WebNovels

Chapter 10 - Chapter 10: The Real Game Begins

The jungle felt… different.

Colors were sharper. Sounds carried farther. Even the air had a weight to it, like the whole world was holding its breath.

Lin opened his interface.

> Main Questline Unlocked: Path of the Guardians

Objective: Enter the Temple of Trials. Survive. Claim your first Guardian Relic.

Reward: +2000 XP, Shop Expansion, New World Zone Unlocked

Crystal's voice was hushed, almost reverent. "Congrats. You're officially in the big leagues."

Lin squinted at the glowing arrow pointing deeper into the jungle. "Temple of Trials. Sounds friendly."

"Mm," Crystal said. "Friendly like a blender."

Elara walked beside him, bow in hand. "That trial you survived—no one does that. Not outsiders."

Lin grinned weakly. "Guess I'm special."

"Or suicidal," she muttered.

---

New Shop Expansion

A second notification popped up:

> Shop Expansion Unlocked!

Survival Gear

Weapon Mods

Consumables

Lin scrolled quickly, eyes wide. "Oh my god. Healing potions. Actual healing potions."

Crystal: "And traps. And cloaks. And a grenade shaped like a coconut. Please, buy that."

Lin: "Tempting."

He bought a small healing potion, feeling warmth spread through his wounds. His ribs stopped aching.

Elara stared. "What… was that?"

"Energy drink," Lin said. "Super rare. Don't worry about it."

---

A New Zone Opens

As they followed the glowing arrow, the trees grew taller, older, carved with strange runes. The air shimmered like heat waves. The ground underfoot became polished stone instead of dirt.

At the edge of a massive chasm stood a bridge of glowing vines leading to a towering temple shaped like a jaguar's head. Its stone eyes glowed faint blue.

Crystal's tone sharpened. "This is it. The Temple of Trials. Inside, you'll meet… something."

Lin stopped. "Something?"

"You'll see."

---

The Next Harem/NPC Character Appears

A figure stood at the bridge's entrance—a girl in flowing emerald robes, hair black as ink, eyes like polished jade. She leaned on a staff topped with a crystal that pulsed softly.

Her gaze fixed on Lin.

"You survived the Guardian's test," she said. Her voice was calm, musical. "That means you belong to the temple now."

Elara frowned. "Who are you?"

The girl smiled faintly. "A guide. Or a trap. Depending on how you play."

Lin swallowed. "So… guide?"

She tilted her head. "We'll see."

System chimed:

> New Companion Available: ??? (Unlock conditions hidden)

Crystal whispered: "Ohhh. She's going to be trouble."

---

Cliffhanger

The girl turned, walking toward the temple's mouth. "Follow me if you want to live."

Lin glanced at Elara, then at his interface. "Well," he muttered, "at least she's not throwing spears at me."

Crystal chuckled darkly. "Give it time."

The temple's glowing eyes flared, casting everything in blue light as they stepped inside.

To be continued…

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