Chapter 12: The Trial of Darkness
Riven stepped past the burnt husks of the Venomfang Spiders, his boots crunching over shattered exoskeletons. The 16th floor was cleared, but he wasted no time reveling in his victory. He had a mission: to grow stronger, to survive, and to hunt those who betrayed him.
Ahead, the entrance to the 17th floor loomed—a gaping tunnel that seemed to swallow all light. Unlike the previous floors, which had torches or glowing fungi, this passage was pitch-black. Even his enhanced vision barely pierced the darkness.
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION
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◆ Caution: The 17th floor is shrouded in Absolute Darkness.
Light-based abilities are nullified.
Normal vision is useless.
Stealth and Perception-based creatures are empowered.
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Riven clenched his jaw. "So, they're making me fight blind."
He glanced at his Shadow Army—now 35 strong—waiting silently behind him. Unlike him, they thrived in darkness.
"Good. That just means my enemies will, too."
He stepped forward.
◆ Darkness Falls
The moment Riven crossed the threshold, the world went black.
It wasn't just darkness—it was complete sensory deprivation.
His hearing dulled.
His sense of direction vanished.
Even his own breathing felt distant, as if the dungeon itself was trying to erase his presence.
A cold shiver ran down his spine. This wasn't normal darkness.
It was something more.
◆ New Challenge: Trial of Darkness
Survive for 15 minutes.
Defeat the Guardian of Shadows.
Riven took a steadying breath. "Alright. I've dealt with worse."
He reached out through his Shadow Connection, issuing silent commands to his soldiers. His Hobgoblin Captain Shadow moved ahead first, scouting the unknown terrain.
Nothing.
Then—
SCREEEEEEECH!
A high-pitched shriek tore through the silence.
A shape moved—no, slithered—through the darkness. Riven couldn't see it, but he could feel it.
A presence.
No, many presences.
◆ Enemy Identified: Wraith Stalkers (x10)
Stealth-based spectral hunters
Immune to physical attacks
Can drain life upon contact
Riven gritted his teeth. "Ghosts now? Fine. Let's test something."
◆ Step One: Fight Shadows with Shadows.
"Shaman, light up the field."
His Goblin Shaman Shadow raised its staff. A deep, purple mist swirled around it before black fire erupted from the ground, momentarily illuminating the battlefield.
The Wraith Stalkers were revealed—twisting, nightmarish creatures with elongated limbs and soulless, hollow eyes.
They were already charging at him.
"Intercept!"
His shadows moved as one. The Hobgoblin Warriors swung their axes, but the Wraith Stalkers passed through them like smoke, reforming a moment later.
"Normal attacks don't work…"
One of the Wraiths lunged, clawing toward Riven's chest. He barely dodged, rolling aside, but the moment its claw scraped his shoulder—
SYSTEM WARNING: LIFE FORCE DRAINED (-10 HP).
Pain shot through him. His stamina dropped, his body feeling heavier.
They weren't just stealing his health.
They were stealing his strength.
◆ Step Two: Adapt.
"Alright, if normal attacks don't work…"
Riven extended his hand.
"Arise!"
The darkness trembled.
The shadows of the Wraith Stalkers themselves twisted unnaturally—black tendrils lashing against their will.
And then—they screamed.
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION
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◆ Shadow Extraction Successful!
Wraith Stalker Shadows (x3) have joined your army.
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"Looks like ghosts can still have shadows," Riven smirked.
With his new Wraith Shadows, the tide of battle shifted. The remaining Wraith Stalkers, sensing the shift, let out ear-piercing screeches before retreating into the darkness.
"Not so fast," Riven whispered.
His new Wraith Shadowshunted them down.
One by one, they fell.
◆ Step Three: Face the Guardian.
A deep growl echoed through the darkness.
Riven exhaled, turning toward the source. A hulking figure emerged from the shadows, its crimson eyes locked onto him.
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION
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◆ Boss Encounter: Shadow Revenant
A fallen warrior consumed by eternal darkness.
Weakness: ???
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Riven narrowed his eyes. "This is gonna be fun."
To be continued…