Chapter 123: The Trial of the Defiled Temple

The air grew colder as James and his companions ventured deeper into the temple's labyrinthine corridors. Each step echoed ominously, the sound swallowed by the oppressive silence that surrounded them. The walls were alive with glowing hieroglyphs, pulsing faintly as though feeding on the tension in the air. Nyla led the group with feline grace, her tail swishing and ears twitching at the faintest sound.

"Stay alert," she whispered, her green eyes darting to every shadow. "The Pharaoh's traps are not just mechanical, they're alive."

"What do you mean alive?" Cherry asked, her voice laced with nervous curiosity. She clutched James's arm, her succubus energy flickering around her like a protective aura.

"The magic here has a will of its own," Nyla replied. "It reacts to our fear, our doubts. It's not just designed to test your strength, it tests your soul."