The Warlord's Second Life As A Commoner : 025

The morning sky at Arcadia Academy was somber, reflecting the tension that enveloped the place. After a night of conspiracy and secrets, Lucian, Alden, and Eris gathered in their hidden training room. Each of them carried fear, but also a burning determination.

"We have a big problem," Eris said as she showed them the notes from the book they had found in the Truth Room. "The Shadow Council may be looking for something called the Key of Stygia. According to this book, that key is the only way to open the place where the Dusk Sword is sealed."

"The Key of Stygia?" Alden raised an eyebrow. "Is it some sort of ancient artifact?"

Eris nodded. "Yes, and to make matters worse, the key is believed to be hidden in the Underground City, a secret place built by an ancient empire deep underground. The location is difficult to find, but I have a clue from this book."

Lucian stood with his arms crossed, his eyes full of determination. "If they get there first, the Dusk Sword will be theirs. We have no choice. We must find the Underground City before they do."

The three of them left the Academy before the sun had fully risen, avoiding the surveillance of the Shadow Council that had now infiltrated every corner. Using the ancient map found in the Truth Room, they began their journey toward the mountains west of Eldoria, where the gate to the Underground City was believed to be located.

Along the way, Lucian noticed a change in Alden and Eris' demeanor. They were more alert than usual, but there was a tension in their dynamic.

"What are you thinking?" asked Lucian as they stopped to rest at a small stream.

Eris sighed. "I can't stop thinking about what we're up against. The Sword of Dusk, the Order of Dusk, and now the Council of Shadows. It feels like each step brings us closer to the inevitable end."

Alden patted Eris on the shoulder. "We've been through worse. As long as we're together, we can face it."

Lucian smiled faintly. "And as long as we don't give up, they won't win."

When they arrived at the location indicated on the map, they found an ordinary looking cave. Inside, however, they found ancient carvings on the walls depicting the symbols of the Order of Dusk and the Underground City.

"I think this is the place," Eris said as she touched the carving.

But the moment she touched it, the cave shook. A large stone door slowly opened, revealing a staircase leading down into the darkness.

Alden looked at the stairs skeptically. "Why do old places always have to be creepy?"

Lucian chuckled. "Maybe it's their way of making sure only the truly brave can enter."

They lit their torches and started down the stairs. The air grew colder and damper as they descended, until they came to a large door decorated with intricate carvings. In the center of the door was an opening in the shape of a sword symbol.

"That must be the main gate," Eris muttered.

Lucian took the small sword he had found in the Truth Room and stuck it into the slit. With a heavy rumble, the door opened, revealing the magnificent and wondrous Underground City.

The city was like another world. Huge pillars supported a ceiling filled with glowing crystals, illuminating streets of black stone. Ancient buildings stood all around, and in the center of the city was a large altar with a statue of a knight holding a sword.

"This place..." Alden looked around in awe. "It's magnificent."

However, their awe soon turned to caution as they heard the sound of footsteps echoing around them. From the shadows emerged figures clad in black robes with the insignia of the Order of the Dusk on their chests.

"They're already here," Eris whispered.

Lucian drew his sword. "We can't let them take the Key."

A battle broke out in the center of the city. Lucian, Alden, and Eris worked together to fight their enemies, who used a combination of dark magic and weapons.

Amidst the chaos, Lucian realized that the leader of the enemy group was the silver-haired woman they had met at the Academy.

"Lucian Rayne," she said with a cold smile. "We meet again."

"You're not going to win this," Lucian replied.

The woman just laughed. "You have no idea what you're up against. We've been planning this for years. And today, the Key of Stygia will be ours."

Lucian jumped forward and attacked the woman with his sword. But she moved with incredible speed, easily dodging his attacks.

"You may be strong, Lucian," she said as she countered. "But you are still bound to the past. And that will destroy you."

The battle was fierce, but the situation became even more difficult when the woman cast a powerful spell that created a ring of fire around them. Lucian and his friends were pinned down as the enemy closed in.

"What are we going to do?" asked Alden, panting.

Lucian looked at the altar in the center of the city. He noticed that there was a large chest that seemed to contain something important.

"We have to get there," Lucian said. "Eris, can you clear a path?"

Eris nodded and cast a spell, creating an ice bridge across the ring of fire. They ran toward the altar, but their enemies continued to pursue them.

When they reached the altar, Lucian opened the chest and found the Key of Stygia - a crystal artifact that emitted purple light.

"This is it," Lucian muttered.

But as he picked up the key, a silver-haired woman suddenly appeared behind them. With a swift move, she attacked Lucian, knocking him to the ground.

"The key is ours," she said as she reached out to take it.

But before she could touch it, Eris launched her final attack - a blast of magic that knocked the woman backward.

"We have to go now!" Eris shouted.

Lucian rose and took Stygia's key. They quickly fled the city, leaving their enemies behind.

When they finally emerged from the cave, they were relieved, but also worried. They may have gotten the Key of Stygia, but their enemies were closing in on their goal.

"We can't stop now," Lucian said, looking at the crystal in his hand. "This battle has only just begun."