.

"You're not the only one who can adapt," Mikhael said, his smirk returning.

The reflection paused, its crimson eyes narrowing as it mirrored the activation of Amplify.

The Turning Point

The clash resumed, but this time, Mikhael fought with calculated ferocity. He combined his skills with newfound techniques he had learned from Ishtar, blending magic and physical combat seamlessly.

The reflection struggled to keep up, its movements becoming less precise.

"You're strong," Mikhael said, his blade carving through the reflection's defenses. "But you're not me. You don't have my doubts, my struggles, or my resolve."

With a final strike, he drove his blade into the reflection's chest. The figure staggered, its form fracturing like glass before shattering completely.

Reunion and Revelation

The light faded, and Mikhael found himself back on the plateau. Koneko and Kael were waiting for him, their expressions a mix of relief and curiosity.

"You were gone for a while," Koneko said. "What happened?"

"Another trial," Mikhael replied, his tone neutral. "Let's just say I had to deal with a... familiar face."

Kael raised an eyebrow but didn't press further.

As the group prepared to ascend the final stretch, Ishtar appeared at Mikhael's side, her crimson eyes gleaming.

"You've grown," she said, her voice laced with approval. "But the real challenges are still ahead."

Mikhael nodded, his gaze fixed on the glowing summit. "Then let's not keep them waiting."


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