The underground refuge bustled with quiet urgency. The resistance fighters moved with precision, their faces hardened by years of struggle. Alex sat at a wooden table, his injuries wrapped in fresh bandages, listening intently as Soren Graves laid out the latest intelligence.
"The imperial families are shifting their forces," Soren said, his fingers tapping on a worn-out map spread before them. "There's been an increase in troop movements near the S-Wall, particularly around Beta and Delta."
Nyssa, leaning against the stone wall with arms crossed, added, "They're tightening security, likely due to your actions, Alex."
Alex exhaled sharply. He had expected retaliation, but this was faster than he had hoped. "We need to move before they completely seal us out."
Soren nodded. "That's why we're sending you to Zeta."
The room fell silent.
Zeta—the forbidden continent. Even the imperial families feared what lay deep within its treacherous lands. Few who ventured there ever returned.
"Why now?" Alex asked cautiously. "What's changed?"
Soren leaned forward. "Twilight intercepted communications between Grand Sage Alistair Vael and the other rulers. They've uncovered something—something buried deep within Zeta. If they get to it first, our fight is over before it begins."
Alex's grip tightened around the hilt of his dagger. He had already defied the empire, already risked everything. If Zeta held the key to humanity's freedom, he would go.
"When do we leave?" he asked.
Nyssa smirked. "At dawn. And let's hope you're ready—because we might not be coming back."
As the night deepened, Alex prepared himself for the unknown. The storm was gathering, and Zeta awaited.