The Invincible Young Master

"That tall stone is giving an ominous aura?" The three turned their heads toward the tall stone at the center of the chamber. To them, it appeared just like the rest of the tall stone columns—ordinary and unthreatening.

"Isn't it just another tall stone?" said one, his gaze shifting towards the pile of treasures.

"You are worrying too much," another said, his tone direct and dismissive, the hint of respect toward Leon now gone.

Ignoring Leon's warning, one of them eagerly grabbed a handful of gold, stuffing it into his pockets. The allure of the glittering treasure was too strong to resist.

"No, don't—" Leon tried to stop him, but it was too late.

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As one of them touched the treasures, the ground beneath them began to tremble. The once still air turned electric, and the carvings on the walls seemed to come alive, their figures moving and shifting in the flickering light. The intricate designs of battles and rituals now appeared to enact their scenes in ghostly animation.

The three, caught up in their greed, did not seem to notice the changes around them. They kept stuffing their pockets, oblivious to the growing danger.

"Everyone, stay alert!" Leon's shout echoed through the chamber, but it was as if his words fell on deaf ears.

"They will not hear you, they are under a spell," Merlin's voice rang in Leon's mind.

"What, when did it happen, master?" Leon asked, his mind racing.

"Likely, the moment you all entered this chamber," replied Merlin.

The air in the chamber was thick with ancient magic, a potent force that pulsed through the very walls.

Leon felt a surge of energy emanating from the carvings, a powerful presence that seemed to awaken with their touch. Each figure in the carvings appeared to be kneeling before a massive, four-armed entity—an Asura—which now seemed to glare at them with malevolent eyes.

A sudden creak came from behind. Leon spun around to see the tall door of the chamber, which had been open, slowly closing. His heart sank as he watched the heavy stone door inching shut, sealing their only known exit.

"The door is closing!" Leon's tone was urgent. "We need to get out now!"

With a burst of strength, he grabbed the spellbound three, throwing them toward the closing door. But just as they neared the door, an invisible barrier shimmered into existence, blocking their path. The three fell back, landing hard on the stone floor.

"What is happening?" The bald recruit muttered in confusion, rubbing his bruised elbow. It seemed the impact had brought them back to reality.

The barrier glowed faintly, a clear sign of a powerful enchantment. Leon's brow furrowed as he studied it. The door was nearly shut now, the last sliver of light from the outside world fading. He could hear the grinding of the stone as it settled into place, the chamber now fully sealed.

The atmosphere grew heavier, the air thick with an oppressive force. The carvings on the walls seemed to pulse with a sinister life, the eyes of the ancient figures glowing with a cold light.

The recruits, now freed from their spellbound state, looked around in fear, their earlier greed replaced by panic.

In a flash of blinding light, the stone at the center of the chamber cracked open, and a red mist began to pour out, filling the chamber with an ominous presence.

The air grew colder, and the ground shook violently. Leon and the group backed away. The mist had already blocked most of their senses and vision up front, and they could no longer see much ahead.

A moment passed in violent trembling. Their eyes were fixed on the front as they watched the mist slowly dissipate.

Suddenly, a large silhouette passed through the mist and reached toward them. It was an enormous red palm. Leon was quick to react, raising the staff toward the incoming palm.

[Scatter]

Boom!

A thunderous sound resounded in the hall as if two gales were colliding. The chamber's eerie silence was shattered by the clash, the air now charged with the remnants of Leon's spell.

The staff in Leon's hand shattered into fragments. The energy he exerted was too much for the staff to handle, as he had used more than the normal amount to stop the oncoming attack.

"UGH!" A grunt came from behind him.

Leon glanced back to see the three collapsed on the ground near the barrier. He had forgotten about the others beside him and reacted in defense with an attack. The shockwave had pushed them back against the barrier making them groan in pain. Although it seemed none were heavily injured, they were rendered senseless for a brief moment.

As the mist slowly cleared, before their eyes, the silhouette in the mist loomed larger, and an enormous four-armed entity stood in the center of the chamber, where the tall stone had been before. Its red skin radiated a furious aura, its four arms flexed with latent power, and its eyes glowed with a malevolent light, focusing intently on Leon and his group.

Leon had been wondering why they didn't come across any corrupted being in the ruin. Now he knew his answer. This was the main interior part of the ruin, and there slumbered a giant whom all feared and worshipped. It was evident nothing would stay close to it.

Leon's heart pounded as he readied himself, the weight of responsibility heavy on his shoulders. His eyes darted toward the three on the ground and the barrier behind him as if deciding something.

The Asura's presence was overwhelming, its aura suffocating. The recruits, now regaining their senses, scrambled to their feet, their faces pale with terror.

"What is that thing?" one of them whispered, his voice trembling. "Could it be the master of this place?"

Wraaaaahhh!

As if their voices had disturbed its peaceful slumber, the Asura growled, shaking the whole chamber with its voice. The sound reverberated through the stone walls, amplifying the terror in the room.