The Abyss Gate trembled violently, and a putrid smell filled the air, as if countless souls were whispering in their ears. The dark power inside the gate rolled like huge waves, surging and spreading in all directions. Lucas gripped his double blades tightly, standing at the front of the team, his gaze fixed on the slowly - closing door. Every second of hesitation made him feel a stronger sense of oppression, as if the shadow of the abyss could swallow everything at any time.
"Quick! Go in!" Alton's deep voice rang out, with an undeniable order.
Led by Lucas, the team rushed forward quickly. The suction force in the air became even stronger, as if trying to pull them into that dark abyss. Just then, suddenly, a fierce gust of wind blew up, tearing through the air wantonly and dragging their steps to a halt. The team members were forced to steady themselves one by one and struggle with all their might against that invisible force.
"Keep going forward!" Lucas shouted. His voice was firm, and his eyes sparkled with determination. "Don't stop!"
Every step they took was extremely difficult. The stone slabs under their feet kept cracking in the vibration, and the surrounding darkness seemed to want to devour everything about them. Suddenly, Lucas's eyes blurred, and his entire field of vision was obscured by darkness. The figures of the team members seemed to disappear, replaced by a suffocating void.
"What... is this?" Darlene's voice carried a trace of fear, and her breathing became rapid. Alton's voice followed. "This is the first level of the Abyss Trial, the 'Realm of Nothingness'. Here, time and space are distorted, and it's impossible to tell the real from the illusory. Everyone will face their deepest fears and trials."
"Fears?" Victor said in a low voice. Apparently, he was not unfamiliar with this situation, but he could still feel its terrifying nature. "How dangerous is this place exactly?"
"Danger is everywhere," Alton's expression was solemn. "Everyone must find their own path in this nothingness, break through their fears, and only then can they move forward. Otherwise... you will be trapped here forever."
Lucas gripped his double blades tightly. The calmness deep in his heart prevented him from being confused by this nothingness. He looked around, forcing himself to stay awake and trying to distinguish whether all this was real.
Suddenly, a dazzling light pierced through the nothingness. Lucas opened his eyes and found himself standing in a strange place. There was a desolate ruin all around. The sky in the distance was as gloomy as ink, and the air was filled with a putrid smell. Ahead, an ancient temple stood there, its doors closed tightly, as if waiting for some kind of call of fate.
"Where is this?" Darlene's voice was full of confusion.
"This is the source of your fears," Alton's voice came from a distance. "This ruin is a symbol of the depths of your hearts. Everyone's trial is different. Only by facing your own fears can you break through this nothingness and find the way to the next stage."
Lucas took a deep breath, and a firm determination rose in his heart. He looked ahead at the temple. That ancient building seemed to hide some huge secret, waiting for their challenge.
"We must enter that temple," Lucas said, his eyes resolute.
"Remember," Alton's voice sounded again. "Every step must be taken with care. The Abyss Trial is not only a test of strength but also a challenge to the heart. Only by overcoming yourself can you truly get out of this nothingness."
The team members looked at each other. Although there was still unease in their hearts, they all understood that only by moving forward could they overcome the fear brought by this abyss.
So, Lucas led the team towards the temple. Every step was like stepping on the edge of a blade, and their hearts were filled with countless doubts and unease. Just as they were about to approach the temple, suddenly, a harsh laugh echoed in the air, like a whisper from hell.
"Do you think you can pass my trial so easily?" The voice was cold and harsh, full of provocation and mockery.
"Who are you?" Lucas asked in a low voice, gripping his double blades tightly, ready to face any challenge.
"I am the Judge of the Abyss," The voice echoed in the air, as if it was everywhere. "Your fears are exactly the meaning of my existence. Now, you must face your sins and the darkness in your hearts to truly pass this level."
Before the words were even finished, the temple in front of them suddenly twisted and deformed, turning into a boundless void. In front of everyone's eyes, the deepest fears and sins in their hearts emerged.
A flash of determination passed through Lucas's eyes. He knew very well that only by facing these fears could he break through this nothingness and move forward.