Shadows of the Past || Hyunlix

VI

The next day, Felix and Hyunjin spent most of their time talking to local residents and searching through archives, hoping to uncover more clues about the mysterious group. They gathered various fragments of information, but nothing that clearly indicated the group’s specific goals.

At noon, Dr. Miller contacted them by phone. “I’ve found something interesting,” she said, her voice filled with excitement. “I discovered a mention in the archives of an occult sect that operated in the area decades ago. Their activities were linked to rituals and artifacts similar to the ones you found.”

“That sounds promising,” Felix replied. “Do you have more details?”

“Yes,” Dr. Miller continued. “Their leader, who was known as Elias Thorn, was conducting research on ancient rituals that supposedly had the power to alter reality. The documents suggest that after his death, the group disbanded, but many of their artifacts and rituals may have fallen into the wrong hands.”

Felix and Hyunjin arranged to meet Dr. Miller to discuss the details. When they met, Dr. Miller showed them photos and documents about Elias Thorn and his activities. In one of the photos, taken at an old, remote monastery, there were symbols resembling those they had found in the book.

“This might be a place worth visiting,” Hyunjin said, pointing to the photo. “If modern groups are connected to Thorn, that monastery could hold key information.”

“Exactly,” Dr. Miller confirmed. “However, I must warn you, this could be more dangerous than it seems. In the past, many people have disappeared under mysterious circumstances, and their deaths were linked to searching for artifacts and performing rituals.”

Felix and Hyunjin decided to head to the monastery immediately, hoping to uncover something that would bring them closer to solving the mystery. They took the necessary equipment for a thorough search of the area and additional precautions.

Soon, they arrived at the monastery. It was old and dilapidated, partially covered in moss and overgrown vegetation. The entrance was blocked, but Felix and Hyunjin found a way inside through a partially broken window.

“Let’s stick together and be careful,” Felix said as they entered. “We don’t know what we might find here.”

The inside of the monastery was dark and dusty. The ruined walls and floors gave the impression that time had stopped there many years ago. Felix and Hyunjin began searching through the rooms, documenting any signs and symbols that could be significant.

After a few hours, they came across an underground passage leading to a hidden crypt. The entrance was blocked by large, heavy doors, but Felix noticed they could be opened using a combination of symbols they had discovered earlier.

“This must be the place,” Felix said as the doors slowly creaked open. “Let’s go further.”

The crypt’s interior was small, but it contained numerous symbols and artifacts. In the center of the room was a ritual table covered with various ancient objects. Felix and Hyunjin began examining them, trying to understand their meaning.

Suddenly, they heard a noise from outside—the sound of someone approaching the crypt. Felix and Hyunjin quickly hid in the shadows, listening to what was happening. The doors to the crypt opened, and several unknown individuals, likely members of the mysterious group, entered.

“We need to find out what they’re planning and what they’re doing here,” Hyunjin whispered. “But we have to be careful.”

Felix and Hyunjin watched as the group members began performing a ritual in the crypt. From their conversations, it became clear that they were preparing for something significant—possibly the next phase of their plans involving the rituals and artifacts.

Felix and Hyunjin decided to gather as much information as possible and then escape the crypt before they could be discovered. They realized that what they had uncovered could be crucial to solving the mystery, but they also knew they had to act cautiously to avoid being caught.

Once the group finished their preparations and left the crypt, Felix and Hyunjin quickly exited, knowing they now had to move fast to report their findings and prepare for what might come next.