Aldric took a steadying breath before stepping into the dimly lit passage beyond the golden doorway. The smooth stone walls hummed faintly with a lingering magic, as if they were waiting for him to cross their threshold. With cautious steps, he advanced, his heartbeat steady but filled with anticipation. The air here was different—denser, carrying the whispers of long-forgotten spells.
As he moved forward, faint inscriptions flickered to life along the walls, glowing with a soft blue radiance. They told fragments of an ancient tale—one of lost magic, sealed doors, and trials meant to test the strength of those who dared enter. Aldric ran his fingers lightly over the carvings, sensing an invitation rather than a warning. The passage was no ordinary hallway; it was a gateway designed to assess his power and resolve.
The first challenge came sooner than expected. As he stepped deeper into the corridor, the floor beneath him trembled slightly. From the shadows, spectral forms materialized—ghostly figures draped in flowing robes, their eyes glowing with soft, golden light. They did not appear hostile, but their presence carried an undeniable weight.
One of the spirits raised a hand, and a voice, ancient and steady, filled the chamber. "To walk the path of the Stormweaver, one must prove his heart is strong, his mind is sharp, and his magic is pure." As the words settled, the spirits formed a circle around him, their glowing eyes focused intently.
Aldric understood. This was a test—not of brute strength, but of knowledge. Slowly, arcane symbols swirled into existence in the air around him, each one forming a sequence that demanded completion. The spirits watched in silence as Aldric traced his fingers through the air, drawing the missing pieces of each pattern with careful precision. With each correct answer, the symbols glowed brighter, their magic harmonizing with his own.
After the final pattern had been completed, the spectral figures nodded in silent approval before fading into the air. The passage ahead shimmered, revealing a new pathway—a staircase spiraling downward into the unknown.
Aldric took a deep breath. This tower was more than he had imagined. It was a guardian of history, a keeper of lessons, and a trial meant for those seeking the truth. His journey had only just begun.
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