No More Pain For This Villain.

The next two days went by just fine and like a whirlwind with nothing much going on other than just everyone checking up on me to see if I was fine up there or not- it was weird.

And irritating too, like I don't need to be talked to twenty four seven.

On the day of challenge we had the same meeting that I 'Think' that I already had had but anyways, in that meeting too it revolved much around choosing who gets to go and with all that arguing between eachother with Isolde trying to argue why I shouldn't be going.....she acted like she was actually caring for me but looks like this was nothing but her wanting me to drop out of the challenge the sweet way.

Well I am more than happy to do so to be honest since doesn't matter dream or not that I had- Imperial Academy is bout to lose anyways.

***

The team made their way to the designated location of the Phantom Chamber challenge, a sense of déjà vu washed over me. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and the Academy seemed to hold its breath in anticipation of what was to come. We arrived at a secluded area within the Academy grounds, where the Phantom Chamber stood ominously before us.

The Chamber appeared as a massive, imposing structure, constructed of dark stone adorned with strange symbols and glyphs. The entrance was a massive doorway, framed by intricate carvings that seemed to shift and writhe as if alive. As we approached, a chilling breeze whispered through the air, sending shivers down my spine.

Inside, the atmosphere was even more unsettling. The air was thick with an oppressive darkness, and strange shadows danced along the walls, twisting and contorting into grotesque shapes. The floor beneath our feet felt unnervingly solid, yet somehow insubstantial, as if it could give way at any moment.

..... it's old same thing.

Eldric, the overseer of the competition, stepped forward to address us. His voice echoed through the Chamber, carrying an air of authority and gravitas. "Students of the Nexus Academy and esteemed guests, today marks the beginning of the Phantom Chamber challenge," he announced. "Inside this chamber, you will face trials unlike any you have encountered before. These trials will push you to your limits, both physically and mentally."

He paused, letting his words sink in. "The order in which you enter the chamber has been carefully chosen based on a combination of factors. Trust in your abilities, and remember that you are capable of overcoming any challenge that comes your way."

With those final words of encouragement, Eldric stepped back, allowing us to prepare ourselves for what lay ahead. The Chamber awaited, its secrets hidden behind its imposing facade, ready to test the mettle of all who dared to enter.

As the first participant from another school stepped into the Phantom Chamber, a hush fell over the gathered crowd. The massive doors swung shut behind her with a heavy thud, sealing her inside the mysterious confines.

Outside, the remaining students and spectators watched intently as a holographic screen displayed a live feed from inside the Chamber. The tension was palpable as we awaited the trials that awaited her.

Inside the Chamber, the female student stood alone, surrounded by the oppressive darkness. Suddenly, the Chamber began to shift and change around her, morphing into a new environment that seemed to defy logic and reason. Strange creatures lurked in the shadows, their eyes gleaming with malevolent intent as they watched her every move.

The atmosphere became tense as a shadowy figure, Grappler, emerged from the mist. Its massive claws seized the girl, and the Chamber began to twist reality, applying pressure and threatening to tear her apart. Her screams echoed off the walls as the Grappler's movements became deliberate, causing concern from her teammates outside.

The Phantom Chamber came to a halt as the eerie silence was only punctuated by the sound of heavy breathing and a drip of blood. The mist began to clear, revealing the girl's figure unconscious and bloody, displayed on the holographic screen for all to see, but still alive.

"She has lost a point for Frostfall," Eldric's voice cut through the tension, announcing the girl's defeat in the mental challenge. He called for the next student to step forward, as professors rushed to escort the injured girl out of the Chamber.

The tense atmosphere lingered as we waited for our turn, the reality of what awaited us sinking in. This challenge was more than just physical; it was a test of our courage and resilience. As I stood there, I couldn't help but wonder what the Phantom Chamber had in store for me and whether I would be able to face my deepest fears and emerge victorious.

"Hey... what do you think that chamber would show you?" Aron asked, leaning in a bit.

For a while, I've been thinking about what it could be, and if it's true, then this whole situation is funny.

"Hmm..." I turned, now facing Aron. The eyes of everyone from the team turned towards me. "I think I know."

Aron's eyes widened, as did Erik's, who stepped out a bit. "Really? What could it be?"

I paused before saying, "Gorthan."

Erik nodded to himself. "Gorthan, huh... I-I mean, what's that?" He then immediately stuttered.

"Haha, nothing. Hope I see anything but a Gorthan inside there

—I don't wanna fight it." I shrugged and turned to face forward.

For a second, I felt everyone focused on me, then they all looked forward.

Okay, I guess that does it.

After a few more matches and defeats, Eldric called out to me, "Ren Hilton."

I stepped forward, and the chamber's door closed behind me.

Inside nothing but darkness while a familiar door stood infront of me.

The door is grand and imposing, standing tall and wide. It is made of dark, polished wood that seems almost black in the dim light of the corridor. Intricate carvings adorn its surface, depicting scenes of battles, mythical creatures, and swirling mists. The carvings come to life, their details so finely crafted that they appear three-dimensional.

*Tap*

Just as I tap on the door, glowing runes inscribe themselves around the edges of the door, pulsating with a faint, ethereal light. They seem to hold some kind of ancient power, adding an air of mystique to the entrance.

In the center of the door, there is a large, circular handle made of tarnished bronze-like metal. It has an ornate design, resembling intertwined vines with thorns, giving it an intimidating yet captivating allure. It beckons to be turned, as if it holds the key to unlocking the secrets of the ninth floor.

As I reach out to grasp the handle, a chill runs down my spine. I can sense a powerful presence emanating from the other side of the door, filling me with a mix of excitement and trepidation. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what awaits me, and turn the handle.

Haha...as if thought.

With a creaking sound, the door slowly swings open, revealing a swirling mist that engulfs the entrance to the ninth floor. The mist seems to hold a hidden world within it, concealing the true nature of what lies ahead.

As I step through the threshold, the door closes behind me with a resounding thud, severing the connection to the previous floor. The surroundings change instantly, transforming into the familiar stone walls and damp, musty air of a dungeon. The floor beneath my feet is uneven, covered in moss and grime, and the dim light from the torches casts eerie shadows along the walls.

In front of me stands another door, identical to the one I just passed through. I can't help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. The chamber has changed into a dungeon floor, and now this door is the only way forward.

"Well, this is new," I mutter, amused by the unexpected turn of events.

With a smirk, I approach the door and push it open. Inside, I find myself in a vast, open space, the mist swirling around me once more. I take a deep breath and step further in, feeling the cool air brush against my skin.

Then I just stand there, taking in my surroundings. The eerie silence envelops me, broken only by the distant echo of dripping water.

The ground beneath me began shaking, I looked at my hand and I still had Emberclad Sword- everything is the same.

There are few things that I got to know - Chamber Goes to extremes if it means to get what it wants- never would I have expected that this.

The ground beneath me shook violently, I closed my eyes and then started mana vision and saw a big orb or mana- like way to large moving under me.

Pushing mana into the sword, I felt my wings come out of my back while fire caught onto my robe.