The staircase before them stretched endlessly into the sky, leading them deeper into the Eternal Tower's trials.
Arin took the first step, his presence commanding. His team followed, their resolve unshaken.
As they ascended, a new notification flashed before his eyes.
> [Floor 2 – Trial of the Guardian]
A warrior stands in your path. Only one may advance.
Selene clicked her tongue. "Tch. A one-on-one fight?"
Lilith grinned. "Perfect. Watching Lord Arin crush someone is my favorite entertainment."
Seraphina, however, looked concerned. "This isn't an ordinary fight. The Tower only chooses warriors who can truly test you."
Arin smirked. "Then I'll test them instead."
---
The Guardian of Blood and Steel
At the top of the stairs, an arena of ancient stone awaited. Statues of warriors surrounded the battlefield, their eyes glowing ominously.
And standing at the center—a lone knight, draped in crimson armor.
Her silver hair flowed behind her, and a massive greatsword rested on her shoulder.
She turned her golden eyes toward Arin, analyzing him in an instant.
> [New Entity Identified: Valeria, The Crimson Valkyrie]
Status: Guardian of the Second Floor
Valeria's voice was cold yet regal. "Only the strongest may pass."
She pointed her greatsword at Arin. "Defeat me, and the Tower shall acknowledge your worth."
Arin chuckled. "You sound confident."
Valeria didn't flinch. "And you sound arrogant."
The air crackled as their auras clashed.
The fight had begun.
---
Arin vs. Valeria – A Duel of Kings and Queens
The moment the battle started, Valeria vanished.
Not teleportation. Pure speed.
A metallic flash streaked toward Arin—her greatsword swung with terrifying force.
CLANG!
Arin barely blocked in time, his arms vibrating from the impact.
Selene's eyes widened. "She's fast!"
Seraphina gasped. "That strength… she fights like a war goddess!"
Valeria didn't stop. She twisted midair, unleashing a storm of slashes faster than the eye could follow.
Arin smirked. "Not bad."
With a single burst of power, he countered.
A shockwave erupted as their blades clashed, shaking the entire tower floor.
Valeria's eyes widened—just for a moment.
Then she grinned. "Finally. A true warrior."
The battle escalated.
Arin's dark aura clashed against Valeria's crimson energy, their attacks splitting the battlefield apart. Each strike was powerful enough to kill lesser warriors instantly.
But Arin was far from lesser.
With a single feint, he closed the distance—grabbing her wrist before she could react.
Valeria's breath hitched. "Wha—?"
And then—he threw her.
Her body crashed through stone pillars, skidding across the ground before she could regain her stance.
Arin stood tall, his aura roaring. "Your strength is real. But I am beyond kings and queens."
Valeria slowly stood, panting. And then, she laughed.
She wiped blood from her lips, her golden eyes burning with admiration. "You're different from the others."
Then, she did something unexpected.
She knelt.
> [Victory Achieved – Second Floor Guardian Defeated]
[New Pathway Unlocked – Valeria's Loyalty Acquired]
Lilith blinked. "Wait. Did she just…?"
Seraphina's lips parted in shock. "She surrendered?"
Selene smirked. "Not just that. Look at her eyes."
Valeria gazed at Arin with pure devotion.
She pressed a hand to her chest. "I, Valeria, the Crimson Valkyrie… swear my sword, my strength, and my heart to you."
Arin raised an eyebrow. "That's a strong vow for someone I just fought."
Valeria smiled. "You didn't just fight me. You conquered me."
She stood, stepping closer, her golden eyes locked onto his. "From this day forward, I am yours. As your knight… and as your wife."
Silence.
Then—
Lilith whistled. "Well, well. Another one joins the family."
Seraphina crossed her arms, looking away. "Tch. Do you just collect wives everywhere you go?"
Selene chuckled. "It's not his fault that strong women throw themselves at him."
Arin smirked. "I don't mind."
Valeria placed a hand on his chest, her voice softer now. "Then, my lord… what shall we conquer next?"
Arin turned toward the next staircase.
"The Third Floor awaits."
---
[TO BE CONTINUED…]