The room that lay beyond was circular, with a single pedestal of stone in the center. Upon it, a mask. Not animal. Not human. Just. alien.
He crept forward.
Trial Initiated: Guardian of the Forgotten Sanctum
Objective: Survive.
The mask lifted into the air, supported by forces unknown. Then—
It hit him.
No movement. Just pressure. Psychic pressure.
His mind whirled. Memories flashed. Orphanage agony. Loneliness. Fear.
"No—!"
He dropped to one knee, clutching his head.
System Alert: Mental Fortitude gained.
Passive Skill Acquired: [Mind Anchor I]
It wasn't enough.
He needed to end it.
Gripping his dagger, he struck—not at the mask—but at the pedestal.
Crack!
The mask dropped, lifeless.
The pressure stopped.
Trial Finished.
Reward: [Mental Resistance I], +2 Willpower, 100 XP.
Elias dropped to the ground, panting.