The scene around them gradually changed, although the difference was not particularly dramatic at first.
Earlier, the pilgrims traveled through a narrow tunnel made mostly of packed earth and thick layers of mud with only a few scattered stones embedded in the walls. Now, the passage has become much rougher and more dangerous.
Large rocks formed much of the tunnel's structure, sharp stalactites hung from the ceiling, jagged stalagmites rose from the ground.
Some of them were tall enough to reach Eccar's shoulders while others narrowed the passage, forcing the pilgrims to carefully weave between them as they continued deeper underground.
Determined not to make the same mistake again, Eccar became far more careful with his strength.
He had already begun to understand what this Trial might be testing. Perhaps it was not simply testing how powerful he was, but whether he could control that power when other people depended on him.
