The Gate Opens : The Gathering of the Seven

The grand chamber of the Seven Acetorean Guards, illuminated by floating orbs of soft light, stood as a beacon of order and strength in a fractured world. The Head Captain, draped in a flowing silver mantle, surveyed the gathered captains with an unyielding gaze. Each figure in the room radiated authority, their unique auras blending into an almost tangible force of unity.

“Rash must be closely monitored,” the Head Captain declared, his voice resonating like a thunderclap. “His left eye flickers with an energy that none of us fully understand. It could be a sign… or a curse.”

A projection of Rash’s eye hovered in the center of the room, glowing with an otherworldly luminescence. Intricate patterns of blue light danced across it, mesmerizing yet foreboding. Whispers of unease rippled through the room, though no one dared voice dissent. The captains exchanged brief glances, their expressions a mix of determination and concern.

“We will double the surveillance in his vicinity,” said the 6th Captain, his voice steady and firm. “If this energy escalates, we must be ready to act decisively.”

The Head Captain nodded solemnly. “Prepare your squads. The balance of our world may rest on this.”

With their orders clear, the captains dispersed, their steps echoing with purpose. Outside, a storm brewed in the distance, mirroring the tension that filled the air.

The Descent into Shadows

Under the veil of the night, Hisen Histwagon moved like a shadow through the ancient halls of the ruins. His footsteps echoed ominously as he descended an ancient staircase, the air growing colder with each step. Dim torchlight cast flickering shadows on the walls, illuminating inscriptions of long-forgotten languages.

At the bottom, the Gate of the Hollow World loomed—a massive structure of black stone inscribed with glowing crimson runes that pulsed rhythmically, as if alive. The gate exuded a suffocating aura of despair.

“Not long now,” Hisen murmured, a smirk playing on his lips. His left hand hovered over the gate, faint runic symbols on his skin glowing in response. A faint vibration resonated through the air as if the gate itself acknowledged his presence.

With a final lingering glance, Hisen turned and ascended the staircase, disappearing into the consuming darkness.

The Next Morning

The ruins of Shiganshina buzzed with excited chatter as the students prepared for the next phase of their excursion. The morning sunlight streamed through the cracks in the ancient structures, lending an almost serene quality to the site. Professor Albert, brimming with pride, led the group with animated explanations about the ruins’ historical significance.

Flame walked cautiously, his steps deliberate. The air felt heavy, oppressive even. “This spiritual pressure… it’s rising,” he muttered under his breath, his eyes scanning the surroundings.

Suddenly, a piercing scream shattered the tranquility. The group turned to see a grotesque hand, dripping with blood, emerging from a crack in the floor. It latched onto a student’s leg, dragging them downward. Chaos erupted as students scattered, their cries filling the air.

“Everyone, evacuate immediately!” Professor Albert bellowed, his voice strained with panic. Alexia and the others quickly sprang into action, guiding the students to safety.

Elysia, with a determined expression, summoned her sword from a dimensional portal. The gleaming blade hummed with energy as she slashed through the monstrous hand, which disintegrated into ash upon contact.

“Stay together!” Alexia shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos.

Before anyone could regain composure, two brilliant flashes of light illuminated the corridor. From the radiance emerged the 4th and 5th Captains of the Seven Acetorean Guards, their white cloaks billowing dramatically. Their presence immediately commanded attention.

“Do not fear,” the 4th Captain announced, his voice calm and authoritative. “We will handle this.”

But even as the words left his lips, a sinister shadow darted forward. From the darkness, a scythe struck, piercing the 4th Captain. Time seemed to freeze as blood splattered across the stone walls. The 4th Captain’s eyes widened in shock as he crumpled to the ground.

“No!” the 5th Captain roared, his voice filled with rage. He unsheathed his weapon, a massive claymore crackling with energy, and charged at the creature that had attacked his comrade.

The battle was ferocious. The creature, a twisted amalgamation of shadow and bone, moved with unnatural speed. The 5th Captain’s strikes were precise, each swing of his claymore creating shockwaves that reverberated through the corridor. Sparks flew as steel met shadow, the air thick with the clash of magic and raw power.

The Floating Ruins

As the battle raged, the ground beneath them trembled violently. A deep rumble echoed through the ruins, and to everyone’s horror, the entire structure began to rise into the sky. The ruins floated ominously, defying the laws of nature. Students screamed as some lost their footing, plummeting into the abyss below.

Flame’s heart raced. “The Gate has been opened,” he realized, dread sinking into his chest.

From the shifting shadows, Hisen emerged once more, his calm demeanor eerily unsettling. His left hand, now fully aglow with intricate runic patterns, radiated dark energy. He raised it high, chanting an incantation that sent ripples of malevolence through the air.

A suffocating wave of energy swept over the group, causing everyone to cough and stagger. Then, as suddenly as he had appeared, Hisen vanished, leaving only his chilling words behind: “Ding… Dong… Ding… Dong…”

A deafening explosion shattered the ruins, sending debris flying in all directions. Alexia tackled Flame, shielding him from the worst of the blast. Lessie and Elysia regrouped, their expressions grim but determined.

From the wreckage, monstrous beings began to emerge. Asuras—ancient creatures of immense power and malevolence—stepped into the overworld. Their towering forms radiated an aura of destruction, their eyes burning with hatred.

Flame gritted his teeth, his sword igniting with a fiery glow. The time for retreat had passed. The clash of steel against monstrous flesh marked the beginning of a desperate fight for survival.

To Be Continued…