Chương 140: Weird [part 1]
The Journey of Suzuki Kyōi: A Cautious Plan to Proceed
After discussing the signs and the possibility of a more dangerous creature lurking in the depths of the mine, Kyōi and Renidori decided to adopt an extremely cautious approach.
The mission, initially motivated by the collection of valuable crystals, had become much riskier.
The presence of recent tracks and signs of movement suggested they were not alone, and what lurked in the shadows could be even more dangerous than the Chimera they had previously faced.
A Strategic Plan to Advance
"We can't move forward without a clear plan," said Kyōi, studying the map laid out in front of him.
"We need to act precisely, keeping the team close and ready to respond to any possible threat."
Renidori nodded, carefully reviewing the various areas marked on the map.
"Do we split up again? Or do we stay together this time?"
Kyōi took a moment to think.
"Staying together is the safest option. If we split up and something attacks, we may not have time to respond in a coordinated way. However, we still need to keep some men guarding the escape route. We can't risk getting trapped."
Guarding the Escape Route
Kyōi decided to assign a small but highly specialized team to remain behind and guard the escape route.
"You," he said, pointing to three of the most experienced mercenaries.
"You'll stay here and watch our way back. If anything moves toward us, you must report it immediately."
The three men nodded seriously, fully aware that their role was crucial.
Their priority was to ensure that the rest of the group had a safe path to return to the surface, no matter what they encountered ahead.
The Reconnaissance Team
With the rear guard in place, Kyōi and Renidori organized the scouting formation.
"We'll move forward slowly," Kyōi said, "and carefully check every corner. I want every passage examined twice, and every sound recorded. We can't afford mistakes."
The tension grew as the group prepared to explore the new section of the mine, the one containing the fissure with the purest crystals and the mysterious energy.
Every mercenary was aware they were about to face something unknown, but their discipline and determination kept them steady.
The Hidden Fissure
After an hour of silent, cautious walking, they finally arrived at the fissure discovered by the temporary team.
The rock wall glowed under the torchlight, studded with crystals of violet and bluish hues.
However, the atmosphere was thick with a strange energy, as if the place itself was alive.
Kyōi stopped, raising a hand to signal the group to halt.
"Something's wrong," he said quietly. "Do you feel the energy emanating from here? It's not natural."
Renidori, beside him, nodded slowly.
"It feels like there's something deeper in this place. We need to be ready for anything."
A Sign of Danger
As Kyōi and Renidori assessed the situation, one of the mercenaries guarding the area rushed over.
"We spotted something!" he said urgently, his breath heavy.
"There's movement in the depths. We can't confirm if it's a creature or something else, but it's getting closer."
Kyōi clenched his jaw, knowing the situation was about to escalate.
"It's happening," he said firmly. "We need to prepare for the worst."
A Final Check
Kyōi approached the fissure, observing the crystals that glowed with increasing intensity.
Something was awakening.
"We can't leave these crystals here," he said with conviction.
"But we also can't get too close without knowing what awaits us on the other side."
Renidori stepped closer to Kyōi.
"We have to make a choice: we can try to recover the crystals now, before the threat arrives, or we can retreat and return with more resources and men. But if we leave, we might lose the chance to take what we need."
The Decision
The group of mercenaries gathered around Kyōi and Renidori, all awaiting the decision.
The torches flickered, and every whisper was drowned out by the tension.
"We can't afford to lose these crystals," Kyōi said, breaking the silence.
"But we must be prepared to fight. Whatever is coming toward us is drawn to this place and the power it emanates. Let's prepare to recover what we can, and then we'll retreat. But if the creature arrives first, we'll face the enemy here."
With the decision made, the mercenaries prepared themselves.
Weapons were unsheathed, torches positioned to light the entire area.
Everyone knew that the upcoming battle would determine the success or failure of their mission.
The Journey of Suzuki Kyōi: The Crescendo of Tension
As the mercenaries readied themselves for the impending battle, an oppressive silence filled the entire mine.
The torches cast long, ominous shadows on the walls, and the only sound was the muffled noise of breaths and slow footsteps.
But there was something else in the air, something invisible but tangible, growing in intensity: indistinct voices, like whispers that seemed to come from the very depths of the earth.
Background Voices
As the mercenaries stared into the darkness, some began to hear whispered voices echoing between the rocks.
They weren't comprehensible words, but low, unsettling sounds that made even the most seasoned among them uneasy.
"Do you hear that?" one of the mercenaries asked, gripping his dagger. "It's like someone... or something is speaking."
Renidori signaled for silence, raising a hand.
He, too, had heard those voices, and a chill ran down his spine.
He turned to Kyōi, waiting for him to speak.
The Mystery of the Voices
Kyōi stepped forward a few paces, his eyes fixed on the crystal-studded fissure.
The light emanating from the minerals shone brighter and brighter, but it was as if those whispers came from somewhere even deeper, beyond what they could see.
"They're not human voices," Kyōi said gravely.
"There's something... in this place, a presence I can't yet understand."
Renidori stared at him.
"Could it be connected to the crystals? Or maybe... to whatever we released by fighting the Chimera?"
A Warning
Suddenly, one of the rear guard mercenaries broke the stillness with a shout.
"Something's coming! We can't identify it, but we can feel it moving!"
The voices grew louder, almost as if they were responding to the alarm.
The mercenaries immediately got into position, weapons ready.
But as much as they tried to locate the source of the sound, no one could see anything tangible.
The torches flickered again, and a cold draft swept through the cave.
The Approaching Confrontation
Kyōi watched carefully, trying to discern what was really happening.
Those voices, that strange energy, and now the looming danger—everything seemed intertwined in a mystery far greater than he had imagined.
"Prepare yourselves," Kyōi ordered, his voice firm but tense.
"Whatever's coming is drawn to these crystals, and it may be the key to understanding what we're facing."
The mercenaries formed up, ready to confront the unknown.
The voices, now louder and more menacing, continued to rise, while the darkness seemed to close in around them, suffocating any hope of escape.
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