The deeper they traveled, the quieter the Underworld became. Even the sounds of distant battles disappeared. The rivers of fire, the demons, and the wandering souls were left behind.
Emilia led them through an ancient passage carved into the black stone beneath Altum. No one spoke. Everyone could feel it. Something was waiting ahead. Something ancient. Something powerful enough to make even the strongest demons instinctively lower their voices.
Then Emilia stopped.
"We're here."
Amaris looked ahead. Her breath caught. The Gates of Tartarus stood before them. They were enormous.
Two towering doors made from a black material that seemed to absorb every trace of light around them. They stretched so high that their upper edges disappeared into darkness. Ancient symbols covered their surface. Some were written in the language of the Gods. Others were older.
The ground surrounding the gates was completely barren. Not even demons lived near them. A thick mist crawled across the floor.
