The air grew warmer as they moved away from the shattered core chamber, but the sense of unease lingered. Rag trotted ahead, his nose low to the ground, sniffing cautiously. Kieran kept his sword drawn, eyes scanning the tunnel for any movement.
Mira adjusted her lantern, the light flickering slightly. "Whatever that thing was... it didn't feel human."
Jace grunted. "Didn't die like one either. Took enough hits to down a bear."
Bram was silent, his thoughts distant. Finally, he spoke. "These guardians... they're constructs, not living beings. Twisted remnants of whatever civilization once thrived here."
Kieran glanced back. "You think they were human once?"
"Perhaps," Bram replied. "Or something else entirely. The corruption warps more than just flesh—it twists souls."
They passed through a collapsed archway, entering a circular chamber lined with faded murals. Mira stepped closer, brushing dust from the carvings. "These look ancient... older than the village, maybe."
Bram examined one of the murals—a depiction of a massive tree surrounded by figures bowing in reverence. "The World Tree," he murmured. "A symbol of life and balance. If this place was once a sanctuary, something terrible must have happened to corrupt it."
Jace scoffed. "Doesn't matter what it was. Just means more things to kill."
Rag suddenly growled, his ears pinned back. Kieran raised his hand, signaling silence. Faint footsteps echoed from a side tunnel—measured and deliberate.
They took defensive positions as a figure emerged—a man draped in worn leather armor, his face obscured by a hood. He moved with practiced grace, his hand resting on a dagger at his belt.
Kieran stepped forward cautiously. "Who are you?"
The stranger paused, studying them. "Travelers? You're either brave or foolish to wander these tunnels."
"Could say the same for you," Jace shot back. "You following us?"
The man chuckled softly. "No need. I've been here longer than you. Name's Rolan. Treasure hunter... or what's left of one."
Mira eyed him warily. "You know what's causing the corruption?"
Rolan shrugged. "Something ancient. I've been mapping these tunnels for weeks, but every path leads to the same darkness. Whatever lies at the heart of this place is buried deep."
Bram frowned. "Why haven't you left?"
"Curiosity," Rolan admitted. "And coin. Someone's paying good money to learn what's down here. Though... most of my partners didn't make it out."
Kieran sized him up. "You planning to get in our way?"
Rolan smirked. "Not unless you plan on dying. But I know a path that leads deeper in—one you won't find on any map."
Jace shot Kieran a wary glance. "You trust him?"
Kieran hesitated, then lowered his sword. "We're headed that way regardless. If you're lying, you won't get a second chance."
Rolan raised his hands in mock surrender. "Fair enough. Follow me."
As they moved forward, Rolan led them through winding corridors and crumbling passageways. The sense of unease never left, but having a guide gave them a glimmer of hope.
Mira whispered to Kieran, "Can we really trust him?"
Kieran kept his voice low. "If he wanted us dead, he wouldn't bother leading us on. Stay alert. He might be useful... or a problem later."
The tunnel opened into a vast cavern, with bridges of stone arching over a black abyss. Faint chanting echoed from the far end. Rolan pointed ahead. "That's where it's strongest. Whatever's behind this... it's through there."
Kieran nodded, steeling himself. The true heart of the corruption was close—and they couldn't afford to fail.