Chapter 40

The fortress rose from the forest like a wound.

Black stone, jagged spires, no banners — just a wall of obsidian silence, pulsing faintly with red runes. At its base, the dead trees grew twisted, their trunks charred, branches clawing at the sky.

Edgar crouched behind a crumbled ridge with Magnet Man and Professor. The cold wind stung his cheeks, carrying a faint scent of ash and rot.

Even from this distance, he could feel it — the hum of dark magic leaking from the walls. The closer they got, the more the air felt... wrong. Like something ancient was watching.

Magnet Man scanned the perimeter through a cracked pair of binoculars.

“Two patrols. East tower’s got a busted wall. That’s our way in.”

Professor nodded, but didn’t look up from the worn map spread across the dirt. Runes flickered at its corners.

“They’ve fortified the inner sanctum. Whatever ritual they’re preparing — it’ll happen there.”

Edgar’s jaw clenched.

“And Sebastian’s part in it?”