The glow of the archway bathed Daniel and Mira in its soft, otherworldly light. Beyond it lay a swirling vortex of energy, an opaque barrier that obscured whatever lay ahead. The remnants of their battle against the Abyssal Guardian lingered in the air, but the path forward beckoned with an unrelenting pull.
[Congratulations. You have passed the Trial of Resilience: Stage One.]
[Prepare to enter the Abyssal Gateway: Stage Two – The Endless Depths.]
Daniel stared at the archway, his grip on the Fragment of Insight tightening. "The Endless Depths? That doesn't sound any better than what we just went through."
Mira sheathed her blade, her breathing still labored from the intense fight. "Better or not, it's the only way forward. Unless you want to turn back?"
Daniel let out a dry laugh. "Not after everything we've been through." He took a cautious step toward the archway. "Let's hope Stage Two doesn't involve another giant Guardian trying to squash us."
