Chapter 12: Trial of Control and Intelligence
A chilling wind swept across the massive stone platform as Alex stepped forward, his heart pounding like a war drum.
The air crackled with an ominous energy, the floating arena suspended in an endless void, surrounded by glowing runes that pulsed with an unknown force.
Standing at the other end of the platform was his opponent—a towering figure clad in ancient battle-worn armor.
His face was obscured by a hood, but his presence radiated an overwhelming sense of power. In his hand, he held a sword unlike any Alex had ever seen.
Its blade shimmered and shifted between elements, flickering between fire, water, wind, earth, space, and lightning. The sheer pressure it emitted sent a shiver down Alex's spine.
The warrior's voice echoed through the vast space. "I will match your level, as is the rule of this trial. Otherwise, this battle would end in an instant."
Alex exhaled sharply, gripping his sword tighter. "And if I don't give it my all?"
"Then you will die."
The weight of those words settled in Alex's chest, but he smirked despite himself. "No pressure, huh?"
Without warning, the warrior lunged.
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