The world around Rodensky and Emmanuel shifted as they stepped through the shimmering portal. The air grew heavier, tinged with the acrid smell of sulfur and smoke. They found themselves in a vast, scorched wasteland. Blackened earth stretched out endlessly, broken only by jagged rock formations and streams of molten lava that crisscrossed the landscape.
The system's voice echoed in their ears:
"Welcome to the Fourth Floor. The Gauntlet begins now."
A map materialized before them, showing a path marked with glowing waypoints. At the end of the path, a towering silhouette loomed—a fortress shrouded in dark clouds.
"Objective: Reach the fortress and defeat the Gatekeeper. Reward: Skill enhancements and a key to ascend to the Fifth Floor. Penalty for failure: Death."
Rodensky tightened his grip on his sword. "Death? They really aren't holding back anymore."
Emmanuel smirked, his fangs glinting faintly in the dim light. "We've made it this far. No point turning back now."
---
The First Challenge: Trial by Fire
The duo barely took a step before the ground trembled beneath their feet. Cracks snaked across the earth, and from the molten streams emerged fiery creatures. Hulking beasts with glowing eyes and magma-coated skin lumbered toward them.
"Warning: Infernal Ravagers detected. Estimated difficulty: Intermediate."
Rodensky activated his Tame skill out of reflex, but the system flashed a notification:
"Tame skill unavailable. Beast and other creatures in the training hall can't be tamed."
"Guess we're doing this the hard way," he muttered, drawing his blade.
Emmanuel's blood tendrils whipped into action, slicing through the air with precision. "Keep them off my back—I'll handle the ones on the left!"
The Infernal Ravagers charged, their molten claws leaving fiery trails in the air. Rodensky darted forward, his agility enhanced by his elf bloodline, making him a blur as he dodged their strikes. He countered with a series of precise slashes, his blade cutting through their molten hides with effort.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel unleashed his vampiric abilities. His tendrils latched onto one Ravager, draining its energy while simultaneously fueling his strength. When another lunged at him, he spun, using the blood he'd absorbed to form a protective barrier that deflected the attack.
Despite their coordination, the heat and intensity of the battle began to wear them down.
Rodensky panted as he sidestepped another attack. "There's no end to these things!"
Emmanuel grinned, wiping ash from his face. "We just need to keep moving. The map says the waypoint isn't far."
With one final burst of effort, they dispatched the remaining Ravagers and sprinted toward the first waypoint.
---
The Second Challenge: The Spirit Grove
The landscape changed abruptly as they crossed into the next zone. The scorched wasteland gave way to a grove of towering, crystalline trees. The air was cool and filled with an eerie silence, broken only by the soft hum of the glowing crystals.
"Warning: Spirit Guardians detected. Estimated difficulty: Advanced."
Rodensky stopped to catch his breath. "Great. From fire to who knows what."
As if on cue, figures emerged from the trees. They were humanoid but translucent, their forms flickering with ethereal light. Each carried a weapon made of the same crystalline material as the trees.
The Guardians moved in unison, their steps soundless but deliberate. One raised its weapon, and the others followed, surrounding the duo in a perfect circle.
Rodensky's instincts flared. "These guys aren't like the last ones. Be careful."
Emmanuel nodded, his usual smirk replaced with a serious expression. "Let's test something."
He lashed out with a blood tendril, but as soon as it made contact with one of the Guardians, it passed through harmlessly. The Guardian didn't even flinch.
Rodensky gritted his teeth. "Physical attacks might not work."
He activated his Status Window to review his skills:
Passive Skill: Nature's Grace
Boosts agility and healing in natural environments.
Active Skill: Spirit Bond
Enhances communication and understanding with spirits.
"I've got an idea," Rodensky said. Closing his eyes, he focused on his bond with the surrounding spirits. The grove seemed to pulse in response, the crystals glowing brighter.
One of the Guardians hesitated, lowering its weapon slightly.
"They're not here to kill us," Rodensky said. "They're testing us. We need to prove we're worthy."
Emmanuel raised an eyebrow. "And how do we do that? Sing them a song?"
"Follow my lead."
Rodensky sheathed his weapon and stepped forward, his hands raised in a gesture of peace. The nearest Guardian tilted its head, studying him. Slowly, it lowered its weapon entirely.
Emmanuel hesitated but followed suit, retracting his tendrils. The Guardians exchanged glances, their movements fluid and synchronized.
The leader of the group stepped forward, extending a crystalline hand. A beam of light shot from its palm, striking the ground in front of Rodensky. When the light faded, it revealed a small pedestal holding a glowing orb.
Rodensky picked up the orb, and the system's voice chimed:
"Challenge complete. Spirit Grove Orb acquired. Proceed to the next waypoint."
Emmanuel smirked. "Looks like we're not just brutes after all."
---
The Path to the Fourth Floor's Boss
As they approached the fortress, the challenges grew fiercer. They faced a gauntlet of traps, puzzles, and battles, each more grueling than the last. The heat of the Infernal Ravagers and the calm precision of the Spirit Guardians seemed like distant memories compared to the trials ahead.
Finally, they stood before the gates of the fortress. The towering structure radiated an oppressive aura, and a massive, armored figure loomed in the shadows.
The system announced:
"Final challenge of the Fourth Floor: The Gatekeeper."
Rodensky and Emmanuel exchanged a determined look, ready to face whatever came next.