The Rift Deepens
The brothers emerged from the cavern, their clothes torn and covered in dust. The faint light of dawn illuminated the rugged landscape outside, a stark contrast to the suffocating darkness of the dungeon they had just escaped. Kane carried the remains of their findings—a small crystal imbued with a strange energy.
"We need to report this to the Elders immediately," Adewan said, his tone sharp.
"I'm more worried about how we explain the collapse," Akane muttered, stretching his sore muscles.
"It wasn't our fault," Kane replied. "The dungeon was unstable. They'll understand."
The three brothers began their trek back to the clan's fortress, an imposing structure that stood atop a hill overlooking the valley. The fortress, known as Eryndale Spire, was home to over a hundred teams, each competing for recognition and rank within the clan's hierarchy.
The Clan of Eryndale
Eryndale was not just a home; it was a proving ground. Teams were ranked based on their performance in missions, their contributions to the clan, and their overall strength. At the top of the hierarchy was the Alpha Division, comprised of the strongest and most elite teams. Adewan, Kane, and Akane were part of the Crimson Wing, a mid-tier team climbing the ranks.
However, not everyone was pleased with their rapid rise, especially Sylis.
The Report
Inside the council chamber, the brothers stood before the Elders, a group of seasoned warriors who governed the clan. The leader, Elder Rahl, listened intently as Adewan recounted their encounter with the monstrous insects and the collapse of the cavern.
"This crystal," Adewan said, holding it up, "is unlike anything we've seen before. It has an unusual energy signature that might be related to the dungeon's instability."
Elder Rahl examined the crystal, nodding slowly. "You've done well, but the collapse raises concerns. Was there any interference?"
"No interference," Kane replied. "It seemed natural—though the dungeon itself felt… different."
Elder Rahl leaned back in his chair, his gaze sharp. "Very well. Crimson Wing, you've done your duty. Rest for now. We'll analyze this crystal further."
The brothers bowed and left the chamber.
Sylis's Resolve
Meanwhile, Sylis stood outside the training grounds, watching the teams spar. Her team, the Iron Claws, was ranked slightly below Crimson Wing—a fact that gnawed at her pride.
"Why do they get all the attention?" she muttered, her fingers gripping the hilt of her blade. "I've fought just as hard, if not harder."
One of her teammates, a burly man named Zane, approached her. "You're still thinking about them?"
Sylis turned to him, her amber eyes blazing. "They're everything wrong with this clan. Favoritism, blind praise… it's disgusting. If I have to crush them to prove myself, so be it."
Zane chuckled. "You're ambitious. I like that. What's the plan?"
Sylis smirked. "They're heading to the Machines next, aren't they? Let's see how they handle some… sabotage."
The Machines: A New Challenge
The Machines were a series of ancient relics scattered across the region, each protected by deadly puzzles, traps, and guardians. The clan sent teams to retrieve relics and artifacts from these locations, as they were vital to the clan's power and status.
The brothers were assigned to a Machine located in the Cursed Plateau, a treacherous area plagued by violent storms.
As they prepared to leave, Akane noticed Sylis and her team lingering near the stables. Her smirk sent a chill down his spine.
"She's up to something," Akane muttered.
Kane frowned. "Keep your guard up. We'll deal with her if she tries anything."
Adewan, ever calm, simply said, "Focus on the mission. If she wants to compete, let her. We'll prove ourselves through action, not petty games."
The Cursed Plateau
The journey to the Cursed Plateau was grueling, with violent winds and rocky terrain testing their endurance. When they arrived at the Machine, a massive stone structure covered in glowing runes, they found Sylis's team already there.
"Took you long enough," Sylis called, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
"This isn't a race," Kane snapped.
"Isn't it?" Sylis said, her smirk widening. "Let's see who retrieves the relic first. Unless, of course, you're scared."
Adewan stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "We're not here to play games, Sylis. This is about the clan, not your ego."
Sylis's eyes narrowed. "You'll eat those words when I surpass you."
Without waiting for a response, she and her team entered the Machine. The brothers exchanged glances before following.
Sabotage and Survival
Inside the Machine, the air buzzed with energy. The corridors were filled with traps—spinning blades, collapsing floors, and walls that closed in without warning.
As the brothers navigated the dangers, they noticed something strange: many of the traps seemed to have been tampered with, as if designed to lead them into dead ends.
"Sylis," Kane growled.
"She's trying to slow us down," Akane said, his fists clenched.
Adewan remained calm. "Let her. If we focus, we'll make it through."
But as they pressed deeper into the Machine, they realized Sylis's sabotage was more than just a hindrance—it was a threat to their lives.
Would the brothers survive her schemes? Or would the weight of rivalry tear the clan apart?