Story 454: The Ascent

The winding staircase spiraled upward into a void of oppressive silence, each step echoing off the ancient stone walls. The team ascended cautiously, their weapons drawn, eyes scanning the shadows that danced along the arched ceiling. The architecture was stunning yet menacing, with intricate carvings of winged creatures and ominous symbols etched into every surface.

“This staircase feels endless,” Viper muttered, her voice a low growl.

“Endless isn’t the problem,” Ghost replied, his NVGs scanning ahead. “It’s what’s waiting at the top.”

The faint glow from the artifact they’d retrieved cast eerie patterns on the walls as Rook carried it in a reinforced pouch. “Eyes forward. No chatter,” he commanded. His tone left no room for argument.

The air grew heavier as they climbed, thick with the weight of something unseen. The faint rumble of machinery, muffled but insistent, began to creep into their ears.