Its form was a mess of sinew and bone, eyes glowing with corrupt crimson light. Jace didn’t hesitate—he ducked the swipe of its jagged claws and rolled to the side, activating his new skill.

> [Bloodline Pulse Activated — All Stats +25%]

A surge of power rippled through him. The world sharpened. The Guardian seemed slower, its movements more predictable. Jace dashed in, slicing with surgical precision—

Clang!

The dagger struck bone, shallow. The creature roared and kicked him back.

Jace skidded across the stone floor but didn’t stay down. “Okay… tanky bastard.”

He launched forward again—this time faster, smarter.

Two hits, then a feint. He danced around its strikes, stabbing into exposed muscle, testing for weakness.

> [Analysis Intelli – Rank A] [Target: Aberrant Guardian] Core weak spot located: Rear cervical joint.

“Got you,” Jace grinned.

The creature snarled, charging blindly. Jace jumped, wall-kicked off the side, flipped over the beast—and plunged the dagger into the exposed joint.

With a screeching cry, the Guardian convulsed… then slumped to the ground.

> [Level Up!] [Strength +1 | Agility +1 | Perception +1]

> [Attribute Requirement Met: Strength 60+]

Jace panted, his heart racing. “One Residual down… one to go.”

Just as he turned to exit the chamber—

> [New Notification: Second Monarch Residual Detected — Zone Unknown]

A glowing trail of red shimmered in the air, snaking out of the ruins and pointing toward the city skyline beyond.

> Quest Update: "Trial of the Blood" The second Monarch Residual is resonating within the city limits. Estimated Zone: Abandoned Underground Transit Sector C-5 Warning: Location is Unstable

“C-5? That’s been locked off for years,” Jace muttered. “Guess I’ll have to sneak in…”

But before he could move, another alert appeared.

> [Daily Quest Complete – Reward Claimed] Store Upgrade Unlocked: "Monarch Sigil Gear Tier I"

He opened the store briefly—new weapons, armor sets… all tailored to his bloodline.

But they came with steep price tags.

I’ll need more money. Fast.

He exited the ruins gate just as the sun dipped low. Evening had arrived.

Jace moved through the streets with purpose now, not just surviving—but evolving.

The Rampage Monarch’s shadow was growing.

And Jace was walking straight into its core.

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