The Scorched Land and the Lava Bridge
Jon and Victor continued walking along the path the Ancient Tree had guided them on. The morning sunlight filtered through the dense trees, casting a green glow over the forest. However, this beauty did not last long. As they moved forward, the lush greenery began to fade, replaced by massive black rocks. The entire area felt eerie, as if it had once been the battleground of a catastrophic war.
After walking for a long time, they finally stopped. A faint smile appeared on their faces, but the scene in front of them was unsettling.
Standing before them was a massive, ancient wall, built from black stones, towering 200 feet high. It was damaged and crumbling in many places, with scattered stones lying around. The wooden gate was battered and worn, as if it had barely survived a great battle. The entire structure seemed like the remains of a war-torn fortress.
Jon and Victor cautiously stepped forward and passed through the ruined gate.
A Deep Lava Pit and the Floating Bridge
Beyond the wall, the true danger awaited them. In front of them lay an ancient stone bridge that extended over a deep chasm. As soon as they stepped onto the bridge, they were hit by an intense wave of heat.
Victor looked around and asked,
"Is there a fire nearby, or is this entire place just naturally this hot?"
Jon wiped the sweat off his forehead and replied,
"We'll find out soon enough..."
As they advanced, the bridge's ominous nature became clear. It was constructed from black stones, but many sections were broken, and it seemed to be floating in midair without any pillars supporting it. The bridge shook slightly with every step they took, making it feel even more unstable.
Below the bridge, a river of molten lava flowed, sending flames and embers rising into the air. The extreme heat scorched their skin, and breathing became increasingly difficult. Jon clenched his fists, while Victor felt his throat drying up. As they moved cautiously, small chunks of stone dislodged from the bridge and tumbled into the lava, causing fiery eruptions to shoot upwards.
By now, they had realized—this was no ordinary bridge.
This place was not just hot but also guarded by some mysterious force.
As they ventured further, they reached the first door.
It was a massive stone gate, and beside it stood a stone statue. The statue resembled a human figure, but its face was expressionless.
The moment Jon and Victor stepped closer, the statue's eyes glowed faintly, and suddenly, a deep, echoing voice filled the air—
"Those who wish to pass must answer my riddle… or the flames of the abyss shall consume you!"
The Guardian's Riddle and the First Trial
As soon as the statue spoke, Jon and Victor instinctively took a defensive stance. Their eyes scanned the area, ensuring that there was no immediate danger lurking nearby. The bridge beneath them creaked slightly, as if reminding them of the peril that awaited below—the river of molten lava, bubbling and roaring, ready to devour anything that fell into it.
The stone guardian, with its lifeless yet imposing form, repeated its warning:
"Only those who comprehend the rules may proceed.
Listen carefully to my riddle. You will have only one chance to answer.
If your answer is wrong, the consequences will be severe.
If your answer is correct, the gate shall open."
Victor and Jon exchanged a look—this was a trial of intelligence and caution.
The guardian's voice echoed through the stone bridge as it began reciting the riddle:
"I follow you wherever you go,
But if the night falls, I fade and go.
I change my shape but remain by your side,
Without me, even the brightest flame must hide."
A heavy silence followed. The air shimmered with heat, the bridge remained eerily unstable, and the only sounds were the distant rumbling of lava and the occasional crackling of flames.
Victor furrowed his brows, deep in thought. Jon crossed his arms, going over the riddle again and again in his mind.
"It follows you wherever you go... but vanishes in darkness..."
"It changes shape but never leaves..."
Minutes passed as they deliberated, their minds racing against time. The guardian did not rush them, standing as still as the ancient stones around them.
Finally, Jon's eyes lit up with realization.
"Of course... It's so simple yet so deceptive!"
He took a deep breath, stepped forward, and spoke with confidence:
"The answer to your riddle is... Shadow."
For a moment, nothing happened.
Then—
A brilliant golden light flashed across the massive stone door. The once lifeless carvings on its surface glowed with an ethereal radiance, and slowly, the door began to move. The sound of ancient stone grinding against stone echoed ominously as the gate creaked open, revealing the path ahead.
Jon and Victor exchanged a triumphant glance.
"Looks like we passed the first test," Victor muttered.
Jon nodded. "Three more to go."
With that, they stepped forward, moving deeper into the perilous trial that awaited them…
Invisible Whispers and the Second Gate
Jon and Victor had successfully passed the first gate, but their journey was becoming even more mysterious and terrifying. As they moved towards the second door, Victor suddenly stopped.
"Victor, what happened?" Jon asked, concerned.
Victor looked around, his eyes filled with unease. Then, in a slow, trembling voice, he said—
"I... I heard... Alina's voice!"
Jon was startled.
"What?! Here? But she..."
Victor shook his head and turned around. But there was only darkness and the faint whisper of hot air.
"It... it might just be my imagination..." Victor muttered.
Jon grabbed his shoulder and said, "Don't let it mess with your mind, Victor. This place is playing tricks on us."
But then...
The voice again!
"Victooor..."
This time, it was clear and close, as if Alina was calling him from just behind. Victor turned sharply, but saw only shadows.
...And then he saw them!
Far off, near the edge of the abyss, something floated in the air. Faint shapes, like spirits drifting in the wind.
Victor's body went cold, even though the surroundings were burning hot. Jon grabbed his arm—
"Move forward, Victor! Don't fall into this trap!"
Victor took a deep breath and forced himself to focus.
"Alright... let's go!"
Now, they stood before the second gate.
As they approached, the statue in front of the door awakened, its eyes glowing red.
"The trial continues."
In a deep, echoing voice, the statue spoke the second riddle—
"No one can stop me,
no one can defeat me.
The more you spend,
the more I keep getting stronger."
A heavy silence filled the air.
Jon and Victor now had to think carefully… to find the right answer.