Trial by Flame
The moment Garud and Karan stepped inside the tower—
A blinding light swallowed them whole.
BOOM—
The world shattered.
A World of Fire
When Garud opened his eyes—
The sky was burning.
Flames rained endlessly from crimson clouds.
The ground was cracked, molten lava glowing through the fissures.
The air itself felt heavy, scorching their lungs with every breath.
This was not Earth.
This was Hell.
Garud turned sharply.
"Karan."
Karan stood a few steps away, gripping his bow tightly.
"I'm here," he replied, forcing a breath.
"So this is a tower floor…"
Both of them understood instantly.
This was no illusion.
This was a battlefield.
Garud clenched his fists.
"Let's go."
Karan nodded.
The First Enemy
They moved forward cautiously.
The moment they crossed into the open field—
A low growl echoed.
Something sniffed the air.
From behind jagged rocks—
A demon emerged.
Its skin was charred black.
Cracks of lava ran through its body like veins.
Its eyes burned with hunger.
The demon snarled—
And charged.
"Incoming!" Karan shouted.
Garud stepped forward—
But Karan moved faster.
Awakening of a Warrior
Karan pulled his bow in one smooth motion.
His body moved on instinct.
The string tightened.
Twang—
The arrow pierced the demon's skull.
The demon froze mid-step—
Then collapsed into ash.
Silence followed.
A translucent blue panel appeared before Garud.
[Demon Slain]
[Experience Gained: 20 XP]
Garud stared.
"You did that…" he said.
Karan blinked.
"I—
I just aimed."
His hands trembled.
Not from fear—
From realization.
"It felt… natural."
Garud smiled faintly.
"Good."
The Battle Begins
That was when—
More growls echoed.
From every direction.
Demons emerged from the flames.
Five.
Then ten.
Garud stepped forward, cracking his neck.
"You take range," he said calmly.
"I'll handle close combat."
Karan nodded instantly.
"Don't die."
Garud smirked.
"Same to you."
The demons charged.
Garud met them head-on—
Bare-handed.
His fist collided with a demon's jaw—
CRACK.
Bone shattered.
Another lunged—
Garud grabbed its throat and slammed it into the ground.
Karan's arrows rained down—
Precise.
Deadly.
Blue notifications flashed repeatedly.
[Demon Slain — 20 XP]
[Demon Slain — 20 XP]
[Demon Slain — 20 XP]
The flames roared.
Blood and ash filled the air.
Garud felt it—
His body adapting.
Strength surging.
This—
This was where they would grow.