Xandros didn't know how many steps he had taken, but it felt like he had been passing through this staircase for eternity. The only thing keeping him going and reassuring him was the bracelet that Rosaria had given him.
He didn't know how long he had spent climbing, as he had long lost his sense of time—he just walked.
His body was already giving in to the aura. It was becoming too difficult to withstand, yet he forced himself to take another step forward.
A massive wave of aura descended on him, and he began sweating profusely. The steps beneath him were already caving in, his feet sinking under the immense pressure from the stairs. His entire body felt weak, and even breathing became a struggle.
Slowly, he felt his strength slipping away, his entire body screaming in pain. His consciousness was fading bit by bit, even though he tried desperately to stay awake.
With sheer willpower, he endured it. Looking at the bracelet still ignited his determination, pushing him forward.
