LEGENDS: Mythical Glory (Season, #6)

Season 6 - Chapter 28: The Curse

With their clothing still displaying the scars from their trek through the maze, the exhausted troop eventually arrived at the gates of the Kingdom of Fatum. With a creak, the enormous gates opened to display the busy castle inside. Prince Van stood with his arms folded and a puzzled grin on his face at the royal palace steps.

"What took you so long?" He asked, his voice tinged with playful mockery.

Princess Elysian, still brushing dust off her tunic, shot him a glare. "Akala mo ba'y madali lang ang pagtawid sa dagat? Maswerte nga kami at may nakuha kaming barko. Pirate ship pa nga!" She retorted, emphasizing the last part.

Van raised a brow, unfazed. "I meant the labyrinth."

Elysian huffed, rolling her eyes. "Ilang oras ka lang sa labyrinth?"

"I broke the record in Fatum," Van said smugly, his smirk widening.

Chief Topaz, who stood nearby, let out a chuckle. "Huwag niyo nang tanungin. Basta siya na ang pinakamabilis na nakatapos at nakahanap sa exit ng labyrinth," he said, his tone both amused and impressed. "The next challenge in Fatum is probably to break Van's record."

"Kaya pala ang yabang," Celestial Beryl muttered under her breath, earning a quiet laugh from Chrys.

Van ignored the jab and gestured toward his companions. "By the way, allow me to introduce my team, Chief Topaz," he said formally. "This is Elysian Zellestaire, the princess of Eufrata. We have the twins, Damon and Damien-they're the children of the highest echelons in Eufrata. And, fortunately, we have the alpha of the Southern Iceousland with us."

"Chrys," the alpha said simply, his voice deep and steady.

"Right, Chrys, the alpha," Van repeated. "And... Celestial Beryl."

Topaz kept staring at Beryl as though she needed more explanation. Van gave a slight smile without going into detail, and the chief appeared to comprehend. Instead, his smile widened as he turned to face the gathering.

"Great! I'm Topaz, the son of Kornalina and Sardonyx, the mightiest warriors of Fatum. A pleasure to meet you all," he said, extending a hand.

"It's an honor for us," the royals replied in unison, bowing their heads slightly.

Topaz gestured toward the palace. "Should we head now to the lounge to discuss the plans?"

"Sure, thanks," Elysian replied, and the group followed Topaz inside.

The lounge was a large room with lofty ceilings and elaborately carved walls that told the story of Fatum. There was a big table in the middle with chairs all around it. With suspense and excitement lingering in the air, the group took their seats.

Topaz leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. "Since we're waiting for the food to arrive, shall we converse to ease the atmosphere? Or let's get this straight. We're facing threats unlike anything we've encountered before. What about the Abyss now? Anything unusual?"

Elysian nodded. "We've encountered a lot. Actually there was this time when they used a dimension against us. Something-or someone-is clearly behind their unnatural existence and movement."

Chrys spoke next, his voice low. "To be honest I've also encountered them before. The wolves I fought were stronger, faster, and more coordinated than any pack I've ever encountered. They were... controlled, somehow."

Damon added. "The creatures weren't just random challenges. They seemed like they were deliberately testing us, as if gauging our strengths and weaknesses."

Topaz frowned. "That aligns with what we've been suspecting. Someone is tampering with the natural order to create these abominations. We need to act swiftly, or Beryllus-and its surrounding kingdoms-will fall."