Traitors

Oclas Mountains – Eastern Empire

Dozens of shadows streaked through the mountains with astonishing speed. A closer look would reveal their shared features—distinctive traits that marked them as members of a particular family.

"Sir Duncan, what do we do now?!"

A young man near the back shouted, his voice laced with panic. He could no longer suppress his fear. They were on the verge of leaving the safe zone and stepping into the true Nightmare Lands.

At the front of the group, the old man, Duncan, frowned.

His thick beard and long white hair stood in stark contrast to his muscular physique.

With a deep sigh, he spoke.

"We have no choice but to enter the Nightmare. It's either that… or death."

His grim words only confirmed the worst fears of those behind him.

Duncan cast a slow, assessing glance at his companions before shaking his head.

What a waste… If only we had been more careful, we wouldn't have been discovered…