The Dungeon Of The Forgotten

Atlas walked cautiously through the dark corridor, holding a torch in front of him. An aerial shark swam nearby, its eyes flickering in the semi-darkness, scanning the space. Atlas could feel the ancient energy emanating from the walls—the magic here was different, deep, old.

There were worn footprints on the floor. Someone has definitely been here recently. Perhaps the missing player.

[System Notification]

[You have entered the first area of the Forgotten Dungeon. ]

[Danger level: high. Research: 3%."]

"Only three percent?" Atlas chuckled, "So this place is huge.

Suddenly, a shadow flashed ahead. He stopped instantly, gesturing for the Air Shark to get ready. Ahead, at the back of the corridor, something was moving. The torch illuminated a massive figure — a twisted suit of armor covered with runes, slowly rising from the floor.

[System Notification]

[Enemy detected: Shadow Forest Warrior (Level 14)."]

– I don't like such guests. – Atlas muttered, taking out his dagger.

The warrior took a step, his heavy metal feet thudding on the stone floor. The slit eyes on the helmet lit up with a pale blue light.

[System notification: "Enemy analysis is completed. Discovered weakness: lightning magic."]

–This is our chance. –Atlas said, stroking the Air Shark's side: – Let's show him what a real storm is.

The mountain beast shot up, its body enveloped in electrical discharges. Atlas took a step forward, preparing for battle.

The Shadow Forest Warrior moved towards them, and the battle began.

Atlas spun around when he heard the sound of footsteps. Someone was approaching quickly down the corridor.

A tall player in dark equipment stepped out of the shadows. His face was hidden by a hood, but his eyes, red as hot coals, shone in the semi-darkness. He looked... exhausted, as if he hadn't slept in days.

–You're in the way. – The stranger said softly.

A weapon appeared in his hands – a thin, almost ghostly blade, flickering with crimson light.

[System Notification]

[ "Player detected: ??? (Level 13). ]

[Status: unknown."]

Atlas gripped his dagger, tensed, ready to fight. The enemy? Or just another seeker who happened to be here? But there was no time to think— the Guardian of the Ruins was not going to wait.

[System notification: "Combat engagement has begun!"]

In the next second, the dungeon lit up with flashes — a battle began, where everyone had to decide who was on whose side.

Atlas reflexively stepped aside, avoiding the stranger's sharp lunge. The crimson blade passed within a millimeter of his shoulder, slicing through the air with a menacing whistle.

Atlas muttered, instantly assuming a fighting stance.

The air shark made a low vibrating sound, and a bluish energy enveloped its body. She was ready to attack, too.

The stranger was moving fast, but there was some... fatigue in his movements? It was as if he hadn't rested in a long time.

[System Notification]

[The opponent uses the Crimson Dance skill (level 2).]

[Be careful!]

Atlas, following his instincts, activated Tactical Evasion and rolled away from the trajectory of the strike. But while he was regaining his balance, the stranger changed tactics — his figure flashed through the darkness, and then appeared right behind Atlas.

"Damn, he's fast!"

An attack from above is almost a fatal thrust. Atlas managed to get the dagger into the block, but it was abruptly thrown to the side. The blow was strong, but not fatal.

An Air Shark immediately joined the battle. She swirled in a vortex using a "Discharge Wave", sending an electrical pulse straight at the attacker.

The stranger reacted quickly, retreating a few steps, but still his armor cracked under the discharge. He exhaled loudly.

–You're not one of them. – Suddenly he said.

Atlas tensed.

–One of them?

The stranger put the sword away, frowning. He was looking at Atlas with a kind of mixed expression, as if he was taking a closer look.

–If you're not affiliated with the hunters, we have no reason to fight. – The voice was muffled, but there was no obvious hostility.

Atlas resisted the urge to raise the dagger again. The enemies should not be underestimated.

–Who are you?

He thought for a moment before answering.

–Call me Crimson Eyron. – And if you're really looking for answers, and you're a gambler. Maybe we should talk. He dealt a fatal blow to the monster that was behind him with a single swing of his sword.

[player (Crimson Eyron) defeated "Shadow Forest Warrior"]

Atlas was in no hurry to relax. Even though Eyron had put away his weapon, his tense posture betrayed his readiness to attack again at the slightest threat.

The air shark, still surrounded by residual energy discharges, hovered next to Atlas, intently watching the stranger.

–Hunters?. –Atlas repeated: –You were talking about some hunters. Who are they?

Eyron exhaled slowly, as if deciding whether he should share the information. His crimson eyes flashed for a moment in the darkness of the dungeon.

– Those who monitor artifacts such as your "Eye of Silence". – He nodded at Atlas' inventory: – And if you have already activated it, then they are already coming for you.

Atlas frowned.

[System Notification: "New information about the hidden Faction 'Hunters of the Forgotten Force' has been received."]

–So they're just hunting people like me?

–Not really. – Eyron crossed his arms: – They pursue those who upset the balance of the game. The use of forbidden artifacts, certain cheats can awaken… something that sleeps in the depths of this world.

Atlas felt an unpleasant sensation rise up inside him.

–So since you know all this... are you one of them too?

Eyron grinned, but there was a shadow in his gaze.

– I was one of them in the past. But now it looks like there are two of us they want to take out.

The aerial shark warily moved closer to Atlas.

– Then why did you attack me?

– I thought you were one of those who just want power. Eyron shrugged his shoulders: –But you're not like them. You... look more like a Seeker.

Atlas said nothing. This was partly true—he was interested in knowledge, old technologies, and artifacts.

He was not just looking for power, but also trying to understand why the world works the way it does.

–Anyway, if you want to learn more about the Hunters and your artifact, you'd better not stay here. – Eyron took a step back, disappearing back into the dimness of the dungeon. If you really need answers, find me in the Dra'Myr.

And with that, he disappeared, leaving behind only a light echo of footsteps.

Atlas gripped the hilt of his dagger, thinking about what he had heard.

[System Notification: "Quest Update: 'The Eye That Saw The End - 2'. Find another Aeron player in the Dra'To find out the truth about the Hunters of the Forgotten Force."]

"There's no point in rushing yet, I want to explore this dungeon first."

Plunging into the dark corridors of the ancient dungeon, Atlas cautiously moved forward. The light of his torch illuminated the engraved symbols on the walls — ancient inscriptions, perhaps left by those who tried to get out of here centuries ago.

The air shark swam nearby, its body shimmering slightly in the dim light, catching the tiniest movements in the shadows. At times, she tensed, reacting to sounds Atlas couldn't hear.

The dungeon was already 82% explored, there was still a bit left. On the map that appeared in front of his eyes, two unmarked rooms could be seen.

"Okay, since we're here, let's finish the job. Atlas muttered, clutching the dagger in his hand.

//To be continued, please like and save…