Aleron took a while to digest the gains of the previous level and calm his mind. Then, after about fourteen hours had passed, he stepped into the next level.
The moment Aleron's foot crossed the boundary into Level 9, the world twisted.
The surroundings dissolved into a crimson wasteland.
Charred ground stretched endlessly in every direction. Giant obsidian pillars jutted out from the ground like the ribs of some long-dead primordial beast.
The skies above were thick with storm clouds that crackled with red lightning. There was no wind—only silence—and the scent of ash hung heavy in the air.
Aleron's narrowed eyes scanned the area, every instinct screaming. He could feel an unprecedented sense of danger.
Aleron's gaze snapped toward his surroundings, trying to detect the source of the danger.
Suddenly, the air trembled.
