Midas stood with his companions—Mori, Boreas, and Neres—staring the chest.
“This is it,” Midas said. “The chest that unlocked my new armor. But it’s not just for me. Touching it will lead you to your own trial dungeon—an arena designed specifically for your strengths and weaknesses.”
Boreas raised an eyebrow, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. “And you’re certain this won’t be the end of us?”
Midas smirked. “It’s a challenge, not a death sentence. Each of you will face an arena tailored to your abilities and current level. Trust me, the rewards are worth it.”
Mori knelt near the chest, running her fingers along its intricate carvings. “You’ve already received your reward, haven’t you?”
Midas nodded, his Celestial Armor shimmering faintly as a reminder. “Yes. But the chest is still active, and its trials will grant each of you tailored rewards based on how far you progress. The deeper you go, the greater the rewards.”
Mori exchanged a glance with Boreas and Neres. “So, how does this work? Do we all enter at once, or is it one at a time?”
“Individually,” Midas explained. “You’ll each face your own trial, and the arena will be scaled to your abilities. It’s not about competing with each other—it’s about challenging yourselves.”
With Midas’s encouragement, Mori stepped forward first, placing her hand on the chest. The world around her blurred, and she vanished into the trial arena. Boreas and Neres followed suit, leaving Midas alone in the clearing.
Mori found herself in a vast open field under a twilight sky. The arena was silent, save for the distant howl of wind. A bow materialized in her hand, glowing faintly with mana. A disembodied voice echoed through the air.
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“Welcome, Mori. Each layer will test your agility, precision, and endurance. Your reward awaits at the sixth layer.”
A wave of shadowy creatures appeared, their movements erratic but coordinated. Mori’s heart pounded, but she steadied her breath. The first wave fell easily to her precise shots, each arrow infused with mana. By the time she reached the sixth layer, sweat dripped from her brow, but she stood victorious.
Her reward materialized before her—a radiant bow named Artemis’ Last Stand. It required no arrows, drawing instead from her mana to fire powerful, unerring projectiles. The arena’s voice echoed again: “You have earned the Race Elixir. Your level cap has been removed.”
Mori felt a surge of power as the elixir coursed through her veins. Her potential was no longer bound by mortal limits.
Boreas found himself in a dark forest arena. The ground shifted beneath his feet, and the shadows seemed alive. His trial was one of endurance, forcing him to navigate treacherous terrain while fighting shadow beasts. By the fourth layer, he was bruised and battered, but his resolve never wavered.
As he completed his trial, a gleaming shortsword appeared before him. The blade, named Warden’s Fang, emitted a faint golden glow and was imbued with the power to break through magical defenses. Boreas also received the Race Elixir, feeling his vitality and strength soar.
Neres’s trial was a labyrinth of traps and foes, testing his speed and cunning. Silent and swift, he danced through the layers, evading danger and dispatching enemies with precision. By the fourth layer, he was exhausted but exhilarated.
His reward was a pair of boots—Hermes’ Steps. The enchanted footwear enhanced his speed and made his movements completely silent. The Race Elixir completed his transformation, and he felt his limits shatter.
As the trio returned to the clearing, their eyes sparkled with newfound power. Mori twirled her glowing bow, Boreas tested the weight of his shortsword, and Neres marveled at the swiftness of his movements.
Midas greeted them with a knowing smile. “Told you it was worth it.”
Mori grinned. “You didn’t mention it would feel this incredible.”
Boreas’s expression softened. “You were right. This... this changes everything.”
Neres chuckled. “I think I’ll get used to this.”