The trio stepped into a dimly lit chamber, the air thick with anticipation and an ancient, foreboding energy. At the center of the room stood an imposing stone pedestal, inscribed with runes that seemed to pulse with a faint, eerie glow. The walls of the chamber were lined with intricate carvings depicting scenes of warriors, beasts, and mystical flames.
Saheli stepped forward to read the inscription, her voice echoing softly in the stillness. "To claim the Ethereal Flame, one must face the final challenge of truth. Only the most honest among you shall speak, and their answers shall determine your fate."
"It's got to be me," Subham said, stepping up to the pedestal. "I've always been honest, so it should be fine."
"Are you sure, Subham?" Ankan asked, concern evident in his voice. "This might be more intense than we think."
"Yeah," Subham replied confidently. "I can handle it."
A beam of light from above illuminated Subham, and a disembodied voice filled the chamber, reverberating with a deep, resonant tone. "Subham, you will be asked a series of questions. Answer truthfully, and you may proceed. If you lie, the consequences will be severe."
Subham nodded, feeling the weight of the moment and the gaze of his friends on his back.
"First question," the voice intoned. "What is your greatest fear?"
Subham took a deep breath. "Losing the people I care about."
"Next question. Have you ever lied to your friends?"
Subham thought for a moment. "Yes, but only to protect them."
"Have you ever killed anyone?"
Subham hesitated, then answered, "Yes, but they were already dead, turned by the souls."
"Do you regret your actions?"
Subham's voice was firm. "No. It was necessary to protect humanity."
The voice continued. "Do you believe you can save the world from the soul threat?"
Subham nodded. "Yes, I believe I can."
The voice paused, as if considering his answers, then proceeded. "Have you ever liked someone?"
Subham's friends held their breath. "Yes," he answered firmly.
"Do you still like her?" the voice continued.
"Yes," Subham replied, his voice steady.
"Have you ever told her?"
"Yes," Subham said.
"Did she accept your feelings?"
"I don't know," Subham admitted, his voice softening.
"Do you think you are worthy of her now?" the voice asked.
"No," Subham replied honestly, a hint of sadness in his tone.
There was a longer pause, and then the voice posed a final, optional question. "Choose: Kill your friends or die."
Before Saheli and Ankan could react, Subham responded without hesitation. "Die."
An invisible wall sprang up, separating Subham from his friends. "Subham!" Saheli screamed, pounding on the barrier. "No!"
Ancient warriors, forged from some unknown material, emerged from the shadows, their eyes glowing with a malevolent light. Subham stood his ground, ready to face them.
The first warrior lunged at him, and despite his strength, Subham struggled to defend himself. Their attacks were relentless, and one after another, blows landed on him. His body ached, and he began to falter, feeling his consciousness slip away.
"Am I going to die here?" Subham thought, his vision blurring.
Suddenly, a familiar, sinister voice echoed in his mind. "If you die here, who will save your friends from the souls? Are you willing to let them suffer?"
"No," Subham whispered. "I refuse."
A monstrous killing intent surged through him as his inner demon took control. Subham's eyes blazed with a feral light, and he roared with fury, launching himself at the warriors. He fought with a savagery that belied his human nature, each strike fueled by his inner demon's power.
Though the initial struggle was intense, Subham's strength and killing intent grew with each foe he felled. His movements became a blur of lethal precision, and the ancient warriors crumbled before his onslaught.
Finally, the last warrior fell, and the invisible wall vanished. A passage opened, revealing the Ethereal Flame's resting place. Subham's strength ebbed, and he collapsed, unconscious, as his friends rushed to his side.
Saheli and Ankan knelt beside him, tears streaming down their faces. "Subham, don't you dare do that again," Saheli scolded through her sobs.
Ankan nodded, his voice choked with emotion. "We're a team. We face everything together."
As Subham lay unconscious, his friends tended to his wounds, their hearts heavy with the knowledge of what he had endured for their sake. The path to the Ethereal Flame was clear, but the cost of their journey weighed heavily on them all.
When Subham finally came to, he found himself lying on a bedroll, his friends watching over him. "You're awake!" Saheli exclaimed, relief flooding her voice.
Subham managed a weak smile. "Yeah. How long was I out?"
"Only a few hours," Ankan replied. "But it felt like forever."
"We did it, though," Saheli said, her voice filled with determination. "We're almost there."
Subham nodded, feeling the weight of the Ethereal Flame's promise. "Let's finish this."
The trio, now more determined than ever, prepared to face whatever lay ahead. With the final challenge behind them, they knew that the true test of their resolve was just beginning.