CHAPTER 418: AMBER’S TRAINING 2

Under Lilith’s guidance, they made their way to a rugged mountain, the path winding through steep inclines and rocky terrain. As night fell, they set up camp in a secluded area, surrounded by the echoes of the wilderness. The flickering campfire cast dancing shadows on the jagged rocks, and the air was crisp and invigorating. Lilith, ensured they were secure, her senses attuned to the sounds of the night.

The following morning, as dawn broke and the first light illuminated the path ahead, Amber felt a surge of anticipation. Today marked the beginning of a significant challenge: the ruins that lay deep within the mountain—a structure said to be filled with secrets and formidable beasts. It was an opportunity for Amber to test her skills and push her limits in a real-world setting.

As they approached the entrance of the ruins, the air grew heavy with the scent of damp stone and moss. The vast, crumbling archway loomed before them, a testament to centuries past. Amber’s heart raced with a mix of excitement and trepidation. She turned to Lilith, who stood a few paces back, her eyes glinting with encouragement.

"Remember, Amber," Lilith advised, her voice steady. "Each floor will challenge you in different ways. Trust in your training, and don’t hesitate to tap into your instincts."

With a nod of determination, Amber stepped into the shadows of the ruins, her senses heightened. The first floor was dimly lit, the air thick with the musty scent of age. As she ventured deeper, the sound of skittering echoed through the hallways. Amber tightened her grip on her weapon, poised for anything that might emerge.

Suddenly, a group of goblins burst into view, their grotesque faces twisted in malicious glee. Armed with crude weapons, they charged at her, their numbers overwhelming. Amber’s training kicked in. She remembered Lilith’s teachings about maintaining composure in the heat of battle.

Drawing on her energy, she unleashed a wave of crimson light, forming a barrier that deflected the first wave of attacks. As the goblins recoiled, she seized the opportunity, launching herself into a series of swift strikes. The Blood Arts flowed through her, enhancing her speed and precision. She moved like a shadow, her strikes finding their marks with deadly accuracy.

Amber danced through the chaos, her instincts guiding her as she sidestepped blows and retaliated with calculated ferocity.

Each goblin that fell only fueled her determination. She felt the rush of adrenaline, a heady mix of fear and exhilaration. She was not just fighting; she was proving herself.

After dispatching the last of the goblins, Amber took a moment to catch her breath.

The first floor was cleared, but she knew that greater challenges awaited her on the higher levels. As she ascended to the second floor, she felt a shift in the atmosphere; the air was charged, and the shadows seemed to shift more menacingly.

The second floor revealed a vast chamber, its walls adorned with ancient carvings depicting battles and lost civilizations. In the center, a pack of Gray wolves emerged, their eyes glowing with a predatory hunger. These were no ordinary wolves; they were larger and more formidable than any she had encountered before.

Amber’s heart raced. She remembered Lilith’s warning: these beasts were cunning and would work as a pack. Summoning her energy, she prepared for the fight. The wolves circled her, their movements synchronized, testing her defenses.

With a fierce growl, the alpha lunged at her, teeth bared. Amber reacted instinctively, dodging to the side and countering with a swift strike that caught the wolf off guard. The others followed suit, closing in on her from every angle. Amber focused on maintaining her balance, her training with Lilith echoing in her mind.

Using the terrain to her advantage, she leaped onto a nearby stone pedestal, gaining higher ground. From this vantage point, she unleashed a wave of energy, sending a shockwave through the ground that knocked two of the wolves off their feet. The alpha regained its footing and charged again, but Amber was ready. She harnessed the Blood Arts, channeling her energy into a concentrated strike that met the wolf head-on.

The impact was explosive, and as the dust settled, Amber found herself panting but victorious. The second floor was cleared, but she knew the final challenge awaited her on the third floor.

As she ascended the staircase, Amber felt a sense of pride swell within her. Each battle had pushed her further, testing her skills and resolve. The third floor loomed ahead, a dark abyss filled with uncertainty.

Entering the final floor, Amber was met with an eerie silence. The chamber was vast, with shadows stretching across the stone. Suddenly, the silence shattered as a deep growl reverberated through the air. Emerging from the darkness was a massive creature—an enormous troll, its skin thick and gnarled, adorned with scars from countless battles.

Amber’s breath caught in her throat as she faced the behemoth. She could feel the weight of her fear, but Lilith’s voice echoed in her mind, reminding her to trust in her abilities. The troll charged, and Amber quickly dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding its massive fists.

Drawing on the Blood Arts, Amber forged a protective barrier around herself, feeling the energy pulse through her veins. The troll swung its arm, the force of the blow sending tremors through the ground. Amber retaliated with swift strikes, aiming for weak points in the troll’s thick hide. She used her agility to her advantage, weaving in and out of the troll’s reach, landing blows where she could.

As the battle raged on, Amber felt her strength wane, but she refused to relent. With a final surge of determination, she focused all her energy into a powerful strike, channeling her emotions into the Blood Arts. The energy erupted from her, a brilliant crimson wave that collided with the troll, sending it staggering back.

With one final push, Amber leaped onto the troll’s back, driving her weapon deep into its flesh. The creature let out a guttural roar before collapsing to the ground, defeated.

Breathing heavily, Amber stood amidst the wreckage of the third floor, her heart racing with exhilaration. She had faced formidable foes and overcome every challenge. As she looked around, a sense of accomplishment filled her. She had not only survived; she had thrived.

From the shadows, Lilith watched with pride, knowing that Amber had taken significant strides in her journey. The ruins had tested her, but they had also revealed her true potential.

As Amber exited the ruins, the sun shone brightly above the mountain, casting a golden hue over the landscape. She was not satisfied she felt so like she could do better than this.