Silence. An overwhelming silence that pressed against his ears, suffocating his thoughts.
He opened his eyes—or at least he thought he did. Darkness. Thick, impenetrable darkness surrounded him, leaving him unsure if he was awake or still dreaming.
His hands trembled as they brushed against a surface above him. Wood. Cold, rough wood.
"Where am I?"
The realization hit like a hammer to the chest. He reached upward and felt the confined space around him. His breathing quickened, panic seeping into his veins.
THUMP. THUMP. THUMP.
He pounded on the wooden barrier above him.
"Let me out! Someone! Anyone!"
The silence swallowed his cries, mocking his desperation.
He struck again, harder this time, his fists slamming into the unyielding wood. Pain shot through his hands, but he ignored it, hammering the barrier until his knuckles bled.
THUMP-THUMP-THUMP!
His breath grew ragged, his strength fading. And then he heard it.
Creeeeak.
A faint, eerie sound. His heart froze as it echoed through the darkness.
"Who's there?!"
The creaking turned into a deep groan, like the shifting of ancient wood. The air around him vibrated, and the wooden surface above began to splinter.
CRACK. BOOM!
The barrier gave way, and he fell—downward into a void that seemed to have no end. Wind howled around him, and his body twisted in the freefall.
When he hit the ground, the impact knocked the air from his lungs. The cold stone beneath him was unyielding, and his body screamed in pain.
A dim light shone above him, illuminating a cavernous space. The walls, covered in strange runes and symbols, pulsed faintly, casting eerie shadows. A low, resonant hum filled the air.
"Where... am I?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.
A deep, otherworldly voice answered, echoing through the chamber.
"You are dead."
His eyes widened, fear gripping his chest.
"Dead? What are you talking about?!"
"This is the Trial of Darkness," the voice continued, calm yet menacing. "A place between life and death. You have been chosen."
"Chosen for what?!"
"To prove your worth. To face your fears. To uncover the truth."
A massive door materialized before him, carved from black stone and wreathed in mist. Strange symbols glowed faintly on its surface.
"And if I fail?" he asked, his voice trembling.
The voice responded with chilling finality. "Then you will remain here. Forever."
The door creaked open, revealing an impenetrable darkness within. A cold wind rushed out, sending shivers down his spine.
"Enter," the voice commanded.
He hesitated, his fists clenched. Fear clawed at his mind, but something deeper pushed him forward. A faint memory, a voice he couldn't place, whispered in his ears.
"You cannot give up."
He stepped through the doorway, leaving behind the light.
SLAM.
The door shut behind him, sealing his fate.