Chapter 2: The Dungeon Awakens
Noxharte Academy rarely rang its bells more than twice a day. But this time, the chime hit a strange, distorted third tone.
Aero Nacht paused mid-step.
The vibration in the air was unnatural. Even the sigils in the courtyard dimmed for a moment.
Students whispered. Teachers emerged from classrooms.
Then came the voice.
A projection spell appeared above the sky tower.
"Attention all staff and advanced students. The Forbidden Dungeon has awakened. Repeat, the seal on the dungeon has ruptured."
Gasps. Silence. Even laughter died out.
"Impossible..."
"That dungeon's sealed with Grand Arcana. It's been asleep for centuries."
"What kind of disturbance could force it open?"
Aero simply looked toward the far eastern edge of the campus, where the old gate stood. Hidden beneath thick vines and dusted stone, it now glowed faintly with ancient light.
---
Hours Later – Headmaster's Chamber
A meeting of elite instructors commenced. Debate turned to argument.
"We cannot allow students near it."
"It calls for mana-rich blood. Anyone without control will be devoured."
"What triggered it?"
The Headmaster said only one word.
"Nacht."
Silence.
"That boy walked near the sigil path yesterday. It pulsed. We assumed it was static feedback. We were wrong."
---
Training Yard – Next Day
Volunteers were requested. None stepped forward.
Then came the quiet voice.
"I'll go."
The crowd turned.
Aero.
Again.
Laughter came—uncertain, forced.
"You? You don't even HAVE magic. You'd die in the entrance tunnel."
The instructor began to protest, but the Headmaster's projection interrupted.
"Let him pass."
---
The Forbidden Gate
Thick stone carved with abyssal runes. Old as the academy itself. Covered in moss and chained with arcane binds.
Aero placed his hand on it.
The chains turned to dust.
The gate opened with no resistance.
A deep wind blew outward—from inside.
Darkness whispered his name.
"At last... you return."
He walked inside.
---
Inside the Dungeon
There was no light.
Only memory.
Stairs led downward into silence. Symbols pulsed along the walls in slow rhythms. Ancient. Familiar.
Bones littered the floor. Armor from forgotten ages.
In the deepest chamber sat a throne.
Upon it, a blackened skeleton in golden armor.
The skull lifted slowly.
It spoke with no mouth.
"You're late, Monarch."
Aero stood still.
"You remember me."
The ancient being dropped to one knee.
"Even sealed... even reborn... I would kneel again."
The shadows moved on their own.
And the dungeon began to collapse—not in rage, but in obedience.
---
Outside
Exactly three minutes later, the gate creaked open.
Aero walked out, completely untouched.
The instructors watching were frozen.
"He... came out."
"What happened in there?"
Aero simply said:
"It's quiet now."
And walked away.
---
End of Chapter 2