"The third?! You must've been incredibly powerful!"
Ren's mouth fell agape at that information, imagining the strength required to push past the first floor, let alone the second.
"Wait--then that means you defeated Asterius, right? Then how--"
"Of course, the guardians of this temple are under a similar pact as those who take the trial. Even if killed in battle, Asterius will rise again to protect the floor from the next challenger."
"I see…"
It was scary to think a powerful entity like that was almost a constant force in this world. Imagining the amount of blood on the beast's hands sent a shiver up Ren's spine.