We didn't get a moment to rest. The woman in red beckoned us forward, deeper into the mist, and though my muscles ached and my ribs throbbed with pain, I followed without hesitation. Yoon-Hee walked beside me, her face set in a mask of determination. I could see the weariness in her eyes, but she refused to show weakness.
The corridor ahead twisted downward, spiraling like a serpent's coil. The air grew colder, the stone beneath our feet slick and uneven. Strange whispers drifted through the mist — words I couldn't quite make out, but they sent a shiver down my spine.
"Where are we going?" Yoon-Hee asked in a low voice.
"The heart of the Serpent's Fang," the woman in red replied without turning. "Where those who seek power are judged."
Judged. The word lingered in my mind, heavy and ominous.
At last, we reached a massive iron door engraved with the image of a coiled serpent. The woman placed her hand against it, and with a low groan, the door swung inward. Beyond it lay a vast chamber lit by torches that cast long, flickering shadows. The floor was a mosaic of black and red stone, forming the image of a serpent devouring its own tail.
And at the far end of the chamber stood a throne — and the man who sat upon it.
He was tall and lean, his face hidden behind an ornate silver mask. His robes were black and crimson, embroidered with patterns of twisting snakes. Power radiated from him — a cold, suffocating aura that made the air heavy.
"The Fang Master," the woman in red whispered.
The Fang Master's voice was soft, but it filled the chamber like a hiss of wind through the trees. "You've survived the trials," he said. "But survival alone is not enough. Tell me — what do you seek?"
"Power," I said without hesitation. "Strength enough to protect my family and take control of my own fate."
There was a long silence. Then the Fang Master laughed — a cold, serpentine sound.
"Ambitious," he said. "But ambition without resolve is meaningless. Show me your resolve, boy."
The ground rumbled.
From the shadows at the edge of the chamber, a massive creature emerged. It was a serpent — but unlike any I had ever seen. Its scales were black as night, its eyes glowing with crimson light. Fangs longer than swords gleamed in its mouth, and the air around it pulsed with killing intent.
"A Shadowfang Viper," Yoon-Hee whispered, her voice tight with fear. "It's a monster…"
The viper struck.
I moved on instinct, diving aside as its massive head crashed down where I'd been standing. Stone shattered beneath its weight, and the air filled with dust. My sword flashed, slicing toward its neck — but the viper was fast. Too fast. It twisted away, and my blade struck empty air.
"Keep moving!" I shouted, and Yoon-Hee darted to the side, circling the beast.
The viper lunged at me again, its fangs gleaming. I met it head-on, my sword slashing in a tight arc. Steel met scale, and sparks flew — but my blade barely left a scratch.
Damn.
The viper hissed, coiling back. Its eyes locked onto me, and I felt a surge of killing intent. It struck again — faster than before — and I barely managed to dodge.
But it was learning my movements. I wouldn't last long at this rate.
"Yoon-Hee!" I called. "Go for its eyes!"
She didn't hesitate. With a burst of speed, she closed the distance, her dagger flashing. The viper twisted toward her — but I was already moving.
My sword struck its side, drawing a thin line of blood. The viper roared, turning back to me — and Yoon-Hee's dagger found its mark.
The viper shrieked, rearing back. Blood poured from its ruined eye, and I saw my chance.
I moved, faster than I ever had before. My sword lashed out in a series of precise, brutal strikes — targeting the wounds we'd already made. The viper thrashed, but I didn't let up.
And then, with a final, desperate lunge, I drove my sword into its throat.
The viper fell.
The chamber was silent except for the sound of my breathing.
When I looked up, the Fang Master was watching me.
"Impressive," he said softly. "But the trials are far from over."