[LEVEL 2: CRYPT OF FALLEN CHAMPIONS - 8:47 PM]
Thirty minutes of rest had passed too quickly.
Alex stood up, feeling every muscle protest. The Bone Knight had hit harder than expected, and despite the potions, he still felt the impact resonating in his bones.
"Time," Seraph announced, checking her watch. "Level 2 awaits."
The team regrouped, checked equipment one last time, and began the descent down the stairs.
The stairs were narrow—only wide enough for one person at a time—and spiraled down for what felt like an eternity. Fifty steps. One hundred. One hundred fifty.
The temperature dropped with each step. The air grew heavier, harder to breathe.
Finally, the stairs ended at an iron door engraved with text in an ancient language.
Maya leaned closer, reading. "It says... 'Here lie those who sought glory. They found only death. Let their failures be a lesson.'"
"Lovely," Raven muttered.
Alex pushed the door open.
