Drip... drip... drip. The sound echoed endlessly through the frozen tunnels, each drop slicing through the silence. A cold mist lingered near the walls, swirling around their boots like restless spirits.Every breath turned to white vapor, vanishing into the dim air. The chill bit into their lungs, sharp and merciless.
Star, Abyss, and Able crept through the narrow passageway, their footsteps barely audible over the steady drip… drip… drip that came from somewhere far ahead. The deeper they went, the heavier the air became—thick with damp earth and the faint stench of rusted metal.
At the next bend, Star raised a hand, signaling the others to stop. The tunnel curved sharply ahead, leading toward a faint orange glow. Voices could be heard now—low, gruff, and echoing faintly.
They were close.
"Alright," Star whispered. "This is it. The front gate should be just around this turn."He glanced back at the others. "Let's go over the plan one more time."
Abyss leaned against the stone wall, crossing his arms. His voice was calm but low. "You'll act as the recruit, Able brings me in as the kidnapped child. We get inside, Able takes me to the prison, and I free the kids while you distract the leader and all the other kidnappers."
Able nodded nervously, his fingers trembling as he adjusted the ragged cloak around his shoulders. "Y-Yes. I remember. I just… I've never done anything like this before."
"You'll do fine," Abyss said. His expression softened for a moment—a rare moment of reassurance. "Just keep your head down and act normal."
Star grinned, his tone playful even in the tension. "And don't look suspicious. You know, you look like you're about to throw up."
Able's eyes widened. "W-What?! I'm not—!"Star stifled a chuckle. Even Abyss rolled his eyes.
"Alright, genius," Abyss muttered, "you said you could turn me into a child with that ring. Let's get it over with."
Star raised a brow. "You sound impatient. Scared, maybe? "Abyss gave him a glare that could have frozen fire. "Do it before I change you into a child."
To Abyss, the way Star was acted was a little frustrating, but it was what made Star who he was. Even in the saddest moments he would just smile and ease everyone into the mood.
But it did feel more like he was only helping for his own entertainment and it wouldn't even be that surprising it was the case.
"Fine, fine." Star held up his hand, the faint blue ring glimmering in his palm. Its gemstone pulsed with soft, swirling light. He then gave the ring to Abyss.
Abyss wore the ring on the middle finger of his right hand and started channeling his magic into it. The air shimmered as his magic channeled into the ring and then back into him, a faint hum resonated through the narrow corridor as it happened.
The magic spread like rippling water, engulfing Abyss in a soft blue glow. His tall, imposing frame began to shrink, even his beautiful black and golden robe was replaced by rough-spun clothes. In just a few seconds, the fearsome god of destruction was gone—replaced by a dark-haired child of about ten, wearing worn shoes and a tattered shirt.
Abyss blinked, staring down at his tiny hands in disbelief."...You've got to be kidding me."
Star grinned so wide it almost hurt. "Oh—this is perfect! Look at you! You're adorable."
"Shut. Up." Abyss's glare could've killed a lesser man. "It even made the clothes change too?!"
Star puffed up his chest proudly. "Of course. Full transformation package. You can even picture what outfit you want before activating it—comes with accessories, too."
Abyss sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I swear… you invent the weirdest things." With a child like voice.
"Useful weird," Star corrected, winking. "There's a difference."
Star in a playful tone said to Abyss " hey child didn't your parents told you to respect your elders "
" I will give you some respect " pinching his nose even harder Abyss said.
Able, still processing what he'd just seen, staring at the child-sized Abyss in awe. "T-This is incredible… He really looks like a normal boy."
"Remember," Abyss said, his smaller voice still carrying a faint edge of authority, " I am still older than you so don't treat me like a child or I'll break your nose."
Star snorted. "Sure you will, little guy."
Abyss released Star's nose, took a deep breath—clearly restraining himself—and muttered, "Let's just go."
Able nodded, picking Abyss up carefully. The child-sized god didn't resist, though his scowl deepened by the second. Star couldn't help the small laugh that escaped him as they crept closer to the corner.
The glow ahead was now much stronger. Two rough-looking men stood at the entrance to a wide stone archway, torches in hand. Both wore mismatched leather armor, and each carried a jagged steel spears. Their eyes were sharp—hunters' eyes. Behind them, the tunnel opened into a larger passage lined with iron support beams.
The guards' voices were low and bored.
"Another long night," one muttered, yawning. " Boss says we're moving the kids tomorrow. Hope it's not another hundred kids. They cry too damn much."
"Eh," the other grunted. "More work for us means more coin. You complain too much "
"Yeah, yeah. Still creeps me out."
Star and Able stepped out from behind the corner, Able carrying the "child". Abyss acting unconscious.
The guards immediately stiffened as soon as they saw them. The grip on their weapons tightening.
"Who the hell are you?" the taller one barked at Star.
Able swallowed hard but forced himself to speak. "New recruits. I… caught this one today." He lifted the limp form of "the boy" slightly. "This man helped me."
The shorter guard eyed Star from head to toe, suspicion heavy in his tone. "Never seen you before. You one of ours?"
Star put on an easy smile, the kind that could charm a snake. "Not yet. Thought I'd join after hearing about the money you guys pull in."
The guards exchanged a suspicious glance. The tall one stepped forward, circling Star once like a wolf inspecting prey. "Got any weapons on you?"
"Just these," Star said, raising his hands and showing his belt dagger—a plain, dull thing meant more for show than use.
The guard's gaze lingered on Star's clothes—too clean, too expensive. Suspicion flickered in his eyes, but he quickly shrugged it off. Even if the stranger caused trouble, the leader would deal with him easily.
The guard took it, checked the blade, then handed it back. "Not much of a fighter, are ya?"
Star smirked. "I get by."
The shorter one pointed at Able. "Take the kid to the prison. The leader will wanna see the new guy first."
Able hesitated, gripping Abyss a little tighter.
Star gave him a slight nod—a subtle signal that everything was going according to plan.
"Y-Yes, sir," Able said, and hurried down the right-hand corridor, disappearing into the gloom.
The plan had begun.