Part-209

  As he neared home, James started debating his move. He sidered returning to the gym for more physical training. However, after the intense session with Kashem, his body was g for rest. His muscles still ached, and while he could push through, he k might be wiser to recover first. Plus, he reminded himself, the Lamp of Time’s dungeon didn’t require physical stamina. Ihat straherworldly space, only his mental aional strength mattered.

  “I’ve trained enough for today. Time to hit the dungeon,” James decided.

  Once he arrived home, he was greeted by the familiar aroma of food wafting from the kit. His mother, Farzana Khan, was busy preparing lunch. He paused for a moment to chat with her.

  “How was your training?” she asked, her voice warm and filled with geerest.

  “It went well,” James replied. “I trai Mili’s dad’s dojo today. He’s intense, but I learned a lot.”

  Farzana smiled, pleased with his answer. “That’s good. It’s important to keep growing, both physically aally. I’m proud of you for bang it all so well.”

  James returned her smile, feeling a sense of warmth from her words. “Thanks, Mom. I’m doing my best.”

  After their brief versation, James headed to his room. As he closed the door behind him, his gaze immediately fell on the Lamp of Time, resting quietly on his desk. The mp’s faint glow seemed to be him, as if it held secrets waiting to be unlocked. This unassuming artifact had more power than anything else he had entered. The st time he had used it, the oil inside had mysteriously repleself, giving him access once more to the straherworldly dungeon.

  He crossed the room, his heart rag with anticipation. Sitting on the edge of his bed, he grabbed the mp and ran his fingers over its surface. The mp's warmth seeped into his skin, a reminder of the untold power it tained. He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. This time, he knew what to expect, but the dungeon was uable, always shifting, always testing his limits.

  With a determined exhale, James torched the fire, watg as the mp flickered to life. The world around him seemed to pause, the air growing still. In the blink of ahe familiar se unfolded—a door appeared before him, standing ominously iillness. Without hesitatioepped forward, pushing the door open aering the dungeon once more. The air was thick, almost tangible, and the distant sounds of movement echoed from the shadows. The dungeon was alive, ever-shifting, and James knew better than to let his guard down.

  Before he could fully orient himself, he heard the scuttling of ratlings in the distance. His heart rate picked up, but uhe first time he faced them, James now felt a bit more fident. He had learned from his past failures, and though he had beeed several times before, each loss had taught him valuable lessons.