The chamber was silent as the mist slowly dissipated, the cold gradually retreating. Cruzer knew that whatever power lay within the orb, it was not something to be taken lightly. But he also understood that it was a necessary step on his journey.
Carefully, he placed the orb into his system's storage space, feeling its chilling presence even through the thick fabric.
As he turned to leave the chamber, the path forward revealed itself—another passage leading deeper into the catacombs, to the ninth floor.
Cruzer squared his shoulders, the weight of the orb a constant reminder of the choice he had made, and began his descent. The challenges ahead would be greater than any he had faced before, but he was ready. Whatever awaited him on the ninth floor, he would meet it head-on.
