The moment Mira stepped into the Abyssal Torment Steps, the atmosphere shifted drastically. It was as though she had crossed the boundary into a different universe.
The ambient light that once surrounded her was completely consumed by darkness, and all the vibrant energy of the environment was replaced with a suffocating stillness.
The first challenge was immediate. As she stepped forward, a wave of intense emotions crashed over her.
She felt the weight of every positive emotion she had ever felt being drained from her.
The love she had for her companions, the hope she felt for the future, the joy of every accomplishment vanished, and the drive to keep moving forward was replaced by the cold embrace of despair, loneliness, and hopelessness.
However, she was used to shutting herself off and living like a cold-hearted machine. So, without hesitation, she took another step.
But, she had misunderstood the theme of this trial.