In the previous chapter, Solomon, driven by his unyielding determination, began practising the ancient cultivation method inscribed on the central stone platform. His resolve to grow stronger and protect the Continent of Glory led him to take this pivotal step, despite the ominous atmosphere of the ruins surrounding him.
Clad in a sleek black combat outfit, Solomon stood tall beside the platform, his eyes tightly shut and his brow furrowed. His breathing grew heavy as the chaotic energy coursed through him. A powerful and mysterious force stirred within his body, like a dormant beast awakening, surging and roaring through his veins. It was a wild, primal energy, one that carried immense power but also grave peril, threatening to overwhelm him at any moment.
"This energy… it's too overwhelming. A single mistake, and I'll be beyond saving," Solomon thought to himself, his body trembling under the strain. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, dripping steadily onto the cold, hard ground beneath him.
By his side stood Princess Liana, her elegant white gown contrasting sharply with the perilous surroundings. She was like a blossoming lily amidst the ruins, fragile yet resolute. Her eyes glimmered with worry and devotion as she watched over Solomon. "You must stay strong, Solomon. I'll remain here with you," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly with the weight of her concern.
"I can sense the danger of this energy, but I must master it," Solomon replied, his voice hoarse but resolute. "The Continent of Glory needs me to become stronger."
"I believe in you, Solomon," Liana said softly, raising her hands as a gentle blue light enveloped them. The light radiated warmth and peace, like the first rays of spring sunlight piercing through the cold. Carefully, she channelled her soothing energy into Solomon's body, attempting to stabilise his turbulent mind and suppress the force threatening to consume him.
With Liana's support, Solomon slowly sank deeper into his state of cultivation. His breathing steadied, and the once-chaotic energy within him began to flow in a more harmonious rhythm. It was a process fraught with pain—each cycle of energy felt like needles piercing his body. Yet Solomon gritted his teeth and endured, his iron will driving him forward.
"This is it… I think I'm starting to grasp the essence of this technique," Solomon thought, a faint smile of relief forming on his lips. A golden glow began to emanate from his body, softly shimmering like starlight, resonating with the energy within him. It was as though an ancient dialogue was unfolding between his own life force and the natural energy surrounding him.
After what felt like an eternity, Solomon opened his eyes, which now sparkled with a newfound brilliance. His gaze was firm and confident, his presence radiating power. "I've done it! My strength has advanced significantly, and my Holy Battle Aura has grown even more refined," he announced, his voice trembling with exhilaration.
"Solomon, you did it!" Liana cried, her eyes brimming with tears of joy. Unable to contain her emotions, she threw her arms around him, her worries melting away into unrestrained happiness. The members of the expedition team gathered around them, their faces lighting up with admiration and excitement.
"Lord Solomon, you're truly incredible!" exclaimed a young warrior from the Victoria family, his voice filled with awe.
"With you leading us, we'll surely uncover even greater treasures!" added a mage from the Holy Light Temple, his tone brimming with confidence.
But their celebration was short-lived. Without warning, a violent tremor shook the ruins. The once-quiet chamber erupted into chaos as deep cracks tore through the walls and ceiling, like gaping mouths opening to swallow the unwary. Massive stones fell from above, slamming into the ground with thunderous force. The very foundation of the ruins seemed to groan in agony, as if the structure were being wrenched apart.
"What's happening?!" one of the team members cried out, his face pale with fear.
Solomon's sharp instincts kicked in. He quickly surveyed their surroundings, his expression darkening. "The ruins are collapsing. We have no time to waste—find the exit immediately!" His voice was steady, cutting through the panic and bringing a semblance of order to the chaos.
"Don't panic! Stick close to Lord Solomon, and we'll make it out!" a Victoria family warrior shouted, brandishing his weapon as though trying to shield his companions from both falling debris and fear itself.
"That's right! Stay calm and keep together!" Solomon commanded, leading the group through the crumbling ruins. Every step was fraught with danger, the ground shifting beneath them, and jagged rocks threatening to block their path.
As the tremors grew more violent, the passages ahead became increasingly treacherous. A massive boulder crashed down, sealing off their route. Its surface gleamed with strange, flickering runes, almost as if mocking their plight.
"What now? The path's completely blocked!" a panicked adventurer exclaimed, his voice tinged with despair.
"Don't lose hope. There must be another way," Solomon replied, his voice calm but firm. His sharp eyes darted around, analysing every crack and shadow in search of an alternative escape.
At that moment, a deep, resonant rumble echoed from the depths of the ruins. The sound was like the ominous beating of a colossal drum, each thud striking fear into the hearts of the expedition members. It was as if an ancient force was awakening, its power growing stronger with every passing second.
"What is that noise? It feels… terrifying," murmured a mage, his voice shaking as he gripped his staff tightly, his knuckles white with tension.
Solomon remained silent, his brow furrowed in concentration. He could feel the weight of the unseen threat pressing down on them, a warning of something far more dangerous lurking within the ruins.
Time was running out. The ruins were on the verge of complete collapse, and the mysterious sound from the depths hinted at an even greater peril. Would Solomon's leadership and the team's resilience be enough to navigate this crisis and escape the ruins alive? Or would they fall victim to the forces of destruction closing in around them?
As the tremors intensified and the air grew thick with uncertainty, the fate of the expedition hung precariously in the balance. The ruins' secrets, their dangers, and their promises of power had become an inescapable trial for Solomon and his team. Their only choice now was to face the unknown with courage and unwavering determination.