When I entered the twelfth floor, I felt a great sense of confusion. There was something strange on this floor, something that promised me more than just a test. I felt something mysterious surrounding me, as if I were on the verge of confronting an unknown power.
In the center of the place, there was an ancient throne glowing with a strange presence, and the person sitting on it was the head of the Shadow Family. He was a majestic figure, with an undeniable aura of authority. His appearance radiated wisdom, and his eyes held a mixture of sadness and nostalgia.
"You're here at last, aren't you?" he said in a deep voice, his words striking like thunder in the quiet room. There was a moment of silence before he added, "You're not just a stranger here, are you?"
I took a step forward, ready. "Are you… the head of the Shadow Family?"
He replied with a mysterious smile. "I am Yingzi, 'Shadow Reflection.' Who cares about this family? Do you know what your name means?"
"I know that my name means storm… but I'm not here for titles." I answered steadily, my eyes meeting his without hesitation.
He smiled, and there was something in his smile that revealed a deep understanding. "The storm… You carry within you the same power that we once had. But you're not ready yet."
Then he looked away at the shadows that filled the space around us. His voice now carried sadness and longing for the past. "In our time, we were the invincible force. But we were also a burden to those around us, even to those who believed we were their friends."
"Why were you destroyed then?" I asked him, as he stared at me as if remembering something painful.
He took a deep breath before answering. "Because of the shadows we possessed… they went beyond the boundaries. They were afraid of us, and their fear of us drove them to seek our destruction. There were traitors within our family. But I will tell you something important, Arashi."
"What is it?"
"You can't trust anyone, even if they are from your family. There is always a traitor. And do not show your true power to everyone, because those who know how to exploit your weakness… will turn it into their strength."
I listened intently, his words full of wisdom from a life filled with battles and struggles. "Do not reveal your true power, and do not trust those around you."
Then he looked at me with his eyes shrouded in shadows. "But you, Arashi, you must be stronger than that. Don't let anyone weaken you or stray you from your path."
After a long silence, he added, "You will be greater than that… but you need power that will allow you to face the shadows that will chase you."
Then he raised his hand, and with a single touch, the darkness around us began to dissipate, as if the entire tower were responding to him. Before disappearing into the shadows, he added, "You'll understand everything."
⸻
Rewards:
• +8000 Energy Points
• New Ability: "Storm of Shadows" – You can summon a destructive storm of shadows that blinds your enemies and cripples their ability to attack.
• New Ability: "Weapon Shadow" – You can transform shadows into any weapon you desire, whether a sword, spear, or even a shield, allowing you to diversify your combat style.
• Key to exit the tower.
⸻
As Yingzi told me, I now possessed a new ability, "Weapon Shadow." Now, I can transform shadows into any weapon I need in battle, opening endless possibilities for me. But his advice stayed in my heart.
"Do not trust anyone." These words echoed in my mind, filling me with a sense of alertness and caution. The path ahead seemed more complicated than I had expected. I must always be on guard, no matter the circumstances.
"What awaits me next?"
⸻