The newly revealed passage stretched before them, a dark void leading into the unknown. A strange chill seeped from its depths, making Lina instinctively wrap her arms around herself. The stone walls, covered in ancient carvings, emitted a faint blue glow, as if responding to their presence.
Marlon: (Whispering) "I have a very bad feeling about this."
Meric: (Determined) "We've come this far. Turning back is not an option."
Lina cautiously stepped into the passage. The stone beneath her feet trembled slightly, as if some unseen force was aware of their presence. Silence became suffocating, broken only by the distant sound of dripping water echoing through the corridor.
Then, a deep and resonant whisper emerged from the darkness. It spoke in a language none of them understood. Lina's breath hitched—she had heard this voice before. But where?
Lina: (Uneasy) "This voice… It sounds familiar…"
Marlon: (Stepping back) "Now is not the time to figure that out. If someone's whispering, that means we're not alone!"
Suddenly, the blue glow retreated from the walls, plunging them into complete darkness. Heavy footsteps echoed from deep within the passage. The ground shook slightly with each step, sending a shiver down their spines.
Meric: (In a low voice) "Get ready… This is a test."
A silhouette emerged from the darkness—taller than any human, clad in ancient armor. Its face was obscured, but the massive sword and shield it carried made its purpose clear. The symbols on the stone walls flared to life, glowing as if awakened by the entity's presence.
Guardian: (In a deep, echoing voice) "Those who enter… must pass the trial… or remain here forever."
The three of them held their breath. A trial—but what kind? The guardian struck its sword against the ground, sending out a shockwave that made the entire passage tremble. Without hesitation, Meric stepped forward.
Meric: (Resolute) "What is this trial? What must we do?"
The guardian took another slow, deliberate step forward. The stone floor beneath them shifted suddenly, and in the blink of an eye, they found themselves standing on separate platforms. Ancient symbols floated in the air around them. The guardian gazed at each of them before stabbing its sword into the ground.
Guardian: "Three paths… Three choices… Three destinies… Your decision will either lead you forward or trap you here for eternity."
At that moment, three doors materialized around them, each marked with a different symbol:
• The first door: Surrounded by flames, bearing the symbol of an ancient warrior.
• The second door: Glowing with blue light, marked with an emblem of a spellbook.
• The third door: Flickering uncertainly, displaying two crossed keys.
Lina: (In awe) "Are these… meant for us?"
Marlon: (Nervously) "What happens if we choose wrong?"
The guardian did not respond. Instead, it drove its sword deeper into the ground, causing another tremor. Time was running out.
Meric: "We have to do this together. But which door is the right one?"
The clock was ticking, and their fate rested on the choice they were about to make.