Chapter 14: Gains
Darkness.
Alex felt like he was floating in an abyss, his body weightless, yet burdened by a deep, lingering exhaustion. The last thing he remembered was landing the final strike, hearing the warrior's acknowledgment, and then... nothing.
A sharp inhale. His eyes snapped open.
Pain. Everywhere.
"Urgh..." Alex groaned, his entire body aching as if he had been run over by a stampede of berserk warbeasts.
His blurry vision adjusted, revealing the cavernous expanse of the trial chamber. The glowing runes on the walls flickered gently, casting an eerie yet peaceful glow over the massive platform.
"Ah, you finally wake," the ancient warrior's voice echoed, filled with mild amusement.
Alex turned his head, gritting his teeth as pain flared through his neck. The warrior stood nearby, arms crossed, watching him with a mixture of respect and curiosity.
"Did I... win?" Alex croaked, his throat dry.
The warrior chuckled. "If you did not, you would not be breathing."
Alex let out a weak laugh, only to wince as his ribs protested. He forced himself to sit up, biting back a groan. He had been through a lot, but this... this was a different level of exhaustion. His mind still struggled to process everything.