---
Chapter 31: The Legacy of the Chains
---
The Hidden Path
The newly revealed tunnel breathed cold, ancient air into the chamber.
Lucian tightened his grip on his sword, his heart thudding with excitement and caution.
Seventeen's voice floated softly:
> [System 17]:
"Warning: Unknown mana fluctuations ahead.
Possible treasure.
Possible trap."
Lucian smirked.
"Treasure first. Trap later."
Finn snorted.
"Spoken like a true future bankrupt adventurer."
Dorian elbowed him.
"Or a dead one."
Mira just rolled her eyes and motioned forward.
"Let's go, before you all start braiding each other's hair."
---
The Legacy Room
The tunnel led to a vast stone chamber.
At its center floated a massive chain — black, cracked, yet pulsing with power.
It rotated slowly above a giant stone pedestal inscribed with strange glowing runes.
Above it hovered a message:
> [Legacy of Chains: Claimant Must Pass the Trial]
Lucian approached carefully.
As he crossed an invisible threshold, the system buzzed:
> [System 17]:
"Master,
Accept Trial of the Chains?
Reward: Inheritance Fragment, Special Class Upgrade Potential, Hidden Domain Tree Seed."
Lucian's fingers itched.
"Accept."
---
The Trial Begins
Suddenly — WHOOSH!
Lucian's body froze in place.
A voice, deep and ancient, echoed in the chamber:
> "He who seeks the Chains must prove his worth.
Strength.
Endurance.
Will.
Or perish."
Without warning —
six ghostly Warden-like figures formed around him, each armed with glowing spectral chains.
"Well, shit," Lucian muttered.
Mira yelled from the outside.
"We can't enter! You're on your own!"
Finn added helpfully:
"Don't die! I still owe you dinner!"
Lucian cracked his knuckles.
"Alright, big boys. Come dance."
---
First Phase: Strength
The first two phantoms lunged.
Chains whistled through the air — brutal, fast.
Lucian dodged the first barely, feeling the chain slice past his cheek.
He retaliated with a vicious sword strike, cutting through one ghostly figure.
But the second wrapped a chain around his leg, yanking him off balance.
Lucian slammed into the ground with a grunt.
He growled, grabbing the chain with both hands —
toxic mist hissing from his skin.
The chain sizzled and snapped apart.
[Strength Test Passed!]
---
Second Phase: Endurance
Now four chains attacked simultaneously.
Lucian's body screamed in protest as he rolled, ducked, and blocked with sheer grit.
One hit caught his shoulder — bruising instantly.
Another wrapped briefly around his waist before he shredded it with toxic energy.
Minutes dragged like hours.
Every movement felt heavier.
The chains adapted — growing faster, more aggressive.
Seventeen's voice nudged:
> [System 17]:
"Master, use Domain Core Energy? (Boost Healing 20%)"
Lucian grunted.
"Do it."
A warm, golden mist enveloped him —
tiny wounds closing.
He fought on.
CRASH!
CRACK!
Lucian shattered the last two phantoms with a brutal combination of sword and toxin blasts.
[Endurance Test Passed!]
---
Final Phase: Will
The chamber blurred.
Suddenly Lucian was standing — alone —
on a narrow bridge made of chains over an endless black abyss.
A voice whispered:
> "Surrender.
Fall.
You cannot win."
Lucian's legs trembled.
Visions assaulted his mind:
His village burning.
His family dying.
Himself, powerless.
Fake.
Lucian grit his teeth.
All fake.
He took a step forward.
Chains snapped underfoot.
Another step.
The void screamed, trying to pull him down.
Another step.
His entire body felt like it would tear apart.
Another step.
One more—
With a roar from the depths of his soul, Lucian leapt across the final broken section of bridge.
Landing hard on the pedestal.
[Will Test Passed!]
---
The Inheritance
The ghostly voices spoke as one:
> "You have proven yourself, Child of Chains.
Accept our Legacy."
The black chain floating above cracked and shattered —
its fragments spinning around Lucian.
One embedded in his right arm — glowing faint silver.
Another fused into his Domain Core.
The final piece floated into his inventory.
> [System 17]:
"Congratulations, Master!"
Chain Legacy Fragment Acquired
Hidden Tree Seed (Chain Tree) Acquired
Skill Evolution Potential Unlocked
Domain Growth: +5%
New Skill: Chain Dominance (Basic) Unlocked
---
Aftermath
The chamber quieted.
The ancient magic faded.
Lucian stood in the center — chest heaving, sweat dripping, but victorious.
Mira whistled from the doorway.
"Well, look at you, Mr. Chosen One."
Finn grinned.
"I call dibs on second-in-command."
Dorian muttered.
"Y'all insane."
Lucian just chuckled, flexing his hand as silver chains flickered briefly under his skin.
"We're just getting started."
---
[Chapter 31 End]
---
Chapter---
Chapter 32: Birth of the Chain Tree
---
After the Trial
Lucian sat cross-legged on the cold floor, silver light swirling around him.
Seventeen's voice hummed with excitement:
> [System 17]:
"Master, congratulations again!
New Tree Seed detected.
Recommend planting immediately."
Lucian smiled crookedly.
"Yeah? Where?"
> [System 17]:
"In the center of your Domain, of course!"
Lucian closed his eyes and mentally accessed his Domain Core.
In his inner world, a vast misty plain stretched endlessly —
a few scattered black and white trees growing slowly from the previous loot.
Now, a new glowing icon pulsed in his hand —
Chain Tree Seed.
Without hesitation, Lucian pushed it deep into the soil of his Domain.
---
The Birth of the Chain Tree
RUMMMMMMBLLLLEE—!!
The ground trembled.
Silver vines erupted from the earth, coiling and twisting up toward the sky.
In seconds, a massive black tree formed — its trunk braided from thousands of silver chains, its leaves shimmering like polished steel.
Roots extended underground, anchoring themselves deep into the Domain's heart.
> [System 17]:
"Chain Tree Planted!
Bonus unlocked:
Domain Defense +15%
Chain Fruit (Summon Equipment)
Chain Golem (Defense Unit) available after growth."
Lucian whistled.
"Chain fruit? Sounds kinky."
Seventeen deadpanned:
> [System 17]:
"No Master, not that kind of fruit.
These fruits grow into chain weapons, armor, and tools."
Lucian shrugged.
"Still sounds sexy."
---
Friend Group Reactions
Back outside, Mira peered suspiciously at him.
"You've been zoning out for like ten minutes, you okay?"
Lucian grinned lazily.
"Just planting my tree."
Finn quipped:
"Is that what kids call it these days?"
Lucian gave him a finger salute.
Dorian shook his head.
"You all are idiots."
But there was warmth in his voice now.
Family.
That's what they were building.
---
Loot Check
After Lucian stabilized his Domain, it was time to reap the dungeon's rewards.
Seventeen cheerfully listed:
> [Dungeon Loot Summary:]
18 Beast Cores (F-Rank)
5 Beast Cores (E-Rank)
1 Beast Core (D-Rank)
2 Artifact Weapons (Broken)
1 Avatar Fragment (Chain Warden Soul)
300 God Points
2 Enchanted Materials (Blackiron Ore, Spirit Fiber)
Lucian's mouth watered.
"Jackpot."
Finn nudged him.
"What's an Avatar Fragment?"
Seventeen answered directly:
> [System 17]:
"Collect five fragments to summon a Soul Avatar —
a semi-independent fighter to aid Master."
Everyone's eyes lit up.
Mira's especially.
"A bodyguard who fights for you?! That's cheating!"
Lucian shrugged innocently.
"Call it insurance."
---
First Fruit
Hours later, Lucian checked his Domain again.
At the base of the Chain Tree — a single silver fruit had ripened.
It looked like a heavy iron apple wrapped in chains.
When he touched it, a system message popped:
> [Chain Fruit Ready!]
Choose outcome:
Chain Blade (Short Weapon)
Chain Shield (Defense)
Chain Familiar (Mini Beast Helper)
Lucian smirked.
"A familiar, of course."
He plucked the fruit.
The silver chains unwrapped themselves, falling apart into mist.
In their place stood —
a tiny silver beast, shaped like a small wolf pup, its body woven from shining links of metal.
It barked once —
a surprisingly cute tink sound — and tackled Lucian's foot.
Mira shrieked.
"IT'S SO DAMN CUTE!"
Finn tried to pet it — the pup nipped him.
Dorian chuckled.
"Looks like it only likes Lucian."
> [System 17]:
"Congratulations!
You have obtained your first Chain Familiar.
Name: Pending."
Lucian thought.
After a few seconds, he said:
"Your name's... Rook."
The pup barked again, and a faint crown of tiny silver spikes floated above its head.
Perfect.
---
Next Mission
As the team cleaned up, Seventeen pinged another quest:
> [New Quest Available!]
Name: The Shattered Vault
Description: Rumors of a forgotten vault have surfaced in the ruins nearby.
Difficulty: E to D-Rank.
Reward: Rare Cores, Artifacts, Unknown Surprise.
Lucian grinned wickedly.
He turned to the others.
"Who's ready for another treasure hunt?"
Finn grinned back.
"Born ready, boss."
Mira cracked her knuckles.
"Let's loot this bitch."
Dorian sighed.
"Here we go again."
And so, their next grand adventure began —
deeper into the dangerous wilds, where treasures and terrors awaited them beyond imagination.
---
[Chapter---
Chapter 33: The Shattered Vault - Entrance to Chaos
---
The Next Morning
Lucian tightened the straps of his armor.
Rook, his little Chain Familiar, bounced excitedly around his feet, occasionally wrapping Lucian's boots with small silver chains like an overenthusiastic puppy.
> [System 17]:
"Master, route mapped.
Distance to Vault: 3.2 kilometers southwest."
Lucian smirked.
"Time for some cardio, boys and girl."
Mira stretched lazily, her daggers glinting under the morning sun.
"I better find something worth stealing in there."
Finn laughed, slapping his sword against his shoulder.
"And I better find something big to stab."
Dorian, as usual, muttered under his breath:
"If you two don't trigger some ancient death trap, I'll eat my boots."
Lucian snickered.
> (Author's Note: He actually WILL. Bookmark this.)
---
March Toward the Vault
The ruins loomed ahead — broken towers, shattered archways, and vines choking everything.
Seventeen spoke calmly:
> [System 17]:
"Warning.
Dungeon Instability: 17%.
Expect random spatial anomalies."
Lucian tilted his head.
"Seventeen, in normal words?"
> [System 17]:
"Reality here is drunk.
Don't touch weird glowy things.
Don't fall into random holes."
Finn pointed dramatically.
"So basically... NO FUN."
Mira fake-gasped.
"Did someone just tell us to behave?!"
Lucian grinned wickedly.
"We're dead already."
---
First Trap: Bootlickers' Pit
Five minutes in, Finn stepped onto a suspicious-looking stone.
CLICK.
Dorian's face turned into pure horror.
"Oh for fuck's—"
CRACK.
The ground under Finn vanished.
He dropped straight down into a pit filled with...
hundreds of animated slimy boots.
Each boot squelched and wobbled, trying to lick him with tongues made of leather.
Finn screamed.
"THEY'RE TRYING TO VIOLATE ME!!"
Mira laughed so hard she fell over.
Lucian wiped a tear from his eye.
> [System 17]:
"Correction: Minor Spatial Anomaly —
Welcome to the 'Bootlickers' Pit'."
Finn clawed his way out, boots clinging to him like desperate lovers.
"NEVER. SPEAK. OF THIS."
Lucian gave him two thumbs up.
"Don't worry, bro. I'll only tell everyone."
---
Approaching the Vault
Finally, after dealing with several other... 'minor incidents' (Mira got stuck in a singing vine for ten minutes), they reached the main gate.
A massive stone door, covered in intricate runes.
A heavy aura of danger oozed from it.
Lucian stepped forward, feeling a pulse through his soul.
Seventeen confirmed:
> [System 17]:
"This gate is sealed by a Blood Lock.
Master's blood is compatible.
Proceed?"
Lucian nodded.
He pricked his finger with a dagger, letting a few drops splash onto the ancient door.
RUMMMMBLLLLLE—!!!
The runes flared.
The air grew dense.
With a screeching groan, the Vault door slowly began to slide open.
Beyond lay pitch-black darkness.
Seventeen pinged a final warning:
> [System 17]:
"Caution.
Dungeon Classification: Semi-Mythical.
Estimated Danger: E-Rank to B-Rank Threats."
Lucian grinned.
"Finally... something real."
Mira whistled.
"Let's hope it's not too real."
---
First Room: The Bone Market
They entered cautiously.
The first chamber shocked them.
Skeletons — dozens of them — stood behind cracked market stalls.
All were frozen, like eerie statues.
Signs written in ancient script still hung above them:
"Fresh Souls — Buy 3, Get 1 Free!"
"Beast Parts — Unbeatable Prices!"
"Cursed Amulets Clearance!"
Finn whispered:
"Dude... This was a black market for dead people."
Seventeen beeped:
> [System 17]:
"Correct.
Former Underworld Trading Hub."
Suddenly, one of the skeletons twitched.
Its jaw clattered.
Its bony hand pointed toward a corner.
There —
a glowing treasure chest sat, almost innocently.
Mira's eyes shone.
"Shiny!"
Lucian instinctively grabbed her by the collar.
"Trap."
She pouted.
"Party pooper."
Lucian smirked.
"Live long enough and you get boring."
---
First Major Fight Incoming
Suddenly —
a deep guttural roar echoed from the dark beyond.
Seventeen's voice sharpened:
> [System 17]:
"Danger!
Incoming Entity: Undead Beast Hybrid.
Estimated Threat Level: D-Rank!"
Lucian drew his sword, feeling the familiar rush of battle-lust flood his veins.
Finn and Dorian stood ready, Mira flipping into a defensive stance.
Rook growled, tiny chains bristling.
From the shadows emerged a creature stitched together from dozens of different monsters —
lion's body, snake's tail, wolf heads.
Half its flesh was rotting.
The other half was armored in blackened bone.
It let out a bone-chilling screech and charged!
Lucian's smile widened.
"Showtime."
---
[Chapter 33 End]Chapter 34: Battle in the Bone Market - First Boss Defeated!
---
The Beast Charged.
The ground shook under its weight.
Its six eyes burned with green fire.
Its stitched limbs moved with unnatural speed.
Finn immediately ducked to the left, slashing at one of the monster's legs.
His blade scraped against hardened bone — barely a scratch.
"SHIT! It's like hitting a damn wall!"
Mira hurled three knives, aiming for the beast's eyes.
Two hit, one missed.
The creature roared, the knives melting into its flesh as if absorbed.
Lucian narrowed his eyes.
> [System 17]:
"Warning.
Creature can absorb low-level attacks.
Use enchanted weapons or high-output skills."
Lucian smirked.
"I got you, old bastard."
---
Lucian Attacks!
Lucian sprinted forward, [Sword Strike] skill activating.
His blade gleamed faintly, the runes on it vibrating.
He ducked under a snapping wolf-head, twisted around a claw swipe, and —
SLASH!
A clean cut across the beast's side.
Black blood sprayed the floor, sizzling like acid.
The monster howled.
It spun, trying to crush him with a massive paw — but Lucian leapt back, graceful as a cat.
"Keep pressure on it!" he barked.
Dorian raised his hand, chanting fast.
"[Earth Bind]!"
Thick vines of hardened rock burst from the ground, snaring the beast's back legs.
Mira and Finn moved like lightning, launching simultaneous strikes.
---
But The Beast Mutated!
Suddenly —
the stitched flesh of the creature pulsed.
New heads tore out from its back — a bird skull, a bear's jaw, and a snake's fangs.
It screamed again, sending out a wave of dark mana.
The vines crumbled.
Mira cursed.
"It's evolving! What the hell is this cheat code monster?!"
Seventeen's calm voice sounded.
> [System 17]:
"Boss Mechanic:
Mutation Phase.
Every 10% HP lost = new abilities unlocked."
Lucian grinned.
"Oh, you're fucked, beastie."
He activated [Shadow Step] — teleporting behind the creature —
and slammed his sword into the junction between its spine and skull.
CRACK!
The beast staggered.
> [System 17]:
"-500 HP!
Critical Hit!"
---
Combo Attack - Teamwork!
Finn roared, using [Power Lunge] —
plunging his sword deep into the monster's belly.
Mira leapt up, landing on its back, and jammed a dagger into its snake-head, twisting viciously.
Dorian unleashed another spell —
"[Rock Lance]!"
A jagged spear of stone burst from the ground, impaling the monster through one leg.
Lucian didn't stop.
He slashed, stabbed, parried.
The beast thrashed wildly, blood spraying everywhere.
Its HP bar — visible only to Lucian thanks to Seventeen — dropped rapidly.
> [Boss HP: 32% Remaining]
The floor cracked under their feet.
Dust and bones flew through the air.
---
Final Blow - Domain Power Awakens
As the beast gathered energy for one final charge,
Lucian felt a strange pulse inside him.
Seventeen's voice boomed urgently:
> [System 17]:
"Master!
Domain Feature: Battle Resonance unlocked temporarily!"
Suddenly, a shadowy mist spread from Lucian's body —
coating his blade, his clothes, even his friends.
Their movements became sharper.
Their strength increased.
Finn gasped.
"I feel like I just snorted lightning!"
Mira laughed wildly.
"This is better than drugs!"
Dorian looked horrified.
"Focus, idiots!"
Lucian roared:
"FULL ATTACK!"
All four launched everything they had.
Lucian's sword cleaved into the beast's main head —
Finn and Mira stabbed into the weak points —
Dorian blasted its chest with an explosive spell.
BOOOOOM!!!
The monster shrieked one last time.
Its body twisted… and finally collapsed into a puddle of black sludge.
Silence fell.
---
Victory!
> [System 17]:
"Boss Defeated.
Calculating Loot..."
Bright lights danced above the corpse.
From the remains dropped:
Core of Undead Chimera [D-Rank Core]
Bone-Thread Cloak [Rare Armor Piece]
Fang of Twisted Beast [Weapon Material]
Vault Key Fragment x1
Lucian grinned, sweaty and exhilarated.
"We're rich."
Finn collapsed onto the floor.
"I'm dead."
Mira spun around, grinning ear to ear.
"I want the cloak. It matches my eyes."
Dorian sighed, but he was smiling too.
"For once, we didn't fuck everything up."
Lucian laughed.
"This is just the start."
Seventeen chimed in:
> [System 17]:
"Congratulations, Master.
Domain Feature [Battle Boost] permanently unlocked."
Lucian felt power stirring inside him.
His Domain — once a vague feeling — now pulsed like a living heart.
He smirked to himself.
Power.
Freedom.
Adventure.
It was all his now.
And he was just getting started.
---
[Chapter 34 End]
---
Chapter---
Chapter 35: The Vault of Forgotten Echoes
---
The Vault Door Loomed Before Them.
A gigantic slab of black stone, covered in ancient runes and blood-red chains, blocking the path forward.
The key fragment Lucian held vibrated in his pocket.
Seventeen's voice whispered in his mind:
> [System 17]:
"Fragment detected.
Initiating partial unlock sequence."
Lucian pulled out the glowing shard.
It floated from his hand — merging into a shallow keyhole near the door's center.
CLICK-CLICK-CRACK.
The runes shivered.
The chains rattled — then shattered with a thunderous boom.
Dust clouded the air.
The door groaned open, revealing pure darkness beyond.
Mira peeked in, her face skeptical.
"...Anyone else feeling like this is the part where horror movies tell you to RUN?"
Finn grinned.
"I say we charge in, butt-naked and screaming."
Dorian facepalmed.
"I seriously regret being friends with you idiots."
Lucian chuckled, feeling excitement flood his veins.
"This is where the real loot hides.
Let's not die yet, boys and girls."
They entered.
---
Inside the Vault.
The room stretched endlessly.
Glowing white lines crisscrossed the floors and walls, marking pathways and sections.
Broken weapons, shattered armor, old scrolls —
the remains of hundreds of warriors and mages were scattered like trash.
In the center floated a massive crystal, suspended mid-air by thick chains of light.
Seventeen pinged again:
> [System 17]:
"Warning: High-energy artifact detected.
Recommend extreme caution."
Mira whistled.
"That's either a jackpot... or the bomb that kills us."
Finn pointed dramatically at a pile nearby.
"OYE! Shiny sword spotted!"
He rushed forward like a horny bull —
only to trip over a broken bone and crash face-first into a helmet.
CLANG.
Lucian burst out laughing.
Mira snorted.
Dorian sighed like a disappointed dad.
"You are why adventurers need insurance."
Finn sat up, dazed, a medieval-looking codpiece stuck on his forehead.
"...Am I a knight now?"
---
First Artifact Discovery!
Lucian ignored Finn's antics and approached the floating crystal.
As he neared, strange whispers brushed his ears.
Words he couldn't understand — in a language older than the world.
Seventeen's voice sounded urgent:
> [System 17]:
"Master, this is a [Cursed Artifact Core].
Contains massive energy... and massive risk."
Lucian's eyes gleamed.
Risk?
Worth it.
Without hesitation, he reached out and touched it.
---
[ALERT!]
> You have discovered: [Cursed Artifact Core: Breath of the Dead God]!
Effects: Unknown.
Options:
Absorb into Domain (???)
Seal and Store (Safer)
Bind Directly to Self (Extreme Risk/Extreme Reward)
---
Lucian smirked.
He loved gambling.
And he wasn't about to play it safe now.
"I bind it to myself," he whispered.
The crystal cracked.
A flood of black mist surged into his hand, burning his skin, searing his soul.
Pain slammed into him —
his Domain roared awake, devouring the energy greedily.
---
Domain Upgrade - Hidden Feature Unlocked!
> [System 17]:
"Congratulations!
Domain Feature [Whispering Graveyard] unlocked!"
New information burned itself into Lucian's mind.
His Domain — now a growing land inside his soul — had absorbed part of a dead god's power.
A section transformed into an endless graveyard where spirits would gather.
The undead born here would be stronger, smarter... hungrier.
Lucian staggered.
Mira rushed over.
"Hey! You okay?!"
Lucian grinned, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth.
"Never better."
---
Loot Rain - The Real Treasure!
The moment the artifact was absorbed, the vault walls shivered.
Hundreds of items across the room flared with light — as if awakened.
Weapons, armors, accessories — dozens of D to B Rank loot dropped around them!
Seventeen displayed message after message:
> [System 17]:
"Loot Acquired: [Twin Fang Daggers - C-Rank]" "Loot Acquired: [Bone Reaver Axe - C-Rank]" "Loot Acquired: [Necrotic Cloak of Silent Steps - Rare]" "Loot Acquired: [Ancient Mage's Diary - Special Quest Item]"
It was a f*cking jackpot.
Finn was rolling around in gear like a fat kid in a candy store.
Mira was squealing, trying on a rare dagger and twirling like a dancer.
Dorian quietly pocketed every scroll and book he could find.
Lucian picked up a long black spear —
the weapon pulsed darkly in his hands.
> [System 17]:
"Loot Acquired: [Soulpiercer Spear - B Rank - Bound to User]."
Bound?
Good.
No one could steal it from him.
---
But Trouble Was Coming.
Deep in the vault...
something else stirred.
From a cracked coffin in the far wall, a whisper rose.
A single skeletal hand clawed free.
Then another.
A figure emerged, draped in rotting robes, its eyes burning cold blue.
Ancient Lich - Awakened.
Seventeen's tone went deadly serious:
> [System 17]:
"BOSS ALERT!
Class: Lich Lord
Threat Level: A-Rank."
Lucian spun, spear in hand.
The team quickly regrouped, dropping loot to ready their weapons.
The Lich's cold voice filled the chamber:
"You who steal from the dead… shall join them."
Lucian laughed darkly.
"Yeah?
Come try, bone-daddy."
---
[Chapter 35 End]
---