In the previous chapter, the crisis within the ruins erupted like a tidal wave, consuming everything in its path. The thunderous roars of collapsing structures and the suffocating fear blanketed the air, plunging everyone into what felt like the end of the world. The ruins now resembled a vision of hell—dust swirling so thickly that it blotted out the sun, and every breath felt heavy with despair. Stones flew like torrential rain, accompanied by deafening crashes. The entire space trembled and twisted under the relentless force of destruction, threatening to crumble entirely at any moment.
"Stay close to me! Do not get separated!" Solomon's voice rang out through the cacophony, a beacon of clarity amidst chaos. Though partially muffled by the thunderous noise, his commanding tone carried a resolute strength, like a ray of light cutting through the gloom. In this life-and-death moment, he relied on his sharp instincts and extraordinary wisdom to detect a faint glimmer of hope—a hidden passage cloaked in the shadows.
"Quick, this way! This might be our way out!" Solomon shouted, surging forward toward the passage without hesitation. His figure, like a determined arrow, pierced through the dust-filled air, guiding the others.
"Can we really escape through here? It looks far too dangerous..." A young member of the Victoria family stammered, his voice trembling with fear and doubt. His wide eyes stared at the narrow, shadowy passage as if it concealed boundless unknown terrors.
"Trust Lord Solomon! He has always led us to safety, and he will do so again!" another team member shouted back, his voice quivering slightly but laced with unwavering faith. Clutching his weapon tightly, he fought to suppress his fear while trying to instill courage in those around him.
The group ran desperately through the passage, their footsteps and frantic breaths mixing with the thunderous sound of the collapsing ruins behind them, creating a tragic symphony of survival. Every step was a gamble with death. Falling stones exploded around them, spraying dust so thick they could barely keep their eyes open. The walls on either side trembled and cracked, threatening to collapse and entomb them in the abyss.
"This noise… it feels like the whole world is crumbling! I… I can't go on!" a mage from the Light Sanctuary stuttered, his voice trembling like a withered leaf in the autumn breeze. His hands shook violently, and the magical staff he held flickered dimly, its light nearly extinguished by his fear.
"Don't give up! We can make it out! Stay together, stay strong!" Princess Liana, despite her pale complexion and the terror etched on her face, forced herself to remain calm. Her gentle yet firm voice provided a steadying presence, radiating trust in Solomon and instilling warmth and courage in her companions.
As they ventured deeper into the passage, a faint glimmer of light appeared ahead. That weak yet precious light stood out like a beacon of hope in the oppressive darkness.
"Look, it's the exit! We're saved!" one adventurer exclaimed, his voice breaking with excitement as tears glistened in his eyes. His shout was like a shot of adrenaline to the group, renewing their resolve and filling their weary bodies with a final surge of energy.
With clenched teeth and every ounce of strength, the team sprinted toward the light. Their focus was solely on the exit—the promise of survival, the beacon that drove them forward through the life-or-death ordeal.
But fate, cruel as ever, refused to let them go so easily. Just as they were about to reach the exit, a massive boulder hurtled down from above, its shadow engulfing them. It descended with the weight of a mountain, threatening to crush them all beneath its devastating force.
"No!" Cries of terror erupted as despair gripped the group. Time seemed to freeze as the shadow of death loomed ever closer.
In that critical moment, Solomon stepped forward, his presence like that of an indomitable war god. Without hesitation, he raised his Starblade and roared, "I'll hold it back—GO!" His voice, thunderous and commanding, shattered the paralysis of fear that had seized the group.
Planting the Starblade into the ground with both hands, Solomon braced himself against the immense boulder. His muscles strained, veins bulging as he pushed against the overwhelming weight. Sweat poured down his face, soaking his clothes, yet his gaze remained steadfast, burning with unyielding determination. He was a towering pillar, standing against the tide of destruction.
"Solomon, you—" Princess Liana's voice trembled with emotion as tears welled up in her eyes. Her face was a mask of anguish and helplessness, her heart torn apart by worry and sorrow for him.
"Don't look back! Get out of here—NOW! That's an order!" Solomon's voice was hoarse with effort, yet it rang with undeniable authority.
"Move! Don't let Lord Solomon's sacrifice be in vain!" an older team member urged, his voice filled with conviction. He knew that the best way to honour Solomon's heroism was to obey and ensure their survival.
With heavy hearts and tears streaming down their faces, the team pushed forward, squeezing through the narrow passage beneath the boulder. They ran for their lives, their hearts filled with gratitude and admiration for Solomon.
When the last team member made it out safely, Solomon summoned the last reserves of his strength. He let go of the boulder, dodging its crushing descent, and dashed toward the exit.
Outside, the sight that greeted them was a scene of devastation. The once-mysterious and majestic ruins had completely collapsed into a barren wasteland. Dust filled the air, choking their lungs, while weak rays of sunlight filtered through the haze, casting a forlorn light over the rubble.
"We made it..." One team member collapsed to the ground, gasping for air, his face etched with exhaustion and the relief of survival. Tears glistened in his eyes as he spoke.
"Yes, all thanks to Lord Solomon. Without him, we wouldn't have stood a chance," another said with heartfelt gratitude, his voice trembling with emotion.
The team's faces reflected their weariness and the bittersweet joy of narrowly escaping death. They supported one another, gazing back at the ruins that had been both their challenge and near grave.
Yet Solomon's expression was grave. His brows furrowed as he stared at the ruins, a deep unease clouding his thoughts. In the chaos of the collapse, he had sensed an enigmatic and powerful force lurking in the darkness, pulling the strings behind their ordeal. What was this mysterious power? What was its purpose? The questions swirled in his mind like an impenetrable fog.
Was this disaster merely the beginning? What greater challenges and dangers awaited the continent of Glory? The weight of the unknown pressed heavily on Solomon's heart, but amidst the uncertainty, his resolve only grew stronger. He knew this was far from over. The journey ahead would be long, and they needed to prepare for the trials to come.