章 218: Hostage Situation

The wind howled through the narrow crevices of the Akarios Mines, sending a chill down the spines of the soldiers patrolling the dimly lit tunnels. The mines had been abandoned for months after Vincent and his forces had successfully dismantled a series of demonic gates hidden deep within. The remnants of the last gate, twisted shards of dark metal and glowing runes, had been left behind as a grim reminder of the demons' failed incursion.

Corporal Jensen adjusted his grip on his rifle, his eyes flicking nervously toward the faint red glow that seemed to pulse from deeper within the tunnel. The mines had been quiet for months—no sign of demonic activity since Vincent's forces had cleansed the area. Yet tonight, something felt wrong. Very wrong.

"Corporal, did you see that?" Private Reynolds whispered, his voice barely audible over the wind's mournful wail. He pointed toward the end of the tunnel where the remnants of the gate were stored under heavy guard.