Chapter 4 – The Survival Lottery
Helkaiser's roar still echoed through the fractured walls of the hall. Every step the creature took made the ground vibrate. Cael couldn't look away from the living mountain of purple scales slowly approaching.
"So... ready for your golden chance? Literally.
Let's spin that wheel!"
"Are you sure this is the best moment!?"
"Would you rather die melted by acid or win a legendary sword? Priorities, Cael!"
Before his eyes, a floating panel appeared with a multicolored spinning wheel, sparkling in gold, purple, and blue. Each turn sounded like a casino slot machine.
[SYSTEM LOTTERY – SPIN 1/10]
Spinning...
Result: Magic Sword – "Abysslight"
[RARITY: GOLD – Legendary]
The weapon materialized before him, floating in a golden glow. A long blade of darkened silver, etched with living inscriptions. It felt warm to the touch, pulsing with energy.
"Congratulations! A blade that can cut even souls. Literally. Just don't drop it.
Or it might cut the floor too."
[SPIN 2/10]
Result: Grimoire – "Nemesis Flame"
[GOLD]
A thick book bound in dark leather, covered in glowing ember-like runes. When Cael touched it, a page flipped open on its own, revealing a fire spell — the kind that could turn dragons into ash... with luck.
"One of the best spells in the game! Massive damage, huge area... and of course, it consumes half your soul if you miss.
Kidding. Almost."
[SPIN 3/10]
Result: Evolving Armor – "Aurora Vestments"
[GOLD]
The white armor appeared in fragments and assembled itself before his eyes. Light but sturdy, with silver details and a mantle that reacted to the wind.
"Grows with you. Literally. The more you fight, the stronger it gets.
Oh, and it glows in the dark. Style matters."
[SPIN 4/10]
Result: Sword Technique – "Phantom Slash"
[GOLD]
An ethereal scroll floated before him. When Cael touched it, information was injected directly into his mind — a swift, nearly invisible technique capable of striking multiple enemies in a single motion.
"I love this one. One of the most busted skills in the meta."
Helkaiser roared again, closer.
"Let's hurry this up, please!?"
[SPIN 5/10]
Result: Potion of… Iced Coffee?
[GRAY – Common]
Cael stared at the cold can in his hand with the expression of someone betrayed.
"Reliable, refreshing, and keeps you awake for 36 hours.
Zero combat buffs. But it tastes amazing!"
[SPIN 6/10]
Result: Mini Smoke Bomb – "Rogue Vanish"
[GREEN – Uncommon]
A tiny glass vial with a skull doodled on it.
"Throw it on the ground and vanish like magic.
Or trip and become a joke. Your choice."
[SPIN 7/10]
Result: Amulet of Dubious Luck
[BLUE – Rare]
A five-leaf clover pendant.
"Increases critical hit chance... by 0.01%.
But hey, it's still luck. Technically."
[SPIN 8/10]
Result: Chicken Mask
[GRAY]
"...Is this serious?"
"Yes. Protects you from 1 point of damage.
And gives +2 charisma with chickens.
You never know."
[SPIN 9/10]
Result: Summon – "Battle Slimey"
[PURPLE – Epic]
A purple blob appeared beside him, its bulging eyes sparkling, holding an axe twice its own size.
"This is Slimey. He screams, hits things, and explodes at the end.
A wonderful companion... for five minutes."
[SPIN 10/10]
Result: Hidden Boss Fragment
[??? – Unknown]
A cracked black crystal appeared in his hand. A chill ran down his spine.
"Oh... that wasn't supposed to drop yet.
Anyway, put that somewhere safe.
Very safe."
The panel vanished.
Armed, enchanted, armored, and partially confused, Cael stared at Helkaiser.
"Well... I guess it's time for the real tutorial."
The dragon growled.
The black-armored knight beside him still hadn't awakened.
But Cael took a deep breath, raised the sword, and the grimoire glowed at his side.
It was his turn to fight.