Eventually, at the center of the relic they saw a large opening for a cave. Just outside of it were 5 of the second-years that had entered, including Alexei and Jin.
“Why are you guys waiting outside of the cave instead of going in?” Kain asked.
“We suspect that the core of the relic is inside of this cave, but NJ,” Jin said while pointing to a plain-looking freckled boy with sandy brown hair, “has a gift that allows him to sense danger and strongly suggested waiting for more people to arrive. Aside from you two, only 3 others have yet to arrive.”
Kain nodded in understanding. Even if they have enchanted items that help to resist infections, there is no guarantee that the only source of danger would be getting sick. Kain had already seen how dead bodies were being controlled by an unknown creature. Even his own contract is capable of controlling other spiritual creatures to cause physical and elemental damage.
After about another 40 minutes, the remaining 3 seniors arrived.
Jin and Alexei led the way into the network of caves. The glowing moss lining the walls of the cave prevented the need for any kind of illuminating device as they moved forward with an unsettling silence hanging over them, broken only by the distant drip of water echoing through the cavernous halls.
His heart raced with anticipation and trepidation. However, the walls of the cave helped to dampen the pull from the creatures from outside so the cave so that Kain could focus on any approaching enemies.
“Stay sharp,” Jin murmured, raising a hand to signal a halt. He knelt to inspect the ground, tracing the faint outlines of a series of markings etched into the stone. “There are traps here. They’re ancient but should still work. We must move forward carefully.”
As they moved deeper into the cave, the walls began to narrow, and the air grew colder. A large second-year with a bulky build, moved to the rear carrying a massive sword, muscles tense as he listened for any signs of danger. “I don’t like the feel of this,” he muttered. “It’s too quiet.”
Suddenly, a soft click echoed through the chamber, and Kain’s instincts kicked in.
“Move!” he shouted, darting to the side just as a series of darts shot from hidden alcoves in the wall. A female second-year barely evaded the barrage, her agility on full display as she rolled beneath the lethal projectiles.
“Clear!” Kain called, and the group regrouped, hearts pounding. “That was too close.”
“Let’s not linger,” Alexei urged, his voice steady despite the rising tension.
Kain could feel the weight of the darkness pressing in around them. They reached a large cavern, its ceiling so high it was lost in shadows. Stalactites hung like jagged teeth overhead, and in the center lay a massive mound of stone. The stone wasn’t a single colour and was composed of several layers of varying colours form grey to orange to a deep red.
Suddenly, a low rumble echoed through the cavern. The ground beneath them trembled.
Before they could react, all entrances into the cavern began to slide shut, blocking their exit.
Apprehension surged through Kain as he leaped back, his heart racing. Everyone gathered closer together in preparation for whatever would happen next.
However, preventing their regrouping, he ground shifted violently, sending everyone sprawling in different directions.
Kain scrambled to his feet, heart pounding as he scanned the cavern. The massive mound of stone at the center began to crack and shift, its surface glistening under the glow coming off of the moss and stalactites above. Discover worlds on freewebnovel
The cavern with filled a deep, resonant growl that reverberated through the chamber, sending shivers down his spine.
As the stones shifted, the figure of a golem-like creature emerged, towering above them. Its form was composed of the same reddish-orange stone as the mound, intricately layered with veins of grey and deep red that pulsed like flowing blood.
The golem stood so tall that its head almost grazed the jagged stalactites, giving it an imposing presence that filled the cavern with a sense of dread and awe.
Kain could sense its energy, the familiar tug of from his affinity indicating that whatever this thing was, it was either composed of or host to a microorganism. Like all other creatures in the relic, its strength was limited to yellow-grade, but its immense size was rare at that level.
Even among the green-grade spiritual creatures Kain had encountered before—none were as large as this behemoth. If it wasn’t for the pull from his affinity or that it was composed of stone, he’d almost think that it had giant’s blood.
“Form a defensive line!” Jin shouted.
A similar rock-golem-like spiritual creature moved in front of all of them, although it was only a fraction of the size of their opponent. It was quickly joined by two spiritual creatures resembling a tortoise and elephant. Looking at their bulky figures they were clearly all specialists in defense.
Their defense was further bolstered by buffs and translucent shields added to them by other spiritual contracts.
The others quickly gathered behind the defensive line, eyes fixed on the towering figure opposing them. However, after several minutes it didn’t make any movements towards him.
“Do you think that…maybe it isn’t hostile?” One of the second year’s asked.
Before anyone could respond, the golem’s eyes flared to life, glowing with a bright amber light. It surveyed them, its massive stone hands flexing, the ground trembling with each subtle movement. A low rumble emanated from deep within its chest, almost like a voice trying to break free.
“Is it speaking?” A female student asked, eyes wide with wonder and fear.
But as the golem shifted, it did not attack. Instead, it extended one enormous hand toward them, as if beckoning. Kain’s brow furrowed in confusion. “What does it want?”
The golem’s eyes flickered, and Kain felt a connection, a sense of purpose radiating from the creature.
“Wait,” Kain murmured, “I think it’s trying to tell us something.”
Jin hesitated, but the urgency in Kain’s voice was undeniable. “We don’t have time for misunderstandings, Kain. We need to prepare for the worst.”
Before Kain could argue, the golem raised its other hand, palm upward, and a wave of energy flowed from it, creating a gentle vibration that resonated through the cavern. The air thickened, and Kain felt a shift, a calming influence washing over him and his allies.
“Listen!” Kain urged, his voice barely above a whisper. “It’s showing us something.”
When the barely visible sigils carved into the cavern’s walls began to glow, images were sent directly into the minds of Kain and the others.
‘Maybe finally we can get some answers about this place.’