A week had crawled by—filled with dark planning, restless nights, and constant movement.
The group shuffled forward through the suffocating tunnel, damp air pressing against their skin. Shadows flickered off moldy walls, the scent of rotting earth choking their lungs.
Lex wrinkled his nose in disgust. "How much longer till we reach the castle? This smell'll kill me first."
Luo groaned, dragging her hand along the slick stone. "Yeah… I'm dying here. Never thought a revolution would smell this bad."
Lon kept his eyes forward, voice low and steady. "So, Rayn—what's the plan once we break in?"
Captain Rayn walked ahead, every step confident, cloak brushing the ground. His reply was cool: "First, we take down the guardians."
Luo blinked, unsure. "Guardians?"
Rayn nodded. "The ones who actually protect the castle—and the royal family. Forget soldiers; it's the guardians who are the real wall."
He paused at the tunnel's end, nodding to a spiral staircase curving upward into darkness. "We're here. Quiet now—let's move."
Steeling themselves, they climbed. With every step, light grew brighter and the rumble of distant voices faded to silence. Ancient stone loomed overhead as they finally emerged at the castle's hidden backside, the massive fortress shadowing them.
Lex scanned the towering walls. "There's five of them, right? And only four of us."
Rayn smirked, almost enjoying their anxiety. "Don't worry. The Vice Captain will join us soon."
Luo gulped, voice shaky. "What about the army? Won't we be overwhelmed?"
Rayn's expression barely flickered. "That's the easiest part. The entire royal army has chosen our side."
Luo and Lon jolted, eyes wide, disbelief coloring their faces.
"No way—the whole kingdom's army? With us?" Lon asked, any tension replaced with surprise.
"Exactly," Rayn confirmed. "They've had enough of royalty too. We're not alone."
Suddenly, a thunderous crash exploded above. Dust and debris rained down as the castle roof shook—cracks racing across stone and smoke curling up through the air.
"Everyone, dodge!" Rayn barked—his command cutting through panic.
Smoke thickened around them, swirling shadows and glowing embers. Out of the haze stepped five imposing figures—the guardians.
Foremost was Roju: blue hair raked back, lightning streaks blazing through soot, his katana dangling ready at his side. His manner was calm, almost silent—but his eyes carried the weight of a gathering storm.
To his right appeared Nayor, a youth with unruly black hair and sharp, analytical eyes. No weapon—his presence was a blade in itself, every glance dissecting their intent.
Kirya moved next, her long black hair framing a face as enigmatic as midnight itself. Unarmed, yet her aura sent a wordless warning—one step closer might mean death.
At her flank stood Niro, half his hair jet black, half wild crimson. Like fire caught in shadow, every movement flickered with restless energy.
And in the center, stepping forward with absolute authority, was Ren—their leader. His spiky black hair bristled, shadows curling around his stance. Katana drawn, eyes icy and calculating, he surveyed the rebels with cold judgment.
The silence grew suffocating—until Ren's voice cut through it all. Flat. Icy. Deadly:
"Traitor."
His eyes locked with Rayn's, the word hanging in the air like a threat, and a promise.