Silas's heart raced as he leaned against the cool stone of the pillar, his breath coming in short gasps. The pain from the mana beams still lingered, a reminder of the danger that lurked in this new chamber. Gathering his courage, Silas slowly peered around the edge of the pillar, his eyes scanning the room for his attacker.
In the center of the chamber, a pulsating orb of light hovered ominously. Its surface rippled with barely contained energy, casting an eerie glow across the stone walls. As Silas watched, the orb suddenly flared brighter, and a beam of concentrated mana shot forth.
Silas jerked back behind the pillar, the mana beam missing him by mere inches. He felt the heat of its passage singe the air around him, his enhanced senses picking up the faint smell of ozone.
