Chapter 3: The Shadow Gorge

The tavern fell silent. Flames flickered as if startled. The door creaked open. A gust of wind burst inside, snuffing out candles and lifting cloaks. Heads turned — drawn by something unseen.

They entered.

The Silver Claw moved like a machine. Armor clanked in perfect rhythm. Their presence was not loud — it was heavy. At their center stood a man with silver hair and eyes that seemed to cut through souls.

“We need a fourth team,” he said. “The Shadow Gorge does not forgive the weak.”

Prometheus froze. His fingers found the necklace again. The words echoed in his mind — not just the man’s voice, but the memory of his mentor: "This is your burden now."

Across the table, Hitomi toyed with a small pin — a gift from her father. "Your strongest weapon, my daughter, is your faith." She smiled, but her grip on the sword tightened.

And then came the question. Not from the man. Not from anyone. From within.

“Can I endure this?”

Noctua’s symbols pulsed. Laima looked down. Brek remained still, like carved stone.

The tavern held its breath.

A whisper from the corner: "The last team that entered the Gorge… never returned."

Prometheus glanced at Hitomi. Her smile was still there — but he saw the crack behind it. She saw his fear. He saw hers.

No words were spoken. Chairs creaked. They stood.