The armored Figure

Elias glanced at his stats, a small but satisfied smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Level 2.

It wasn't much, but it felt like an achievement, considering the harrowing trials they'd just endured.

Dan, ever the talkative one, interrupted his moment of pride. "So, Elias, how are we dividing the loot? I mean, since it's just us two who went in together, it's only fair we settle this now."

Elias crossed his arms "I'm listening. What do you have in mind?"

Dan wasted no time. I'm taking the Heart of the Forest. I got the Barkskin Armor card, right?"

Elias nodded. "Yeah, and the battle manual."

And you got that skill card or something. David said.

Now listen to yourself, I got only that skill card while you got there stuff all to yourself while I did most of the work.

And, let's not forget, I gave you that healing balm when you were about to keel over during the trial."

"Me? Keel over? Don't make me look weak!" Dan said with mock outrage, pulling a face that only made him look more ridiculous.

I am not wrong? Am I??

Dan smirked. "Alright, alright. I'll admit you're tougher than I gave you credit for. Still, let's call it even.

Here...." He tossed the small battle manual toward Elias, who caught it with a raised brow.

"Don't get cocky," Dan added quickly. "I'm only giving you that because, for now, you're the only one in this group who is using a sword among us. Consider it a favor."

Lyra rolled her eyes. "Can we focus, please?" There's no telling what's coming next."

Her tone cut through the banter, and the group fell silent.

The Armored Stranger

As if Lyra's words summoned him, a tall figure materialized before them.

He was clad in shining silver armor, every inch of it gleaming with an ethereal glow.

His face was obscured by a helm, but his piercing gaze burned through them as if he could see straight into their souls.

The stranger stood perfectly still for a moment, studying them.

Then, he took a step forward. His movements were silent, his boots making no sound against the cracked earth beneath them.

"You've arrived," the armored figure said, his deep voice echoing in the still air. It wasn't a greeting. It was a proclamation.

Elias instinctively rested his hand on the hilt of his sword, his posture tense but controlled. "Arrived where? And who are you supposed to be?"

The armored man didn't flinch. His gaze stayed locked on Elias, unmoving. "This is Safe Zone Beta.....a misnomer if ever there was one. This is not a sanctuary.

It is where the strong gather, where power is tested, and where only the worthy survive. You will not find peace here... but you will find strength."

Dan tilted his head, eyebrows raised. "So much for a safe zone," he muttered under his breath, earning a sharp glare from Lyra.

The stranger's tone remained steady, ignoring Dan's sarcasm. "Strength is the only thing that matters here. You will either grow stronger.....or perish."

His words hung heavy in the air, the weight of the challenge settling over the group.

Lyra's brow furrowed as she stepped forward, her posture tense. "Is this some kind of test?"

The armored man nodded. "A test, yes. But not one that values brute strength alone. You will need cunning, unity, and adaptability.

The trials here will push you beyond your limits. Only the strongest....physically, mentally, and spiritually...will earn the right to leave."

Elias took a step closer, his voice calm but firm. "Then we'll face whatever comes our way. We didn't come this far to back down now."

For the first time, the figure's lips curled into a faint and almost imperceptible smile. "We shall see," he said cryptically before vanishing in a flash of light.

A Land of Unknown Dangers

The group stood in silence, staring at the spot where the stranger had disappeared.

The weight of his words lingered, heavier than the air in this strange place.

"Well," Dan said, breaking the silence with a nervous chuckle, "looks like we're stuck here for a while. Let's just hope our charm works as well as our skills."

Lyra shot him a sharp look. "Don't count on it,Dan. If this place is anything like that marsh, we're in for hell."

Elias scanned the horizon. The jagged rocks and swirling purple skies loomed ominously around them

. It was as though the very air here was alive, watching, waiting. "Stay close," he ordered. "We don't know what's out there, and I doubt it's friendly."

As they began to move, the ground beneath their feet felt unnaturally solid, a stark contrast to the marsh.

The shadows here seemed to shift unnaturally, too long and too sharp, like they had a will of their own.

The system chimed suddenly, breaking the tense silence.

[Ding!]

[Congratulations, users!]

[You have entered the Safe Zone Beta. Your trial continues.]

[Prepare yourselves.]

Dan groaned loudly. "Does it ever shut up?"

Lyra didn't laugh. Her hand was already on her dagger, her eyes scanning the rocks. "Elias," she said softly. "We're being watched."

Elias stiffened, his hand gripping his sword. Really?! Stay ready."

The First Trial

From behind the jagged rocks, figures began to emerge....dozens of them, humanoid but with glowing red eyes and twisted features.

They moved like predators, circling the group with silent menace.

"What are they?" Serena whispered, her voice trembling.

Elias narrowed his eyes. "Not friendly."

The system chimed again, its tone almost mocking:

[Ding!]

[Quest unlocked]

[Trial One: Survival.]

[Eliminate the threats before they eliminate you]

Dan unsheathed his blade, his grin tinged with nervous energy. "Well, at least it's straightforward. Kill or be killed. I can handle that."

The creatures lunged.

Elias moved first, his sword flashing as he intercepted one of the attackers.

The force of the blow sent vibrations up his arm, but he held firm, pivoting to strike again.

Lyra darted in beside him, her movements quick and precise as her dagger found its mark.

Dan fought like a wild animal, his swings reckless but effective.

Serena, though clearly terrified, stood her ground, using her abilities to shield the group from the brunt of the creatures' attacks.

The battle was fierce, the air filled with the clash of steel and the guttural cries of their enemies.

For every creature they cut down, two more seemed to take its place.

"We can't keep this up!" Lyra shouted, her voice strained as she parried a blow.

Elias gritted his teeth, his mind racing. This wasn't just a test of strength...it was a test of endurance and strategy. "Form up! Watch each other's back

Victory at last

After what felt like an eternity, the last creature fell. The group stood in the aftermath, breathing hard, their bodies battered and bruised.

The system chimed once more:

[Ding!]

[Congratulations, users.]

[Trial One complete. Rest and prepare for what comes next.]

Elias wiped the blood from his blade, his expression grim. "If that was just the first trial, we're in for a nightmare."

Dan collapsed onto the ground, laughing breathlessly. "Oh, come on. We've faced worse... haven't we?"

Serena didn't answer. Her eyes were on the horizon, where more figures seemed to be gathering.

"Stay sharp," Elias warned, his voice low. "This isn't over. Not by a long shot