Chains of Vengeance

Chapter 55: Echoes in Anchordeep

Narinder walked towards the portal area, his robes billowing behind him with each determined step. Arriving in front of the door to Anchordeep, his eyes narrowed at the sight of the ancient symbols gleaming on its surface. He knew what was coming: the door demanded a sacrifice.

Calmly, he extended his hand and placed it on the cold material of the door. Upon contact, a mental list of all his followers appeared before him, names floating in his mind like shadows, waiting to be chosen.

"Let us see... who to use this time," he muttered to himself, his calculating thoughts searching for the ideal sacrifice. Suddenly, one name stood out: Yarlen, Jalala's brother.

A cold smile crossed his lips. "Perfect," he thought. With a snap of his fingers, Yarlen appeared before him, unaware of the fate that awaited him.

"Oh, my lord, what a surprise!" the panda exclaimed, his voice filled with joy. "It's a glorious day in paradise, don't you think?"

Narinder watched in silence, noting how pure faith and devotion emanated from Yarlen. But to him, none of that mattered. Without a word, he lifted the panda up in a fluid gesture, holding it in front of the door.

Yarlen's eyes widened in confusion, but before he could say anything, the door began to glow with a dark, hungry light. In an instant, the door absorbed Yarlen's body and soul, his life disappearing in a muffled sigh as his essence melted into the ancient runes.

Narinder showed not a shred of emotion as he watched the door take his sacrifice. But deep within him, a small hint of satisfaction washed over him. "This is sure to piss Jalala off," he thought with a slight smile. Without further ado, he stepped forward into the portal, knowing that his mission was about to continue, uncaring of the cost it had taken in the process.

Barinder entered Anchordeep, looking at the great algae and giant corals that rose like twisted trees, while streams of magical water floated suspended in the air, undulating without apparent control. Narinder walked steadily through the lands of Anchordeep, remembering every corner of this strange and dangerous realm. He knew that the deceptive beauty of the place hid an endless number of deadly enemies: heretics who hid in the shadows, creatures that exploded at the slightest touch, and beasts that released clouds of toxic poison, capable of poisoning anyone who came too close.

Narinder, without losing his calm, raised his relic, a weapon that now shone with a dark and imposing power. With a simple movement of his claw, he effortlessly eliminated any threat that dared to approach. Since he had obtained the Green Chain, his power had grown overwhelmingly. The claw he wielded was not only faster and deadlier, but emitted destructive energy, capable of laying waste to his enemies with tremendous force. Every blow he threw resonated in the depths of Anchordeep, as if the echoes of his power vibrated in the very magical currents that formed the realm.

But even though he defeated enemies with ease, Narinder could not ignore the constant feeling that something was watching him from deep within. The air, though unreal, felt heavy, charged with ancient and secret magic. The entire realm seemed to be alive, reacting to his presence. Despite his power, Narinder felt that every step he took brought him closer to something stranger, something that waited in the depths of Anchordeep.

Suddenly, Narinder found himself in a room he had not expected, a wide chamber illuminated by soft lights that reflected on the blue crystal walls, giving the illusion of a calm night lake. There, waiting for him, was Kudaai, an imposing black-feathered duck with a yellow cape. His penetrating gaze was accompanied by a calm smile, as if he knew much more than he was saying.

Narinder entered respectfully, bowing his head in courtesy. "It is an honor to see you again, Kudaai," he said in a softer voice than usual, aware of the power the duck possessed.