Dragon Savior A New Beginning ( Update Version)

Into the Storm: The Last Stands Begin(180)

As they neared the imposing cliff, their eyes were instantly drawn to the colossal spherical monument nestled at its center. Surrounding it stood countless slender spires, their menacing spike stretching skyward, as though trying to pierce the very heavens. The structure, forged from dark gray stone, radiated an atmosphere of solemnity and dread. Its entrance–a broad archway crowned by a towering iron door–loomed before them, a formidable barrier between them and the poison they needed to stop. This was no ordinary fortress–it had been meticulously constructed to withstand any threat, to endure through siege and time alike. The gravity of their surroundings weighed heavily upon them, sharpening their senses. Suddenly, the air shifted–a surge of raw power pulsed outward from the heart of the fortress. The atmosphere thickened, and the overwhelming sensation confirmed what they all feared: they were approaching the source. Starfania's gaze swept over the terrain–and her heart sank.

" That's a lot of guards! " Starfania said, her eyes wide.

Aeron's voice rang out, laced with disbelief and concern. " Let me get this straight. We have to pass all of them before the Eternal Sun happens? "

No one responded at first. They didn't need to. The expression on their faces spoke volumes–there was no turning back. Then Lyam stepped forward, the steel in his voice cutting through the tension. " Do not be afraid. I have a plan. "

Kneeling to the ground, he took up a stick and began drawing in the dirt. A crude but clear map emerged–the fortress layout, patrol paths, and critical checkpoints. As he spoke, his tone unwavering and assured, a flicker of hope sparked in their eyes. The plan was daring, risky–but just as likely enough to work.

Deciding to go without their dragons, they agreed it would be safer and more discreet to travel on foot. With that resolve, they set out, determined to reach their destination without incident. Just before they advanced, Starfania secured her helmet, its dark visor masking her face entirely. As they neared the looming fortress, the encroaching shadow of the eclipse crept across the sky. Its growing presence served as a grim reminder–time was running out. The air grew heavier with every step, the urgency almost tangible. They moved swiftly toward the outer wall, blocking their path. Tension coiled in their chest as they searched for a way through. Relief washed over them as they discovered a narrow opening–just wide enough to slip through unnoticed. With quiet precision, they crawled through the gap, inching closer to their objective. Their path led them to the vents, hidden and narrow, but their only way into the inner compound.

But any sense of victory quickly faded. Before them stood rows of vigilant Volcanic Order, scanning the grounds with keen eyes, guarding a zone of great importance. Aeron gritted his teeth. " There's no way we're getting through the front. "

After a hurried, whispered discussion, they formed a bold plan: scale the wall, reach the vents, and enter through the shadows. With determination and care, they climbed, hands grasping stone and metal, keeping low and silent as they advanced toward the vents. Every creak of metal or shuffle of boots could spell disaster. But step by step, breath by breath, they made their way through the narrow shafts. The air inside was stale and hot, but they pressed on, navigating the labyrinthine passages until they reached a wider junction.