The sanctuary of the soulless

Azrael took a deep breath, his mind still trying to process all that he had been told. He sat there deep in thought, soaking in the cool water of the waterfall. As he looked down at the water's reflection, he noticed the tips of his hair had turned white and had grown a bit longer. He couldn't help but feel unbothered by this fact.

The peaceful sound of the waterfall provided a soothing background noise as he continued to ponder. The sun slowly began to set, casting a golden glow across the forest. It was then that Azrael decided to get out of the water and return to his cave.

Shivering slightly from the cold water, he emerged from the waterfall and put on his clothes. The events of the day had left him famished, but most of the beasts in the surrounding area had fled, leaving him with no food. He decided to set out early the next day to find something to eat.

Azrael's eyes shot open, the first rays of light filtering through the trees outside his cave. He wasted no time in getting ready for the day ahead, quickly grabbing his sword,  and making his way out of the cave. He knew he needed to grow stronger, and the only way to do that was to hunt and kill stronger beasts for food and absorb the dark ki that came from it.

As he ventured further into the forest, the beauty of the wilderness struck him. The leaves on the trees were a vibrant shade of green, and the morning dew shone like diamonds in the sunlight. But along with the beauty came danger, and he could feel the dangerous ki emanating from the creatures around him. His senses were sharp, every fibre of his being alert and ready for whatever might come his way.

He moved carefully, taking each step with caution, his eyes scanning his surroundings for any potential threats. The rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds filled the air, but he remained focused, always aware of his surroundings. He moved deeper and deeper into the forest, intending to hunt and kill beasts as he went, all the while absorbing their ki to fuel his power.

Despite the danger and the need for constant vigilance, there was a sense of peace that came with being alone in the wilderness. The sound of his footsteps and the rustling of leaves was soothing, a reminder that he was still alive, still fighting to survive on a journey that could be cruel and unforgiving.

As Azrael ventured deeper into the forest, he stumbled upon an entrance that appeared to be a temple. The grand and ancient doors were made of a dark and crumbling texture, giving the impression of an ancient and foreboding structure. Despite sensing no ki from within the temple, Azrael felt drawn to explore it.

As he approached the massive doors, he realized they were large and heavy, seemingly impenetrable. Azrael pushed with all his might, but the doors remained steadfast, refusing to budge. Discouraged, he searched for an alternative entry point. It was then that he noticed an inscription on the side of the door, which read, "This is the temple of the soulless. Welcome, traveller. If it is death you seek, then please proceed."

Azrael read the words aloud, trying to comprehend their meaning. "Are the rewards worth your life?" the inscription continued. "If yes, then place your hand on the door and prove you are worthy."

Perplexed, Azrael pondered the riddle. "Is that how I open it?" he muttered to himself. Remembering that he had already placed his hand on the door, he attempted to push it again, but to no avail. "Prove you're worthy?" he mused. He then unleashed his dark ki, focusing his energy on the door. With a loud creak, the massive doors slowly began to open, revealing the mysterious temple within.

As the large door creaked open, Azrael's eyes widened in awe as he stepped into the grand hallway before him. The flickering flames of the torches on either side illuminated the exquisitely crafted sculptures of warriors that lined the walls, their chiselled features and battle-worn armour gleaming in the light. Six statues on each side, all placed a few feet apart, stood tall and stoic, as if guarding the passage ahead.

Azrael hesitated for a moment, feeling the weight of the air around him grow heavier with each step he took down the hallway. As he approached the entrance at the far end, a sense of unease crept over him. But his suddenly formed determination to uncover the secrets of this temple pushed him forward.

As he entered the round room beyond, he was met with a sight that had left him amazed. Pillars lined the walls, their intricate carvings of mythical creatures and ancient symbols mesmerizing him. In the centre of the room, a chair covered with a veil drew his attention, but it was the hoard of treasure that surrounded him that truly caught his eye. Gold, diamonds, and other precious gems glinted in the dim light, and Azrael could feel his heart racing with anticipation.

Suddenly, a chilling voice echoed through the room, causing Azrael to quickly turn his head. "Who dares step foot in the sanctuary of the soulless?" The voice was feminine, but laced with a dangerous edge that sent shivers down his spine.

Azrael looked around, trying to locate the source of the voice. "I am Azrael," he said cautiously.

The voice chuckled darkly. "You are not the man that came before. In fact, you are incomprehensibly weaker. What gave you the guts to step your foot here?"

Azrael bristled at the remark but kept his composure. "Curiosity, I suppose."

"That Curiosity will be the end of you," the voice declared, and Azrael heard thuds from behind him. As he turned, he saw the stone warriors from the hallway coming to life, their eyes glowing with a malevolent light.

Azrael sighed, gripping the hilt of his sword tightly. "I really can't catch a break, can I?"