Chronicles of The God Slayer of Shadows-Chapter 35 - Thirty Five

They burst into the open desert, Elysar's Grave vanishing behind them like a dying mirage.

Three days.

That's how long they ran. Through sandstorms and searing heat, hunted relentlessly by assassins, relic seekers, and mercenaries. Only the harshest survived out here — and the desert seemed determined to kill Adrian before his destiny could bloom.

Each battle honed him. Each ambush taught him something new. He grew sharper, faster, harder. Nyxaris too — the shadow beast grew in strength daily, adapting to new threats. Finally, as the third sunset bled across the dunes, Fenrik called a halt.

In the distance, a towering canyon yawned open, a wound in the earth known as The Devil's Maw.

Beyond it, rumor said, lay ancient ruins untouched by war and secrets...waiting.

A place even relic hunters feared. An endless canyon of crimson rock, said to be cursed by the first gods themselves. Adrian stood at its edge, the wind howling up from the abyss. His system chimed.

[ Dungeon Detected: Maw of the First Sin

Recommended Level: 30+

Threat: Extreme]

He was only Level 25. Fenrik growled. "You're not ready, pup." Galvir grunted agreement. "We go in there, we might not come back."

Adrian stared into the dark abyss. "I'm not ready for this world either," he said. "But it's coming for me anyway." He stepped forward, heart steady. Nyxaris padded beside him, silent, loyal. And together, they vanished into the Maw's hungry darkness. The next trial had begun.

The moment Adrian crossed the threshold, the world changed. The air grew cold, heavy. The canyon walls seemed to bleed shadows. Strange whispers tugged at the edge of his mind, ancient voices speaking in tongues he barely understood.

[System Alert: Mental Resistance Check: Passed.]

Barely. Fenrik and Galvir cursed under their breath. Even the stalwart Nyxaris lowered its body, hackles raised. The path twisted downward into darkness, lit only by glowing fungi clinging to the rocks. Every step seemed to echo into eternity. Then, ahead, a flickering light.

A campsite? They approached cautiously, weapons ready. But when they reached it, they found only bones — shattered armor, rotting banners, and a sigil scorched into the stone. The Order of Light had been here. And they hadn't made it out alive.