Chapter 36

Valemont loomed ahead.

The ruined city crouched in the valley like a dying beast, half-swallowed by swamp and fog. Cracked spires jutted from the earth like broken fangs, and black water pooled where streets once ran.

Edgar stared down from the ridge, clutching the parchment in one hand, the other resting on his blade.

“So that’s it,” he murmured.

Professor adjusted the lenses over his eyes, peering into the mist.

“Abandoned since the last war. No one’s dared step inside since.”

Magnet Man gave a crooked grin.

“Well. Guess we’re no one.”

They descended at dusk.

The city swallowed them whole.

Buildings sagged under centuries of decay, walls slick with moss and ash. The air was heavy — damp, bitter, laced with the faint metallic sting of old blood.

As they passed a shattered fountain, Edgar caught movement in the corner of his eye — a flicker of pale light between the ruins.

“Did you see—?”

“Shh,” Magnet Man hissed, holding up a hand.