Rewrite The Star

CHAPTER 55 : TUNNEL

CHAPTER 55: TUNNEL

All of them were running away, hearts pounding, until they had to stop abruptly at a clearing.

“It’s just a slug,” Creed said, turning back to face the approaching Sluggit monster. But as he did, the monstrous creature loomed larger, its slimy form glistening menacingly in the dim light. Without warning, Creed cast a spell, shouting, “Lumison!” A brilliant blaze of light surged forth, engulfing the Sluggit and burning it away in an instant. The sheer intensity of the magic left everyone in awe.

“Woah,” Darren exclaimed, staring at Creed in shock. “This is too much!”

Atlas felt the surrounding area heating up rapidly, the air thick with the residual energy of Creed’s spell. “Creed, that was incredible,” he said, watching Creed approach with a concerned expression. “Are you alright, hooman?”

“Yeah, just a bit warm,” Atlas replied, wiping sweat from his brow.

“Hooman?” Nowell and Darren thought simultaneously, exchanging puzzled looks. They had heard Creed refer to Atlas as "Hooman" before, but seeing him interact so calmly and powerfully was unusual.

“So, where do we go now?” Darren asked, glancing ahead to where two divergent pathways lay before them.

“Should we divide?” Nowell suggested, eyeing the two routes skeptically.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Atlas responded firmly. Creed nodded in agreement.

“Even if we divide, it’s much more dangerous since we don’t know what’s waiting for us,” Darren pointed out.

“That’s true,” Atlas agreed, his mind racing as he recalled the cryptic lines from Stellaria Coetus: “When the dark has come, I will be your brightest light; once I shine, you should know your path.”

An idea struck him. He looked at both pathways thoughtfully and then made a decisive move. “Everyone, turn off all your light sources. Let’s go dark.”

Following his lead, they extinguished their torches and lanterns, plunging the tunnel into darkness. Suddenly, a shimmering light emanated from the second tunnel, its brilliance reflecting off gemstones embedded in the walls. They realized the light was formed from precious stones, creating a radiant path.

“That's the way,” Atlas declared confidently. With renewed determination, they entered the gemstone-lit tunnel.

As they walked deeper, the environment grew brighter, and they discovered a hidden staircase descending into a small, enchanted forest nestled within the tunnel. The sight was breathtaking.

“Woah,” they all said in unison, marveling at the beauty before them.

Above the forest shine a thousand gemstone that acted as a celestial star, and fireflies illuminated the area with their gentle glow. As they ventured further, the Stellaria Coetus began to vibrate in Atlas’s hands, causing the book to slip from his grip and fall to the ground. The entire area started to shake violently.

“Everyone, hold on to something!” Creed shouted, grabbing Atlas tightly to prevent him from being thrown.

Nowell attempted to reach for Atlas’s hand, but the ground beneath them trembled, and a massive hole opened right beneath Atlas.

“Hooman!” Creed yelled, trying desperately to keep hold of Atlas.

“Creed!” Atlas screamed, his voice filled with panic as he struggled to grab Creed’s hand. In the chaos, both of them fell into the darkness below.