Key in hand, Akira and Kana left the clubroom building, returning to the basement gate. Akira gripped his wooden sword and true kendo blade, while Kana readjusted her bow and quiver over her shoulder. The school's corridors were cloaked in cold, damp air, punctuated by distant creaks echoing through the walls.
Kana clutched the key tightly, whispering, "This gets us to the mastermind… My legs are shaking, but there's no turning back now."
Akira's sensors hummed as he replied, "Key acquisition confirmed. The mastermind is likely in the basement. Prepare for combat."
They reached the corridor where the iron gate loomed, its rusted "Basement" sign glinting faintly, the keyhole a dull beacon.
Kana inserted the key, twisting it with a heavy clank. "It's open! Akira, let's go!"
"Understood. High probability of hostile activity. Stay behind me."
Akira raised his true sword, pushing the gate open. The iron groaned, revealing a dark staircase descending into the depths.
A moist breeze wafted up, carrying a foul, rotting stench that stung their noses.
Kana nocked an arrow, her voice trembling but resolute. "This smell's gross… But I'm not losing here!"
As they began their descent, Akira's sensors flared. "Hostiles detected. Multiple entities approaching from below. Engaging combat mode."
From the stairwell's shadows, two creatures slithered upward.
One was a massive, bubble-like entity, its translucent body quivering, filled with countless black specks. As it swelled, the specks churned, and bursts of its surface sprayed acidic fluid.
The other was a flat, cloth-like horror, floating as if caught in a breeze, its edges lined with serrated blades that sliced the air with a metallic screech.
Akira charged the bubble creature, wooden sword raised. "Neutralizing threats. Kana, support me."
He struck, popping the surface and dodging a spray of acid. Switching to his true sword, he carved through its core. Black specks spilled out as it collapsed.
Kana fired an arrow at the cloth creature, halting it briefly. "Got you!" She loosed more, shattering its bladed edges.
"Akira, it's faltering! Finish it!"
"Affirmative. Concentrating attack."
Akira's sword slashed through the cloth, and it crumpled to the floor, lifeless.
The fight ended, and Kana exhaled. "We're getting closer to the bottom, right, Akira?"
"Yes. Hostile density is increasing, suggesting proximity to the mastermind. We continue downward."
They descended further, reaching the basement's floor. A vast chamber unfolded, its walls tangled with ancient pipes, water dripping from the ceiling. At the center stood a massive door, red light seeping through its cracks.
Kana stared, voice firm. "This is it. I can feel it—the mastermind's here."
Akira approached, scanning. "Anomalous energy detected. Mastermind presence confirmed. Prepare for final combat."
A distant laugh echoed from beyond the door, sweet yet chilling. "Well done, little lambs… You've reached my garden. Shall we play one last game?"
The red light pulsed brighter.
Kana raised her bow, shouting, "That voice—you're the one behind all this!"
"Extreme threat detected," Akira warned, tightening his grip on the sword.
He pushed the door open.