Elu took a deep breath and entered the dungeon, intent on finding her brother. Yet, as soon as she entered, chains along the walls seemed to sense her presence and reacted violently, coiling around her. They tightened for a moment as if they were testing her, then suddenly recoiled and flung her out of the dungeon entirely. Gasping and disoriented, she stumbled to her feet, watching in disbelief as the entrance disappeared before her. It was as if the dungeon itself had rejected her.
Inside, Adam was alone. The dark corridors twisted endlessly, shadows moving in unnatural ways, forming ghostly figures that seemed intent on blocking his path. He could feel the weight of each step and sensed a strange force testing him, pushing him to prove his worth. Whispers filled the air, warning him that only those strong enough could survive here. Adam pressed on, each trial forcing him to confront the dungeon's essence—a power bound by chains and darkness, bearing the legacy of the long-lost Chained God.
The Chained God was a legendary figure, known for his dominion over fire and death, and for wielding powers that bordered on the incomprehensible. His mastery of dark arts, his ability to shape souls and manipulate reality, had once made him a force feared across realms. Within this dungeon, traces of his power lingered, manifesting as relentless challenges for Adam to overcome. The deeper Adam ventured, the more he felt the daunting presence of the Chained God, calling to him from within the heart of the dungeon, promising him strength if he could withstand the trials.
Amon's Path to Oz and the Guardian of the Wind
Meanwhile, Amon was lost in his own thoughts as he traveled toward the Kingdom of Oz, replaying everything that had happened. Adam's disappearance and Elu going into the dungeon alone to find him weighed heavily on him, stirring conflicting feelings about his family. In the back of his mind, his father's words echoed—their mother's influence, he wondered, could it be holding them back from reaching their true potential?
Suddenly, a low growl snapped him back to the present. Five wolves emerged from the shadows, circling him, their eyes gleaming with an intense, animal hunger. Amon drew himself up, ready to defend himself, but then he sensed something far more formidable approaching. Emerging from the darkness, an enormous wolf with fur like a storm cloud stood before him. Its presence commanded the air around it, whipping up fierce gusts of wind.
Amon recognized it instantly—the Guardian of the Wind, an Elite Grade beast known as one of the strongest creatures in the area. This creature was renowned for its mastery over the wind, a fierce and cunning opponent who could test even the strongest fighters. Amon's heart pounded. He knew this wasn't just a simple encounter; it was a trial in itself. The Guardian of the Wind moved closer, the air charged with a sense of impending battle.
Adam took a deep breath, steadying himself as he ventured further into the dungeon's ominous depths. The oppressive silence was broken only by the occasional sound of dripping water echoing from unseen caverns. Shadows twisted along the walls, and the path seemed endless, each step leading him deeper into the unknown.
Then, he arrived at a massive, dimly lit chamber. The walls were marked with strange runes, glowing faintly as if they held remnants of ancient power. In the center of the chamber, an inscription carved into the stone read, "Only the strong may proceed. Prove your worth or be consumed."
A rumble echoed through the air as stone walls shifted and a figure emerged—a giant, armored being with burning red eyes. Its body radiated an overwhelming aura of raw, unrestrained power. Adam could feel it pressing down on him, heavy and almost suffocating.
This was the Trial of Strength.
The creature was a manifestation of the Chained God's own physical might, created to test those who dared to seek his power. Its armor was layered in dark, cracked metal, with ethereal chains snaking around its limbs, as if bound by the remnants of the dungeon's ancient curse. Without warning, the figure raised a colossal sword, swinging it down at Adam with devastating force. Adam barely dodged in time, the blade slamming into the ground and sending a shockwave through the chamber, splintering stone and stirring clouds of dust.
This was no ordinary opponent. The creature's strength was boundless, each blow powerful enough to reduce anyone to nothing. Adam could feel the dungeon testing his limits, pressing him to rise to the occasion or be crushed. He focused his mind, drawing on every ounce of his training and willpower. He knew that to survive, he couldn't rely on defense alone—he'd have to fight back with everything he had.
The creature lunged again, its movements faster than its massive frame suggested. Adam was forced to rely on instinct, evading strikes that could shatter mountains. He knew he'd have to turn the tides if he wanted to stand a chance. Summoning a wave of magic, he lashed out with a powerful energy blast, forcing the creature to stagger. But as soon as it stumbled, it roared and resumed its assault, seemingly unfazed.
The trial demanded more than just endurance; it required relentless resilience, the ability to push beyond one's limits. With every attack he endured and every counter he landed, Adam felt his strength awakening, adapting, and sharpening. The dungeon was challenging his very essence, forcing him to grow stronger, faster, and fiercer with each moment.
Adam knew this was only the beginning, that countless trials still awaited him deeper within. But as the Trial of Strength reached its crescendo, he felt a strange sense of resolve building within him—a sense that he could overcome anything, so long as he kept moving forward.