Alina walked down the narrow, shadowy corridor of the labyrinth, the echoes of her footsteps reverberating off the walls covered in ancient runes. Her sword rested at her waist, like an extension of her very being. She could feel the tension in the air, each step slower and more cautious. The mist around her seemed alive, almost malleable, as if it were watching her.
As she turned a corner, the space abruptly expanded, revealing a circular arena of stone with glowing runes around the edges. In the center, a spectral warrior, translucent but incredibly imposing, held a black longsword.
"Challenger," the specter said in a deep, echoing voice. "If you wish to advance, prove your mastery of the sword."
Alina drew her sword with grace and determination. The metallic sound of the blade leaving its scabbard cut through the silence like thunder. Without hesitation, the specter advanced in a swift movement, the black sword slicing through the air with deadly precision.
