[ENG] Last Reader Standing

Chapter 46: The Heart of the Order

The journey to the main base of the Güldenstern Order was long and perilous. The winding road through the mountains was fraught with traps and enemy patrols, but thanks to Calla's stealth skills and Miiko's illusions, the group managed to avoid most dangers. Each member of the team felt the crucial importance of their mission, knowing that the future of their world depended on their success.

After several days of walking, they finally reached the valley where the main base of the Order was located. An imposing fortress stood before them, its black and gold walls reflecting the light of the setting sun. Jun and his friends observed the main entrance, guarded by a dozen armored soldiers.

« We need to find a way to enter discreetly, » murmured Jun, scanning the defenses.

«There might be a hidden passage somewhere,» suggested Calla, examining the surroundings closely.

Liora, who was well-versed in the Order's tactics, nodded. « There are often secret tunnels used for emergency evacuations. If we can find one, we could enter undetected. »

Sora, in his wolf form, sniffed the air and followed a trail. After a few minutes, he found the entrance to a tunnel hidden behind a pile of rocks. The group cautiously ventured inside, advancing silently through the dark corridors.

The tunnel led them directly into the depths of the fortress. They emerged into a vast underground hall filled with libraries and scrolls. Jun felt a familiar vibration as he touched one of the grimoires.

« We are in the Order's central library, » he murmured. « This is where their most precious secrets are kept. »

Miranda, fascinated by the numerous grimoires, began browsing the shelves. « There must be crucial information here. Let's look for anything that could help us understand their plans and weaknesses. »

The group spread out, each searching for clues in the old manuscripts. Miiko found an ancient book that spoke of the Order's rituals and sources of power. Sora discovered maps detailing the positions of secondary bases and weapon caches. Liora, meanwhile, came across a journal belonging to one of the Order's leaders.

« Look at this, » she said, flipping through the journal's pages. « They're planning a massive attack on the neighboring villages to strengthen their grip. »

Jun frowned as he read over her shoulder. « We must stop them before they can execute their plan. If we can sabotage their power source here, it will weaken their forces. »

Suddenly, footsteps echoed in the adjacent corridor. Jun and his friends froze, listening intently. Guards were approaching. They had only seconds to hide. Using her invisibility powers, Calla guided the group to a dark alcove.

The guards passed without noticing them, but the danger was clear. « We need to be quick, » Jun whispered. « Find what we're looking for and get out of here. »

They continued searching the library, finally finding an ancient grimoire that seemed to be the key to the Order's powers. « This is where their power source lies, » Miiko declared, showing a page describing a complex ritual. « If we can disrupt this ritual, we can weaken them significantly. »

The group took the grimoire and headed to the central hall of the fortress, where the ritual was supposed to take place. As they entered, they were greeted by a terrifying sight: a massive altar stone, surrounded by glowing runes and black flames. Several members of the Order were gathered around, chanting incantations in an ancient language.

« We must interrupt the ritual now, » Jun murmured, his gaze determined.

Calla and Sora silently slipped behind the enemies, while Miranda and Miiko prepared their spells. Liora, with her enchanted dagger, positioned herself near the altar, ready to strike at the right moment.

« Now ! » shouted Jun, and the group launched their attack.

The guards were taken by surprise by the sudden assault. Jun summoned the spirits of ancient warriors to fight by his side, while Calla moved through the shadows, striking enemies with precision. Sora, in his wolf form, charged through the enemy ranks, his fangs and claws tearing through the guards' armor. Miranda created disorienting illusions, sowing confusion among the Order members, while Miiko used her powers to manipulate the elements and protect her friends.

Liora, taking advantage of the distraction, rushed to the altar and plunged her enchanted dagger into the stone. A shockwave rippled through the hall, interrupting the incantations and causing the black flames to waver. The runes around the altar began to crumble, and a white glow emanated from the crack in the stone.

« We need to destroy the altar completely ! » shouted Jun.

With renewed strength, they focused their attacks on the altar. The stone finally shattered, releasing a blinding explosion of light. The Order members were thrown back, and the black flames extinguished instantly.

Silence fell over the hall, broken only by the sound of the group's heavy breathing. They had succeeded. The ritual had been interrupted, and the Güldenstern Order had suffered a devastating blow.

« We did it, » Calla murmured, tears in her eyes. « We succeeded. »

Jun nodded, exhausted but satisfied. « This is a great victory, but the war is not over yet. We must keep fighting. »

The group left the fortress, leaving behind the ruins of what had been a stronghold of the Güldenstern Order. They knew that more battles awaited them, but they were more determined than ever to end the Order's tyranny and bring peace to their world.

On the way, they encountered other members of the Resistance, who congratulated them on their courage and success. Elias greeted them with a smile. «You did an amazing job. This victory gives us a real chance to change things.»

Jun and his friends rested briefly, regaining their strength for the next stage of their quest. They knew the path would still be long and fraught with obstacles, but they were ready to face any challenges that lay ahead.

As night fell, they prepared to continue their fight against the Güldenstern Order. Their determination was unwavering, and they knew that each victory brought them closer to the peace and justice they sought.