I made my way through the tunnel expecting to see the ivory bridge that had once fallen beneath my feet. To my surprise there was no longer an ivory bridge, but rather, a smooth and glossy bridge with an ebony finish. Beautiful green vines with sharp thorns and lush roses bursting with monochromatic colors could be seen coiling all around the bridge, except for the spotless walkway. The adornment of runes no longer shined the blood-red crimson as before and instead flickered an ephemeral glow contrasting with the roses. The only thing that did not change was the overly ornate door shining with intricate runes signifying the entrance to the first level of the dungeon.
Upon taking the first step upon the ebony bridge the walkway seemed to be lined with drops of paint, shining with extravagant colors that I have never seen before. I slowly made my way across the bridge making sure to be ready to make a leap of faith if the bridge suddenly decides to collapse below me again. Thankfully, nothing of the sort occurred and I safely made it across reaching the ornate door. The runes on the door were eerie and pulsated the same as the ones in the tunnel. I placed my hand on my heart for a moment and listened to the slow echoes that it sang. It was slow and rhythmic, unencumbered by duress.
I couldn't help but shudder while staring at the door at that moment. How the runes would reverberatete was just so similar to a heartbeat... it's like this whole place is alive. Ember remained silent even though at this point it was clear that we are connected and it has some sort of access or at least an inclination to what my thoughts and emotions might be. I suppose I should take that as a sign that I'm wrong or it would have most likely interjected with some sort of obtuse fact. I reached for the door and it seemed to shine with elation as I slowly placed my hand on it. The door swung open and revealed the same dark landscape that I have slowly started to grow accustomed to.
I took a deep breath and stepped through the veil of shadows and was surprisingly blinded by a bright light. Using my arm as a visor I squinted and could barely make out heatwaves radiating off a burning sun instead of a dazzling full moon in the sky atop a cracked granite path. The path led to a colossal castle intricately carved from crystallized limestone that towered high into the sky. The runes that were etched upon the castle haphazardly shimmered a cold shade of iceberg sending shivers down my spine.
There was no door befitting of a castle, whilst in its place, hung crystallized chain links draped as curtains emitting a soft vivid cerulean. Inside the castle, silk curtains hung on the walls while golden wax candles illuminated the giant hallway. Against the walls stood 20 lustrous suits of armor the same shade as the castle with a variety of weapons leading towards a spiral staircase. l approached the statue to my left that was holding a saber at its side as if frozen in space. The armor was cold and lifeless until the moment I leaned in to get a closer look at what was carved in the chest plate. Two icy circles appeared in the visor of the armor and it swung its saber without warning.
The armor was fast but I was able to jump back, escaping with a small cut to the stomach. My eyes narrowed as I gripped my stomach while glaring at the suit of armor. I took a deep breath and grabbed the hilt of my sword whilst leaning forward. Dashing forward I slashed diagonally at the suit of armor. The armor easily deflected my strike and delivered a forward keep to my gut sending me skidding back toward the entrance of the castle but the armor did not give chase. I dropped to my knees coughing out specs of blood that were thankfully just red when I heard a sighing whisper through my ears.
"That was embarrassing to watch you know. The form you took before your slash was surprisingly not atrocious but you swung with no sense of purpose. What was the point of receiving the inheritance if you're not even going to use the demonic energy you were blessed with.".
I spit the blood that was coagulating in my mouth on the fine silk carpet and wiped my face before responding to ember.
"It's my first fight... I'll learn."
The armor was standing in its previous position without a trace of malice. Focusing on my dantian I could feel the demonic energy begin to flow throughout my body and the cut on my stomach began to heal rapidly. Grabbing my sword I willed the energy within my fingertips to flow towards the hilt of the sword and up the blade. The blade began to vibrate as sparks of crimson and black danced around it like fireworks. I stared at the silhouettes that danced off the edge in amazement before focusing on the armor. I closed my eyes and thought about the demon's rage residing in my individuality.
Demon's Rage Activated.
All stats and skill effects doubled.
Demonic Energy 30.0/50.0
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The small sparks that were quietly dancing burst and coiled intricately around the blade. Inhaling deeply I leaned forward once again staring daggers at the armor. Exhaling I dashed forward and appeared in front of the armor before the first second of Demon's Rage active cost took effect and violently slashed down. The armor was able to lift its saber in time blocking the strike but was slammed against the wall leaving deep cracks as stone tore through silky red carpets that fell like rain. Before the armor could readjust its grip on the hilt I pulled my right fist back and struck the helmet with all my strength caving it in. I felt my blood boil and my lungs burn as I delivered a forward kick to its elaborate chest plate. A large boom echoed throughout the castle as the wall caved in causing the cracks to spread like spiderwebs.
Limestone Armor Defeated
+10 exp