Chapter 8: The Ruins of Forgotten Power
The academy's victory celebrations had barely ended when Arin slipped away. The shards circling him hummed softly, sensing something unseen. He had defeated the Sealed Guardian, unlocked the true potential of his legendary shard, and earned the respect—and fear—of the academy. But Arin knew this was only the beginning.
There's more out there, he thought, more scraps, more power… and enemies I haven't even met yet.
Following whispers from the Council's ancient archives, Arin discovered a location hidden in old maps: the Ruins of Forgotten Power, a place said to contain artifacts from the age of the first class masters. Few dared to enter; many who tried never returned.
But Arin was not like most. For him, the ruins were not dangerous—they were opportunities waiting to be scavenged.
Entering the Ruins
The ruins lay deep in a fog-laden valley, cliffs towering on either side. Broken pillars, shattered statues, and ruined walls littered the landscape, remnants of a civilization that had mastered both magic and technology.
The moment Arin stepped inside, the shards reacted, spinning faster, glowing brighter. Broken stone floors shifted into pathways of energy, guiding him forward.
A voice echoed in his mind:
"Treasure… tests… danger… only the clever may inherit."
Arin smiled. "Clever enough, huh? Let's see what's waiting for me."
Rival Factions Appear
As he explored deeper, Arin sensed he was not alone. Shadows moved among the ruins—other scavengers, rogue warriors, and mages, all drawn by rumors of the legendary scraps. One figure stepped forward: a tall woman clad in black, wielding twin daggers.
"I am Lyra," she said, her eyes sharp and calculating. "I've been tracking the legendary scraps. Step aside, boy, or I'll take them from you."
Arin raised an eyebrow. "Step aside? That's cute. But I think you'll find I don't give up trash easily."
With a flash, she lunged, but Arin reacted instinctively. Shards formed a cage around him, spinning in precise patterns, intercepting her strike. He grabbed a shard from the broken floor and sent it flying—a trap that disarmed Lyra instantly.
Other figures emerged from the shadows, forming a rival faction seeking the same legendary scraps. They were skilled, but they lacked Arin's creativity and adaptability. One by one, he turned the ruins themselves against them, using broken walls, ancient machinery, and debris as weapons.
By the time the skirmish ended, the rivals fled, leaving Arin standing amidst the ruins, shards orbiting him like a crown.
Discovery of a Legendary Scrap
In the heart of the ruins, Arin found a pedestal covered in dust and runes. A shard, glowing with a rainbow of light, hovered above it. The moment he touched it, his shards vibrated in response, merging with the new artifact.
Legendary Scrap: Heart of the First Scavenger.
The shard whispered in his mind: "True power… awakens… destiny…"
Arin felt a surge unlike anything before. His shards grew larger, faster, and more intelligent. He realized he could now manipulate larger structures, control multiple scraps simultaneously, and adapt to any environment.
"This… this is just the beginning," he said, feeling the pulse of untapped power. "With this, I won't just survive. I'll dominate."
Foreshadowing Bigger Threats
As he exited the ruins, Arin noticed a distant storm of dark energy rising on the horizon—an unnatural force that seemed to react to his newfound power. The Council would call it a "world-level threat," but Arin didn't flinch.
Let them come. I'm ready.
The Trash King's journey had expanded far beyond the academy. Legendary scraps, rival factions, hidden threats, and mysterious ancient powers awaited him. And with each scrap, each piece of trash he turned into a weapon, he was one step closer to changing the world itself.