The Royal Academy usually felt like a safe haven — a place of learning and power. But tonight, an uneasy silence filled the air. The sun had just set, painting the sky in hues of deep purple and crimson. Inside the great hall, Shane,Hansol, Luna, Rio, and Lei Xin gathered. Their faces were calm but serious; something was troubling them all.
Earlier that day, a mysterious message had arrived. A silver-winged messenger bird had swooped into the courtyard, dropping a small parchment at their feet. The note was simple but chilling:
"Beware the shadows lurking beneath the palace. Not all is as it seems."
Shane frowned, her confident nature giving way to concern. "Shadows beneath the palace? Do you think someone is trying to warn us… or threaten us?"
Lei Xin, ever the calm thinker, studied the message closely. "The catacombs. Long ago, they were used for secret meetings and ancient rituals. Few have dared to go there in centuries."
Luna's dreamy eyes narrowed. "I can feel it too. A hidden presence… watching us, waiting. The air itself feels different, heavy with secrets."
Wei Hansol looked down at his glowing sword, which dimmed slightly, as if reacting to a growing darkness. "Whatever it is, it's close — very close."
Lan Rio stepped forward, his protective instincts kicking in. "We can't ignore this. If there's danger lurking in the academy, we have to face it together."
As night deepened, the five of them prepared. They gathered weapons, checked their abilities, and set out toward the old entrance to the catacombs — hidden behind thick vines near the academy's eastern wall.and selen and sheha joined too
The stone stairs creaked under their steps as they descended into darkness. Luna's mind-reading abilities guided them past unseen traps, while Lei Xin's sharp intellect helped decipher ancient runes etched on the walls. Shane's martial skills kept them alert, ready for any attack. Lan Rio's steady leadership kept the group united.
As they moved deeper, faint whispers echoed through the cold, damp tunnels. Shadows flickered along the walls, twisting and shifting like living things. The air grew heavier, colder. A chill ran down Shane's spine.
Suddenly, from the darkness emerged a figure cloaked in shadow, eyes glowing with an eerie light. The presence was overwhelming, its power ancient and dangerous.
"We are not welcome here," the figure's voice echoed like a cold wind. "This world is not meant for the weak."
Shane tightened her grip on her weapon, stepping forward. "We're not afraid. We're here to protect our home — our academy."
Wei Hansol's sword flared with golden light, illuminating the chamber. "If you threaten this place, you'll have to face us."
The shadowy figure smiled, a chilling, cruel smile. "Then come. Show me if you are worthy."
The battle for the academy's future had begun.
To be continued…