Chapter 101: The Battle cry
The darkness within the structure yielded reluctantly, retreating before their advance like a living thing. As their eyes adjusted, the vast interior space revealed itself—impossibly large, extending far beyond what the building’s exterior dimensions should have allowed. The ceiling soared to dizzying heights, lost in shadow and mist, while the floor beneath their feet rippled subtly, the strange iridescent material seeming almost alive.
"This isn’t possible," Lieutenant Seril murmured, her illusion-trained senses struggling to process the spatial incongruity. "The building can’t be this large inside."
"The Fea realm doesn’t follow our rules of space," Queen Elena replied, her voice low. "The ancient texts warned of this—structures that exist between realities, occupying multiple spaces simultaneously."
Commander Maria gestured for the forces to fan out in defensive formation, her experienced gaze constantly scanning for threats. Despite the impossible dimensions, the hall appeared empty—devoid of the warriors they had expected to encounter, lacking even the basic furnishings one would expect in such a space.
"I don’t like this," Captain Diana muttered, her hand never straying from her sword hilt. Her armor, designed specifically for the mixed combat techniques of Moonlight’s elite guard, made no sound as she moved—each plate enchanted for silence. "It feels like—"
"A trap," Lyra finished for her, silver eyes narrowed as she studied the chamber. "Or an illusion."
Naia moved cautiously behind her assigned guards, frustration and concern warring within her. Despite her enforced position of safety, her senses remained alert, cataloging details the others might miss. The texture of the walls—not stone but something organic, almost like hardened resin. The subtle currents in the air, too regular to be natural drafts. The faint, rhythmic vibration beneath their feet, like the breathing of some enormous beast.
"Do you feel that?" she whispered to Mika, who had remained close despite not being officially assigned to her protection.
Mika nodded grimly, her earth-sense extended as far as the strange environment would allow. "Something’s moving beneath us. Many somethings."
Near the front of their formation, Soren made a sharp, dismissive sound. "This is ridiculous," she declared, her voice echoing in the cavernous space. "We were told this place would be crawling with enemy forces. Instead, we find an empty hall and jump at shadows."
Captain Ester gave her sister a warning look. Unlike Soren’s more elaborate armor—adorned with trophies from past victories—Ester’s was functional and austere, reflecting her no-nonsense approach to combat. "Silence, Lieutenant," she commanded, her tone allowing no argument. "Maintain discipline."