The Architect’s Challenge

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Timer: 0:00:01

You will be transported into Cartenon's Temple now, please prepare yourself

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A voice said in his head before a gate appeared before him. The gate was different from other ones.

It stood tall and mighty like the gates just before a Dungeon Boss Room.

"Let's go," Steve replied as he quickly dressed himself in his standard suit.

Without hesitation, he grabbed the handle of the door and immediately opened it.

He was more than glad to be facing off against these monsters; they had brought him nightmares, and now he shall be their reaper.

Within the gate, Steve and Judy could be seen walking boldly to the center of the room.

"I am surprised that these statues are still in good shape even after facing Jin Woo," Steve said.

[It's impossible,] a new voice was heard as the two immediately turned to its source.

It was a statue that stood at a height of about eight to nine feet. He didn't know exactly, but he knew that it was taller than him and that it was the main enemy here.

The statue was that of an angel carrying a large stone tablet. It didn't stand out much among the other statues in the area, though, due to the general theme of this bizarre dungeon.

"Now that I am looking at you, you really aren't all that powerful," Steve said while looking at the statue.

[What did you do?] the statue asked as the tablet it was once holding faded into nothingness.

"That part is none of your business," Steve replied as he stood before it.

He could see something different about the statue. Like the Monarchs, it looked like its soul was nearly leaving its body.

The world wasn't made to handle a soul as powerful as his, yet here it was.

[I see you have gotten stronger,] the creature said as a weird, creepy smile appeared on its face.

"I had to," Steve replied.

[I understand, the strong make right… Then we shall begin,] the creature said as the entire temple-like dungeon lit up.

[You have used my power and proved that you are worthy of being my successor. Now you must pass my test or perish.]

"..."

"I don't see a reason why he should be doing that though," Judy said as she admired the giant statues.

[I wasn't talking to you, fake,] the creature said before Steve saw Judy get thrown out of the dungeon by some invisible force.

"I see," Steve said as his expression changed.

He had already understood what was going on here. Whatever it was that this creature wanted, it wanted enough privacy to accomplish it.

Which meant one thing: it wasn't something beneficial to him. Considering its earlier statement, it had prepared him to be a host.

"First, who are you?" Steve asked.

He needed a name to cross-reference with what he had gained from Yurgumunt.

[I am the Architect of the System. I am the Administrator!] the statue said.

With that, a frown appeared on Steve's face. The memories he had gained from Yurgumunt didn't mention anyone with such a name.

This was bad news to him because he had no information to use on the creature.

"You call that screen a system?" Steve asked as he gave a hearty laugh.

"I wonder who gave you the name 'Architect' when you can't even design an ordinary game interface."

[Then that shall be your last test: your greatest creation against mine. Let me see how far you have grown.]

"Really, this is your plan?" Steve asked.

Even he could tell that the creature was desperate. From its exclamations, it had probably hoped that, through some miracle, he would be weaker than Hunter Sung Jin Woo.

He wasn't just stronger; he was astronomically stronger than the young boy.