Chapter 46: Whispers in the Forest Ruins
After two days spent intensely studying the newly obtained data and solidifying his strength as a Peak Aether Collector, Tian Heng had also reinforced absolute obedience and fear within the remaining members of his group. Now, it was time to move toward the next objective: the mysterious ruins in the eastern forest. The intel extracted from the bandits—combined with Faela's cryptic hints—suggested the site might hold unexpected keys or resources.
"[Core, display a topographic map of the eastern region based on old survey data and recent scout reports. Identify the most likely location of the described ruins using approximate coordinates deduced from the bandit interrogation.]"
The Core projected a three-dimensional map of the region, highlighting a densely wooded hill zone about ten kilometers east of their temporary cave. Old anomalous aether readings indicated the partial burial of artificial structures.
"The target is to explore these ruins," Tian Heng announced to the group. "We move tonight. Faela—your knowledge of shadows and ancient places is necessary. Lyra—your scouting skills are needed to secure the path and detect threats. Lilith, you're with me as always."
He glanced at the two elven women recently bound by shadow. They stood with their heads slightly bowed, waiting for orders with dull, vacant eyes. Their fear response had become instinctual."Eilara, you stay here. Guard the base and keep trying to decipher the Builders' language using the partial key we acquired. Focus on anything that mentions energy sources or rare materials."Eilara nodded silently.
The four-person team—Tian Heng, Lilith, Faela, and Lyra—set off under the heavy night canopy. They moved swiftly and silently through the hills and forest, guided by Tian Heng's mental map and Lyra's now-mechanical ability to identify safe paths and avoid zones possibly inhabited by nocturnal beasts. Faela skillfully manipulated the surrounding shadows to enhance their concealment, making their passage nearly ghost-like.
Tian Heng moved quietly, but his senses were on high alert. He scanned the environment—not just with his enhanced perception, but through subtle aetheric flows and the draconic energy that pulsed faintly beneath his tattoo. It granted him an additional awareness of danger… or powers lurking in the dark. He noticed Lyra avoided eye contact with him and obeyed every command instantly, like a programmed puppet. Faela's Shadow Shackles had broken her will completely—a result that satisfied his cold, practical side.
After several cautious hours, they reached an area where the trees looked older, more twisted, and the air thicker, tinged with the scent of dust, damp soil, and a faint trace of mold. Lyra silently pointed ahead. Through the dense foliage, dark, crumbling stone structures began to emerge—covered in ivy and moss, jutting from the ground like the molars of a forgotten giant. The ruins.
They stopped at a safe distance and observed. The ruins were larger than expected—a collection of collapsed walls, broken towers, and cracked cobblestone courtyards. There was no clear light source, but Tian Heng, Faela, and Lilith all sensed a strange, faint aura lingering over the place. It wasn't pure aether—it felt heavier, darker, perhaps touched by void… or corrupted essence.
There were signs of recent activity: a narrow path cleared of rubble led to what seemed to be the main structure's entrance, and fresh, unfamiliar symbols were etched into some of the stones.
"Faela, scout the area from the shadows. I want to know what's inside—number of individuals, their nature, any guards, or the energy source the bandits mentioned," Tian Heng ordered calmly.
Faela melted into the shadows surrounding the ruins like smoke. She returned about ten minutes later, her violet eyes glowing faintly."The central structure is mostly intact inside. There's a faint light coming from an underground chamber. I heard murmurs—low chanting. I sensed at least five or six figures inside. Their auras are… strange. Corrupted. Not fully human, not demonic, and not pure aether either. Like cultists of something ancient and forgotten. No guards outside, but the main entrance is rigged with some basic aetheric traps."
Cultists? Corrupted energy?This was both intriguing… and troubling.
"Lyra," Tian Heng turned to the scout. "Stay here and monitor the perimeter of the ruins. If anything—or anyone—approaches, alert me immediately through the faint golden link the Core established between us."Lyra nodded silently and slipped into a hidden vantage point among the trees.
"Lilith, Faela—you're with me. We'll enter through the main entrance. Faela, guide us around the traps you mentioned." Tian Heng said as he approached the ruins.
The trio moved cautiously toward the central structure. Faela led them through a winding path between fallen stones, pointing out specific spots to avoid, where she sensed trap vibrations. They reached the main entrance—a massive, shadowed stone archway leading inward.
Tian Heng paused briefly to listen. The chanting was clearer now, accompanied by a strange, sickly-sweet incense scent. The air inside felt heavier and carried the same sense of corrupted energy.
He exchanged a quick glance with Faela and Lilith. Words weren't needed.He gave a nod—and the three of them stepped through the threshold into the dark heart of the ruins, ready to face whatever awaited them within.