Chapter 5: Dawn

The night had ended. But the light did not bring peace — only silence and decision.

Prometheus and his team had already departed. Alongside the Silver Claw, they walked toward the Shadow Gorge. No words were spoken. None were needed. The mission had been accepted.

Above Crystallphaos, the sky darkened. The bells of Aethercrystal rang out — sharp, sudden, ancient. Something… demonic had awakened.

Citizens froze. Guards ran. An old mechanism was activated — a warning of dark energy. The kingdom did not yet understand. But the world was shifting.

On the path, the team moved in silence.

The first blow came without sound — like lightning in stillness. The next moment? Blood soaking into the earth.

“Hope you enjoyed your drinks…” The voice echoed from behind. “Not everyone who enters the Gorge returns the same. If they return at all.”

Noctua stopped. “Prometheus,” she whispered. “We’re not alone.”

The wind shifted. The ground trembled. The Gorge… was calling.