Standing in the dark and dry chambers of the labyrinth of trials is the sage of glass, his once shining hair now dirty, his once beautiful skin covered in dust, sweat, and hardened blood, whether it is his or from one of his enemies even he no longer knew.
his robes didn't fare much better, now riddled with holes and cuts,
sullied with blood and dirt, his breaths rapid and irregular, bringing with it a stinging pain preventing him from taking any deep breaths, his once well-built body looked to be one of an undead.

yet his eyes burn with determination

before him, a great gate stands, it's color black, it has no scratch any imperfection, upon it is a detailed carving of runes used to draw a painting, making the gate, an efficient work of runecraft and a masterpiece of art, his hands trace across the runes helping with the process of decoding and reading it
[ defeat the manifestation of your element and lay claim to what was promised ]

as he finished reading the hidden message a lump of anxiety slid down his throat, for he knew how impossible a trial stands before him.

yet with steady hands, he pushes the gate open.

"for her."

he repeats the words that kept him sane so far.
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this story is a reverse isekai not a returning story
this story is being posted on royal road my profile on RR : https://www.royalroad.com/profile/191086