The heavy stone door groaned as it opened, revealing a cold tunnel lined with glowing veins of blue light. The six looked at one another—hearts pounding, breaths shallow.
> "No turning back now," Nisa said calmly, stepping in first.
Bihoo silently followed behind, eyes scanning everything, curious and alert.
They moved in single file. The air felt old… ancient, almost alive. The walls bore symbols none of them had seen before—except Teaha, who kept staring at one glowing sigil, eyes slightly wide.
> "This… I've seen this in my dreams," he muttered.
Lara held his hand. "Dreams, or memories?"
Suddenly, the corridor split into six narrow passageways—each bearing a glowing symbol from the box they received.
> "I think… we go alone," Mira said reluctantly.
> "Let's meet back here. No hero moves," Kevin added, flashing a grin that didn't quite reach his eyes.
They nodded.
Each stepped into their chosen path.
Nisa's Chamber – "The Forgotten Flame"
The room opened into a circular chamber. In the center—an orb of fire hovered silently, surrounded by broken spears.
As she stepped closer, the orb pulsed.
> "You have the mark of the Solen Flame," a voice echoed.
An old video screen flickered on—a hooded woman speaking.
> "If you are seeing this… you bear the power we sealed away to protect the balance. Nisa Solen, you were never ordinary. Your mother—once Unit 9's Flame General—sacrificed her core to place it in you…"
The fire surged forward, merging into Nisa's chest, and a glowing sigil appeared on her collarbone.
> "What… am I?" she whispered.
Bihoo's Chamber – "The Soundless Echo"
His room was pitch dark. No floor, no ceiling. Just… space.
Then a voice.
> "Bihoo Sarail. Last descendant of the Silent sword"
A spectral figure appeared—his own father.
> "Son, if you've made it here, they've hidden the truth from you. Your silence isn't a flaw. It's your greatest weapon. You were made to move between sound… and steal it."
As the room lit up, glowing threads of sound filled the air. Bihoo raised a hand—and they silenced at his command.
> "They took our past. Let's take our future."
Meanwhile…
Kevin, Mira, Teaha, and Lara each found their own truth.
> Mira was once part of a banned bloodline—the Mind Benders. Teaha bore the memory of Unit 9's failed mission in his DNA. Lara held the "Eye of Decay," a power feared by rulers. Kevin was revealed to be a decoy—a guardian chosen to protect someone far more important than himself.
The six returned, changed—eyes glowing faintly, energy crackling.
But before they could speak…
A siren blared.
> "INTRUDERS DETECTED IN UNIT 9 SECTOR."
Doors slammed shut. The tunnels trembled.
A figure appeared at the end of the hall—cloaked in black, metallic mask glowing.
> "So… you found it.
Let's see if you're worthy of what you just unlocked."
To be continued…