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

The flames roared as the Guardian lunged toward me, its massive claw tearing through the air. I barely managed to dodge, rolling to the side as the ground where I stood exploded in golden fire.

The heat was overwhelming.

This wasn't just an enemy—this was a force of nature, a being made of pure, ancient energy.

And it was trying to kill me.

I clenched my fists, my own golden flames flaring to life.

If this thing wanted a fight…

I'd give it one.

⚡🔥🔥🔥

The Guardian's glowing eyes locked onto me. It raised its arm, and fire gathered into a swirling storm.

Then—

It thrust its hand forward.

A massive wave of golden fire surged toward me, moving faster than I could react.

There was no time to dodge.

Instinct took over—I crossed my arms, bracing myself.

The flames crashed into me, heat searing through my skin. I gritted my teeth, refusing to scream.

Then something changed.

The fire didn't just burn.

It flowed into me.

I gasped as the golden flames merged with my own energy, no longer hostile—but familiar.

The realization hit me like a thunderclap.

This power isn't meant to destroy me.

It's meant to be claimed.

⚔🔥🔥🔥

I took a deep breath, letting the flames settle into my body.

The Guardian growled, tilting its head as if curious.

Then it attacked again—faster this time.

I dodged, but instead of running, I moved toward it.

I met its claw strike with my own burning fist—

And this time, I didn't get pushed back.

The impact sent shockwaves through the chamber.

The Guardian roared in fury, slashing again—

But I was ready.

I ducked, twisting my body, then drove my knee straight into its core.

For the first time, the Guardian staggered.

Shira gasped. "He's matching its power!"

Selene smirked. "Of course he is. He's Ardan."

Smoker exhaled, watching closely. "Hmph. Let's see if he can finish it."

🔥🔥🔥

The Guardian backed away, its flames flickering.

It studied me, its gaze no longer full of rage—but recognition.

Then, slowly, it knelt.

The golden crystal at the center of the chamber floated toward me, pulsating with warmth.

The leader of the masked warriors spoke. "The trial is over. You have proven yourself."

I reached out, my fingers brushing the surface of the crystal.

A surge of energy flowed into me, pure and limitless.

My vision blurred—images flashing through my mind.

Ancient battles. Forgotten warriors. A power sealed away for centuries.

And then—

A name echoed in my thoughts.

"Sunfire's Heir."

I gasped, stumbling back as the crystal vanished, merging completely into my body.

The flames around me shifted, now completely under my control.

I clenched my fists, feeling the power coursing through my veins.

I wasn't just a survivor anymore.

I was something more.

And I was ready.