Chapter 13: Journey to the Eternal Tower

As the cold winds of the north blew in Dante and his party's faces, their arduous journey to the Eternal Tower began. Blizzards and dangerous terrain cut their already limited time even shorter.

Kaelene spoke as she wrapped herself in her fur coat. "At this rate, it will take us two days to reach the Eternal Tower. But there are only three days until the ritual begins. Time is tight."

Ryker added, checking his map. "There seems to be a shortcut here. But it leads through an old underground passage. It could be dangerous."

Dante checked his pistols with determination. "If it gets us there faster, we should try that route. Every second counts."

Lucian approached from behind the group. "That passage leads to an old fortress of the Brotherhood of Shadows. There may still be traps and guardians there. Be ready."

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Underground Passage: Shadow Traps

The team entered an ice-covered cave and reached the underground passage. The passage was dark and damp. Old Brotherhood of Shadows symbols could be seen on the walls. The atmosphere was heavy, like a threat looming over them.

Kaelene studied the symbols on the walls. "These symbolise the early days of Oblivion. This passage may be where its ascension began."

Ryker spoke, looking deeper into the passage. "We must pass through here. But be careful, there are traps here."

Just then, the sound of a mechanism was heard. The stones on the ceiling began to move and flaming traps surrounded the area.

"Down!" shouted Dante. Everyone dodged the blow by jumping to the ground. But danger lurked around every corner of the passage.

Lucian quickly climbed onto a stone and shouted. "The traps work in a pattern. Only a certain path is safe! Follow me!"

Dante led the team quickly, and they bypassed the traps to reach the other side of the passage. But this was only the beginning of a greater threat.

Dark Guards at the end of the passage, they found a large stone door in a huge hall. But in front of the door, guards in dark armour were waiting. These guards looked like the old warriors of the Brotherhood of Shadows, but now they were more beasts than men.

Ryker spoke, raising his rifle. "These guys don't look so good."

Dante drew his silver-plated pistols. "I don't care if they look pretty or not. If they're in our way, we'll get past them."

The guards charged, swords and heavy armour. The battle began with incredible violence.

Dante dodged a guard's attack with nimble movements and fired two shots at his head. But the guard continued to advance despite the bullets. "These things don't land with normal bullets!"

Drawing her magical sword, Kaelene broke through a guard's armour and dealt a fatal blow to his weak point. "Target their armour! Their weak point is on the inside!"

Lucian shouted as he took down a guard with a magical dagger. "This is an ancient protection spell of the Brotherhood of Shadows! They cannot be stopped until their armour is destroyed!"

Ryker neutralised a group of guards using an explosive device. "Then let's try explosives!"

After a long and exhausting battle, the team managed to defeat all the guards. However, this battle had worn them out both physically and psychologically.

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Entrance to the Eternal Tower

They finally managed to open the stone gate and reached the other side of the passage. In front of them was the gigantic Eternal Tower, stretching into the dark sky. The rising of the Black Moon was approaching and the ritual in the tower was only hours away.

Lucian spoke, looking up at the tower. "This is the centre of Oblivion's plan. If we fail to stop the ritual here, the world will be plunged into irreversible darkness."

Dante turned to the team, looking at the top of the tower. "We've come this far, now we go in and end this war. Whatever happens, Oblivion will be stopped."

Kaelene looked at Dante, placing her sword on her back. "We're with you to the end. Let's finish this."

Ryker added as he readied his explosive devices. "Let's make this tower the tomb of Oblivion."

Dante headed for the door, checking his silver-plated pistols. "Then let us begin."

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