The chamber was breathtaking.

The ceiling stretched high above, open to the sky, where golden light poured in through a circular opening. In the center of the room, suspended mid-air, was what he had come here for.

A sarcophagus… Hera's sarcophagus.

The sarcophagus was magnificent, crafted from pure gold and encrusted with gemstones that sparkled in the sunlight. It floated gently, held aloft by glowing golden chains that extended from the walls.

The chains pulsed faintly, their energy keeping the sarcophagus just out of reach.

Adrian stepped forward cautiously, his fiery chains igniting at his back as he surveyed the room. He knew it wouldn't be as simple as climbing up and freeing Hera.

As he got closer, the air became dense, filled with a clear feeling of pride and greatness. The ground trembled slightly, and Adrian stopped, his hand tightening on his sword.

From the shadows near the sarcophagus, a figure emerged.

A Griffin.

A very proud-looking one.

It was huge, with a strong body like a lion, and its golden fur sparkled like sunlight on water. As it walked, each muscle moved smoothly, showing off its graceful, hunting stance.

The creature had the head of a majestic eagle, with sharp eyes that shone with intelligence and strength.

Its wide, powerful wings spread out from its back, and the tips of the feathers glowed softly. The griffin stared intently at Adrian, as if it could see right into his soul.

The griffin let out a loud screech that echoed in the room. In response, Adrian's fiery chains sprang to life, wrapping around him for protection.

"I don't suppose you'd just let me pass," Adrian said in a steady voice despite the creature's intimidating presence.

The griffin answered with a powerful leap, its claws raking across the stone floor as it charged.

Adrian dove to the side, rolling to his feet just in time to avoid being crushed by the creature's massive talons.

Adrian tightened his grip on his sword, his fiery chains coiling protectively at his back. The oppressive air of pride and judgment weighed heavily on him, and he knew the griffin wasn't just a guardian—it was a test.

A test of his resolve, his strength, and his ability to rise above arrogance and fear.

The griffin let out a deafening screech that echoed through the chamber, shaking loose a shower of dust from the ceiling. With a powerful flap of its massive wings, it took to the air, circling above Adrian like a predator sizing up its prey.

Adrian braced himself, the wind from its wings whipping at his face. "I don't suppose talking this out is an option," he muttered.

The griffin's only reply was a low, rumbling growl that vibrated through the floor beneath Adrian's boots. It dove suddenly, talons crackling with lightning as they slashed through the air. Adrian dove to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack.

He rolled to his feet just as the griffin released a powerful gust of wind, the force enough to send him skidding across the stone floor.

Adrian dug his fiery chains into the ground to anchor himself, glaring at the griffin as it swooped back into the air. "Fine," he muttered under his breath. "We'll do this your way."

Drawing on Medea's dark fire, Adrian willed the flames to engulf his sword. The blade roared to life with black and violet energy, crackling with raw power.

With a swift motion, he swung the blade, releasing a crescent of dark fire that streaked toward the griffin.

The creature twisted in the air, its agility far greater than Adrian anticipated. The flame missed by inches, scorching the gilded walls behind it. The griffin screeched again, its wings glowing faintly as it dove once more.

This time, its claws aimed straight for Adrian's chest.

Adrian raised his sword just in time, the clash of talons against steel sending sparks flying. The impact drove him back, his boots scraping against the stone floor.

The griffin didn't relent, launching a barrage of rapid strikes with its beak and claws, each one faster and more ferocious than the last.

Adrian parried desperately, his muscles straining under the relentless assault.

He swung his fiery chains upward, wrapping them around the griffin's talons. The creature roared, beating its wings furiously as it tried to break free.

But Adrian held on, using the chains to swing himself upward and land a strike across the griffin's flank.

The griffin shrieked in pain, golden feathers scattering like embers as it pulled free and took to the air once more. It circled high above, its wings glowing brighter as the air around it crackled with energy.

Adrian's eyes narrowed. "What are you up to now?"

The answer came quickly.

The griffin let out a piercing screech, and a storm of lightning bolts rained down from above. Adrian sprinted across the chamber, dodging each strike as the ground erupted in bursts of light and heat.

One bolt came too close, grazing his shoulder and sending a jolt of pain through his body. Gritting his teeth, Adrian channeled energy into his sword, the blade glowing with an intense golden light.

He swung upward, releasing a powerful burst of energy that shot toward the griffin.

The blast clipped its wing, sending the creature spiraling downward. Adrian seized the opportunity, lashing out with his fiery chains to ensnare its injured wing and yank it to the ground.

The griffin hit the floor with a thunderous crash, the impact shaking the chamber. Adrian closed the distance quickly, his sword raised for a decisive strike. But the griffin wasn't finished. It let out another roar, unleashing a powerful gust of wind that knocked Adrian off his feet.

The creature rose unsteadily, its golden eyes blazing with fury.

Blood dripped from the wound on its wing, but it showed no sign of retreat. Instead, it charged, combining its wind and lightning attacks in a desperate attempt to overpower Adrian.

Adrian rolled to the side, barely avoiding the deadly combination. His chains lashed out, wrapping around the griffin's front legs and pulling it off balance.

But the creature twisted, using its massive strength to yank Adrian toward it.

Adrian stumbled, and the griffin pounced, pinning him to the ground. Its beak snapped inches from his face, the air around it crackling with electricity. Summoning every ounce of his strength, Adrian drove his fiery chains into the creature's chest, pushing it back just enough to free himself.

He rolled to his feet, his chest heaving as he prepared for the final round.

The griffin's movements slowed, its injuries taking a toll. Adrian saw his opening and acted.

Channeling the power of the Fire of the Hearth, he ignited his sword with a brilliant blue flame. The light from the sword filled the chamber, lifting the veil of pride.

The griffin lunged in a desperate attempt to finish the fight.

But Adrian was ready.

He sidestepped the attack, turning on his heel as he brought his sword down in a wide arc. The blade struck true, piercing the scar on the griffin's chest.

The blue fire surged through the creature, engulfing it in a blaze of light. The griffin let out one final, deafening roar before its body dissolved into golden embers that floated gently to the floor.

The chamber fell silent, save for the faint crackle of fading flames. Adrian stood over the spot where the griffin had fallen, his shoulders rising and falling with each labored breath. The oppressive air of the chamber lifted, replaced by a serene stillness.

Adrian turned his gaze to Hera's sarcophagus, now resting gently on the pedestal in the center of the room. The golden chains that had held it aloft were gone, their energy spent.

He approached cautiously, his fiery chains retracting as he reached out to place a hand on the gleaming surface of the sarcophagus. The carvings of Hera's story seemed to glow faintly under his touch, and he felt a pulse of energy resonate through him.

"You'd better be worth all this trouble," Adrian muttered, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

The temple remained silent, but the weight of the moment was clear. Adrian had passed the trial. Now, it was time to free Hera.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.