Heart Of The Vein

The sun cast long shadows as the group left Solhaven's gates, the town's noise fading behind them. The path toward the cave system was lined with rocky outcroppings and sparse vegetation, the terrain steadily shifting from forested trails to jagged cliffs. Though daylight held strong, an unnatural chill lingered in the air, as if the Abyss itself were aware of their approach.

Ryu walked at the front, with Voidfang strapped to his back, its ominous black metal drinking in the light around it. The shard inside his pouch pulsed steadily; its rhythm was eerily keeping pace with his heartbeat. With each pulse came a faint vibration through him-a stark reminder of what awaited them.