Story 464: The Descent into Dark

The team stood at the edge of a vertical shaft, staring down into the abyss. A single rusted ladder descended into the darkness, its iron rungs slick with moisture. The air carried the faint metallic tang of old water and decay. Above, the chamber they had narrowly escaped was now sealed, leaving this ominous shaft as their only route forward.

“This just keeps getting better,” Viper muttered, peering into the depths. “How far do you think it goes?”

Ghost tossed a glow stick down the shaft. The faint green light spiraled downward, illuminating the walls coated in algae and grime before vanishing into the void. A distant clink echoed faintly seconds later.

“Far enough,” Ghost replied grimly.

“We don’t have a choice,” Rook said, securing his gear. “Shadow, you take point. Viper, follow her. I’ll be in the middle. Ghost and Bulwark, bring up the rear.”