Project Nexus : Beyond Reality
Episode 13: The Trial of the Forgotten Ruins
After reaching Level 10, Renji and the team decided to take on a new challenge. Their next stop was a place that had been mentioned in rumors—the Forgotten Ruins, an ancient dungeon hidden deep within the Emerald Highlands.
According to players in Hamlet, the dungeon was different from regular ones. It wasn't just about fighting—it required solving puzzles and proving intelligence and teamwork to progress.
"That sounds like a pain," Kai groaned as they walked through the vast plains.
Eve smirked. "It just means brute force won't solve everything."
Leon chuckled. "For once, Eve and I agree."
Seiji adjusted his gloves. "A test of the mind and the blade… I welcome the challenge."
Airi, walking at the back, scanned the horizon with her keen eyes. "We're getting close. There's a stone structure up ahead."
As the team approached, a massive stone gate stood before them, covered in ancient symbols glowing faintly. The entrance looked abandoned, yet it radiated an ominous aura.
"This is it," Renji said, stepping forward.
The moment they reached the gate, a system message appeared:
[Welcome to the Trial of the Forgotten Ruins. Only those who prove their worth may enter.]
Then, the ground beneath them rumbled, and the gate slowly opened, revealing a dark passageway leading inside.
Inside the Ruins
The ruins were cold and dimly lit, with flickering torches lining the stone walls. The air was thick with dust, and ancient murals depicting warriors and mythical creatures covered the passageway.
They moved cautiously, weapons ready. Then, as they stepped deeper inside, the entrance slammed shut behind them.
Airi sighed. "Figures. No way back now."
Suddenly, a voice echoed through the chamber.
"Welcome, challengers. If you seek the treasure beyond, you must prove your wisdom and strength."
Ahead of them was a large circular chamber with a massive stone tablet at the center. Five pedestals stood in a row, each holding an orb of different colors—red, blue, green, yellow, and purple.
On the wall behind the tablet, an inscription glowed:
"Five heroes must stand in place. Choose wisely, or be consumed by the void."
"Looks like we need to position ourselves correctly," Renji observed.
Leon stroked his chin. "A puzzle, huh? This might take some thinking."
Just then, another player appeared from the shadows.
A hooded figure stepped forward, a sly smirk on his face. He had a dagger strapped to his waist, and his piercing yellow eyes examined the group.
"Didn't expect to see others here," he said casually. "Name's Rael. And you guys just saved me the trouble of solving this puzzle alone."
Renji narrowed his eyes. "You've been here before?"
Rael shrugged. "Got stuck on this part. Figured I'd wait for others to show up. Looks like I made the right call."
Eve crossed her arms. "And you expect us to trust you?"
Rael chuckled. "Trust? That's up to you. But I can help—if you'll let me."
Renji glanced at the stone tablet. "Alright. Let's solve this."
Solving the Puzzle
The team examined the colored orbs and the inscription on the wall. There were clues carved into the stone:
Red: "The warrior who leads the charge."
Blue: "The strategist who commands the battle."
Green: "The healer who mends the fallen."
Yellow: "The sharpshooter who sees from afar."
Purple: "The shadow who strikes unseen."
Renji quickly assigned the roles:
Red Orb: Renji (Frontline warrior)
Blue Orb: Leon (Strategist and rapier wielder)
Green Orb: Seiji (Healer)
Yellow Orb: Airi (Sharpshooter)
Purple Orb: Eve (Stealth attacker)
That left Rael out.
"Hey," Rael said, amused. "What about me?"
Renji pointed at the center of the chamber. "Stand there. If something bad happens, you'll be the first to find out."
Rael smirked. "Clever."
As the team took their positions, the orbs began to glow, and the room trembled. The ancient voice echoed again:
"The worthy have been chosen. But are you ready for the trial of combat?"
Suddenly, the ground split apart, and stone warriors emerged from the walls, eyes glowing with blue fire.
[Ancient Guardian - Level 12]
The battle had begun.
Trial of Combat
The guardians moved swiftly, their stone swords slashing through the air.
Renji parried a strike, feeling the sheer force behind it. "They're stronger than normal enemies!"
Leon dodged a blow, stabbing his rapier into a weak spot. "Hit their joints! That's their weak point!"
Eve vanished into the shadows, reappearing behind an enemy and driving her daggers into its back. The guardian shuddered, its glowing eyes flickering.
Airi launched arrows from afar, targeting the weakened spots. "Aim for the cracks!"
Kai charged in, fists glowing with energy. He uppercut a guardian's head clean off, causing the body to crumble.
Seiji focused on keeping the team alive, casting healing spells and buffing their attacks. "Stay close to me if you get hit!"
Rael, who had been watching, finally drew his dagger and joined the fight. He moved with inhuman speed, striking from the shadows and dismantling a guardian in seconds.
"Not bad," Renji admitted as he dodged an attack.
Rael grinned. "I have my moments."
With coordinated strikes, the team eliminated the guardians one by one. As the last one fell, the ruins trembled again.
The ancient voice spoke once more:
"You have proven your strength. The path forward is open."
The stone tablet at the center shifted, revealing a hidden staircase leading deeper into the ruins.
The team exchanged glances.
"This was just the beginning," Leon said.
Renji smirked. "Then let's see what's waiting for us below."
With that, they descended into the unknown, ready for the next challenge.
To be continued...