章 21: Chapter 21: The Hidden Path
The air grew colder as Alucard and his companions followed Jasper through the narrow trail leading into the mountains. The thick forest had given way to jagged rocks and towering cliffs, their path shrouded in mist. The hidden passage Jasper had mentioned was a treacherous route, one that few dared to take—but it offered them a chance to strike at the sorcerer's fortress undetected.
Jasper led the way, his movements swift and sure, as if he had walked these mountains a hundred times. Behind him, Alucard kept his eyes scanning the terrain, every sense alert. The sorcerer's forces could be anywhere, and they couldn't afford to be caught off guard.
Garret, ever watchful, grumbled as he climbed a steep incline. "I thought a 'hidden passage' was supposed to be easy to follow. This feels more like we're climbing to our deaths."
Jasper shot him a grin over his shoulder. "Don't worry, Garret. We're almost there. Just a little more climbing, and then we'll be right under their noses."
Seraphina moved silently alongside them, her bow in hand, eyes scanning the shadows. "We'll need to move fast once we're inside. The element of surprise won't last long."
Alucard agreed. "We take out the armory, disrupt their defenses, and get out. The longer we stay, the more time the sorcerer has to send reinforcements."
As they climbed higher, the air thinned, making it harder to breathe. The jagged rocks around them seemed to close in, casting long shadows over the narrow path. Alucard could feel the weight of the sorcerer's dark magic pressing in from all sides. The fortress was close.
Jasper stopped abruptly, holding up a hand to signal the others. "We're here."
Ahead of them, half-hidden by the rocky cliffs, was a narrow opening, barely wide enough for a person to slip through. It was dark and foreboding, but it was their way in.
Garret peered into the darkness. "That's it? I was expecting something a little more… grand."
Jasper shrugged. "Sometimes the best secrets are the smallest."
Without hesitation, Alucard moved forward, leading the way into the passage. The walls were damp and cold, and the air smelled of earth and decay. The tunnel twisted and turned, winding its way deeper into the mountain. Alucard could feel the weight of the fortress above them, the oppressive magic growing stronger with every step.
After what felt like an eternity, they emerged from the tunnel into a large cavern. Above them, through cracks in the stone ceiling, they could see the underside of the fortress. Massive stone pillars supported the structure, and the sounds of soldiers marching echoed faintly from above.
Seraphina knelt down, examining the ground. "We're directly beneath the armory. If we plant explosives here, we can bring the entire structure down."
Alucard nodded. "Good. Jasper, you and Seraphina set the charges. Garret and I will stand guard."
Jasper quickly pulled out the explosives he had brought, working with Seraphina to set them in place. The tension in the air was thick as they worked in silence, every sound amplified by the echoes in the cavern.
As Alucard kept watch, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. The fortress was too quiet, too still. It was as if the darkness itself was watching them, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
"Almost done," Jasper whispered, his fingers moving deftly over the explosives.
Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the cavern, sending a chill down Alucard's spine. He drew his sword, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the shadows. Something was coming.
"Jasper, Seraphina—hurry," Alucard said, his voice low but urgent.
Garret stepped forward, his sword at the ready. "What is it? What do you see?"
Before Alucard could answer, a pair of glowing red eyes appeared in the darkness, followed by a deep, guttural growl. The air around them seemed to thicken with malevolent energy.
The sorcerer had sent his creatures.
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