Pale blue eyes fixed on the team, and the tense atmosphere made their breaths quicken. But what emerged from the shadows wasn't the bloodthirsty monster they'd expected, but a strange-looking creature.
It was of medium size, its body more insect-like than human-like, but covered in a shiny, white, scale-like armor, its thin arms glinting in the light. From its back protruded a curved scythe, a natural extension of its body. Despite its terrifying appearance, its steps were slow and calm, more like those of an old man worn down by time.
Next to it appeared a small creature, a smaller, simpler version of itself, lurking behind its legs, staring at the team with wide, trembling eyes.
The team cautiously raised their weapons, but the creature stopped, raised its thin hands in a clear gesture, and said in a slow, hoarse voice, "Sorry... why I came... Don't worry... I'm not an enemy."
The tunnels echoed, and everyone exchanged worried glances.
But they soon realized what was even more remarkable than its appearance—they understood its language.
Tsuki (muttering in surprise):
"He... speaks like us?"
Everyone lowered their weapons slightly, worry still evident in their eyes.
The creature moved closer, its footsteps in sync with the deep silence that hung over the place.
When it stood before Kaito, it extended a thin, cold hand to his cheek, its huge blue eyes shining with an eerie gleam.
"Welcome back," it said in a quiet voice, as if whispering a buried secret.
Kaito froze, unsure how to respond, but a strange feeling swept over him, as if a forgotten memory was knocking loudly at his door.
The creature turned to the others, then slowly turned toward the dark corridor behind it.
"Please... follow me."
They hesitated for a moment, but the small child took his elderly father's hand and looked at them with fear and curiosity, causing the tension to melt away a little.
The creature stepped into the corridor, leaving soft footsteps in the ancient dust, and the team exchanged glances—between suspicion and fear, between hope and curiosity.
They followed the old man's footsteps slowly, each step deepening the sense of strangeness in their hearts.
It wasn't long before a faint light began to filter in from the distance, a light unlike the light of the bracelets or the reflections of the rocks.
When they arrived, a strange scene unfolded before them:
Multicolored natural lights, like waterfalls of dancing glow descending from the rocky ceiling. Strange plants with luminous leaves grew on the walls, and twisting roots surrounded the space like ornaments of living light.
Amidst all this, scattered were small stone dwellings, surrounded by dozens of creatures similar to the old man who had led them. Some wore gleaming white armor, others were simpler in appearance. They moved freely between the paths, some sat by the plants, and others watched the children as they ran briskly by.
The scene was eerie and beautiful: an underground world, alive... amidst the darkness and death.
As soon as the strangers entered, the whispers and laughter ceased, and dozens of curious and worried glances were directed toward them.
Hands gripped the children, footsteps slowed, and the air filled with caution.
But the old creature raised his hands again, his deep, hoarse voice reassuring everyone:
"Don't worry... nothing bad will happen to you."
The tension eased a little, and the creatures made way for them.
The old man led them to a house unlike any other. It was larger, and its doors were carefully carved with interlocking geometric patterns, revealing the status of its occupant.
They entered and found an old woman inside, her back bent, her body covered in pale scales, and her eyes larger and brighter than the others. As soon as she saw them, the little child ran toward her and hid in her arms. She embraced him with tenderness that overflowed despite her strange features.
The being who accompanied them pointed to the stone benches and said in a reassuring voice, "Sit down... you are guests here."
They all sat down with apprehension, but they couldn't deny the comfort that permeated them from this place.
At that moment, Tycho whispered, looking at the children playing shyly among the rubble, "So... even these creatures have suffered... but despite everything, they are building families."
The group was silent for a few moments, as if his words had struck the heart of truth.
End of Chapter.