Online Game: Starting With SSS-Ranked Summons

Arthur stood at the edge of the forest, his gaze fixed on the imposing silhouette of the mountain that loomed in the distance. Its jagged peaks seemed to scrape the heavens, shrouded in mist and shadows that danced eerily under the pale light of the sun.

A faint breeze swept through the forest, rustling the leaves around him.

The mountain was a constant presence—a monolith of stone that had watched over Village #420 since the moment he'd arrived in this strange world.

It was more than just a landmark. It was the place where his journey began, the place where his talent was awakened.

Arthur couldn't explain it, but the mountain had always felt... significant. Like it was calling to him.

He smirked as his fingers brushed against the hilt of his dagger. "You and I have some unfinished business, don't we?"

The memory of the awakening ceremony played in his mind.

...

"You are currently at the peak of the mountain of Village #420."

...

The phrase echoed in his mind, louder than it should have.

Why mention it at all? Why draw attention to the mountain specifically? And why hadn't he explored it yet?

Arthur's instincts told him there was something up there—something the game had carefully hidden, waiting to be discovered by someone bold enough to seek it out.

A small grin spread across his face as he took his first step toward the towering mountain.

"Alright, big guy," Arthur muttered to the mountain as he continued forward. "Show me what you've got."

Arriving at the mountain, Arthur paused for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he glanced around. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched.

But by what? His Enhanced Senses didn't pick up anything nearby. Yet the feeling persisted, crawling up his spine like a warning whispered directly into his soul.

He summoned Hank, the portal appearing before Hank emerged, flying into the air.

"Keep an eye out, Hank," Arthur said, his voice low. "Something feels off."

The hawk let out a shrill cry before taking to the skies, its wings cutting through the air as it soared ahead to scout the path.

Arthur's hand tightened around his dagger as he continued forward, his steps cautious.

As he climbed higher, the mountain seemed to reveal more of its secrets. Strange markings began to appear on the rocks—faint carvings that looked almost like runes. Some were weathered and barely visible, while others seemed untouched by time, their edges sharp and precise as if etched only yesterday.

He knelt down to inspect one of the carvings, running his fingers over the cold stone. The symbols were unfamiliar, unlike anything he'd seen in the game so far. They didn't match any of the languages or designs he'd encountered in the village or surrounding forest.

"What are you hiding?" he muttered, his eyes narrowing.

As he rose to his feet, Hank swooped down and landed on a nearby branch, screeching urgently.

Arthur followed the hawk's gaze, his eyes landing on something in the distance—a faint glow emanating from further up the mountain. It was faint, almost imperceptible against the sunlight, but it was there.

A soft, pulsing light, like a heartbeat buried within the stone.

"Well, that's not ominous at all," Arthur said with a smirk, his curiosity now fully piqued.

He continued his ascent, his mind racing with possibilities. Was it a hidden dungeon? He wasn't sure. But, whatever it was, he wasn't about to turn back now.

The climb grew steeper, the air thinner. Arthur's breaths came in intervals as the terrain became more treacherous. The path narrowed, forcing him to navigate carefully along the edge of a steep drop. One wrong step could send him tumbling down into the rocky abyss below.

Despite the difficulty, he pressed on, his determination unwavering. The glow grew brighter with each step, its rhythm syncing with the pounding of his heart. It was as if the mountain itself was guiding him, pulling him closer to whatever lay at its peak.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Arthur reached a plateau near the summit. The glow was now almost blinding, emanating from a large crystalline structure embedded in the centre of the rocky platform.

The crystal pulsed with an otherworldly light, its surface etched with the same runes he'd seen earlier. It stood tall and imposing, like a guardian watching over the mountain.

Arthur approached cautiously, his hand resting on the hilt of his dagger. "What are you?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.

The crystal seemed to respond, its light intensifying as he drew closer. A notification appeared in his view.

[You have discovered the Hidden Trial: Protector of the Village.]

[Requirement: A-Grade Talent or Higher.]

[Details: This trial is designed to determine your ability to lead, protect, and safeguard the future of your village. Only those with exceptional talent and leadership qualities may enter. Success will grant rewards befitting a true protector.]

[Would you like to enter?] [Yes | No]

[WARNING: You are granted only one chance to complete this trial. Failure will prevent future attempts.]

Arthur stared at the glowing notification in front of him, his brow furrowed as he absorbed the details. "A-grade talent or higher?" he muttered, a frown tugging at the corners of his lips.

He had never encountered such a stringent requirement before. Every other trial or realm he'd come across in the village seemed open to almost anyone with some level of competency, regardless of their talent grade. But this? This was on a completely different level. It didn't take much to realize that this trial was leagues above the usual.
Stay connected through empire

His gaze drifted to the words etched in the air. "A-Grade Talent or Higher."

To most players, A-grade talents were nearly mythical.

The highest talent Arthur had seen among the players in the village was a B-Grade, and even those could be counted on one hand.

A-grade talents were considered a part of the upper echelon of potential—individuals blessed with abilities that could change the tides of battle or shape the very world around them. If this trial required such a level of talent just to enter, what kind of challenge was waiting for him on the other side?