The chamber was silent.
Aether stood on the glowing platform at the center of the circular room, his figure illuminated by faint golden light rising from beneath his feet. Around him, the walls curved upward into darkness, covered in ancient runes that pulsed slowly with a soft purple glow. The symbols seemed alive, reacting to his presence as though they had awakened from centuries of dormancy.
Beside him, the Flame Sovereign Pup remained alert, its small body tense with readiness. Crimson flames flickered along its fur, burning slightly brighter than before. The light from its fire cast dancing shadows across the stone floor.
Both of them could feel it.
Something was coming.
The ancient trial system had already activated, yet the chamber remained eerily empty. The silence felt unnatural, like the stillness before a storm.
Rumble.
