Sam stood silently before the two gates, one leading above and the other plunging into the depths below.
He studied both of them, eyes narrowing, thoughts running deep.
'I think I know what the usual mission would have been now.'
The gate that led upward radiated a pure, angelic glow. Its frame shone like polished gold, and beside it, a sign read clearly, [Ascend to Heaven].
Meanwhile, the gate leading downward exuded a completely different aura. The darkness around it pulsed faintly with heat, like breathing fire from below.
The sign next to it read [Descend to Hell].
Two paths. Two choices.
Normally, any other awakener would have had to pick one.
Either ascend to Heaven or descend to Hell. Complete one path and survive its challenges, that was all the mission demanded.
But even at a glance, Sam could tell this one was different.
It wasn't just another test.
This was the only mission that seemed to offer a genuine choice.
