I am the Holy Poisoner, the Empress advised me to calm down

"Let's go," Zhao Yan said after taking a deep breath, "Let all this end. No matter what awaits us—light or darkness—we will not retreat."

Lin Xi nodded, a determined light flashing in his eyes: "No matter what happens, we will stand by your side until the end."

Cass smiled slightly and tightened his grip on the sword. "Then let us face this challenge together. With you by my side, I have nothing to fear."

Genos patted Zhao Yan's shoulder, his eyes firm: "We are brothers and partners. No matter how dangerous the road ahead is, we will get through it together!"

Together, the four of them entered the narrow, dark passage. Ancient runes were inlaid on the walls, emitting a faint glow, guiding their direction. The air was filled with an oppressive and mysterious atmosphere, making people feel nervous.

"These runes seem to be telling us something." Lin Xi said softly, her eyes sweeping over the strange symbols, trying to find some clues.

"It seems we can only look for answers as we move forward." Zhao Yan replied, raising the torch in his hand to illuminate the road ahead.

Suddenly, a low roar came from the depths of the passage, as if something was slowly approaching. "Be careful!" Cass immediately became alert, holding his weapon tightly, ready to respond to any possible attack at any time.

"That sounds like some kind of creature," Genos said, "and it must be quite large."

"Don't be afraid," Zhao Yan reassured everyone, "We've faced tougher situations before, and we won't be intimidated now."

At this moment, they discovered a small door hidden in the corner of the wall. There was a complex totem carved on the door, and it seemed that some specific method was required to open it.

"This door doesn't look simple." Lin Xi frowned and carefully observed every detail on the pattern.

Cass walked over and touched the totem. Suddenly, he felt a warmth on his fingers. "I think we should input some energy according to the order of this totem."

"Good idea," Zhao Yan nodded in agreement, "Try to activate it in your own way."

Cass closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and placed his palm on the totem. A moment later, a golden light emanated from his palm and slowly flowed into the totem. As the light gradually intensified, the small door slowly opened, revealing a dim space within.

"It looks like we've found the right path." Genos said excitedly as he was the first to enter the room.

"Wait," Zhao Yan stopped him, "We have to be careful, this place might be full of traps and traps."

They cautiously entered the room and discovered that its layout was incredibly complex. There were many strange rune formations on the floor, and ancient murals hung on the walls, seemingly telling some ancient story.

"These murals seem to be telling the story of a hero fighting a dragon." Lin Xi said, pointing to a mural that depicted a warrior holding a long sword fighting a huge flying dragon.

"It seems that what we have to face is not simple." Zhao Yan said, he felt an invisible pressure gradually increasing.

At this moment, a cold voice suddenly sounded: "Since you have come here, then prepare yourself for the final test."

Everyone looked around, but no one was in sight. "Who are you? Come out and see us!" Zhao Yan shouted.

"I am the protector of this place," the voice replied. "You have overcome numerous difficulties and demonstrated incredible courage and wisdom. However, the true test has just begun."

As he finished speaking, the entire room began to shake, and the surrounding walls suddenly cracked, revealing a long staircase leading to a huge cave below. The cave was filled with thick darkness, and a huge shadow could be vaguely seen moving slowly.

"Looks like this is it," Zhao Yan stared at the stairs with a determined look in his eyes. "Are we ready?"

"Are you ready for the challenge?" Lin Xi asked Zhao Yan, her eyes full of anticipation.

"Yes," Zhao Yan took a deep breath, "We have come so far, we absolutely cannot retreat here."

"Then let us go down together," said Cass, "whether it is light or darkness, we must face it."

"Yes," Genos nodded in agreement, "We will definitely succeed."

Together, the four of them set foot on the stairway leading to the unknown, their steps firm and powerful. The enormous figure within the darkness seemed to await their arrival. A new adventure was about to begin... As they descended, the air grew colder, each step like treading on icy stone. As they went deeper, the massive shadow gradually became clearer: a massive flying dragon, its eyes gleaming red, as if seeing everything.

"Is this the challenge we have to face?" Lin Xi asked softly. Although there was a hint of trembling in her voice, her eyes were still firm.

Zhao Yan nodded. He gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, his gaze fixed on the dragon in front of him. "No matter what kind of test it is, we will get through it together."

At this moment, the flying dragon let out a deafening roar, shaking the entire cave. A powerful gust of air rushed towards them, almost knocking them off their feet.

"Are you ready to fight?" Genos looked back at everyone with a smile on his face.

"Always be prepared!" Cass responded, raising his sword high, ready to attack at any time.

The dragon flapped its massive wings and soared into the air, a powerful gust of wind sweeping in. Zhao Yan quickly raised his shield to protect his teammates from the impact. Then, he leaped forward, swinging his sword in a flash of silver light, heading straight for the dragon's throat.

The dragon didn't seem to mind this minor provocation. It opened its massive mouth and spit out a stream of blazing flames, instantly engulfing Zhao Yan. However, the next second, Zhao Yan suddenly appeared behind the dragon, and with his nimble footwork, he dodged the fatal blow.

Lin Xi clasped her hands together and chanted an ancient spell. Suddenly, a gentle light surged from the ground, forming a huge sphere of light shield that surrounded the four of them. A hint of pride flashed in her eyes. "This shield can protect us from its flames."

Genos seized the opportunity and launched an attack from the side. He swung his heavy sword, drawing several lightning-like trajectories in the air, and accurately hit the dragon's wing membrane. The injured dragon roared in pain and temporarily stopped attacking.