Rising tensions and betrayal within Chalassy's ranks had forced Anu and his council to make difficult decisions. They knew the time had come to take a more proactive approach against their enemy. After piecing together the information from the ancient tome and the hidden chamber, Anu was convinced that Osta's capital held a crucial secret—one that could tip the scales of war.
The Chamber of Wands, as it had come to be known, was rumored to be hidden beneath Osta's capital. Anu believed that the chamber contained knowledge of the Wands' origins and perhaps a means of neutralizing their power. But getting there meant venturing deep into enemy territory, a risk that could cost them everything.
Anu couldn't afford to take his entire army because it was a dangerous mission. He would need a small, specialized squad—his most trusted and capable soldiers—to infiltrate Osta's stronghold and locate the chamber. And there was no one he trusted more than Merna and the rest of his close-knit team.
As he gathered his squad in the dimly lit war room, the weight of their mission hung heavily in the air. Anu stood at the head of the table, his expression grim as he traced a route on the map. "We leave at dawn," he said, his voice steady despite the uncertainty gnawed at him. "Our objective is to reach Osta's capital and locate the hidden chamber. If the information we've gathered is correct, it's somewhere beneath the city."
Merna studied the map, furrowing her brow in concentration. "What's our plan once we reach the city?" she asked.
"We'll split into two groups," Anu explained. "Zaya and Tony will create a diversion in the city's eastern quarter. The rest of us will infiltrate through the old aqueduct tunnels. They haven't been used in decades, but according to the ancient tome, they lead directly to the chamber's entrance."
Tony let out a low whistle, shaking his head in disbelief. "An infiltration mission in the heart of enemy territory? You sure know how to keep things interesting, General."
Anu couldn't help but chuckle at Tony's remark, though the gravity of their situation quickly sobered him. "This mission is our best chance to gain the upper hand," he said, his voice unwavering. Unwavering is also one of our most dangerous. If we're discovered, we'll be surrounded and outnumbered."
Merna met his gaze, her eyes reflecting a quiet determination. "We'll be careful," she said. "And we'll get the job done."
Anu nodded, feeling grateful for her unwavering support. "Good," he replied. Get some rest. We leave at first light."
The journey to Osta's capital was tense and silent. Anu and his squad traveled under the cover of darkness, swiftly through dense forests and winding mountain paths. The terrain was treacherous, and the air was thick with anticipation of what lay ahead.
As they approached the city's outskirts, Anu signaled for the group to halt. They dismounted and took cover among the trees, surveying the distant walls of Osta's capital. The city was heavily fortified, with guards patrolling the perimeter and watchtowers lining the walls. But the storm clouds gathering above the city caught Anu's attention.
"Mun's influence is still strong here," Merna murmured, her gaze fixed on the darkened sky.
Anu felt a knot of unease tighten in his chest. They were venturing into the heart of enemy territory, where Osta's Wand users held sway. One misstep could spell disaster for all of them.
"We stick to the plan," Anu said, his voice firm. "Zaya, Tony—take your positions and be ready to create the diversion when we give the signal."
Zaya and Tony nodded, their expressions serious as they moved out. Anu watched them go, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. He couldn't let anything go wrong—not when so much was at stake.
Merna stepped up beside him, her presence a steadying force amidst the tension. "We'll get through this," she said quietly.
Anu glanced at her, seeing the confidence in her eyes. Moments like these, she reminded him of why he trusted her so profoundly. "Lprofoundlyove," he replied.
The aqueduct tunnels were dark and damp, their walls lined with moss and crumbling stone. Anu led the way, his senses on high alert as they made their way through the narrow passage. The air was heavy with the scent of mildew, and the only sounds were the faint drip of water and the soft scuff of boots against stone.
"Keep your eyes open," Anu whispered, his voice barely audible. "If the tome's map is accurate, the entrance to the chamber should be up ahead."
The squad moved cautiously, their weapons at the ready. They were deep in enemy territory, and the risk of discovery was constant. Anu felt the familiar weight of the Wand of Destruction at his side, its dark energy humming in the back of his mind. He couldn't afford to draw attention to himself by using it unless there was no other choice.
After an eternity, they reached a large stone door set into the tunnel's wall. The door was covered in ancient carvings, similar to those they had seen in the hidden chamber beneath Chalassy.
"This is it," Anu said, his voice filled with anticipation and dread.
Merna stepped forward, her fingers tracing the carvings. "The symbols match," she confirmed. "But how do we open it?"
Anu studied the door, searching for some sort of mechanism. The carvings seemed to depict a series of interconnected lines and geometric shapes, but there was no obvious way to open the door. It wasn't until he noticed a faint glow emanating from one of the symbols that he understood.
"It's the Wand," he murmured, reaching for the Wand of Destruction.
Merna's eyes widened in alarm. "Are you sure that's a good idea?"
Anu hesitated, feeling the weight of her concern. But he knew there was no other way. "It's the only way," he replied, his voice steady.
He raised the Wand and channeled a small amount of dark energy into the glowing symbol. The lines in the carvings began to shift, rearranging into a new pattern. The stone door rumbled and slowly slid open, revealing a staircase descending into darkness.
Merna's grip tightened on her daggers, and Anu could sense the tension radiating from the rest of the squad. They were venturing into the unknown, and there was no telling what awaited them within the chamber.
"Stay close," Anu instructed, his voice barely above a whisper. "And be ready for anything."
They descended the staircase, the air growing colder with each step. The walls were lined with more carvings, their eyes seeming to watch the squad as they passed. Anu felt a chill run down his spine, and he couldn't shake the feeling that they were being drawn into a trap.
When they reached the bottom of the staircase, they entered a vast chamber illuminated by an eerie blue light. The walls were covered in intricate carvings depicting ancient battles and rituals, and a large stone altar stood in the center of the room. On the altar rested a series of objects—relics that seemed to pulse with otherworldly energy.
Anu approached the altar cautiously, his heart pounding in his chest. "This must be it," he murmured, his voice filled with awe and apprehension.
But before he could examine the relics further, a voice echoed through the chamber, cold and mocking. "So, you've found it at last."
Anu turned, his blood running cold, as he saw a figure standing at the chamber's far end. The man was dressed in dark robes, his eyes glowing with an unnatural light. Anu recognized him instantly—it was Manual, the wielder of the Wand of Soulkeeper.
"You're too late," Manual said, his voice dripping with malice. "The secrets of the Wands belong to Osta."
Anu felt a surge of anger and fear as he realized their danger. They had entered a trap, and now they were face-to-face with one of the most potent Wpotents in Osta's ranks.
"Fall back!" Anu ordered, his voice sharp.
But it was too late. Manual raised the Wand of Soulkeeper, and the air around him seemed to distort. Shadows coalesced into humanoid forms, their eyes glowing with the same unnatural light as Manual's. Anu's squad immediately formed a defensive line, their weapons drawn as they prepared to face the summoned beings.
Anu knew that only another Wand user could hope to stand against Manual, but he couldn't let his squad face these creatures alone. He drew the Wand of Destruction, its dark energy thrumming in response to his resolve.
"Merna, lead the others and hold the line," Anu said, his voice filled with authority. "I'll deal with Manual."
Merna met his gaze, her expression filled with determination and worry. "Be careful," she replied.
Anu nodded, his grip tightening on the Wand. "I will."
He stepped forward, his focus narrowing as he faced Manual. The air was thick with tension, and Anu could feel the dark energy of the Wand of Destruction pulsing in his veins. He knew that this battle would be unlike any other—one that would test his strength and resolve.
The confrontation was inevitable, and the stakes had never been higher.