The fire had burned down to little more than glowing embers, pulsing weakly in the cave's darkness. The silence was heavy, disturbed only by the rhythmic dripping of water from stalactites above.
Alynia sat against the wall, arms crossed, head bowed. She looked asleep, but Veil knew better. Her ears twitched slightly at every sound. Always alert.
Veil stretched his arms, wincing. The soreness in his muscles reminded him of his limits, but he clenched his teeth. The last trial had drained more of his strength than he cared to admit. Slowly, he pushed himself up, then looked at Alynia.
Veil (hoarse voice): "We moving?"
Alynia’s eyes opened slowly. She remained still for a few seconds, gaze fixed on the embers, before she gradually pushed herself up, using the wall for support. Her ears flicked back briefly as she gritted her teeth, but she made no sound of pain.
Alynia (firm tone): "Yeah... We move, Little Wolf."
Her steps were slightly unsteady, but she walked—straight and proud.
Veil watched her from the corner of his eye. He saw how she masked the pain behind her stoic expression, but he said nothing. If he did, she’d shoot him a look that would make him regret it.
Veil (smirking slightly): "If you collapse, I’m not carrying you."
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Alynia turned her head toward him, raising an eyebrow. Her smirk was sharp.
Alynia (mocking gaze): "You don’t have the shoulders for that, Little Wolf."
They advanced into the corridor, their footsteps echoing against the cold stone floor. The silence was oppressive, amplified by the sound of each step. It felt louder than it should.
Veil (eyes narrowing ahead): "That sound… Metal?"
At the end of the corridor, a massive door loomed, adorned with golden symbols and intricate engravings. It appeared to be made of a dark, slightly reflective metal, covered in ancient inscriptions. Faintly glowing runes pulsed across its surface—slow and rhythmic, like a heartbeat.
Veil (awed expression): "Incredible…"
Alynia stopped beside him, her gaze locked onto the runes. She ran a hand across the cold surface of the door, narrowing her eyes.
Alynia (cautious): "This isn’t just a door… This is a sealing barrier. Whatever’s behind this… it’s no simple guardian."
CLICK.
A deep, internal mechanism activated. The symbols across the door ignited from bottom to top, as if an energy source was surging through them. The golden engravings burned with a blinding light, and a metallic grinding sound echoed through the chamber, low and ominous.
CRAAAAAAAAAC.
The door began to open slowly, with a thunderous rumble, metal scraping against stone. A cold draft rushed out from the chamber beyond, carrying the scent of ash and ancient dust.
Alynia (sharp gaze): "Get ready, Little Wolf. Whatever’s in there won’t show mercy."
They stepped through the doorway, cautiously. Their eyes widened simultaneously.
An immense hall. Towering pillars supported a ceiling so high that it vanished into darkness. The walls were covered in faded murals, depicting epic battles. A battlefield from a forgotten era.
Veil (whistling softly): "It’s an arena…"
CLAC. CLAC. CLAC.
Torches mounted along the walls ignited one by one, flooding the chamber in flickering golden light. Shadows stretched long across the ground, twisting like claws.
Alynia (low, serious voice): "Little Wolf… This isn’t a guardian. It’s the boss."
CRRRRRRRRRRRR.
A deep, fracturing sound. Like stone splitting apart.
At the center of the room, a massive form began to move.
Two red eyes snapped open in the darkness.
A long, scaled neck slithered forward from the shadows. The creature lifted its head, staring down at them for a moment, before unleashing a piercing, feral shriek that echoed through the entire hall.
The Hydra of Borgeal had awakened.