Chapter ⁴⁰ Secrets Beneath the Ice
Chapter 40: Secrets Beneath the Ice
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"Defeating a giant ice monster is one thing. Figuring out what the hell it was guarding? That's a whole different headache."
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The air in the chamber is heavy and damp now, the chill receding as the Guardian's remains melt into harmless puddles.
Kael wipes the sweat—or is it frost—off his brow, his sword hanging limply by his side. "That... was not fun."
"Welcome to my world," I mutter, sliding my blade back into its sheath. "So, what now? We pack up and go home?"
Kira ignores my sarcasm, standing and brushing herself off. "Not yet. There's something deeper here."
"Of course there is," I groan. "Because nothing's ever simple."
Blobby bounces in a wide circle around us, its gelatinous form gleaming with excitement. "Boss, boss! Look! The runes on the wall are glowing!"
We turn to see faint markings illuminating along the chamber's perimeter. They ripple with light, shifting patterns forming words in a language I can't begin to understand.
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"Just what we need—magic hieroglyphs. Because who doesn't love ancient cryptic warnings?"
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Kira steps closer to the wall, her eyes narrowing as she studies the markings. "This is... unexpected."
Kael raises an eyebrow. "You're saying the giant ice monster wasn't the surprise?"
Kira shakes her head. "The Guardian was just that—a guardian. This," she gestures to the glowing runes, "is the real mystery."
I cross my arms, leaning against a pillar. "Great. So, can you read it, or do we need a decoder ring?"
Kira ignores me, running her fingers along the glowing patterns. Her expression shifts from curiosity to concern.
"This isn't just a warning," she murmurs. "It's a map. And a message."
Kael steps forward. "A map to what?"
"Something called the Veilstone," she replies.
Blobby bounces nervously. "That sounds...ominous."
"Oh, it is," Kira says, her voice grim. "The Veilstone is a relic of immense power. It's said to hold the ability to pierce dimensions, to reshape reality itself."
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"Because obviously, what this world really needs is a dimension-piercing, reality-warping superweapon. Sure, that'll end well."
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I rub my temples. "So, let me guess. If we don't find this thing, someone else will?"
"Precisely," Kira says, turning to face us. "And judging by the Guardian's presence, others are already looking."
Kael frowns. "Others?"
"Cultists, mercenaries, power-hungry nobles," she lists. "Take your pick. The Veilstone isn't just a treasure—it's a weapon. One that could change the balance of power in ways we can't predict."
"Wonderful," I mutter. "So, where's this map leading us?"
Kira traces the runes again, her brow furrowing. "It's not clear. The inscriptions reference a place called the 'Chasm of Echoes.'"
"Sounds inviting," Kael says dryly.
"It's in the Northern Wastes," Kira continues. "A desolate region covered in perpetual ice and snow."
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"Of course it's in the middle of nowhere. Because why wouldn't it be? It's like the universe is allergic to convenience."
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Blobby quivers nervously. "Boss, do we really have to go there? It sounds scary!"
"Everything's scary to you, Blobby," I reply. "But yeah, looks like we don't have a choice."
Kira steps back from the wall, her expression resolute. "We need to move quickly. If the Guardian was defeated, it means someone else is already on this trail. We're not the only ones who know about the Veilstone."
Kael tightens his grip on his sword. "Then we better be ready for a fight."
"Great," I say, pushing off the pillar. "Another wild goose chase through frozen hell. Can't wait."
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"Some people dream of luxury vacations. Me? I get to trudge through snow and fight for my life. Living the dream."
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As we make our way out of the chamber, the ground trembles slightly, a low rumble echoing through the icy corridors.
Blobby freezes mid-bounce. "Uh, Boss? Is it just me, or is the ground moving?"
"It's not just you," I reply, glancing around. "Kira, what's going on?"
She frowns, her hand resting on her dagger. "It's the chamber. The magic destabilized when the Guardian was destroyed."
"So, what? It's collapsing?" Kael asks.
"Possibly," Kira says. "We need to move. Now."
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"Nothing like a collapsing ice dungeon to really tie a day together."
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We break into a run, the rumbling growing louder with every step. Shards of ice fall from the ceiling, crashing onto the ground around us.
Blobby clings to my shoulder, squealing in panic. "Boss, faster! Faster!"
"I'm going as fast as I can!" I snap, narrowly dodging a chunk of falling ice.
Kael leads the way, his strides long and purposeful. Kira stays close behind him, her gaze darting between the collapsing walls and the path ahead.
The exit is just ahead—a faint light cutting through the swirling frost.
"We're almost there!" Kael shouts.
But then, a deafening crack splits the air, and the ground beneath us gives way.
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"And just like that, the floor decided to quit on us. Typical."
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I fall, the world spinning around me as icy darkness swallows us whole.
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End of Chapter 40