The ethereal landscape shimmered with vibrant colors, distorting the world around them as if reality itself was bending under the weight of magic.
Cruzer and Elara stood side by side, their hands hovering near their weapons as they listened to the mysterious voice reverberating through the strange realm.
"We've come this far," Cruzer muttered, his gaze scanning the endless horizon of swirling colors. "No point in turning back now."
Elara nodded, though the apprehension was clear in her eyes. "Whatever this trial is, we need to be ready. Something tells me this is more than just a test of strength."
Before they could dwell on it further, the shimmering ground beneath them began to shift. Slowly, the translucent material formed into a wide, circular arena.
At the center, a massive stone altar emerged, pulsating with the same otherworldly energy they had felt from the artifact.
