A New Path
The door ahead was massive, engraved with symbols neither of them could recognize. Simon touched it, feeling a faint vibration.
"This isn't just a door," he said. "It's reacting."
"Reacting?" Adelina echoed, stepping closer.
"It's waiting for us," he explained. "Or testing us."
"Then what do we do?"
Simon took a deep breath, his instincts telling him that brute force wouldn't work.
"It's a trial."
He extended his hand, releasing a small flame. The fire touched the door's surface, and it began to open slowly, emitting a low, resonant sound.
"It worked," Adelina said, though her voice trembled.
"It's not over yet," he replied, feeling a wave of energy emanating from the now-open passage.
---
Heart of the Darkness
The space beyond the door resembled a labyrinth. The walls pulsed with a faint light, as if blood flowed through them. The air was thick, filled with a strange metallic scent.
"This place... it's alive," Adelina whispered, glancing around.
Simon didn't respond. He felt the weight of the darkness pressing against him, as if the Abyss itself resented their presence.
"Be careful," he warned. "This place isn't just hiding enemies; it could be a trap itself."
Each step was accompanied by a faint whisper emanating from the walls. The whispers grew louder, as though voices were arguing among themselves.
"Do you hear that?" Adelina asked, her hand trembling on her weapon.
"It's not voices," he said. "It's thoughts."
"Whose thoughts?"
"Those who came here before us."
---
The Trial
Their path led to a circular platform, at the center of which stood a figure cloaked in shadow.
"You have come..." the figure spoke, its voice deep and resonating as if from the Abyss itself.
"Who are you?" Simon demanded, raising his weapon.
"I am the one who has always been here. I am the eye of this darkness."
The figure raised its hand, and the space around them shifted. The walls vanished, replaced by an infinite void.
"You seek answers, but are you prepared to pay the price?"
"We won't back down," Adelina said firmly, stepping forward.
"Then prove it."
---
Battle with Shadows
The figure extended its hands, and distorted figures began to emerge from the void. Adelina froze, seeing an image of her sister before her.
"This can't be..."
"It's an illusion," Simon reminded her, trying to remain calm.
But the shadows weren't mere reflections. They attacked, forcing the pair to fight.
Simon felt his fire weakening, as if the darkness was draining his strength.
"This darkness feeds on our weakness," he said.
"Then how do we defeat it?"
"By overcoming it."
Simon focused, feeling a spark ignite within him, fueled not by fear but by determination.
---
Victory
The fire flared brighter, filling the void with light. The shadows recoiled, screaming in pain.
"You did it," Adelina gasped, leaning on her sword.
"It's not over," Simon said, staring at the central figure.
The figure stepped back, its voice now less assured:
"You passed the trial, but it will not save you. The Abyss forgives nothing."
The figure vanished, leaving them once again in the hall, surrounded by silence.
"We have to keep moving," Simon said.
"But where will it lead?"
"To the truth."