AetherFall

The ground shook . Aether surged through the underground ruins.

The black sigil on the Enclave commander's forehead pulsed again.

Something deep beneath them was stirring.

The commander's golden eyes glowed "Do you feel it?" "This place is reacting to you."

Celeste ignored his words, forcing Aether through her 

With a burst of speed, she closed the distance, Aether coiling around her arm . She struck, aiming for his side—

And her attack phased right through him again.

This time, she was ready.

Celeste twisted , shifting her weight as she redirected her Aether into the space around him instead. Instead of a direct hit, she let her energy, form a shockwave of force that ruptured the cavern floor beneath him.

The commander sank into the collapsing stone.

Celeste didn't stop. She extended her hand, sending a pulse of condensed Aether downward

An explosion sent dust and debris flying

 there was silence.

Then—

A laugh echoed from the abyss below.

Celeste's body tensed.

Through the dust, golden chains erupted from the darkness The commander rose from the pit, untouched, the sigil on his forehead now burning with pure black light.

What is he?

"You're clever," the commander admitted. 

Celeste didn't respond. Instead, she took a slow breath, adjusting her stance. she'd just have to think of another way to hit him .

But before she could make her next move—

Everything shifted.

The walls cracked

Celeste took a step back

The commander paused, his gaze flickering to the markings. His expression showed concern.

And then, from below, a voice—**rose from the darkness.

"Who dares awaken the Forsaken Depths?"

A pulse of raw energy surged through the cavern.

Celeste felt her entire body freeze.

The commander exhaled slowly. "So… it's still alive."

Celeste's heart pounded. What is 'it'?

The ruins trembled again, and from the darkness below, something began to rise.