The newly opened corridor stretched deep into the ancient temple.
Dim golden runes illuminated the stone walls, casting long shadows that twisted across the ground as the challengers walked forward. The air inside the ruins had grown colder, heavier—almost as if the temple itself were breathing slowly around them.
Aether walked quietly at the front of the group.
Beside him, the Flame Sovereign Pup moved with silent confidence, its twin flame tails swaying gently behind it. The beast's golden eyes scanned every corner of the corridor.
Behind them followed the other challengers.
Rylan walked a few steps behind Aether, while the female adventurer—who had earlier summoned the shadow panther—kept to the side, observing everyone carefully.
Lucien walked last.
His expression remained calm, but his eyes constantly shifted toward Aether with undisguised hostility.
The second trial had ended.
But it had only deepened the rivalry growing inside the ruins.
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