Bab 8: First trial: Trial of the mind...

After slaying the last creature, Adrian retracted his chains, but his mistake became painfully clear when the ground gave way. "Shit..." he mumbled, adrenaline rushing as he ran towards the pedestal.

Only a few steps stood between safety and doom.

Out of instinct, Adrian shot two chains and anchored them to the edge of the cliff. This kept him from falling into the void. With every ounce of strength, he pulled himself in one by one until he was back on solid ground.

He took a moment to take in deep breaths, trying to recover from the near-miss experience. Sweat dripped down his face, mixing with the grime and dust of the temple.

The adrenaline was still coursing through his veins, making his heart pound like a drum in his chest.

Adrian glanced back at the path which was now completely destroyed.

There was no going back.

He pushed himself to his feet, his gaze fixed on the pedestal before him. It was adorned with ancient symbols and a glowing crystal at its center.

"This is it," he murmured, his voice echoing in the chamber. "The first step."

As he approached the pedestal, the air around him seemed to hum with energy. The light from the crystal cast an ethereal glow, illuminating the chamber with a soft, pulsing radiance. Adrian could feel the power radiating from it, like a tangible force that resonated deep within him.

He reached out, his fingers trembling slightly as they brushed against the crystal.

The moment he made contact, a surge of energy coursed through him, and the chamber around him seemed to come alive. The ancient symbols on the pedestal glowed brighter, and the entire chamber resonated with a deep, harmonious hum.

Adrian's vision blurred, and he felt himself being lifted off the ground. The world around him dissolved into a swirl of colors and light, and he felt a powerful presence surrounding him. He closed his eyes, letting the energy envelop him.

When he opened his eyes again, the light had dimmed and he found himself standing in a different place entirely. He was in a vast, vast, ethereal field, the sky above a brilliant shade of blue. The air was fresh and filled with the scent of blooming flowers.

In the distance, he could see the silhouette of a grand temple, its spires reaching towards the heavens.

"Welcome to the Temple of Endless Desire," a seductive voice called out. Adrian turned to see a figure emerging from the shadows—a succubus of stunning beauty and allure, with flawless pale skin, luscious lips, and curves that could bring any man to his knees.

The clothes she wore --- if we can call it one --- clung to her body, showcasing her front and back curves. The material was almost translucent, leaving little to the imagination.

Her full and inviting lips curved into a knowing smile as she approached him with a lustful grace, her hips swaying with each step.

Her long, flowing hair framed her face, cascading down her back like a waterfall of midnight. "I am Seraphina," she purred, her voice smooth as silk and dripping with desire. "I guide the temple."

"Seraphina," he repeated under his breath before speaking up, unable to take his eyes off her. "Adrian."

"Oh, I know who you are," she said, trailing a finger down his chest. "I've been watching you ever since you entered the chamber."

Adrian shivered under her touch, feeling himself becoming aroused. He had never been this attracted to anyone before, and Seraphina's seductive aura was intoxicating.

She leaned in close, her lips brushing against his ear as she whispered, "There are two trials you must complete before you gain entrance."

"Okay?"

Her smile widened as she circled him, her fingers lightly trailing across his shoulders. "The first is the trial of the mind."

"What is it?" Adrian asked, his pulse racing.

"Now, relax," she smirked, her hands tracing the muscles of his arms. "No need to get your head into knots. It's pretty simple, you see. It's just one question... a rather simple one."

Adrian nodded. "Ask me anything."

She stepped away from him and clasped her hands behind her back, her tail swishing side to side playfully.

Seraphina's eyes gleamed with amusement as she bubbled like a horny teenager in front of him, her gaze locked onto his. "What is it you desire?"

"What is it that I desire?" he repeated, the question lingering in the air.

Seraphina nodded, her gaze piercing his soul.

Adrian swallowed, the question echoing in his mind. What was it he desired? Revenge, he wanted revenge.

His expression hardened as the familiar rage bubbled to the surface. "Revenge."

Seraphina regarded him for a moment, her tail swaying lazily behind her. She pursed her lips, as if considering his words then shook her head in disapproval. "Hmmm, wrong. Try again."

Adrian's brow furrowed in confusion. "My family --- my wife and unborn child was murdered. My kingdom invaded and destroyed in my absence. I want revenge."

The succubus laughed, a melodic sound that sent shivers down his spine. She paced around him, her hips swaying enticingly. "Come on, Adrian, you don't need to lie," she purred from behind him, her breath warm against his ear.

"I know what I want, Seraphina. And it's revenge," Adrian insisted firmly.

She sighed, rolling her eyes at his naivety. "I know what you want, but what is it you truly desire? We both know it's deeper than that," Seraphina said, her tone playful yet knowing.

Adrian hesitated, the words stuck in his throat.

"It's not revenge, Adrian," Seraphina stated matter-of-factly. "Not really. It's something much more primal."

"And what's that?" he questioned, his voice hoarse.

Seraphina circled him once more, her tail grazing against his skin as she trailed her fingertips over his arm.

Her smile softened, and she placed a hand on his chest, her touch sending a jolt of electricity through him. "Admit it, Adrian," she whispered. "You desire power. Power to protect, to destroy, to reclaim what is rightfully yours."

Adrian's heart pounded as he stared at the mesmerizing succubus. He swallowed hard as he considered the truth of her words.

The more he thought about it, the more he knew she was right.

Yes, he desired revenge against those that took everything from him. But deep down, his desire for revenge was intertwined with a burning desire for power.

The power to change the world.

"It's okay to admit it, Adrian. There's nothing to be ashamed of," Seraphina reassured him. "The pursuit of power is a noble quest."

Adrian clenched his jaw, his fists trembling at his sides. "You're right," he confessed. "I desire power."

Seraphina nodded in satisfaction, a knowing glint in her eyes. "That wasn't so hard to admit now, was it? Now, tell me, Adrian, what will you do with this power once you have it?"

"What won't I do? I'll make them pay for what they've done. Then, I'll rebuild my kingdom and bring peace to this world," Adrian declared, his voice filled with conviction.

The succubus grinned, her eyes shining with pride. "Good, good," she murmured, her tail wrapping around his waist. "Such a noble cause. And, how far are you willing to go to achieve this goal?"

Adrian looked at her with a determined expression. "Anything. Everything. Whatever it takes."

Seraphina hummed, pleased with his answer. "Good," she purred, running her hand down his chest. "You will be a worthy champion. A king worthy of power."

"Now, for the second trial. Are you ready, Adrian?"

"Yes," he answered.

The succubus chuckled softly, her lips brushing against his. "The second trial is the trial of the body," she murmured, her voice laced with desire. "I know you desire me, Adrian. You can't hide that from me."

Adrian gasped as her hands wandered down his body, her touch igniting a fire within him.

"Will you give yourself to me?"