The outpost shook violently as the first wave of corrupted beasts slammed into the defensive barriers.
Silver-blue energy rippled across the protective formation surrounding the camp, but cracks immediately began spreading through its surface.
"They're stronger than expected!" one Bureau operative shouted.
Gunfire echoed through the night while awakened soldiers unleashed elemental attacks into the charging beasts. Fireballs exploded across the forest edge. Wind blades sliced through twisted creatures. Spears of ice pierced several serpents before shattering against black crystal
armor.
Yet the beasts kept advancing.
Krishak's eyes sharpened.
The corruption infusing them dulled pain and enhanced aggression. Worse, the unstable spiritual energy surrounding the valley was strengthening them continuously.
Another massive wolf-like beast leapt over a damaged section of the barrier.
Its glowing red eyes locked onto a nearby soldier.
Before the creature could strike, a silver flash crossed the battlefield.
Lunafang collided with the corrupted wolf midair.
The impact blasted both beasts sideways.
The silver wolf landed gracefully while his opponent crashed into the ground, snarling violently.
Everyone nearby froze briefly.
The contrast between the two beasts was striking.
Lunafang radiated pure silver moonlight.
The corrupted wolf emitted twisted black-red energy.
One represented harmony.
The other corruption.
The wolf lunged again.
This time Lunafang moved faster.
Moonlight gathered around his claws as he tore through the creature's crystal-covered shoulder. Black blood sprayed across the ground.
The corrupted beast howled in agony before collapsing.
Dev whistled loudly while thrusting his spear through another charging creature.
"He's terrifying now.
Raghav and Skyrend fought nearby with growing coordination. The hawk spirit beast dove repeatedly from above, targeting enemy eyes and weak points while Raghav intercepted attacks from below.
Ananya remained near the defensive line, rapidly healing injured soldiers.
Her Celestial Restoration Manual proved astonishingly effective. Wounds that would normally cripple awakened fighters closed within moments under her treatment.
Even experienced Bureau operatives stared at her in disbelief.
Ishita activated portable formation plates across the battlefield.
Silver barriers emerged between damaged sections of the perimeter, slowing the advancing beasts enough for soldiers to regroup.
Meanwhile, Krishak stood near the center of the camp, observing the battlefield calmly.
Too calmly.
Director Rao noticed immediately.
"You're analyzing something."
Krishak nodded slightly.
"This attack isn't random.
"
The corrupted beasts were coordinated.
Not perfectly.
But enough to suggest outside influence.
Then he felt it.
A pulse of spiritual energy surged from deep within the valley.
Every corrupted beast suddenly froze.
For one terrifying second, the battlefield became completely silent.
Then all the creatures turned simultaneously toward the ancient ruins hidden beyond the forest.
Even the wounded ones.
Even the dying ones.
The beasts began retreating.
Fast.
Dev lowered his spear cautiously.
"That can't be good."
Krishak agreed.
The attack had not been intended to destroy the outpost.
It had been a warning.
Or perhaps
A test.
The camp remained tense long after the beasts disappeared into the forest.
Emergency repairs began immediately.
Several sections of the defensive formation had nearly collapsed.
Dozens of soldiers were injured.
Fortunately, no one had died.
Mostly because the academy team had responded quickly.
Director Rao approached Krishak while medics worked nearby.
"You predicted the corruption.
Krishak looked toward the dark valley.
"Something inside is controlling the surrounding energy."
Rao followed his gaze.
"You think it's intelligent?"
Krishak remained silent briefly.
Then he answered honestly.
"Yes"
The Bureau director's expression darkened.
Hours later, an emergency strategy meeting gathered inside the command tent.
A large projection displayed updated scans of the valley.
The energy fluctuations had intensified dramatically after the attack.
Most concerning of all
The ancient stone gates were opening.
Only slightly.
But enough to reveal darkness beyond them.
Professor Devika looked pale.
"The seals are weakening.
Ishita studied the readings carefully.
"This isn't just natural instability."
Krishak nodded.
"The formation inside is active."
Rudra folded his arms.
"Can it be stabilized?"
Krishak considered the question carefully.
"Possibly."
Several people looked relieved.
Then he continued.
"But if we fail, the corruption may spread beyond the valley."
The atmosphere became heavy instantly.
Rao spoke quietly.
"What exactly would that mean?"
Krishak looked directly at the projection.
"Mutated beasts. Spiritual contamination. Environmental collapse.
He paused.
"And potentially worse things emerging from inside the ruins."
No one spoke after that.
Finally, Rudra made the decision.
"We move at first light.
Rao looked surprised.
"You intend to enter the valley already?"
"Yes," Rudra replied calmly. "If the seals weaken further, waiting will only " increase the danger."
The Bureau director hesitated briefly before nodding.
"Then the Bureau will support the operation."
Rudra turned toward the students.
"This mission has now escalated beyond reconnaissance.
Dev sighed dramatically.
"I knew the quiet mission was fake."
Despite the tension, several people laughed softly.
Even Ananya smiled slightly.
The humor eased the atmosphere just enough for everyone to breathe again.
Later that night, Krishak stood alone at the edge of the outpost.
The distant valley glowed faintly beneath the moonlight.
Corrupted spiritual energy drifted through the forest like dark mist.
Lunafang stood silently beside him.
Through their bond, Krishak sensed both caution and excitement.
The silver wolf wanted to fight.
But he also understood the danger ahead.
Krishak activated the Stellar Compass one more time.
The desert marker pulsed violently now.
Black cracks spread across the projection surrounding it.
Then, unexpectedly
A second faint signal appeared beneath the corrupted marker.
Hidden deeper underground.
Krishak's eyes narrowed sharply.
There were two separate energy sources within the valley.
One corrupted.
One pure.
Which meant only one thing.
Something inside the ruins was still resisting the corruption.
And tomorrow
They would walk directly into the heart of that conflict.