Chapter 72 - Trials (IX)

Arden stood at the edge of the maw of oblivion, the same first trial that Valcroy and Erik went through, staring into the abyss below. His entire body shuddered, an involuntary response to the oppressive darkness that seemed to swirl around and within. The void wasn't merely the absence of light—it felt like it was a living thing, tangible and suffocating, exuding an air of dread that gnawed at the minds of all who gazed into it. The edges of the pit were slick with a strange blackened substance, and from within, a faint, almost imperceptible sound echoed up—like the whisper of something ancient and unseen, calling them down, promising nothing but despair.