Velkhor didn't say anything when he picked up the Mistica Arcanum.
He simply slid it into his bag with practiced care, then added the storybook on top of it, like padding between ideas that should never meet. After that, he strapped on his light armor, paused, and grabbed his hammer from the rack.
"Just in case," he muttered.
Rex noticed. He didn't comment.
They left together.
The Mountain, Again
A full day of travel passed in relative silence. The mountain loomed ahead of them like an accusation.
The climb was easier the second time—not because it was physically simpler, but because Rex already knew what waited at the top.
Or at least… he thought he did.
When they finally reached the summit, they weren't alone.
Several guild investigators were already there, inspecting the circular stone platform, arguing quietly among themselves. One of them stepped forward as Velkhor approached.
"Hey—this area is restricted pending investigation."
Velkhor didn't even slow down.
He walked straight past them.
"…Sir?" one investigator said, confused.
Rex followed Velkhor without hesitation.
At the center of the platform, Velkhor crouched and traced the runes with his fingers. Rex knelt beside him, squinting.
"This is a storm-summoning circle," Rex said slowly. "But… there's something else layered on top."
Velkhor nodded. "An absorption circle."
Rex frowned. "So?"
Velkhor looked at him. "So storms don't just disappear, kid. If you're absorbing lightning, it has to go somewhere."
Rex scanned the circle again. His eyes narrowed.
"…Under it."
Velkhor followed Rex's gaze and spotted a subtle indentation—almost like a seam.
"A slot," Rex said.
Velkhor stood, raised his hammer, and smashed the stone floor without warning.
The investigators shouted in alarm.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING—"
The stone cracked open, revealing a hollow chamber beneath the platform.
Massive glass jars sat inside, arranged in a circle.
Each one faintly glowing.
Velkhor pointed. "Those."
"…Those were supposed to store the lightning?"
One investigator stared. "That's impossible. You can't just—"
"Try breaking one," Velkhor said calmly. "Rex."
Rex blinked. "With magic?"
"Yes."
Rex shrugged. "Okay."
He slotted the fire focus.
"IGNIS."
He punched the nearest jar with everything he had.
Flames erupted.
Rex was launched backward like a ragdoll.
He hit the ground, slid, and groaned. "Ow."
Everyone stared at the jar.
Not a crack.
Velkhor hummed. "Yep. Reinforced arcane containment. Those jars can withstand a lot of magic."
Rex pushed himself up. "…Okay, yeah, that's not normal."
Velkhor smirked. "Nothing about this is normal, kid."
One of the investigators, however, wasn't looking at the jars.
He was staring at Rex.
At the gauntlet.
Rex noticed and met his gaze.
The man immediately looked away and walked off like nothing happened.
"…That was weird," Rex muttered.
Velkhor noticed too.
He said nothing.
The Wall That Wasn't a Wall
They followed the runes etched into the chamber's stone walls until they reached what looked like…
Nothing.
Just a wall.
Velkhor frowned. "That can't be right. The inscription implies a continuation."
The investigators approached again. "Sir, based on our findings—"
"Hold that thought," Velkhor said.
Rex suddenly stepped forward.
Slotted the fire focus.
"IGNIS."
Velkhor spun around just in time to see Rex punch the wall.
Stone shattered.
Dust exploded outward.
When it cleared—
Everyone froze.
A corridor stretched ahead.
At the far end stood an active portal.
A black, obsidian-like frame.
Inside, a swirling purple void—slow, heavy, wrong.
Rex's stomach dropped.
"…That looks familiar."
Before anyone could speak, a figure stepped out.
Rex recognized them instantly.
Not by face.
By presence.
The watcher.
The one who had observed him after killing the mage.
The figure stood there silently, then pulled out something small.
A lighter.
They flicked it on.
Held it up.
Let it drop.
The figure smiled at Rex—
Then ran back through the portal.
The lighter hit the ground.
A spark jumped.
Velkhor's eyes widened.
"RUN."
He grabbed Rex by the collar and bolted.
The investigators recognized it too.
Everyone ran.
Velkhor leapt from the chamber, shielding Rex with his body as—
BOOM.
The mountain shook.
A massive explosion tore through the hollow beneath them. Dust, fire, and debris erupted into the air.
For a moment—
Silence.
Then the dust cleared.
Everything was gone.
The jars.
The chamber.
The portal.
Any evidence they were ever there.
Just a crater.
The investigators crawled out, injured but alive.
Then the mountain started collapsing.
Velkhor grabbed Rex and ran.
They barely made it down before the summit caved in entirely, stone roaring like thunder behind them.
Aftermath
They stood at a distance, staring at the collapsed mountain.
Rex broke the silence.
"…Who was that?"
Velkhor's voice was calm—but tight.
"Someone who didn't want us knowing what was buried there."
Rex frowned. "Who do you think it was?"
Velkhor glanced at the nearby investigators, then shrugged casually.
"Could be a spy. Could be some lunatic who likes blowing people sky-high."
As he spoke, Velkhor subtly brushed Rex's bag.
The one holding the Crimson Rite.
Rex stiffened.
Then understood.
He looked at the investigators.
At their careful distance.
At the one who stared too long at his gauntlet.
"…A cult," Rex whispered.
Velkhor didn't confirm it.
He didn't need to.
Because whatever Rex had stepped into—
It was watching him now.