The climb began at dawn when the first pale light spilled across jagged cliffs. Frost coated every stone surface and the mountain trails twisted like broken ribs. The air grew thinner with each step, forming icy needles in their lungs.

Torren consulted the ancient map lines glowing faintly under his spell. According to the beacon’s pattern the third seal lies beyond the ridge The ancients called it the Stair of Kings though the name does not appear in modern records

Garron snorted. Any place named after kings is guaranteed misery

Lyra moved silently ahead scouting the trail. Tracks here A group of at least ten Ascending hours ago And they are not syndicate Their prints are too heavy Too ordered

Eldric felt his stomach tighten. Noble patrols

Garron’s eyes darkened. Then we have competition

They continued upward until the path opened into a wide stone staircase carved into the cliff rising into a narrow canyon. Ancient murals lined the walls though time had worn them almost smooth.

Torren brushed his fingers over the carvings. These figures represent the First Kings of the old empire The ones who forged the beacons The ones who built the barrier

Lyra scanned the surroundings. And now someone is climbing their stairs again

A faint metallic scream echoed through the canyon.

Eldric froze.

Lyra whispered. That was a man dying

Garron drew his sword. Ambush ahead or beasts

They approached the edge of the next plateau and saw the source of the sound.

A group of noble soldiers lay scattered across the stone steps their armor shattered by brutal force. Frost clung to their bodies in unnatural patterns as if something drained the heat from them instantly. Their commander knelt by a broken banner trying to catch his breath his lips blue from cold.

Eldric stepped carefully closer. Who attacked you

The commander struggled to speak. A creature A shadow of ice It struck us before we even lifted our blades It reached from the stone itself We never had a chance

Torren looked horrified. Another ancient sentinel

No Eldric said quietly. Something worse The sentinel below obeyed the relic but this one does not protect It devours

The commander grabbed Eldric’s arm desperately. We came seeking a relic Our Duke said you were ahead That you knew how to awaken the ancient sites But the mountain punished us

Lyra gently pushed his hand away. You need warmth and rest Go back down the trail and pray nothing follows

The commander staggered to his feet and limped away toward the lower path.

Garron turned to Eldric. Whatever is ahead killed a squad of trained soldiers in seconds If it sees us we might not walk away

Eldric looked up the ancient staircase. The relic pulse grew stronger humming inside his mind like an alarm bell.

He stepped forward. If we turn back now the barrier collapses The Nithrael grows stronger inside every crack We cannot stop

Lyra moved beside him. Then we move carefully

Torren adjusted his sigils. And together

They climbed the Stair of Kings.

At the top they found an enormous stone gate split down the middle from a centuries old impact. Cold wind poured through the crack whispering like distant voices.

Eldric placed his hand on the gate. The stone felt warm beneath the frost.

He spoke quietly.

The third seal lies beyond this door
and something inside is trying to break out

A deep roar echoed from within the mountain
shaking the stairs beneath their feet.

Lyra drew her blades. That is no sentinel

Torren whispered. The Nithrael fragment It must be trying to breach the seal

Garron lifted his shield with both hands. Then we fight whatever lies beyond that gate

Eldric inhaled slowly tightened his grip on the relic and stepped forward.

The mountain opened its mouth
and darkness waited inside.