บท 450: Story 450: Veins of the Underworld

The labyrinth had grown colder and more foreboding as the team pressed on, their boots splashing through shallow streams of water that dripped from the stalactites above. The cavern stretched endlessly, a maze of narrow tunnels and jagged walls that seemed alive. The faint echoes of dripping water intermingled with the distant growl of something unseen, heightening the team's tension.

Rook held up a fist, signaling a halt. "This isn’t natural anymore," he muttered, eyeing the carvings etched into the wet stone walls. "These tunnels were carved for a purpose."

Ghost crouched, running his fingers over the faint grooves beneath his feet. "Tracks," he whispered. "Something heavy was dragged through here... recently."

The air felt heavier, thick with a metallic tang that stung their noses. Shadow glanced toward the darkness ahead, her rifle at the ready. "Whatever it is, we’re close. It doesn’t want us here."