Neo kept descending through the dark stairs for what felt like far longer than it should have taken before, at last, a light appeared below.
'Finally. Something.'
He slowed instead of rushing toward it.
Light only meant he could see better. It did not mean the place was safe. A Soul Beast hidden in a lit room could kill him just as easily as one hidden in the dark, and Neo had no intention of getting this far only to die because he relaxed too early.
He moved down the last stretch with care, each step measured, his sword ready in hand.
When he reached the bottom, he stopped in the shadow just outside the room and narrowed his eyes, studying the space before entering.
No Soul Beast.
That was the first thing he confirmed.
Only an empty chamber, bare stone, old dust, and something lying on the floor near the center.
It was glowing.
