WITCH OF THE END

Luna remained quiet as General Astrid filled her in on the situation at army command.

For starters, things weren’t good at all. The discovery of a dungeon had set the government and the great houses around the world in a panic. And because this was a whole new thing, both mundane and ascender armies from more settlements were being sent to The Eastern Settlement with the single purpose of exploring the situation and sending back information.

The soldiers that had returned from the tower after the first attempt were mostly left terrified by the horrors that haunted the crimson desert on the first level. These horrors were mostly powerful cursed creatures with powerful abilities that rivaled most ascenders with Auras useful for combat. If it hadn't been for the three captains, then their losses would've been much bigger than this--putting the Great House of Feng and its vassals in a tough situation.

Dungeons were unpredictable and unexplored territory for humanity. The weather conditions, the Eco-systems, and the creatures were all going to be a surprise to humanity so they needed to do something about it. Snow, Lena, and Yun were the first captains to enter the tower and the ones who made the terrifying discovery beyond the rift in space. Their first battle had been a furious one and Captain Yun received a grave injury while trying to buy time for everyone as they forced a retreat to the real world. Luckily, Snow and Lena were there to ensure everyone including Yun made it out alive.

Since there was not enough time to explore the foreign world, the Clans and the Government decided to recruit the diviners from House Chau had been recruited to assist with the subjugation.

Luna didn’t know much about how powerful diviners were, exactly. But she was aware of how important it was to have someone who had an affinity for revelations. The rare group of ascenders was capable of seeing the invisible, predicting the future, guidance, and providing information where technology couldn’t.

And with their help, the diviners had discovered a perfect route through the desert—leading to a portal meant to transport them to the next floor. However, according to their divinations, the portal was guarded by a powerful undead cursed creature with unknown powers at the moment.

Cursed Creatures were different from infected beings because cursed creatures were originally from the Divine Realm. These mad beings had abilities similar to devils and were immune to normal weapons. So It took more than zenshi to take one down.

“The generals, including myself have complete faith in the captains and their ability to handle the powerful beasts guarding the portals. As for now, we as generals see no need to step in at the moment. We can’t waste our reserves mere cursed creatures.”

General Astrid finished, her vermilion eyes staring at Luna. Her gaze was almost as sharp as a blade. And Luna could feel her eyes scanning for any sign of fear on her face.

But she was flawless. As a legacy, she knew how to control her emotions. Emotions were part of combat and losing control meant death during a furious fight. “I see. Is my sister still inside the tower?”

“Yes. She’s currently with Snow and the bravest soldiers. They must be halfway through the desert by now since the new route was established…its been a week since we last heard from them though. Communication is cut as soon as you cross that gateway outside.”

Luna sighed. She needed to keep her paranoid thoughts tamed or else her calm facade would crumble down like a house of cards.

“I request to join them immediately.”

General Astrid grinned and then tilted her head. Her gaze had not faltered one bit. “Why? Are you worried?” she asked. “Lena is a very powerful ascender. Have you forgotten she’s a legacy with a rare and powerful Aura?”

Luna shook her head. She lingered for a moment, thinking of what she had learned during her travel here. Yes, the diviners had discovered what The Tower was thanks to revelations and whatever they used. The journey across the desert world was easier now that they had guides showing the way…

But Luna couldn’t ignore the deep feeling of dread that kept getting stronger each time she was closer to the Blood Tower. What was it? The gods couldn’t just have had a tower crawling with undead for no reason. What's the purpose of this tower? Were the undead a warning or guards, protecting something in the next levels?

‘Damn it…something is very wrong.’

“I know my sister is powerful. But as the next heiress of the strongest family in the world, don’t you think it would look bad for me to just sit back and watch, dearest Aunt?”

Astrid’s grin disappeared as she picked up her shades. As soon as her vermilion eyes were once again covered, Luna suddenly felt at ease—like a load of weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

‘When did she…’

As if completing her thoughts, Astrid replied with a calm tone, “From the moment you looked at my eyes, Dark Blade. I was testing your response to heightened emotions. Sigh, and you pass. Control is everything, Luna. If you cannot control yourself, you will die in that tower.”

The final words hit hard for Luna. Death was something she almost experienced recently before waking up in a hospital room. Now here she was, going to a much scarier place where hundreds of soldiers could die.

General Astrid continued after a short pause. “The nanoskin suit you’re wearing is the latest of its kind. If I’ve heard correctly…it might help you with the physical issues you face for being mundane.”

Luna stared at the black suit she was wearing. Nothing felt unique about it.

“Really? Then I guess I will find out soon. Do you approve of my request?”

Astrid nodded. “But you’ll have to leave tomorrow morning. Your team will be accompanied by other soldiers, a diviner of your own, and an arachnid pilot to carry your food and supplies. The diviner will guide you till find your sister and proceed forward. You are not permitted to continue to the next level, do you understand, Lunaris?”

Luna smiled and nodded. “Yes.”