"I am the guardian of these challenging grounds. I have no name, but if you wish, you may call me the Guardian Elder," the man said, his voice echoing through the chamber. As he spoke, the dimly lit area suddenly brightened. The torches lining the massive pillars in front of a colossal statue burst into flames, illuminating the space.
The area was even larger than they had imagined. To their surprise, it stretched out into a wide, circular expanse in the distance, resembling the stage of a grand arena.
Both of them stood in awe before Cassandra broke the silence. "Guardian Elder, as you said, we are the first to come here in eons. Does that mean you've been alive for all those eons?"
The man chuckled and nodded. "More than that. You could even say I've existed since before your world was created. I come from a place older than the stars. I don't know the specifics, so don't bother asking." He turned and began walking toward the arena, gesturing for them to follow.
As they trailed behind him, he continued, "So, what is your world called? I can sense some mana from you, so it must be a fairly advanced one, huh?"
Suddenly, he stopped and spun around, his expression darkening with a flicker of anger. "Now I remember—ten or so thousand years ago, people from your world sealed this place. I still have a few bones to pick with them..."
Cassian and Cassandra felt a shiver run down their spines as an icy dread seeped into their bones. But then the man laughed, his tone lightening again. "Relax. You don't seem to know them, so I'll let it slide. Now, tell me—what are your names?"
"Cassandra," she replied, gesturing toward Cassian as she added, "And he's Cassian."
"Well, Cassandra and Cassian," the man said, his tone curious as he waved his hand over glowing symbols that appeared in the air. They looked eerily similar to the system interface Cassian could see, except this one was visible to everyone. Cassian itched to ask the system about it but refrained, fearing the old man might sense something if he did.
Staying silent, Cassian listened as the man continued, "From what I can perceive, the two of you have a unique way of cultivating the mana of your world. What is it called?"
Cassian and Cassandra exchanged confused glances, unsure of what the man was asking. Cassandra eventually spoke up. "If you're asking about our powers, we're Circle Warriors. We cultivate our will to bend the rules of the world. We are Rule Benders—Domain Shapers," she explained, her voice carrying a hint of pride. Cassian couldn't help but share in that pride, knowing he too was a Circle Warrior.
However, the old man didn't seem impressed. With a tone that feigned enthusiasm, he said, "Oh, Rule Benders, Domain Shapers. Great, great..." Yet his indifferent expression betrayed his words, making Cassandra bristle with annoyance. Still, realizing how much stronger he was, she decided not to dwell on it.
The man continued, "Well, Rule Benders, I've prepared some challenges for you. Each challenge is tailored to your powers, designed to push you beyond your limits. And, of course, each one comes with a reward. You can take on as many challenges as you want, but remember—the next one will always be harder than the last."
As he spoke, more glowing symbols appeared in the air, his hands gliding over them. Cassian frowned and said, "But we never agreed to take on your challenges."
The Guardian turned his piercing gaze to Cassandra, a slow smile spreading across his face—a real one this time, though it carried a chilling edge. Cassian struggled to his feet, his legs trembling beneath him. He stumbled but managed to stand upright, his breaths ragged and his body drenched in sweat. Both of them knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that this man could kill them in an instant if he wished.
The Guardian chuckled, his voice calm but heavy with authority. "You should be grateful. I would hate for these challenges to go to waste if you both died before even attempting one."
Cassandra stepped beside Cassian, supporting him as he steadied himself. She shot a glare at the Guardian, her voice tinged with anger. "You said we could leave if we wanted."
"Sure, you can," the man replied with a casual shrug. Then, with a sly smile, he added, "But why not at least try one challenge before you go? Who knows—you might even enjoy it."
He turned to face them fully, his grin widening. "Oh, and since you've agreed to take it, there's no backing out now. One more thing—you can only leave the challenge once you've finished it... or if you're dead."
Cassandra's grip on Cassian tightened as she glared at the Guardian. "That's not what you said before," she snapped, her voice low but furious.
The Guardian chuckled, clearly amused by her anger. "Did I? Perhaps I forgot to mention a few... finer details. But you're here now, and the rules are the rules." He gestured toward the glowing path leading to the arena, his expression shifting to one of mock patience. "So, whose going first?"
Cassandra glanced at Cassian, who was still breathing heavily. "I'll go," she said firmly, releasing her hold on him. Cassian, now somewhat recovered and standing on his own, immediately frowned with concern. "Stop. Let me go first," he insisted.
Meanwhile, the Guardian, standing at the edge of the large arena, appeared to have finished whatever he was doing. He raised his hands, and the arena shifted again. The uneven terrain smoothed out, transforming into a flat expanse of stone bricks, each fitting seamlessly into place.
"The challenge will adjust to your strength," the Guardian announced, his voice calm but commanding. "Whoever wants to go first, step forward. The first trial is simple—survive against a monster. Don't keep me waiting."
Cassandra met Cassian's worried gaze and offered a reassuring smile. "Let me go first," she said, her tone resolute. "It's not like you going first is going to change anything." Without waiting for his response, she stepped toward the center of the arena.