The castle had secrets.
Kairos had suspected it from the start. A kingdom like Lysvein, constantly teetering on the edge of destruction, didn't just survive by accident. There had to be something hidden beneath the surface—something ancient.
And now, standing before a gaping chasm beneath the throne room, illuminated only by flickering torches, he was proven right.
"...Well, that's ominous."
King Orpheus exhaled sharply beside him. "We had no idea this was here. The floor collapsed when the masons were trying to repair the throne's foundation. This ruin… it's far older than Lysvein itself."
Kairos knelt at the edge of the pit, peering down. Jagged stone staircases descended into the darkness, leading to an underground labyrinth untouched for centuries.
A dungeon.
An actual dungeon.
A glimmering notification flickered in the corner of his vision.
NEW DISCOVERY: RUINS OF THE FIRST KINGDOM
A forgotten dungeon lies beneath Lysvein. Strange energy pulses from within. What ancient secrets does it hold?
Risk Level: ???
Recommended Level: 50+
Kairos grinned.
"Your Majesty," one of the knights said hesitantly. "It could be dangerous. We don't know what lurks down there."
Orpheus folded his arms. "I won't order anyone to explore it. If this ruin has remained sealed for so long, it's for a reason."
Kairos stretched. "Sounds like a challenge."
Orpheus shot him a look. "I had a feeling you'd say that."
Kairos was already moving. His boots crunched against the broken stone as he descended the staircase, each step sending a faint echo through the cavernous abyss.
The deeper he went, the thicker the air became—heavy with ancient magic. Torches lined the walls, their flames flickering an eerie blue instead of orange.
This place was alive.
Or at least, something inside it was.
DUNGEON UNLOCKED: RUINS OF THE FIRST KINGDOM
A forgotten civilization's remnants lie in wait. Will you uncover their secrets… or become their next victim?
Kairos cracked his knuckles. Bring it on.
As he ventured further, he noticed intricate carvings on the walls—murals depicting a great battle, warriors in archaic armor fighting against monstrous shadowy figures. At the center of the mural, a lone king stood, wielding a radiant blade that cut through the darkness itself.
His golden eyes burned with unwavering resolve.
Something about him felt… familiar.
Kairos reached out, running his fingers along the carving. The moment he did—
RUMBLE.
The entire dungeon shook violently. Dust and debris rained from above as a deep, guttural growl echoed through the darkness.
Then—
A new notification flashed before his eyes.
DUNGEON EVENT: AWAKENING THE LOST SENTINEL
You have disturbed the slumbering guardian. Prepare for battle.
Kairos grinned.
From the shadows ahead, something massive stirred.
A pair of glowing, molten-red eyes flickered to life, illuminating the cavern like twin suns. Stone cracked and crumbled as a towering figure stepped forward—a colossal knight, its armor fused with blackened rock, its blade longer than a warhorse.
[ANCIENT SENTINEL – LVL ???]
Kairos's heartbeat spiked with excitement.
"Oh, hell yes."
This was going to be fun.