As they stepped through the shattered remains of the gate, the chamber before them came into view. It was breathtaking—a cathedral of stone and artistry. Towering statues of knights locked in eternal battle lined the walls, their weapons raised mid-strike, their gleaming armor capturing the dim light like they might spring to life at any moment. At the center stood a marble tableau—a scene of a brutal melee frozen in time, the combatants' faces contorted in fury and despair.
"This must have taken years to create," Amgis said, his voice tinged with awe as he surveyed the masterful work. Then, with a smirk, he added, "I wouldn't have the time to finish even one of these."
"You wouldn't have the patience," Clay quipped, his eyes scanning the room. His focus lingered on the statues, tracing the intricate detail of their expressions, as if expecting one of them to move. "Besides, this isn't just art. Something about this place feels... wrong."
Theos said nothing, his gaze fixed on the marble battlefield. A weight pressed down on him, thick and stifling, as if the room itself were alive and watching. The stillness wasn't the kind of peace found in empty spaces—it was the eerie calm before disaster.
"Stay alert," Theos finally said, his voice low but commanding. "Things like this aren't just here for decoration."
As they stepped further into the room, a faint metallic scent reached Theos' nose. His sharp eyes caught a smear on the marble floor—dark, almost black. Dried blood. He knelt, his fingers hovering just above it.
"This isn't right," Theos muttered. "This isn't just artwork."
Amgis raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, 'not artwork'?"
Theos straightened, his voice firm but tense. "What if these statues weren't always statues? What if... they were alive? Look at the details—the expressions, the movement, the blood. Something froze them in the middle of battle."
The group exchanged uneasy glances. Clay's hand drifted to his longsword. "If that's true," he said, "then whatever did this might still be here."
A thunderous crash shattered the uneasy silence. The walls shook violently, cracks spreading through the marble like veins. Dust and debris filled the air, and then—emerging from the chaos—a monstrous figure stepped forward.
The beast towered above them, its scaled body glistening in the dim light, each movement rippling with raw power. Its eyes, glowing like molten gold, locked onto the group, radiating intelligence and malice. From its gaping maw dripped a viscous black liquid that hissed as it hit the ground.
Theos' breath caught in his throat. His mind raced. This isn't just a level 4. It's beyond that.
"We can't fight this," Theos said, his voice tight with fear. "Not alone. Not together. We'll be slaughtered."
Amgis stepped forward, his greatsword gleaming as he raised it in defiance. "We're a team," he said firmly. "Together, we've got a chance. We don't run."
Clay nodded, his sword already drawn. "Better to face it here than let it hunt us down later."
Theos looked at them, their resolve unshaken. His fear clashed with a growing sense of hope. He drew a deep breath, summoning his twin blades. One blade radiated brilliant light, a beacon of hope, while the other pulsed with shadow, reflecting the darkness in his heart.
"I've got five minutes," Theos said, his voice steady now. "No more. I'll keep it occupied. You two prepare a combined strike strong enough to end this. Timing is everything."
Amgis smirked. "We won't let you down."
Clay gave a quick nod, his focus narrowing on the beast. "Just don't die, Theos. That'd ruin the plan."
Without hesitation, Theos charged forward, twin blades blazing. The beast roared, shaking the ground as it met him head-on. Each swing of his swords was deliberate, precise, keeping the creature's attention on him. Shadows trailed behind one blade, while the other burned with blinding light.
The monster lashed out with claws the size of swords, missing by inches as Theos twisted and darted around its massive form. His muscles screamed with effort, but he didn't stop. He couldn't. Every second bought his team more time.
"Anytime now!" Theos yelled, ducking under a swipe that could've taken his head off.
"Almost there!" Amgis shouted, his greatsword glowing as he poured his energy into the strike.
"Just hold on!" Clay added, arcs of lightning sparking from his blade.
But then the beast did something Theos hadn't expected. Thick, black liquid seeped from its body, spreading across the ground. Theos jumped back, but the venomous substance moved like it had a will of its own. It latched onto his feet, anchoring him in place.
Panic surged as the beast's molten eyes locked onto him. Its massive jaw opened wide, revealing rows of jagged teeth. Theos struggled against the venom's grip, his heart pounding.
"Now!" he roared, his voice desperate. "Do it now!"
Amgis and Clay unleashed their attack, a devastating fusion of energy and lightning that tore through the air. The chamber shook violently, the sheer force of their combined strike blasting the beast off its feet. Theos shielded his eyes as the explosion consumed the room, the shockwave rattling his bones.
When the dust settled, the beast lay motionless, its body torn open, dark blood pooling around it. Its monstrous aura was gone. The oppressive weight that had suffocated the room lifted.
Amgis let out a shaky laugh. "We did it. We actually did it."
Clay wiped sweat from his brow, his voice dry but relieved. "Barely."
Theos approached the fallen creature, his blades flickering before vanishing into wisps of light and shadow. He stared at the beast, his heart still racing. "It's over," he said, though his voice carried a note of caution. "But this trial… it's just the beginning."