Chapter 157: Chapter 157: The Weight of Knowledge

As the last remnants of the icy creature dissipated into the void, the group took a moment to gather themselves. The silence of the cavern pressed down on them, a stark contrast to the chaos they had just survived. Elara's mind raced with thoughts of what lay ahead. Each trial was growing more intense, and the Keep was revealing just how formidable it could be.

"We need to move," Elara said, breaking the silence. Her voice was steady, though her heart was still pounding in her chest. "The longer we stay here, the more time the Keep has to throw something else at us."

Ethan winced as he pushed himself to his feet, still feeling the effects of the creature's blow. "Agreed. But we should be careful. That last trial… it was different."

"Different how?" Bryn asked, his eyes narrowing.

"Stronger. Smarter." Ethan's expression was grim. "It's like the Keep is learning from us. Adapting."