The Transmigrated Author

Chapter 195: The Abyssal Dungeon (2)

{Rel's POV}

[The Abyssal Dungeon - Front Entrance]

I studied the three entryways, my gaze remaining on the rightmost path.

"This should be the best route," I muttered to myself.

Given that the right path started with a puzzle, followed by monsters, and ended with traps, it seemed the most logical choice.

Traps were something to be wary of, but if I could recognize their patterns and mechanics, I could navigate them safely.

The monsters were likely tougher than usual, given this dungeon's special nature.

Since I couldn't detect their presence visually, they were probably beyond my current strength.

I was still too weak to defeat them outright.

But I'd figure something out along the way.

So...

The decision is...

You got it!

The right path it was.

Fighting a monster at the start wasn't the best option, and facing one at the end, exhausted from navigating traps and puzzles, was even less appealing.

Let's see what this puzzle has for me.

...

...

...

Entering the room, I realized how truly round the chamber was. Its walls were built of massive stone slabs etched with glowing blue lines that pulsed with energy. These lines seemed to thrum with a power I could feel deep in my bones, a resonance similar to the mana that flows through all living things.

In the center of the chamber stood a circular altar carved from a dark, glassy stone. The altar was etched with symbols that shimmered and shifted as if alive, mirroring the pulsing energy of the lines on the walls.

To my right, I spotted a skeleton lying on the ground with a massive wooden stick. Given the dimness, I decided to make use of my fire attribute.

SHAAH...

As I lit the torch, the view around me became clearer.

Eight towering stained glass windows encircled the room, each depicting a scene of chaos and destruction.

I assumed these windows were more than just decoration, given this was a puzzle.

The next stage should involve monsters. The principle behind each room is usually either a pack of them or a singular mini-boss.

But I've never written a themed dungeon like this before, so why are these symbols here?

Despite my calm mind, I could feel my body shaking.

As I moved closer, the symbols grew larger with each step, and a sense of impending doom washed over me.

And before I knew it.

I had assumed these rooms led in straight lines because I expected to be heading into a single chamber.

Not three.

...

...

...

The three towering archways dominated the space, each leading to a swirling vortex of impenetrable darkness—a portal entry into what I assume were the mini-bosses of this dungeon.

Above each gate, a familiar symbol was etched into the stone.

The left archway bore the bishop's hat, the middle displayed horns, and the right was marked with wings.

The same symbols I'd seen earlier on the walls, were now marking the paths ahead.

A sense of unease washed over me as I took in the scene.

These symbols, imbued with an ominous aura, seemed to warn of the trials that awaited me within.

But more than that, a nagging doubt crept into my mind.

My vision, enhanced by Deadeye and Sensory Aura, should have pierced through the darkness of those portals.

Yet, they remained impenetrable, as if something was actively interfering with my abilities.

Which meant everything I had seen earlier was nothing but a deception.

So... there's someone powerful enough to block and deceive my sight?

I wondered, a shiver running down my spine.

The dungeon held more secrets than I had anticipated, and I was about to face them head-on.

___________

Authors Notes:

- Rel's carrying his silver bow on his back and Axel to his side.