The Ruins

Chapter 133 — The Ruins

The following morning, the group finally reached the outer region of the Frostveil Mountains. The landscape had changed completely, with enormous stone structures appearing beneath the snow at regular intervals. Some were little more than broken walls, while others remained surprisingly intact despite the passage of countless years. Vaelira immediately sensed something unusual and slowed her steps.

"This place is old."

Aether activated his Origin Sense and then allowed the spatial characteristics of his partially integrated Voidmoon Physique to spread through his body. His perception expanded, revealing faint currents of Origin Energy flowing beneath the ground.

"Very old."

Vaelira looked around carefully. "There are traces of spatial formations everywhere."

"Which means this isn't simply an abandoned ruin."

Aether pointed toward one of the mountains.

"The energy is strongest there."

The group changed direction and followed him. After several hours of searching, they discovered a massive stone gate almost completely buried beneath the snow. Strange symbols covered its surface, and faint spatial fluctuations moved between the carvings.

Vaelira approached the gate.

"This is related to my family's research."

Aether looked at her. "Can you open it?"

"Maybe."

She placed her hand against the stone and released the power of her Voidmoon Physique. Silver energy spread across the gate, flowing into the ancient symbols. For several seconds, nothing happened.

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Then the symbols began glowing.

A deep rumble echoed through the mountain.

The enormous gate slowly opened.

Aether immediately became alert.

"Stay close."

Everyone entered together.

The passage beyond the gate was enormous, with ancient statues lining both sides. Each statue depicted a warrior holding a strange weapon, but the details had been worn away by time. At the end of the corridor was a circular chamber surrounded by formations.

Aether took one step inside.

His expression suddenly changed.

"There's a formation beneath us."

The floor activated.

A powerful spatial force erupted from beneath their feet and instantly attempted to separate the group. Aria was pulled toward one side while Lyra, Seris, and the others were dragged in different directions.

"Aether!"

Aria's voice echoed through the chamber.

Aether immediately released his Origin Energy.

The formation attempted to force him away, but he resisted. His partially integrated Voidmoon characteristics began resonating with the spatial energy surrounding him. For the first time, Aether felt something different from simple spatial perception.

He could feel the structure of the space itself.

Not clearly.

Not completely.

But enough.

Aether raised his hand.

The surrounding space distorted slightly.

His eyes narrowed.

"So this is the next step."

He pushed his Origin Energy into the formation.

Cracks spread across the ancient floor.

The spatial pressure collapsed.

Everyone returned to the center of the chamber.

Aria immediately approached him.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine."

She noticed the small cut across his arm.

"You call that fine?"

"It's nothing."

Seris was already beside him.

"Hold still."

Aether sighed.

"I knew that was coming."

Seris smiled as she placed her hand over the wound and released her Life Essence. The injury disappeared within seconds.

Aria crossed her arms.

"See? You should listen to Seris."

Aether looked between them.

"You're both becoming increasingly strict."

"Someone has to be," Seris replied.

"Exactly," Aria added.

Aether shook his head with a faint smile.

Before anyone could continue, another tremor shook the chamber.

Everyone turned toward the far wall.

A massive stone door had appeared where there had previously been nothing but solid rock. Ancient symbols covered its surface, and faint Origin Energy pulsed behind it.

Vaelira's eyes widened.

"The Origin pathway."

Aether looked toward the door.

"Looks like we found it."

He stepped forward.

Everyone followed immediately.

No one stayed behind.

No one was separated.

Whatever waited beneath Frostveil, they would face it together.