---
"Don't get cocky," Dabi replied, his tone steady but laced with reluctant amusement. "This place isn't forgiving."
The corridor opened into a vast circular chamber, its dome lost in shadow. At the center rose an ancient pedestal, carved from the same obsidian as the walls, upon which rested an object wrapped in a layer of shimmering energy.
The pedestal was encircled by a ring of smaller stone platforms, each engraved with cryptic symbols that pulsed in rhythm with an unseen heartbeat.
It was clear that this room was a nexus of the temple's power—a trial meant to test not only their combat skills but also their intellect and intuition.
"Is that what we're after?" Kiba asked quietly, nodding toward the pedestal. His tone was respectful yet resolute. "The artifact that will unlock the next phase of the gate?"
