Villain Ch 221. The Chamber of Shadow [Part 1]
After settling into his apartment, Allen's focus shifted to his writing. He spent an hour engrossed in his work, diligently crafting chapters and uploading them to the online platform.
With his writing tasks completed, Allen's attention turned back to the virtual realm. He logged into the game, his character materializing in the Cursed Crypts. Then he went straight to the evolution room.
The evolution room, a mysterious room that had been mentioned before, beckoned to him from the map. It was a place he had never visited, but he knew it held the key to unlocking his next level of power. According to Kafra, the evolution room was where he could undergo a rigorous test to advance his character's abilities.
Along the way, he carefully distributed his character's status points, strategically allocating them to enhance his strengths and compensate for any weaknesses. He focused particularly on bolstering his Hellfire Rain skill, a devastating area-of-effect attack that could be a valuable asset in battles.
Allen finally arrived at the entrance of the evolution room. The sight that greeted him was unexpected yet intriguing. The room itself was rather unassuming, with plain walls and a simple design. It lacked the ornate decorations and intricate architecture that characterized many other areas within the game. Instead, it exuded an air of mystery and significance.
In the center of the room stood an NPC, their ethereal form hovering slightly above the ground. The NPC appeared to be of middle age, their translucent figure giving them an otherworldly quality. His eyes glowed with a faint, otherworldly light as if harboring ancient wisdom.
The NPC's presence commanded attention, and Allen couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as he approached. His demeanor was calm and composed, radiating an aura of power and knowledge.
Allen approached the NPC, he felt a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. The ethereal figure turned to face him, their eyes shimmering with an otherworldly light. The NPC greeted him with a serene smile, their voice carrying a hint of wisdom and power.
"Welcome to the evolution room," the NPC said in a melodic tone. "I sense that you have come seeking to take the test to advance to the next tier. Am I correct?"
Allen nodded, his eyes fixed on the NPC. "Yes, that's right. I'm ready to take the test," he replied with determination.
The NPC's ethereal form seemed to glow brighter, as if pleased with Allen's response. "Very well. The path to evolution is not an easy one, but with your resolve, I believe you can overcome the trials that lie ahead."
The NPC's voice resonated with a commanding tone as he continued, "But before we proceed, it is important that you prepare yourself accordingly. The challenges you will face demand your utmost focus and perseverance. Ensure that you have equipped yourself with the necessary gear."
The NPC continued, "You are allowed to take this test multiple times until you pass. Do not be discouraged if you do not succeed on your first attempt. Each trial will provide valuable experience and knowledge to aid you in your journey. Keep in mind that the challenges will become progressively more difficult as you advance through the tiers. Are you ready to begin?"
Allen nodded, understanding the NPC's instructions. "I'm ready."
Satisfied with Allen's preparations, the NPC raised a hand, and a shimmering portal materialized before them. "Step through this portal and it will transport you to the test room. However, there are rules you must abide by within its confines. You are prohibited from using any potions or restorative items during the trial. Your success will depend solely on your skill and resilience."
The NPC's spectral form exuded an air of encouragement as he smiled. "Good luck. May your skills and determination guide you to victory."
With a determined expression, Allen stepped forward, his body engulfed by the ethereal energy emanating from the portal. The world around him blurred as he was transported to the designated test room.
The world around him dissolved into fragments of light. Colors swirled and merged, forming a mesmerizing display on the loading screen.
After a brief moment, the loading screen dissipated, and Allen found himself standing at the entrance of The Chamber of Shadow. The air grew heavy with anticipation as he took in the sight before him. The chamber was a sprawling labyrinth of stone walls, its layout intricate and treacherous. Shadows danced and flickered across the surfaces, casting an eerie glow.
Allen's eyes scanned the environment, taking note of the numerous traps that lay in wait. Spikes jutted from the floor, threatening to impale anyone who misstepped. Holes dotted the walls, concealed arrow launchers poised to strike unsuspecting victims. Massive blades swung ominously from above, their arcs cutting through the air with deadly precision.
[You have entered The Chamber of Shadow!]
[First test: Labyrinth.]
[Objective: Avoid all obstacles and find a way out of there before the time is up!]
[Remaining time: 9:59]
"Ugh, I hate Labyrinth," he grunted. On top of that, he was only given ten minutes and it was a closed room, so his Fly skill was useless.
He cautiously moved forward and suddenly came to a halt in front of a particularly treacherous trap. Before him, stood a set of massive swinging blades, their menacing arcs blocking his path.
Assessing the situation, Allen knew he had to act swiftly. He used his demonic orbs skill, conjuring a cluster of dark orbs, pulsating with an eerie black energy. With a skilled throw, he sent the orbs hurtling toward the blades.
A powerful explosion reverberated through the chamber, causing the room to tremble. Dust and debris filled the air, creating an atmosphere of chaos and uncertainty. Allen shielded his eyes from the swirling particles, waiting for the dust to settle, hoping they could destroy the traps.
To his dismay, he realized that the traps remained intact despite the impact. The blades, now slightly scorched from the explosion, continued their relentless swing, their metallic edges glinting ominously in the dimly lit labyrinth. It became clear to Allen that the traps possessed a formidable defense mechanism, capable of deflecting any attack directed at it. But the collision managed to disrupt the rhythm of the swinging blades, causing them to falter and slow down.
He smiled dryly. "This is bad. But not too bad," he muttered.
With determination in his eyes, Allen took a deep breath and made a daring decision. He would storm through the trap-infested chamber, relying on his agility and quick reflexes to navigate the labyrinth of danger. As the blades swung perilously close, he timed his steps with precision, swiftly passing through the gaps between them.
However, there were moments when the traps seemed impossible to bypass. In those instances, Allen employed his demonic orbs or lances as strategic tools. With a swift motion, he unleashed the orbs toward the traps, aiming to immobilize them temporarily. The dark orbs struck their targets with precision, momentarily halting the menacing movements of the traps. Seizing the opportunity, Allen darted past them, his heart racing with adrenaline.
Navigating through the labyrinth posed an additional challenge due to the absence of a map. Every turn and corridor appeared eerily similar, creating a disorienting maze that tested both his memory and instincts. Determined not to retrace his steps, Allen devised a clever solution. He began dropping small, unusable items at key intersections and junctions to mark his path.
The discarded items served as his guide, acting as subtle indicators that he had already explored that particular route. Broken trinkets, useless scraps, and failed dishes littered the floor, creating a scattered trail of his journey. It was a risky strategy, but in the chaotic labyrinth, it was the only way to ensure he didn't wander in circles.