Nigel's footsteps echoed across the endless marble corridors of the god's palace, the sound sharp and hollow like steel striking stone.
His breathing was steady, but his eyes flickered constantly, tracking every shift of light, every ripple of divine energy in the air.
The system's faint glow hovered at his side, guiding him forward like a torch in eternal night.
He had fought his way through guardians and illusions, each trial testing his body, mind, and willpower.
Now, with the palace growing ever narrower, ever sharper in its beauty, he knew he was close.
Finally, the system's voice broke the silence.
[Warning: Another candidate has initiated the binding process with the system's core at this location. Probability of success if you proceed directly: extremely low. Recommend redirecting to alternate route.]
Nigel froze mid-step. His jaw tightened. Another candidate? That meant someone else was already stealing what he had bled for, fought for, survived for.
