the hidden path

The air was still heavy with dust as the last fragments of the stone guardian crumbled to the ground. In the eerie silence that followed, the newly revealed passage beckoned them forward, glowing with an unnatural blue light.

Jin-Won took a cautious step toward the entrance, his grip tightening on his sword. "Whatever's down there… it was important enough to be guarded by that thing."

Lyria, still catching her breath, gave a nervous chuckle. "I really hope it's not another giant statue waiting to kill us."

Hori dragged himself up, brushing off his clothes. "If it is, I'm voting we just run this time."

Si-Yeon smirked. "You? Run away? That's new."

Ignoring their banter, Jin-Won led the way inside. The corridor beyond was narrow, lined with glowing blue symbols similar to the ones on the chamber walls. Their light pulsed faintly, casting shifting shadows across the damp stone floor.

As they ventured deeper, the temperature dropped. A thin mist clung to their feet, swirling with every step.

"Does anyone else feel that?" Si-Yeon asked, rubbing her arms. "It's… unsettling."

Jin-Won nodded. "It's like something's watching us."

Lyria trailed her fingers along the wall, examining the ancient carvings. "These symbols… they tell a story."

Hori sighed. "Great, another history lesson."

Lyria shot him a glare before continuing. "It talks about an artifact—something called the Heart of Aether. It says that whoever possesses it gains the power to bend fate itself."

Jin-Won frowned. "Bend fate?"

Si-Yeon's expression darkened. "That kind of power… No wonder it was so heavily guarded."

As they reached the end of the corridor, they found themselves standing before a massive stone door. Unlike the previous ones, this door bore a single glowing sigil in its center—one shaped like an eye.

Lyria stepped forward hesitantly. "This must be the final seal."

Jin-Won exchanged glances with the others. "Ready?"

With a deep breath, he reached out and pressed his hand against the sigil.

The temple rumbled once more, the blue light intensifying until it was blinding. The door began to slide open… revealing what lay beyond.

—To be continued…