The descent had been long. The stone stairs winding below the vault's heart led deeper than Karl expected—past moss-draped carvings, roots thick as tree trunks, and silence so ancient it pressed against his ears. But at last, he arrived.
A domed chamber opened before him, lit faintly by crystals embedded in the walls. Strange symbols shimmered on the floor, etched into concentric circles like a seal. Vines crumbled as he stepped forward.
The Verdant Core, still nestled in his inventory, pulsed warmly. Karl didn't touch it. Not yet.
Instead, he knelt by the seal and let out a breath.
Mission Complete: Beneath the Hollow RootRewards: 1 Rare Ticket, 100 EXP, Temporary Safe Zone Unlocked
Inventory Updated. Rare Tickets: 4 → 5
Ticket Conversion Rules:• 5 Common → 1 Uncommon• 5 Uncommon → 1 Rare• 5 Rare → 1 Legendary• 10 Legendary → 1 Mystical• 15 Mystical → 1 God
Current Inventory:• Rare Tickets: 5• Legendary Tickets: 3
➤ Convert 5 Rare Tickets → 1 Legendary Ticket?
[Yes] [No]
Karl selected Yes.
Ticket conversion complete.Rare Tickets: 0Legendary Tickets: 4
The fourth ticket appeared in a swirl of violet light, gleaming with a faint hum in the air.
Karl stood and extended his hand. "Let's see if you're worth it."
Legendary Ticket Used Rolling…
[■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■]
Result:— Trait Acquired —Ironblood Will (Legendary Trait)
Description: Grants extraordinary resistance to fear, pain, and mental interference. Under extreme stress, the user's combat focus increases dramatically.
Passive Bonus: Damage taken while below 25% HP is reduced by 40%.
Trait Synergy: Compatible with "Unyielding Ember" and "Battle Rhythm"
Karl's eyes widened as the warmth spread through his chest.
He clenched his fists. There was no physical change, but something inside him felt sharper, like a blade honed in flame.
Ironblood Will. It felt… right.
Then the sound came.
Stone grinding above.
Footsteps.
Karl turned toward the stairwell. Shadows moved on the spiral path. His instincts screamed a single word.
Ambush.
Above Ground – Moments Earlier
Robin crouched low behind an overgrown wall, eyes narrowed at the approaching figures. They wore lightweight armour—military-style—and moved with professional silence. Their leader, a scarred man with a heavy rifle across his back, scanned the ruins through a high-tech lens.
Shuzo's men. Relic hunters—mercenaries.
They were sweeping the ruins. She could only hope Karl was further below… and ready.
Back Underground
Karl had already taken cover behind a slab of broken altar when the first mercenary stepped into the chamber. Three followed.
He counted four total. All carried sonic carbines.
Hostiles Detected: Echo Protocol MercenariesClassification: Scout-Class Infiltration UnitWeapons: Sonic Carbines, Shock BladesOrders: Secure Vault Relic
Combat Imminent.
They hadn't seen him yet.
Karl's eyes flicked to a section of loose stone above them. He kicked it hard.
The chunk fell and startled the front mercenary just long enough for Karl to lunge from the side, closing the gap in two strides.
His fist struck like a cannon.
[CRACK]
The mercenary's helmet shattered, and he dropped like a sack of bricks. The other three spun toward him, too late.
Karl ducked under the second's shot, grabbed the rifle, and drove his elbow into the man's jaw, sending him sprawling.
The third raised a shock blade and lunged—but Karl caught his wrist and drove his knee into the man's ribs.
Enemies Defeated: 31 Fled
Loot Collected: 1 Sonic Rifle (Damaged), 3 Comm TagsEXP Gained: 120
Trait Synergy Bonus: Ironblood Will Activated – Combat Focus Increased
Karl straightened, breathing only slightly heavier.
He'd fought tougher. But it was getting real now—these men weren't pirates. They were trained, quiet, and far more coordinated.
He looked down at one of the Comm Tags. It blinked.
"...Team Echo reporting—Vault guardian engaged. The asset is hostile. Orders?"
Karl crushed the tag beneath his boot.
"Keep sending people like that," he muttered, "and I'll start getting annoyed."
He glanced toward the stairway again. "But if they're here, then—"
Jungle Edge – Robin's Position
Robin dashed low through the brush as a group of scouts spread out. One raised a hand and pointed toward the cavern opening.
They were coordinating to corner her and Karl.
She bit her lip. Time was running out.
Back Underground
Karl opened his inventory one more time.
Inventory:• Legendary Tickets: 3• Trait: Ironblood Will [Legendary]• Trait: Unyielding Ember [Rare]
Traits Compatible: Synergy Bonus ActiveBuff: Flame Focus – Reduces stamina drain when using fire-based techniques under stress.
He couldn't afford to waste anything.
"I'm not running," he muttered. "They want what's down here. Too bad—I'm keeping it."
The gauntlets from before flared subtly with heat.
His fists clenched
New Trait Acquired: Ironblood Will (Legendary)
Trait Synergy: Activated – Flame FocusTickets Remaining: Legendary: 3