Erwin's body tensed as he stepped out of the portal, his senses sharp and his movements cautious. The unsettling sensation of falling dissipated, replaced by the firmness of solid ground beneath his boots. He staggered slightly, quickly regaining his balance as his eyes swept across his new surroundings.
Stretching before him was a desolate, rocky wasteland, barren of any signs of life. The sky above was a deep crimson, its eerie glow bathing the jagged cliffs and fractured terrain in an unnatural light. Wisps of fog snaked along the ground, their movements ghostlike as they curled and vanished into the still air. Far in the distance, jagged peaks pierced the horizon, their razor edges stark against the blood-red sky.
The cold air bit into his skin, carrying with it a metallic tang that lingered unpleasantly in his mouth and throat. Each breath stung, as though he were inhaling shards of ice. The oppressive silence that surrounded him was unnerving, heavy with an unspoken presence that seemed to watch him from every shadow. Occasionally, the sound of shifting stones broke the stillness, but it only served to heighten the unsettling atmosphere.
"What… is this place?" Erwin muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible in the dead air.
As if responding to his question, the ground beneath him trembled. Stone tiles began to rise from the fog, sliding into place with a grating sound. They formed a pathway ahead, twisting and turning into a labyrinth of glowing tiles. Each one was etched with strange symbols that shimmered faintly, their patterns shifting like a pulse. Though the symbols were alien, they radiated a sense of purpose, as though they weren't just there for decoration.
A thunderous clang shattered the silence, drawing Erwin's attention to a massive, rusted gate that seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. It stretched high into the crimson sky, its corroded surface marred with deep scratches and scars. Chains as thick as tree trunks dangled from its sides, rattling softly in the cold wind. With a groan of protest, the gate began to open, revealing a dark corridor beyond, its towering walls made of jagged obsidian.
A voice boomed out of the void, deep and resonant, each word heavy with authority. It was a sound that rumbled through the air like a distant storm.
"Welcome, Unchosen. Your trial begins now. Survive. Outwit. Prevail."
Erwin's fists clenched at the word "Unchosen." It wasn't just a title—it was a mockery, a reminder that he was different. Unlike others, he had no system to guide him, no special abilities to rely on. But as anger flared, so did his determination. He might be without powers, but his mind was sharp, and he intended to use it.
The gate groaned fully open, and from the darkness emerged a figure, its silhouette monstrous in the crimson light. As it stepped forward, its grotesque form became clear.
It was humanoid but twisted beyond recognition. Its elongated limbs looked unnaturally sinewy, its charred-gray skin cracked and mottled like burned flesh. Glowing yellow eyes burned in its sunken face, unblinking and filled with hunger. A spiked chain trailed behind it, dragging along the stone tiles with a grating screech that made Erwin's skin crawl.
The creature moved slowly, its steps deliberate, like a predator savoring the moment before it struck. A guttural growl rumbled from its throat, vibrating in the air around Erwin and sending a shiver down his spine.
"Think, Erwin. Stay calm," he whispered, his breath fogging in the icy air. His eyes darted to the glowing tiles beneath his feet, studying their shifting symbols. He had no weapons, no tools. His only chance lay in understanding the environment.
The creature stepped closer, its spiked chain swinging lazily at its side. The jagged metal glinted ominously in the dim light. Erwin quickly assessed its reach and realized he couldn't afford to stay in its range for long.
He shifted his gaze to the tiles again, noting their patterns and the way some glowed brighter than others. They seemed purposeful, like they were more than just part of the scenery. A thought formed—a gamble.
If these symbols aren't just for show, they might be traps.
Without hesitation, Erwin moved, zigzagging across the tiles in an attempt to confuse the creature. The beast snarled and lashed out, its chain sweeping through the air with a sound like a whip cracking. Erwin ducked and rolled, the chain narrowly missing his head. He scrambled to his feet and stomped on a tile with an intricate design. Nothing happened.
"Damn it," he hissed, retreating as the creature lunged forward, its movements faster now.
Desperation drove him to act. He grabbed a loose piece of debris and hurled it at another glowing tile. This time, the symbol flared brightly, and a jet of flame erupted, engulfing the creature's arm. It howled in pain, its guttural roar echoing across the wasteland.
Erwin allowed himself a brief moment of triumph. "So, they are traps," he muttered, his heart pounding. But his victory was short-lived. The creature recovered quickly, its movements now erratic and aggressive. It swung its chain wildly, forcing Erwin to keep moving.
He studied its attacks, noticing a slight pause after each failed strike. It was a small opening, but it was something he could exploit.
Erwin baited the creature, stepping into its range before darting back. Predictably, it lashed out, the chain slamming into the ground where he'd just been. In that brief hesitation, Erwin moved quickly, stomping on another glowing tile. The ground rumbled, and jagged spikes shot up, impaling the creature's legs. It let out a piercing scream, its body thrashing as it tried to break free.
Without waiting, Erwin grabbed another chunk of debris and smashed it against the creature's injured leg. With a final, guttural growl, the beast collapsed, its body disintegrating into black mist.
Erwin stumbled back, breathing heavily. His body trembled as the adrenaline began to fade, leaving him acutely aware of his exhaustion. The glowing tiles dimmed, and the gate ahead creaked open further, revealing another dark corridor.
The voice returned, colder this time.
"Impressive. But this is only the beginning. Continue, or perish."
Erwin wiped the sweat from his brow and glanced at his bleeding palms. He wasn't a warrior, but he wasn't helpless. He had his mind, and that would have to be enough.
Straightening his posture, he locked his gaze on the path ahead. "If this is all you've got, I'll find a way through. One step at a time."
"All of this is very new to me. And extremely unnatural. But as the case my be, I may not make it out of here alive if I don't go through that door." His voice firm and resonating.