Chapter 51: Return to the Surface

A blinding light engulfed Elias and Althea as they were transported from the depths of the Labyrinth of Shadows. The transition was abrupt, the suffocating weight of darkness vanishing in an instant. For a moment, Elias felt weightless, his body floating in the void before a familiar sensation of solid ground beneath his feet returned.

The cold night air greeted them as they reappeared in the ruined city outside the Trial's entrance. The distant sounds of the wind rustling through abandoned buildings and the faint echoes of unseen creatures filled the silence. The stench of blood and battle still clung to Elias, a reminder of the brutal fight against Veyros.

Althea stumbled slightly, her body still recovering from the wounds she had sustained. Elias caught her before she could fall, his grip firm but gentle.

"Are you alright?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

Althea took a deep breath, steadying herself. "I will be... but that battle took everything out of me. We barely made it."

Elias nodded, his expression grim. He had never felt so close to losing someone before. The sight of Althea nearly dying had awoken something deep within him-an unrelenting fury, a desire for vengeance that had manifested as his new God Slayer power. Even now, the memory of wielding that strength sent shivers down his spine. It was overwhelming, intoxicating... and dangerous.

But there was no time to dwell on it now. They had survived, and they had grown stronger.

As the system notification echoed in his mind, Elias turned his attention to the Trial Tower. The entrance loomed before them, silent and foreboding. Behind them, the city stretched in ruins, a graveyard of forgotten warriors who had failed the Trial.

System Alert:

You have successfully cleared the Fourth Layer. Time until the Fifth Layer unlocks: 24 Hours.

A day's rest. Elias exhaled slowly, realizing how desperately they needed that time. His body ached from the relentless battles, his mind still clouded with fatigue.

Althea looked up at him. "We should find shelter. We need rest before the next layer."

Elias agreed. Without another word, they began making their way through the city, searching for a place to recover. The streets were eerily quiet, but the presence of danger was never far. He remained on high alert, his newly acquired Shadow Manipulation skill allowing him to sense movements even in the distance.

They eventually found refuge in a half-collapsed building, remnants of an old inn. It was in poor condition, but it was better than staying out in the open.

Elias sat down against the cold stone wall, rolling his shoulders as he let exhaustion wash over him. Althea sat nearby, tending to her wounds. Despite her injuries, she remained resilient.

As he stared into the dark corners of the room, Elias clenched his fists. He had gained immense power, but at what cost? The more he absorbed the abilities of fallen gods, the further he strayed from what he once was. He could feel the weight of the shadows lingering within him, whispering in the back of his mind.

Would there come a time when he lost himself completely?

Althea's voice broke through his thoughts. "Elias... what's next for you? After the Trial?"

He hesitated, looking down at his hands. "I don't know," he admitted. "But I do know one thing... I can't stop. Not until I have the power to destroy him."

Althea's eyes darkened with understanding. "The god who took everything from you."

Elias didn't respond, but the answer was clear. Revenge was his only path forward.

As silence settled between them, the night stretched on. Tomorrow, the Fifth Layer would open, bringing with it new horrors, new challenges. But for now, they would rest.

For now, they were still alive.