THE GOD OF MISFORTUNE
Chapter 16: (CH15)PILLAR OF CHALLENGE

Chapter 16: (CH15)PILLAR OF CHALLENGE

[GLOBAL HOST POPULATION: 965,926][LUIS MENDOZA – LEVEL 2 (33% Progress to Next Level)]

Luis stared at the empty space where his scooter used to be, hands planted firmly on his hips.

"You’ve got to be kidding me."

Zyx hovered beside him, peering at the ground like an overly dramatic detective. "Hmm, yes. The scene tells a tragic tale—someone stole your junkyard scooter."

Luis narrowed his eyes. "That was my only ride."

"Oh no," Zyx replied, clutching his chest in mock panic. "Whatever shall we do without your majestic, two-wheeled rust bucket?" He flung a hand forward like a game show host. "I guess we’ll walk. Tragic."

Luis sighed. "Fine. But we’re sticking to side roads. More monsters, more Souls."

Zyx beamed. "That’s the spirit! Violence and cardio—my favorite combination."

On the Road

Progress was slow but steady. Luis tore through packs of Rustfang Hares and Bramble Crawlers, his Scrap Hammer growing lighter with every fight.

"You know," Zyx said conversationally as Luis squashed another oversized rodent, "you could’ve just stolen a car."

"I’m not a thief," Luis muttered without breaking stride.

"Ah yes, I keep forgetting—you’re a hero." Zyx rolled his eyes. "Meanwhile, whoever nabbed your scooter is probably joyriding through hell right now."

Luis didn’t bother replying.

Eventually, the trees opened up to reveal a towering bronze structure etched with glowing runes.

Luis halted. "What the hell is that?"

Zyx’s eyes sparkled. "Oh-ho. That, my friend, is a Pillar of Challenge. Touch it, and you get a custom-tailored monster. Kill it, get loot."

Luis eyed the pillar warily. "Is it worth the risk?"

"Well," Zyx said with a shrug, "bronze usually means something under Level 10. Twice as tough as wild mobs, though." His grin widened. "So... what’s the verdict, champ? Chickening out?"

Luis exhaled. "And if I die?"

"I go poof back to the Celestial Realm. You, on the other hand, become a red smear on the dirt. Win-win!"

Luis cracked his neck. "Screw it."

He reached out and touched the pillar.

The Guardian Awakens

A beam of light surged skyward, shaking the earth beneath them. The pillar’s runes burned brighter—and from deep below, something massive began to rise.

[GUARDIAN OF THE BRONZE VAULT]Level 9HP: 150% of Iron-Class StandardAbilities: Earthshock Stomp, Reinforced Body, Crushing Blow

A bronze-plated colossus emerged, its eyes empty, glowing faintly.

"Well," Zyx said cheerfully, "this oughta be entertaining."

The Battle

Phase One – The Warm-Up

Luis charged, hammer drawn back. His first strike landed with a sharp clang—barely a dent.

The golem answered with a backhand the size of a fridge. Luis threw himself sideways, tumbling out of range.

"Okay," he muttered, winded, "tougher than expected."

Phase Two – Misfortune’s Blessing

Luis triggered his passive.

[DEBUFF ROLL: DAMAGE VULNERABILITY (68%)]

The golem’s next stomp misfired, one foot plunging awkwardly into soft soil. Luis sprang forward and slammed his hammer into the exposed joint. Metal groaned.

The Guardian let out a mechanical roar. Its fists began to glow red, heat distorting the air.

One blow missed Luis by inches, leaving a crater in its wake.

"Zyx! Suggestions?!"

"Yeah—hit it harder!"

"Really helpful, thanks!"

Waiting for another charge, Luis sidestepped and landed a clean strike to its chest. The hit staggered it, exposing the glowing core beneath its plating.

Phase Three – Finisher

With a shout, Luis leapt high and drove his hammer straight down. The core shattered under the force, and the Guardian crumbled into fragments.

[GUARDIAN DEFEATED][+10,000 Soul Essence][LEVEL UP: 3][+1% to All Stats][LOOT OBTAINED: BOOTS OF THE IRON GUARDIAN]

The Reward

Luis slipped on the boots. Bronze-trimmed, sturdy, and pulsing with faint energy, they fit like they were molded for him.

[BOOTS OF THE IRON GUARDIAN]+10% Defense+10% Damage+10% Attack SpeedSpecial Skill: Guardian’s Leap (Jump height +30%)

Zyx gave a low whistle. "Stylish and deadly. Still not as satisfying as bloodshed, but hey."

Luis bounced on his feet. Light. Powerful.

He smiled. "Come on. Let’s go home."

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