Story 580: Chained to the Abyss

The air hung heavy with the stench of decay as ZETU regrouped at their mobile command post, still reeling from the encounter at the graveyard. The eerie vision of chained skeletons rising in unison wasn’t just another anomaly—it was a warning. Ethan “Brain” O’Connor analyzed the symbols they’d recovered from the shattered crypt altar.

“These markings are ancient,” Ethan explained, his voice tense. “They’re not just decorative. They’re summoning seals—meant to bind the dead and draw something much worse through.”

“Worse than an army of glowing skeletons?” Riley “Quick Shot” Bennett quipped, wiping the dust from her rifle.

Marcus Kane silenced her with a raised hand. “Focus. What’s the connection, Ethan?”

“It’s a ritual. The chains were holding back something. Breaking the anchor disrupted the summoning, but…” He trailed off, glancing at the map displayed on his tablet.

“But what?” Blaze demanded, pacing restlessly.