"But tell me one thing, Mr. Flauge. If the Nylomite King is really that strong, what about the Nylomorph King?"
The question hung in the air as the squads sprinted through the ruins. Boots pounded against the cracked ground, kicking up clouds of grey dust. Flauge didn't even look back as he led the charge toward the Key.
"I killed him," Flauge said. His voice was flat, devoid of any pride. "The Nylomorph King was human. He was the kind of scary you aren't ready to face yet. I don't know if a new one has been born since then, but it doesn't matter. We're here."
The group skidded to a halt. Towering above them was a massive, jagged structure that looked like it had been carved out of a nightmare. The sheer scale of it made the soldiers feel like ants.
"This is it," Flauge said, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the entrance. "This is where Vanzayoree is kept. Listen to me carefully. Do not make mistakes. If you lose your nerve and want to run, then run. But whatever you do, do not engage him."
The tension was thick enough to choke on. Everyone was checking their weapons, their breathing shallow and fast. In the middle of the quiet, Arnold turned his head toward Ayelen.
"Hey, kid," Arnold said. "Can you tell me something?"
Ayelen blinked, pulled out of his own thoughts. "Yeah?"
Arnold's expression shifted. The friendly warmth in his eyes vanished, replaced by a gaze that was ice-cold. "Why is your blood a different color?"
The words hit Ayelen like a physical blow. He froze. A sudden chill raced down his spine, raising goosebumps across his arms. His heart began to thud painfully against his ribs.
"Be... because..." Ayelen stammered.
His hand began to glow. Behind his back, a surge of energy gathered, humming with violent power. He was seconds away from lashing out, ready to blast both Arnold and Flauge just to stop the questions.
But then Arnold tilted his head, his voice softening. "I mean, black is a pretty rare color. My brother carries that golden blood, the rarest kind there is. I was just wondering."
The murderous tension in Ayelen's shoulders snapped. He let out a breath he didn't know he was holding and let the energy charge fade into nothing. He felt lightheaded, his pulse slowly settling down.
"Are you okay?" Arnold asked, noticing the pale look on the boy's face.
Ayelen wiped a bit of sweat from his forehead and looked away. "Yeah. I'm okay. I just... I had some bad flashbacks. Sorry."
Arnold reached out and gave his arm a firm, grounding pat. "It's okay, dude. Don't worry about being judged here. No one is going to look down on you for that." He gave a small, teasing smirk. "Especially not Vermiliya."
Ayelen felt his face heat up. "Ahm... shut up."
Arnold laughed, the sound breaking the heavy atmosphere. "It's alright. From now on, I'll just treat you like my little brother."
Ayelen opened his mouth to argue, but the words wouldn't come. He felt a strange, sudden tug of connection toward Arnold. Instead of snapping back, he just looked at the ground and stayed silent, accepting the gesture.
"Okay, boys, we have a plan," Flauge interrupted, drawing their attention back to the dark structure. "I'm going after Vanzayoree. Vermiliya, Ayelen, you two are heading for the Key. Arnold, you're the wall. You handle every obstacle that tries to get through that door."
"Got it," Arnold said, his face turning serious again.
"Let's go!"
They moved as one. It was a blur of motion and violence. They tore through the remaining Nylomites, blades flashing and energy sparking as they cleared a path. Finally, a set of massive, dark doors groaned open.
The air inside was stagnant. Everything was coated in layers of grime and dust, smelling of rot and ancient stone.
"Go on," Flauge told the others, pointing toward a branching corridor. "The Key must be in that direction. Arnold, stay at the door. Don't let anything in."
Arnold nodded and planted his feet, his eyes locked on the darkness outside.
Flauge stepped deeper into the mansion, his boots clicking softly on the filthy floorboards. He knew Vanzayoree was close. He could feel the weight of the air changing.
Suddenly, the sound of a single footstep echoed from the shadows ahead.
"Impressive, Flauge," a voice drifted through the hall. "I honestly never thought you'd have the guts to come back here."
Flauge didn't hesitate. He lunged forward, his palm erupting with a bright, swirling ball of energy.
"Oh, wait, wait! Calm down," the figure said, stepping slightly into the light. "I don't want to fight. Not yet, anyway."
Flauge didn't lower his hand. The light from his energy ball cast long, dancing shadows against the peeling wallpaper.
"Someone wants to talk to you," the entity continued. "And believe me, he is very excited to meet you again."
Flauge kept moving, his eyes darting through the room. Then, he saw them. Two massive eyes opened in the darkness. They belonged to a creature that looked like it was made of jagged, living rock. The eyes didn't reflect the light. They glowed with a deep, oily darkness.
"Hello... Flauge Dorwan," the creature rumbled. The voice was like stones grinding together.
"The Altranix. Or should I say, the Warfare Genius?"
The creature's voice dripped with pure, unfiltered hatred.
"The asshole who betrayed his own kingdom.
CHAPTER 24 ENDS