After I received my orders I began my journey up the mountain. Even before the fight I could tell something wasn't right about this mountain.
I made my way upward and the first disturbing thing I noticed was a series of bloody paintings scattered along the path. They were the first sign of the Nemesis's curse. Every single one had something in common. Somewhere in each painting, there was an eye staring back at me. Each one felt like it was watching me. It knew I was there. My gut rattled telling me to leave, but I kept going.
I continued for about ten feet before I saw the next sign. Broken wooden boards were scattered across the ground. This marked the second stage of the curse. This meant I was getting closer. It had been said that those affected would repeatedly slam their heads against the boards until they shattered, causing permanent injury to the head. Thankfully, I was powerful enough to resist.
Further up, about thirty feet higher, I reached the final stage. It was death by insanity. Bodies lay twisted and still. They were the victims of the worst part of the curse.
After passing the last corpse, a sharp ringing suddenly coursed throughout my head . I collapsed, clutching my head, and sat there, trying to endure the pain.
Then I heard a voice.
"Hello, Grey. I know who you are. I've been looking forward to this."
The voice was calm, almost amused.
"I won't curse you. I know that would be unfair for somebody who worked so hard to reach me. Walk a bit further, and then we may fight."
As suddenly as it started, the ringing stopped.
Silence returned. My hands were shaking, "I knew I had to beat it," I thought, "No… I must beat it."