The night grew darker as Kael, Mikaho, Zehr, and Ashen followed the red-glowing signal stone deep into the woods. With every step, the trees seemed to shift, the path twisting in ways it hadn't before.
"This place isn't right," Zehr whispered. "It feels... alive."
Ashen, walking ahead with calm steps, spoke without turning. "It is alive. These woods were cursed after the second demon flood. The roots remember blood."
Kael gripped the Pulsefang tightly. The weapon was light but powerful. It vibrated slightly in his hand, as if reacting to something nearby.
Suddenly, the ground below them shifted.
Crack!
Mikaho let out a small cry as the earth gave way—and the four of them dropped into a hidden cave below.
Dust filled the air. A moment of silence.
Then Kael coughed. "Everyone okay?"
"I've had softer landings," Zehr muttered, rubbing his back.
Ashen stood up calmly, brushing dust from his cloak. "This cave... it wasn't here before. Something new is moving underground."
The red signal stone in Mikaho's hand blinked faster now. They were close.
They walked through the narrow cave, torches lighting automatically as they passed. Strange runes covered the stone walls. Some looked like ancient drawings of demons. Others looked like Veilbreakers... standing over fallen creatures.
"What is this place?" Mikaho asked.
Ashen's voice turned quiet. "A war tomb. From the time before we were born. The first generation of Veilbreakers built this place. To trap something they couldn't kill."
Zehr shivered. "So... why is the signal leading us here?"
As they reached a large stone chamber, they found the answer.
At the center of the room was a coffin, cracked and glowing. And next to it—a broken signal stone.
Kael stepped closer. "There's no one here. Then who—?"
The coffin creaked.
Everyone backed away.
And then… a low voice echoed through the cave.
"You... who disturb my sleep… are not ready."
Ashen stepped forward, drawing his sword with his one hand.
"Stay back," he warned. "This… this isn't a demon. It's something else."
Suddenly, a ghostly figure rose from the coffin—a tall man with glowing eyes, wrapped in old armor.
"You train your children in fear," he said, voice echoing in their heads. "But the fear you prepare for… is not the fear that comes."
Kael's heart pounded.
"What do you mean?" he shouted.
But the figure faded… and the coffin snapped shut.
Silence returned.
Ashen finally spoke. "That was one of the Old Watchers. They were sealed here to warn us if the seal ever weakened."
Zehr looked around, nervous. "So… does this mean it's weakening?"
Ashen looked at Kael. His expression was heavy. "It means... the third flood is closer than we thought."
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The academy calls them back. But they carry with them a warning.Old Watchers, ancient truths, and a danger no child should face.What will the masters say when they hear of what lies beneath the earth?