Ryan stood before the bronze door at the end of the dim corridor, flanked by two colossal gates. After a moment's consideration, he opted for caution—who knew what horrors might lurk behind them?
With a creak, the heavy bronze door swung open on its own. Torches flared to life, revealing a staggering sight: a mountain made entirely of copper coins and artifacts, its peak lost in shadow.
The sheer scale took Ryan's breath away—no digital bank balance could compare to this physical manifestation of wealth.
Perched atop the copper mountain was the white hound, its teacup-sized eyes tracking Ryan's every move. Ignoring the guardian, Ryan circled the mound until he found what he'd suspected: a hidden passageway.
"Just as I thought."
The tunnel led to a one-meter-high altar where an ice-blue greatsword was impaled. As Ryan approached, an invisible barrier repelled him.
Barrier magic.
The witch's grimoire had described such defenses.
1. Find and exploit its flaw.
2. Overwhelm it with brute force.
3. Meet its entry conditions.
The first two options were impossible; this barrier radiated ancient, formidable power. But Ryan had a fourth option.
He extended his hand.
"Sacrifice."
The barrier dissolved instantly, and its knowledge flooded his mind. He now understood its requirements.
- Under 30 years old
- A high-tier wizard's spiritual strength
- Mastery of necromancy
No wonder it had remained undisturbed for centuries. Few living souls could meet these criteria.
Ryan grasped the hilt. As he pulled the blade free, sealed knowledge surged into his consciousness.
Name: Lament of the Dead
Creator: Augustus, progenitor of black magic
Properties:
- Shapeshift weapon core
- Soul-rending edge (effective against spirits and the undead)
- Frostbite curse (freezes victims to death)
- Soul-devouring (enslaves slain foes as spectral warriors)
It was an infinitely growing artifact, its power expanding with every life it claimed.
Ryan exhaled sharply. This changed everything.
—