Sacrifice's Rise: I Became Invincible After Entering Godslayer Temple

?In the secluded depths of Crying Valley, amidst its typical landscape, John's keen eye caught a glimpse of an anomaly—a rock imbued with an unusual hue that starkly contrasted with the prevailing yellow of the surrounding stones.

This peculiar rock, bathed in an ethereal green glow, piqued John's curiosity, compelling him to investigate further.

Tentatively, he reached out, his fingers brushing against the cool surface of the green stone.

The moment his skin made contact, the tranquility of the valley was shattered by a startling vision.

Abruptly, the visage of a fierce human face materialized before him, its features etched with intensity and an inexplicable familiarity that seemed to pierce through the veil of time and space.

This unexpected encounter within the silent confines of Crying Valley left John momentarily transfixed, as he stood face to face with this apparition, pondering the significance of this surreal manifestation and the secrets that lay hidden within the green rock's luminescent depths.

This unexpected vision momentarily startled John.

He quickly stepped back, but when he looked again, the green rock showed nothing out of the ordinary.

This action did not escape the notice of the squad captain, who approached John quietly and asked, "What's wrong? Did you encounter something unusual? The rest of our team is already quite on edge. If you've come across anything strange, let me know first. If the two of us can handle it, that would be ideal. Otherwise, we'll have to take the team and flee."

The captain's words took John by surprise.

He hadn't expected the team leader to consider abandoning the mission to explore Crying Valley so readily.

"While it's true that as members of the Order Faction, we should stand our ground against the Mystery faction, our strength isn't overwhelming, and our first priority must be to ensure our own safety," the squad captain explained, noticing the puzzled look on John's face.

John didn't dwell on it much; his thoughts were quite aligned with the captain's.

In his view, if one couldn't even ensure their own safety, how could they be expected to contribute effectively in the ongoing conflict against the Mystery faction?

"It was nothing serious, just a momentary illusion," John clarified, explaining his earlier startled reaction.

However, his explanation didn't fully convince the squad captain.

After a brief inquiry, the captain decided not to press further.

He was acutely aware that their squad was formed on an ad-hoc basis, and it was natural for each member to have their secrets.

As the leader, he recognized the importance of not dwelling too much on such matters during a quest.

Any conflict with John could potentially jeopardize the entire squad during their mission.

"If there are no unusual occurrences, then let's quickly explore the rest of the valley. The others have likely already surveyed the other parts. If we don't find anything alarming, we should head back. We can inform the others that Crying Valley poses no danger. In future conflicts with the Mystery faction, we might even consider using Crying Valley as a safe relay point."

With a keen sense of responsibility, the squad captain took a moment to meticulously scan their immediate surroundings, a precaution to guarantee the well-being and security of his team.

Satisfied with the apparent safety, he turned his attention to John, who was recognized as the most formidable force within their ranks, second only to himself.

Upon consultation, John conveyed his concurrence, harboring a strong belief that Crying Valley had divulged all its secrets, and no additional surprises lurked within its shadowy depths.

With a final, lingering look at the enigmatic green stone that had caught their attention, John aligned with the captain's decision.

Together, they pivoted, setting their sights on the valley's entrance, ready to depart from the mysteries that lay behind, their steps in sync as they navigated the terrain, leading their team away from the unknown and back towards familiar ground, their minds at ease but vigilant, prepared for whatever lay ahead.

However, the moment John turned away, a slight crack appeared on the green stone, from which a powerful force of water element seeped out.

Although this surge of elemental power didn't pose an immediate threat to John and his team, it did catch the attention of the two strongest members of the squad—John and the captain. freew(e)bnove(l)

Sensing the potent water elemental force simultaneously, both quickly turned back.

John noticed that the force had taken on a human form, distinctly different from any figure he had encountered upon his arrival in the ancient battlefield.

"Everyone, be prepared for battle!" the captain reacted promptly.

Despite not knowing whether this water-formed figure was friend or foe, he knew that being ready for combat was the safest course of action.

The figure made of water elements didn't initiate an attack.

Its blurred face seemed to express a complex mix of emotions, and its eyes appeared to be fixed directly on John.

"You shouldn't be here; you must head directly to Storm Lake!" the figure made of water elements said to John in a hoarse voice.

All eyes within John's squad turned towards him, as it was clear the water-formed figure was addressing him directly.

John hesitated, unsure of where Storm Lake was or whether the figure's words were meant to advise him or lead him into a trap.

As John mulled over his options, the water-formed figure continued, "I know you're utterly perplexed by the current situation. But if you make your way to Storm Lake, all truths will be unveiled. I will be waiting for you there. I am not allied with the Mystery faction, nor do I intend to ensnare you in a trap. For I am the very individual you've been seeking; I am the legendary warrior Aike."

The revelation that the figure was the legendary warrior Aike shocked every member of John's squad, except John himself.

Aike was a renowned figure within the Order Faction, celebrated for defeating a saint of the Mystery faction in battle.

John, unaware of this information, was nonetheless surprised upon hearing that the figure claimed to be Aike.

After all, the quest he had received near the southern seaport from an NPC was specifically to find the legendary warrior Aike.

"How can I trust you? After all, I have never met you before, and I am unfamiliar with who you truly are," John expressed his skepticism.

He believed it was crucial to maintain a cautious stance at all times.

Trusting someone too readily could potentially lead him into a significant trap.

Before the legendary warrior Aike could respond to John's question, the squad captain beside John spoke up, "I can assist you in verifying his identity. Although I've never met Aike personally, I am quite familiar with him through information I've gathered from others. I can ask some questions related to him to confirm his identity."

John glanced at the squad captain and then nodded in agreement, recognizing that accepting the captain's help was his only viable option at the moment.

"If you claim to be the legendary warrior Aike, could you share with us the details of your battle with the Mystery saint? Can you tell us how one might defeat a Mystery saint?" the squad captain asked, posing a challenging question.

The details of Aike's victory over the Mystery saint would have been known to other Order Faction powerhouses present during the battle, as well as to the members of the Mystery faction.

The figure formed from water elements did not hesitate to share the method used to defeat the Mystery saint.

After hearing the explanation, the squad captain nodded in acknowledgment.

"This aligns with what I learned from my mentor about Aike's victory over the Mystery saint. He isn't lying, and the details he provided about defeating the Mystery saint are even more comprehensive than what I was taught."

With the captain's affirmation, John felt reassured and no longer harbored any doubts.

"Given this, I will make my way to Storm Lake as soon as possible. But how should I proceed there? After all, I'm unaware of its location," John inquired, seeking guidance for his next steps.

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