Arios walked deeper into the cavern, his wooden sword still in hand, the same simple weapon he had been using since the beginning of this illusion dungeon. His breathing was steady, though his body ached from fighting off packs of dire wolves and the other monsters that had filled the twisting paths behind him. Sweat clung to his back, but his eyes remained focused. Every step he took echoed against the rocky walls, bouncing back at him as though the dungeon itself was mocking his persistence.
He had already sensed something ahead. The mana density in the air was far stronger here than in any other chamber he had passed through. It pressed down against his skin like a physical weight, slowing his movements just slightly. His fingers tightened around the sword's handle as he forced himself forward.
The tunnel finally opened up into a massive chamber. Arios stepped through the narrow entrance, his eyes widening at the sight before him.
