The Demon of Desire: the rise of the slum rat

The summit towered above them, glowing faintly as if beckoning the group to uncover its secrets. The air grew thinner as they ascended, the melodic hum from the barrier fading into a tense silence. Each step felt heavier, the weight of the trials behind them mixing with the anticipation of what lay ahead.

Koneko flexed her claws, her ears twitching. "This place... it's not just high. It feels... oppressive."

"It's the magic," Kael said, their voice tinged with both awe and unease. "The density here is incredible. It's like the mountain itself is alive."

Mikhael walked in silence, his crimson eyes fixed on the path ahead. The artifact's whispers were quiet now, a faint echo at the edge of his consciousness. He could still feel its weight against his chest, a constant reminder of the power he carried—and the price of using it.

The Summit's True Nature

When they reached the top, the sight that greeted them was both breathtaking and foreboding. The summit was a massive circular platform, its edges carved with intricate runes that pulsed with faint blue light. At the center stood an ancient obelisk, its surface inscribed with symbols that seemed to shift and shimmer as they watched.

Kael approached cautiously, their sharp gaze scanning the platform. "This isn't just a summit—it's a focal point for magic. The obelisk is a conduit, drawing energy from the mountain."

"Or something else," Ishtar added, her voice thoughtful. She stepped forward, her movements as fluid as ever, her crimson eyes fixed on the obelisk. "This isn't just power. It's purpose. Whoever built this place, they left it for a reason."

Mikhael frowned, his instincts flaring. "And I'm guessing that reason isn't friendly."

The Sentinel Awakens

As if in response to his words, the obelisk began to glow brighter, its runes shifting into a pattern that seemed almost... alive. A deep rumble shook the platform, and the air grew heavy with a presence that was both ancient and overwhelming.

From the base of the obelisk emerged a figure—a towering humanoid clad in gleaming silver armor, its face obscured by an ornate helm. In its hand was a massive halberd, the blade crackling with raw energy.

The Sentinel's voice echoed across the platform, deep and resonant. "You who seek power, prove your worth. Only the chosen may ascend."

"Of course," Kael muttered, readying their gauntlets. "Because it couldn't just let us pass."

Mikhael smirked faintly, his blade already drawn. "It's never that easy."

The Battle Against the Sentinel

The Sentinel moved with surprising speed, its massive halberd slicing through the air in arcs of blinding light. Mikhael activated Shadow Step, vanishing just as the weapon cleaved the spot where he had stood.

He reappeared behind the Sentinel, his blade glowing with dark energy as he struck. The attack landed, but the Sentinel's armor absorbed the blow, its surface shimmering as it repaired itself almost instantly.

"This thing's tougher than it looks," Mikhael growled, dodging another strike.

Koneko darted in next, her claws targeting the joints in the Sentinel's armor. She moved with feline grace, each strike precise and deliberate. But the Sentinel countered, its movements faster than expected.

Kael hurled a barrage of runes at the Sentinel, their explosions forcing it to stagger. "It's regenerating," they shouted. "We need to disrupt the obelisk—it's fueling the armor!"

A Dangerous Plan

Mikhael glanced at the obelisk, its runes glowing brighter with each passing second. "Koneko, Kael—keep it busy. Ishtar, with me."

Ishtar raised an eyebrow but followed him, her crimson eyes gleaming with curiosity. "What's the plan?"

"We take out the obelisk," Mikhael said. "If it's fueling the Sentinel, destroying it might even the odds."

Ishtar smirked. "Now you're thinking like me."

The two of them moved toward the obelisk, dodging stray strikes from the Sentinel as Kael and Koneko kept it occupied.

The Obelisk's Defense

As they neared the obelisk, a barrier of crackling energy flared to life, blocking their path. Ishtar extended her hand, summoning a series of glowing sigils. The symbols spun in the air before launching forward, striking the barrier with a deafening crack.

"It's strong," she said, her tone impressed. "But not unbreakable."

Mikhael activated Amplify, channeling the artifact's energy into his blade. The weapon glowed with dark light as he struck the barrier, the impact sending shockwaves through the air.

The barrier flickered but held.

"Again," Mikhael said, his voice steady.

They attacked together, Ishtar's magic and Mikhael's blade combining into a single, devastating strike. The barrier shattered, its fragments dissolving into the air.

Disrupting the Obelisk

The obelisk began to pulse erratically as Mikhael and Ishtar closed in.

"Hit the runes," Ishtar instructed. "They're the key."

Mikhael didn't hesitate. He targeted the glowing symbols, his blade carving through them with precision. Each strike caused the obelisk to dim, its energy faltering.

Meanwhile, the Sentinel let out a deafening roar, its movements growing more erratic as its connection to the obelisk weakened.

Kael seized the opportunity, hurling a rune directly at the Sentinel's helm. The explosion staggered the massive figure, leaving it open for Koneko's claws to strike a devastating blow to its chest.

The Final Blow

As the obelisk dimmed completely, Mikhael and Ishtar turned their focus to the Sentinel.

"Let's finish this," Mikhael said, his voice sharp.

He activated Charge, his blade glowing with amplified energy as he surged forward. Ishtar followed, her magic forming a series of spectral blades that struck in unison with Mikhael's attack.

The combined assault shattered the Sentinel's armor, the massive figure collapsing in a cascade of silver shards.

Victory and Reflection

The platform fell silent as the Sentinel's remains dissolved into light, the obelisk now a lifeless husk.

[System Notification: Trial Completed!]

Experience Earned: 60,000.

Current Level: 35 → 38.

Mikhael exhaled, the surge of power from his level-up coursing through him. He quickly allocated his new stat points, his mind already calculating their next move.

Kael approached, their expression a mix of relief and curiosity. "What was this place, really?"

"A test," Ishtar said, her voice thoughtful. "And a message. Power isn't just given—it's earned. And it always comes with a cost."

Mikhael nodded, his gaze distant. "Let's hope it was worth it."

The chapter ends with the group descending the summit, their victory tempered by the knowledge that greater challenges still lay ahead.