One piece: Without a system, I have to survive!

The air around me still crackled with golden energy. My body felt different—stronger, lighter, as if something inside me had finally awakened.

The masked warriors bowed their heads slightly, a sign of recognition. Even the leader, who had been emotionless up until now, gave me a knowing nod.

"The flames did not consume you," he said. "You have embraced what you are."

I clenched my fists, watching as faint golden embers danced around my skin, no longer wild or uncontrollable but calm—as if they now truly belonged to me.

Selene whistled. "Not bad. Thought you were gonna die back there."

Shira frowned. "It still doesn't explain what this power is."

Smoker exhaled a cloud of smoke, arms crossed. "Hmph. I've seen a lot of strange things in my time… but this is something else."

The leader of the masked warriors stepped forward. "You seek answers. They lie beyond this trial."

I narrowed my eyes. "You mean this wasn't the end?"

He shook his head. "It was merely the beginning."

A cold weight settled in my chest. Of course it wasn't over.

⚔🔥🔥🔥

They led us deeper into the ruins, through winding tunnels carved into the mountainside. Strange markings covered the walls—ancient symbols that glowed faintly as we passed.

"These ruins… they're older than the Void Age," Shira murmured.

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

She ran her fingers across one of the symbols. "The World Government erased history from that time. But these ruins… they shouldn't exist."

Selene's eyes gleamed. "Which means… someone didn't want this place to be found."

The leader stopped at a massive stone door, pressing his hand against it. The carvings shuddered, and with a low rumble, the door began to open.

Inside—

A chamber of fire and gold awaited us.

🔥🔥🔥

At the center of the chamber, a floating crystal pulsed with energy, golden flames swirling inside it like a caged storm.

I felt my heartbeat match its rhythm.

The leader turned to me. "This is the heart of the ancient power. If you wish to claim your true strength, you must take it."

I stepped forward, drawn by an irresistible pull.

But the moment I reached out—

The flames surged to life.

A monstrous figure emerged from the fire, its body shaped from the golden inferno, eyes burning with ancient rage.

The leader stepped back.

"The Guardian has awakened."

I barely had time to react before it attacked.

A massive claw slashed toward me—I dodged, feeling the heat singe my skin.

I clenched my fists, golden flames roaring to life around me.

This time, I wouldn't run.

I charged forward.

And the battle for my true power began.