Chapter 245 Tied in Problems
How did the cloaked figure know Damian's name? The fact startled him, sending a shiver down his spine. Why was it on the staircase, seemingly waiting for him? Usually, someone had to enter a portal before reaching the next level. It was an anomaly, a unique occurrence that Damian was unfortunate enough to witness. Either way, he had to confront the situation before him.
"Who are you?" Damian asked, his voice trembling.
The cloaked figure only chuckled, a bone-chilling sound that made Damian's unease grow. "You'll see," it replied cryptically.
That was the last sentence it uttered before vanishing mysteriously, as if it had never been there in the first place. Damian stood frozen, unable to comprehend what he had just witnessed. He had no idea what that entity was or what it wanted, but a mix of relief and apprehension washed over him. Deep down, he knew their paths would cross again, and he would have to confront the unknown once more.
Regaining his composure, Damian pressed forward, determined to find the portal he sought. It was his ticket to the next level of the formidable Skyfall Tower, a place he had come to conquer. As he stepped through the portal, the world around him transformed into a desolate and ravaged city. It resembled Earth, but an ancient version in ruins. Damian surveyed his surroundings, bewildered by the eerie sight.
"What's this place?" he mused aloud, his voice echoing through the empty streets.
The dilapidated houses carried an uncanny familiarity, evoking memories of a long-forgotten era. Could the Skyfall Tower be trying to convey a message? Was it weaving a tale through its levels? Damian's vast knowledge of history, inherited from his Giant Bloodline, gave him a unique perspective. With resolution burning in his eyes, Damian took a step forward, ready to face any challenges that lay in wait.
He didn't have to wait long for adversity to find him. A group of soldiers materialized before him, their uniforms bearing the insignia of the tower. It was a perplexing sight. Damian had encountered many fantastical creatures within the tower, but humans were a rarity.
"Someone's there!" one of the soldiers yelled, prompting the others to charge toward Damian.
Realizing the perilous position he was in, Damian's first instinct was to take flight. But to his dismay, his supernatural ability failed him, leaving him grounded. His pride took a blow, leaving him with a lingering sense of vulnerability. How was he to overcome this predicament? The soldiers closed in, and Damian had no choice but to rely on his physical prowess to defend himself.
However, his attempts proved futile. The soldiers overwhelmed him with their coordinated attacks, and Damian found himself overpowered. In a desperate attempt to gain an advantage, he tried to access his system, hoping to unleash his latent powers. But to his dismay, the system tab remained unresponsive, denying him the aid he so desperately needed. In that moment, Damian realized he was nothing more than a weak human, unable to match the strength of the soldiers.
"Take him and tie him up!" the soldier barked, asserting his authority.
Defeated and bound, Damian resigned himself to his fate. The situation seemed dire, and he knew he had to find a way to reactivate his system or at least escape this floor alive. The soldiers secured his arms but left his legs free, enabling Damian to follow them as they dragged him through the decimated city.
"Another prisoner for the coliseum fights," one soldier remarked to another, their voices filled with grim anticipation.
"Do you think this one stands a chance?" the other soldier questioned, doubt tainting his tone.
"No way," came the skeptical reply. "You're just daydreaming."
Every word spoken by the soldiers fueled Damian's determination to uncover the truth. He listened intently, trying to glean any information about his whereabouts. It seemed there was a coliseum within the tower, a brutal arena where prisoners were pitted against each other in life-or-death battles. The realization sent a shiver down his spine. How could he, in his current weakened state, possibly survive such a trial?
As they traversed the ruined streets, Damian couldn't help but ponder his own vulnerability. The world around him mirrored his internal turmoil—an apocalyptic wasteland, mirroring the uncertainty and desperation he felt. He knew he had to tap into every resource available if he wanted to stand a chance in the upcoming challenges.
Despite his bound hands, his mind raced, searching for a glimmer of hope. He needed his system, his inherent powers, to be reactivated. He had to find a way to regain control, to tap into his true potential. Survival was at stake, and he refused to succumb to the imminent danger that awaited him in the coliseum.
As they neared their destination, the coliseum loomed before Damian—a colossal structure that radiated both grandeur and despair. The crowd's raucous cheers echoed through the air, a cacophony of bloodlust. Damian's heart pounded in his chest as he braced himself for the challenges that lay ahead. He couldn't afford to let fear paralyze him. He had to adapt, to harness the inner strength that resided within him.
With each step closer to the entrance, Damian's resolve solidified. He would find a way to unlock his dormant powers, to defy the expectations of those who doubted him. The coliseum would bear witness to his transformation, as he fought not only for his life but for the freedom to explore the mysteries of the Skyfall Tower.
As the soldiers ushered him into the depths of the coliseum, Damian's gaze swept across the sprawling arena. It was a sight that would intimidate most, but he saw it as a canvas upon which he would paint his destiny. He would shatter their expectations, unveiling a strength they never anticipated.
The time for doubt and trepidation had passed. Damian would forge his path, armed with determination and resilience. The coliseum awaited, and within its merciless walls, he would either crumble or rise. The battle for survival had only just begun, and Damian vowed to face it head-on, defying all odds.
With a steady breath and unwavering resolve, Damian embraced his uncertain fate. The Skyfall Tower had unleashed its greatest challenge yet, and he was ready to meet it headlong. The cloaked figure's cryptic appearance, the soldiers' presence, and the enigmatic levels of the tower—all were pieces of a puzzle waiting to be solved. And Damian, fueled by a burning desire to unravel the tower's secrets, would push forward, inch by inch, until the truth was laid bare.