Chapter 15: Baptism of Elements
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Darkness still clung to Alex's consciousness, but this time, it was not the crushing void of exhaustion. It was a gentle lull, like floating in the depths of a serene ocean.
His mind drifted in half-lucid dreams, his body slowly recovering from the brutal trial.
A firm, commanding voice shattered the silence.
"Awaken, boy. It is time."
Alex's eyes fluttered open. He was still lying on the stone platform, the cavern's ancient runes bathing everything in a soft, ethereal glow.
His body no longer ached as much as before, though a dull soreness remained—a testament to the battle he had endured.
The ancient warrior stood before him, arms crossed, his gaze expectant.
Alex groaned as he pushed himself up. "You sure you don't want to give me a few more hours?"
The warrior snorted. "You have rested long enough. Any more and I would have mistaken you for a corpse."
"Harsh," Alex muttered, rubbing his temples before exhaling. "Alright. What now?"