Chapter 315 — The Descent Begins
The council chamber felt heavier than usual that morning, as though the air itself recognized the weight of the decision being made. Kael stood at the head of the long table, hands braced against the carved wood, his eyes sweeping across the gathered council.
"It's settled," he said, his voice steady. "We'll assemble a raiding party for the dungeon. This won't be a scouting trip—it will be a deliberate push deeper than we've ever gone. If the Hollow is to thrive, we need to know what lies below."
One by one, heads nodded. No one challenged him this time.
Kael began naming names. "Fenrik. Varik. Rogan. Zerathis. Azhara. Lyria." His gaze passed across each as he spoke, his tone final. "You'll come with me."
Fenrik's jaw tightened, a spark of excitement in his eyes. "At last. A real fight instead of drills."
Varik inclined his head, though a small smile played at his lips. "If we're charting, I'll make sure nothing is missed. Every crack, every resource, every threat—we'll have it recorded."
Rogan slammed his fist into his chest with a grin. "If something down there needs killing, you can count on me to get it done."
Zerathis leaned forward, sharp teeth flashing in a grin that bordered on menacing. "Finally, we step into the unknown. Let's see if this dungeon bleeds as easily as its guardians do."
Azhara, seated a little straighter now, gave a slow nod. "If we are to test ourselves, then I'll go. But if any of you think to throw yourselves into reckless danger, don't expect me to clean up your mistakes without a cost."
Lyria's hand went to her sword. She met Kael's eyes without hesitation. "Where you go, I go. No dungeon beast will stop us."
Kael listened, allowing each voice to fill the chamber before he spoke again. "Then it's decided. This is the party. We move tomorrow at dawn."
When the meeting concluded, Kael caught Thalos and Selina before they left.
"The Hollow will be yours while I'm away," he told them.
Thalos frowned. "You'd trust us with all of it?"
"I would," Kael answered firmly. "Thalos, your steady hand keeps the recruits disciplined. Selina, your cunning ensures our supply lines stay unbroken. Together, you'll keep the Hollow safe until we return."
Selina smirked, though there was something fierce behind her expression. "Don't worry, Kael. You'll come back to a Hollow stronger than when you left. I'll see to it."
Thalos gave a curt nod. "Then go, and return victorious."
Preparations moved quickly. Weapons were sharpened, packs filled with rations, healing salves, and spare mana crystals. Rogan and Fenrik tested their armor, while Varik checked his collection of scrolls and mapping tools. Zerathis inspected his wicked blades, their obsidian edges humming faintly with daemoncraft. Azhara packed bundles of herbs and vials, her focus sharp but her hands steady.
Lyria lingered close to Kael as they moved through the camp, ensuring nothing was left undone. And Kael himself double-checked every supply, every manned post in the Hollow, every task left in Thalos and Selina's care.
The people watched their leaders prepare, whispers following them like shadows. Some murmured prayers, others offered encouragement. For many, this was the first time they had seen so many of the Hollow's strongest leave together, and though trust in Kael was ironclad, unease rippled through the air.
At dawn the following day, the raiding party stood before the great stone arch that marked the dungeon's entrance. The mouth of the cavern yawned before them, black and endless, as if daring them to step inside. The ground thrummed faintly with the promise of danger, the faint echo of creatures stirring far within.
Kael adjusted the strap of his magisteel blade across his back, the weight familiar and grounding. He turned to his companions.
"This is more than a raid," he said quietly, though his words carried. "This is the first step into claiming what lies below for our people. We walk into the dark not just as fighters, but as leaders of the Hollow. Remember why we're here. Remember who we fight for."
Rogan grinned fiercely, Fenrik rolled his shoulders in anticipation, and Zerathis gave a low chuckle that carried an edge of bloodlust. Azhara stood calm, her eyes sharp and watchful, while Varik adjusted his pack of maps and notes. Lyria simply touched Kael's arm, no words needed.
Kael turned back to the entrance, the shadows stretching before him like a curtain to another world.
"Let's go."
The party stepped forward, their silhouettes swallowed by the dark, the weight of the dungeon pressing down around them.
The descent had begun.