A hidden passageway materialized beneath the gnarled tree root, its entrance yawning open like a secret wound in the earth after Nexus's swift action.
"How?" Midas whispered in wide-eyed surprise, his voice echoing faintly in the dim light filtering through the roots above.
"Remain silent and just lead the way," Nexus commanded firmly, his tone brooking no argument as he ensured Midas upheld his end of their tense bet, his eyes sharp and unyielding in the shadows.
Midas nodded in quick understanding, his face paling slightly under the weight of the moment, before he stepped forward and began descending the spiraling stairs that twisted downward into the unknown depths.
They trudged onward for what felt like an eternity, their footsteps muffled against the cold, uneven stone steps, the air growing cooler and damper with each turn until they finally reached the bottom, where the staircase opened into a vast expanse.
