The ground trembled beneath me, shards of earth and dark energy erupting from the cracks. The massive armored figure advanced, its molten-gold eyes locked on me like a predator sizing up its prey. The shadows from before writhed around it, as if drawn to its presence, growing stronger, sharper, more alive.
My hands flared instinctively, energy pulsating through my veins. Sinful System, give me an edge… now!
System Alert: Extreme Threat. Combat Mode Activated. Suggestion: Tactical offense.
I clenched my fists, focusing on controlling the surge of power inside me. The energy was raw, dangerous, but familiar now. My first battles had taught me restraint—and the thrill of the system rewarding courage.
The humanoid swung its massive sword. The air screamed as the blade sliced through it, leaving a glowing trail. I ducked, narrowly avoiding the strike, and felt the heat of the energy graze my shoulder. Pain shot through me—but more than that, fear. Real, gripping fear.
Sinful Points Gained: 5 (Bravery under lethal threat)
I took a deep breath. "Okay… think, not just fight."
The system buzzed in my mind: Hint: Combining power and strategy increases point gain.
I focused. Energy flared around my hands, forming a protective barrier just as the shadow creatures lunged. I released a controlled pulse, sending them flying back while dodging the sword strike. Sparks erupted where my barrier collided with the armored weapon.
"Impressive," a voice purred behind me. I turned slightly—there she was. The silver-haired girl. Calm, watching, yet her eyes glimmered with curiosity and something darker… amusement.
"Why are you helping me?" I asked, barely keeping my energy barrier steady.
She smiled, faint but chilling. "Not helping. Observing. Learning how fast you can adapt… how far desire can push you."
I gritted my teeth. Desire? What desire? My chest pounded, mind racing as the system whispered again:
Sinful Point Potential Detected: Emotional Response.
The armored humanoid roared, swinging its sword in a wide arc. I barely rolled away, energy sparking beneath my feet. I needed more power, something beyond simple attacks.
Sinful System Hint: Awakening Sinful Skill. Requires emotional intensity.
I clenched my teeth. Fine. If this is what it wants… then I'll give it everything.
Memories flashed through my mind: the life I'd lost, the struggles I'd endured, the loss of my old world. And then, the thought of all the people I wanted to protect in this new world—the ones I hadn't even met yet. The rage, the fear, the desire to survive, all coiled together.
A surge exploded from me, energy cascading outward in a blinding wave. The shadows shrieked as the pulse hit them, disintegrating several instantly. The armored humanoid staggered back, its golden eyes widening for the first time.
Sinful Points Gained: 15 (Emotional Surge). Skill Unlocked: Shadow Breaker.
I gasped, my body trembling. The new skill felt alive in my hands, a blade of pure energy forming at my will. The armored figure roared again and charged, faster than before.
I leaped forward, energy blade in hand, and struck. Sparks flew as the weapon clashed with the molten sword. I could feel the pressure of its strength, the weight of centuries of combat skill in its strike. But the system guided me, whispering strategies, guiding my instincts.
The silver-haired girl tilted her head, smiling faintly. "Better. You're awakening… but this is only the beginning."
I struck again, faster, sharper, energy surging with every blow. The armored figure faltered, the first sign of weakness. I felt the thrill of battle, the addictive pull of power, but also… a strange tension. The girl's gaze lingered on me, her smile teasing and enigmatic. Desire? Fear? Admiration? I wasn't sure.
Suddenly, the armored figure lifted its sword high, a shadow of dark energy forming around it. Its eyes glowed brighter, molten gold turning into blinding light.
Warning: Ultimate Attack Detected.
My pulse quickened. I barely had time to react. The air crackled, the ground shaking violently. Shadows surged, curling around me, threatening to overwhelm.
"MC!" the system screamed in my mind. "Use your Sinful Skill… now… or perish!"
I gritted my teeth and focused. The energy blade in my hand flared, humming with raw power. I could feel the surge, the pull of temptation—the desire to unleash everything at once, to obliterate my foe without restraint.
Warning: Overuse may consume morality.
I hesitated. Just a fraction of a second… long enough for doubt to creep in.
Then the sword struck, energy colliding with molten force, sending a shockwave that shattered the ground beneath us. The armored figure was thrown back, smoke rising from its armor, but it wasn't defeated.
And then… it laughed. A deep, haunting sound that shook my chest.
"You've awakened… but this is only the start," it said, voice like rolling thunder. "The system chose well… but the world will test you far more."
Before I could respond, it vanished into shadows, leaving behind a faint echo of molten light. My hands trembled, sweat dripping down my forehead. My chest heaved. I had survived. Barely.
The silver-haired girl stepped closer, eyes gleaming. "Impressive, human. You survived your first extreme threat. But remember… desire is a double-edged sword. The more you embrace it, the more it can consume you."
I swallowed hard. "I… I understand. But what now? Is this over?"
She shook her head, eyes glinting with mystery. "No… the trial has only begun. A choice awaits you. Go back to safety, or venture into the Sinful Forest, where your first true ally—and first enemy—waits. Choose wisely… human."
I froze. Sinful Forest? Ally? Enemy? I didn't even know who I could trust here. And yet… something in me stirred, a thrill I couldn't resist. Adventure. Danger. Power. And perhaps… desire.
The system hummed approvingly: Choice Detected. Path Forward: Undefined. Reward: Unknown. Risk: Extreme.
My pulse thundered. I had a choice. And whatever I chose next would change everything.