The Sin-Eater's System

The sky above Arion remained a swirling mass of crimson and black, its oppressive light casting long, distorted shadows over the barren landscape. His breathing had steadied, but the weight of the battle still pressed down on him. The ash of the Wretched clung to his boots as he took his first tentative steps forward.

The silence was deafening, broken only by the occasional crackle of distant flames or the mournful wails of unseen souls.

> System Notification:

Map Unlocked: The First Circle

Current Location: The Vale of Vanity

A translucent map appeared in his mind, outlining the terrain. The Vale of Vanity stretched vast and barren, with a single point of interest marked ahead—a jagged tower piercing the heavens.

"Tower of Atonement," he muttered, reading the label. "Looks like I've got a destination."

But as he took another step, a low growl stopped him in his tracks. His eyes darted around, searching for the source.

"Not again…" he muttered, gripping the broken branch that had served him in the last fight.

The growling grew louder, more guttural. From the shadows emerged a beast unlike any he had seen before—massive and wolf-like, with six burning eyes and fur that shimmered like molten iron. Its claws dug into the earth, leaving glowing scars in its wake.

> System Notification:

Enemy Identified: Infernal Stalker

Threat Level: Unknown

Arion cursed under his breath. The word Unknown hung ominously in his vision, a grim reminder of how unprepared he truly was.

The Infernal Stalker circled him, its six eyes fixed on its prey. It lunged.

Arion barely managed to roll out of the way, the beast's claws ripping through the ground where he'd stood moments before. He swung his branch, but the makeshift weapon shattered against the creature's iron fur.

> System Notification:

Sin's Resolve Activated

Strength Temporarily Increased

A fiery surge coursed through his body, sharpening his senses and boosting his speed. As the Stalker lunged again, Arion sidestepped and landed a punch against its side. To his surprise, the beast howled in pain, staggering slightly.

"So, you're not invincible," he growled.

The battle became a dance of survival. Arion ducked, dodged, and struck when openings presented themselves. Each attack was calculated, each movement a gamble. The system didn't make him invincible, but it gave him a fighting chance.

Finally, with a well-timed strike to the creature's head, Arion sent it crashing to the ground. It let out a final, guttural roar before disintegrating into ash.

> System Notification:

Enemy Defeated: Infernal Stalker

Reward: 20 System Points

Arion dropped to one knee, his body trembling from the exertion. He clenched his fists, staring at the ashes. "What kind of place throws monsters like that at someone just starting out?"

The system chimed again, this time with a new message.

> System Update:

Skill Unlocked: Hell's Instinct

Enhances awareness of surroundings, reducing the chance of ambushes.

Arion let out a bitter laugh. "A little late, don't you think?"

As he stood, his gaze turned back to the distant tower. He had no idea what awaited him there, but it was better than staying in this cursed wasteland.

The path ahead was marked with jagged rocks and twisted trees. Each step felt heavier, as if the weight of his sin manifested in the very ground beneath him.

"Why?" he whispered to himself. "Why am I here?"

The question lingered in the air, unanswered. But deep down, he already knew. Pride. It had driven him to defy death itself, to refuse to admit weakness, to believe he was above consequence.

And now, it had brought him to Hell.

The tower loomed closer, its dark spires etched with glowing runes. As he approached, the air grew colder, more oppressive. A large, iron gate barred his way, etched with depictions of battles, betrayals, and suffering.

A voice boomed from the tower, deep and commanding. "Who dares approach the Tower of Atonement?"

Arion raised his chin, defiance burning in his eyes. "Arion Valerius."

The gate creaked open, revealing a narrow, winding staircase that disappeared into darkness.

"Enter, sinner," the voice said, laced with disdain. "Your trial awaits."

Arion hesitated for only a moment before stepping inside.