Although Xavier tried to be strong, deep down he was still confused. The shadow started to consume him as Xavier stood frozen. His shadow self continued to circle him, its words pricking their way into his mind. The shadows around them twisted and writhed, alive with dark energy, feeding off the doubt and fear radiating from him. But deep down, he knew he couldn’t let it win. This whole dungeon was designed to break them, to push them past their limits.
His grip tightened on the hilt of his sword, the familiar weight giving him some sense of reality. He wasn’t powerless. Not here. Not ever. But that shadow—it was him. It wasn’t just some random monster or obstacle—it was his deepest fears brought to life.
“You can’t win by denying me, Xavier,” the shadow taunted, its voice growing louder
