Chapter 221 First Expedition Lord Esgal Mercury’s Trail (1)
That year, the signs in the sky became restless:
The stars moved in strange patterns, forming a spiral circle, as though aligning themselves with long-forgotten constellations.
The waves of the eastern sea froze, halting like ice, unmoving even amidst the storms that shook the entire world.
The plants around Stones wilted for no apparent reason, tracing the ground and leaving dry trails as ominous signs.
And amidst this chaos that defied rational explanation, a voice echoed deep underground — a voice suggesting that a door to something far greater was swinging open.
In the midst of this unease stood Lord Esgal Mercury, a diplomat who not only mastered the art of persuasion but also understood his role in a fragile civilization. With ambition burning in his heart, he resolved that Stones was not merely a destination to be explored, but a gateway. A gateway to a civilization deeper and grander than anything humanity had ever envisioned. With a keen gaze, he made the decision to lead an expedition into the uncharted depths.
In the rolling darkness akin to fog, the underground world awaits. Footsteps seem to be swallowed by the damp earth, and ghostly whispers flow through the silent corridors, as if creatures are watching, lurking behind invisible shadows. The cave walls tremble with a soft sound reminiscent of the sighing wind, hinting at an unseen presence, which adds to the chilling atmosphere enveloping each step taken. Shadows flicker by swiftly, as though they are souls trapped from a time long past, instilling a sense of fear in anyone daring to explore the depths. Each echoing sound feels like a call from the past, inviting uncertainty and darkness on a journey that has just begun. As the descent deepens, the atmosphere grows more sinister, as if this world seeks to unveil the forgotten darkest secrets, where every second feels like a century.
Lord Esgal, known as a great diplomat with an extensive network of influence, devised a plan that involved a select group of individuals to help him achieve his goals. He chose them based on their unique skills, which were essential for exploring and uncovering the mysteries of the Stones. As they approached the threshold to the underground world, the air began to vibrate, as if the space around them were filled with ethereal whispers, reminding them of the presence of the beings that once ruled this place.
He gathered nine chosen individuals, the backbone of the expedition. With each step, they delved deeper into the shadows, accompanied by rustling sounds that created an almost unbearable tension. Among them, uncertainty hung in the air, giving rise to a fear of what awaited them at the edge of the darkness.