Marco's consciousness drifted in darkness, pulled down by exhaustion deeper than mere physical fatigue. The Blood Temple's healing had repaired his body, but his soul felt stretched thin, worn from battles that pushed him beyond all reasonable limits.Then golden light blazed through the darkness.A massive form materialized before him, easily fifty meters from head to tail. The Lionheart Divine Beast, its mane flowing like liquid gold, eyes burning with ancient power that made Marco's Judgment Mark pulse in response."You've done well, young one," the beast's voice resonated through Marco's entire being, not heard but felt. "To awaken Lion King's Descent at your level shows remarkable compatibility with our bloodline.""Am I dreaming?" Marco asked, his voice small in the presence of such overwhelming majesty."Yes and no. Your body sleeps while the temple prepares the next trial. I've taken this opportunity to speak with you directly." The beast's golden eyes studied him intently. "A

Pain beyond comprehension tore through Marco's body as the War God's divine blood invaded his cells. The twenty-meter blades had dissolved into pure essence, flooding his meridians with power that felt like liquid fire.His Lionheart bloodline reacted violently, golden energy surging to repel the foreign invader. The two powers collided inside Marco's chest, creating pressure that threatened to explode his ribcage from within."Stop fighting it!" the War God's echo commanded. "Accept the integration or it will destroy you!""Can't," Marco gasped, his back arching as another wave of agony crashed through him. "The Lionheart blood won't let it in."Deep in his consciousness, the Lionheart Divine Beast roared in fury. "This divine essence threatens my descendant! I will purge it!""You'll kill him in the process!" the War God's presence countered. "Your bloodline is powerful but incomplete. My essence fills the gaps, completes what was always meant to be whole!"The beast's golden eyes b

The four Golden Guards stood frozen in their starting positions, their metallic forms gleaming in the chamber's light. The first guard's weapon slowly lowered as it processed what had just happened."Wait," it said, its voice carrying genuine confusion. "That was too easy. We barely engaged.""Agreed," the second guard added, straightening from its defensive stance. "He parried us, yes, but we weren't using our full capabilities."Marco looked between them, suddenly wary. "I thought we agreed on one exchange?""We did," the third guard confirmed. "One exchange where we give our best shot. But that wasn't our best." Its golden eyes gleamed with renewed interest. "That was us testing you at suppressed First Transition output.""You held back?" Marco's grip tightened on his sword."Of course we held back!" the fourth guard's laughter rang like struck bells. "You're Level 12! We're millennia-old constructs! If we hit you with full power immediately, you'd be paste on the floor!"The first

Marco stood before the altar, his chest heaving from exhaustion. The Blood Holy Sword rested on crimson velvet, its blade pulsing with hungry anticipation. But before he could reach for it, a familiar presence materialized between him and his goal.Benjamin, wreathed in blood flames that burned brighter than ever before."Congratulations, boy," the Blood Lord said, his spectral form more solid than it had been in the previous chambers. "You've exceeded every expectation. Defeated challenges designed for warriors twice your strength. Integrated divine blood that should have killed you. Impressed even the corrupted Golden Guards."Marco's hand tightened on his greatsword. "Then step aside and let me claim what I've earned.""Earned?" Benjamin's laughter was harsh. "You've earned the right to face me. The final guardian. The true test." He gestured, and the Blood Holy Sword flew from the altar into his waiting hand. "This blade has been mine for nine centuries. You think I'll surrender i

The moment Marco claimed the Blood Holy Sword, the entire temple structure convulsed. Not from the weapon's power, but from something far more sinister.The three massive temple doors at the chamber's far end exploded inward simultaneously. Through them stepped Benjamin, but he was transformed beyond recognition. His spectral form had solidified into something between ghost and god, wreathed in blood flames that reached toward the ceiling.Behind him floated two other figures, equally imposing. The Fury Lord with his burning rage aura. The Honor Lord with her crystalline defensive barrier."What the hell?" Marco raised the Blood Holy Sword defensively."Benjamin," Edwin's voice carried shock and horror. "The three lords have fused. They've broken the soul separation protocols that bound them individually!"Benjamin's laugh was different now. Layered. Multiple voices speaking in horrible harmony."We are no longer separate guardians," the Blood Lord announced, his form pulsing with pow