The scorching flames enveloped the steel gears, intertwining and crisscrossing across this crimson-orange land.
A heavy rumble, accompanied by the crackling of hellfire, exploded from all around, engulfing the entire space with a thick and terrifying shockwave.
The trial passage was filled with flickering flames on both sides.
They seemed like ferocious, howling ghosts rising from the abyss of this passage, trying to break free from the shackles of despair.
However, no matter how much these flames swayed, they seemed to be struggling on the edge, unable to escape that terrifying hellish realm.
In the very center of the trial passage is a woven net made of steel mesh.
The gears below resembled roaring steel beasts, emitting heavy, creaking noises from time to time.
“I never imagined you knew this place so well, Victor.”
Upon hearing the sharp sound, Erica abruptly opened her eyes.
She turned her head in the direction of the sound and saw the familiar crow perched on her shoulder.
Moreover, she was wearing a flowing black trench coat.
Erica looked around; the space before her was so unfamiliar.
The place was filled with all sorts of ferocious flames and scorching gears, which made Erica feel a strong sense of crisis.
This place doesn't seem to be a safe place.
But she still felt a sense of peace in her heart.
Because as long as she has this black trench coat by her side, she feels as if she has a powerful protector.
But just then...
Swish, swish—!
A vast expanse of warm orange light burst forth from the sky, and countless dazzling rays converged upon her.
It was as if she were standing under a spotlight, and the scorching space beneath her feet had become her performance stage.
Erica raised her hand to shield her eyes, peering through her fingers at the dense red light source, looking somewhat dazed.
Despite her impulsive decision to pull the crimson lever and begin the legendary trial of hell.
However, she had no idea about the specifics of the trial.
And she seemed to have heard something clearly just now...
Will you receive the attention of the gods?
Erica's mind went blank; she was completely enveloped in the machinery and flames, at a loss for what to do.
Suddenly, a mechanical roar echoed around them once more:
After many years, the Trials of Hell have begun again.
[To be shattered to pieces, or to reap glory]
The Trial Grounds can forge heroes. Warrior, can you break through the encirclement and conquer the entire Underworld?
If you manage to leave this place alive, the highest honor will be bestowed upon you by a thousand heroes.
Boom boom boom—!
As soon as he finished speaking, the flames on both sides of the trial passage erupted again, seemingly burning even more violently and terrifyingly than before.
Waves of dull yet unrestrained laughter converged from all directions, intertwining and echoing each other.
Waves of cheers echoed throughout the space, surrounding Erica.
High above this trial grounds, countless melodious crimson souls swirled and danced.
They seemed to be spectators, heads bowed, laughing and curiously watching Erica's reaction.
Seeing the scene before her, Erica couldn't help but think of the gladiatorial arena that appeared in the upper levels of the underworld.
This subconsciously increased her guard.
She thought she was going to have to fight Hades, the god of the underworld, again.
Erica knew perfectly well that she had no power to fight her opponent.
At that time, I will still have to completely hand over my body to the professor's control.
Fortunately, what happened next made Erica feel somewhat relieved.
In the center of the trial arena, a huge crimson inscription slowly floated down from the sky:
[Persist for one minute]
At the same time, the surrounding space began to distort and converge.
A scorching crack appeared in mid-air, from which several hideous ghosts leaped out.
Their bodies are made of orange souls.
The small head with a single eye and half a mask of sharp steel teeth contrasted sharply with their massive, obese bodies.
The spirits extended three hands from their strong arms, each hand tightly gripping a thick, wolf-toothed iron club.
Their semi-ethereal lower bodies swayed in the air.
Erica breathed a sigh of relief as she looked at the several dead souls before her.
There weren't many dead souls around, and the only requirement was for her to hold on for one minute.
You can give it a try.
But in the instant her consciousness wavered, a pitch-black iron rod appeared as a blur and swung towards her.
Erica rolled to the side, nimbly dodging the fatal blow.
Beads of sweat appeared on her forehead as she stared intently at the several enormous ghosts ahead.
The first blow was so fatal that it shocked her deeply.
She no longer relaxed her focus, and the magic in her hands began to surge, gathering a blazing crimson magic in her palm.
The next second, a crimson formation quickly appeared in the air.
Its bright patterns were meticulously depicted in the void, perfectly blending with the formation.
In the center of the magic circle, a twisted giant python totem seemed to come alive.
It slowly twists and spirals along the patterns of the formation, constantly tightening and binding.
[Third-Tier Magic: Fire Serpent's Strangulation]
A fiery python, burning with intense flames, appeared out of thin air from behind the souls and quickly coiled around their small heads.
When the dead tried to smash the burning serpent with their iron bars, they found that the serpent, made of elements, could not be cut.
Instead, the scorching flames became even more ferocious, and even began to burn their enormous pupils.
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