Chapter 20: Northern Basilisk!!!!

Beneath the surface, the hidden basement unfurled into a cave-like chamber, a clandestine space concealed beneath the unassuming exterior of the house. The floor, paved with sizable cobblestone tiles, created an uneven terrain that echoed with an ancient and rustic ambiance. Each tile bore the marks of time, some cracked and weathered, while others retained their original luster.

In the dimly lit underground chamber, a solitary mana stone lamp strategically placed by a massive door cast a gentle glow, creating flickering shadows across the rough-hewn stone walls.

Stretching into the unknown depths, the chamber's dimensions expanded beyond the limited reach of the lamp's light. The air, cool and still, carried a faint scent of damp earth, a subtle reminder of the subterranean nature of the space.

The walls, crafted from rough-hewn stone, showcased the craftsmanship of years. Mysterious symbols and intricate carvings adorned the surfaces, their meanings lost to time. Small alcoves and niches were occasionally carved into the walls, hinting at a hidden sanctuary or storeroom.

At the room's center, an old wooden table stood, its surface covered in a layer of dust.

As the gaze delved further into the chamber's depths, the faint echoes of distant water droplets reverberated—a subtle reminder of the subterranean environment.

"This is... unusual," muttered Asher, turning toward Ines, who still clutched her knee.

"So, are there any other treasures here? Hidden stashes of gold or something your gang squirrels away?" he casually inquired, his steps leading him toward the central table in the room.

"No... only the—" Ines paused before continuing, "Northern Basilisk's Eye is here."

"Huh, that's peculiar. You should've utilized this place more," Asher remarked, brushing his finger across the dusty table's surface.

Seemingly confirming his suspicions, he thought, 'Looks like it's true that there's nothing here.' Experimentally pulling and pushing a few empty drawers, he asked, "So, where's the mother lode?"

"It's behind the door," Ines pointed at the door situated in the far corner of the basement.

"Oh," Asher leaned forward, trying to get a good look at the door. It stood about 20 feet tall, while the room itself was three times that height. The door featured nothing but a dial, resembling a ship wheel, crafted from weathered and rusty-looking metal. At first glance, it seemed quite heavy.

Asher crossed his arms, analyzing the door with a contemplative expression. The dim light from the mana stone lamp cast elongated shadows, infusing the room with an air of mystery.

"So, what's the deal with this door? Any fancy locks or magical enchantments?" he inquired, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized the intricate details of the peculiar dial.

Ines, still nursing her injured knee, limped closer. "It's not magical or anything. Just an old mechanism. You turn the wheel to specific positions, and if you get it right, the door opens."

"Old-school security, huh?" Asher mused, a wry smile forming.

Approaching the door, he reached out to touch the worn dial. The metal felt cold under his fingers, and he turned it experimentally, the rusty mechanism protesting with a series of creaks. Ines watched with a mix of anxiety and curiosity.

As the dial clicked into place, there was a distinct metallic noise, and the massive door began to shift. It groaned and scraped against the stone floor, revealing a passage beyond.

The revealed corridor was narrow and extended into darkness. Asher peered inside, attempting to discern any details within the shadowy confines... but there was nothing until—

"Huh?" He felt a chill run down his spine.

It felt like some kind of wind came from the other side of the corridor.

"Hey Ines," he said softly. Asher stepped back, and by then, Ines had come right behind him. To her surprise, she didn't see him grab the back of her neck.

"Lady's first," he said, pushing her forcefully into the corridor.

"Whoa!?!??!" she yelped.

He grabbed the knife from his pocket and pulled the mana lamp from the door's side, ensuring the wand was still in his inner pocket.

"Walk," he commanded, but then he asked, "Why so serious?" Clenching his lower jaw, he saw Ines's eyes widening, and her whole body shook from top to bottom.

It was as if someone had thrown a bucket of cold water on her and left her in the open air. She seemed... sick.

"I said walk or—" Asher tried to threaten, but she immediately got up and began walking. "I'd...haa," sighing, he followed.

Ines walked steadily through the narrow corridor, glancing back once in a while to ensure Asher was following. Asher trailed behind, his mind wrestling with numerous thoughts. After a few minutes, the mana lamp inexplicably ran out of power.

They found themselves in a position, standing in a circular room enveloped in darkness. The floor felt unnaturally smooth and cold beneath their feet. Asher had questions swirling in his mind, but before he could voice them, the room plunged into complete darkness.

Suddenly, Ines moved towards the wall. Asher sensed something amiss, his hand instinctively reaching for the wand in his inner pocket. However, before he could react-

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!"Ines screamed at the top of her lungs, clutching onto something rock-like on the wall. Asher swiftly placed the wand on his wrist. His vision enhanced immediately, and the room was bathed in light for him.

He looked down at his feet, realizing the rumbling originated from below. Instead of a solid floor, he stood on a crystal-clear, mirror-like surface. The reflection beneath him revealed a seemingly infinite abyss.

"Damn, what is this place?" Asher muttered to himself, his eyes scanning the reflective surface. The room seemed to extend infinitely downward, creating an unsettling sensation of standing on the edge of an abyss.

Ines, still gripping the rock-like protrusion on the wall, looked both terrified and astonished. "You... you needed to see this, Fucker," she stammered, her voice trembling.

"What is this?" Asher questioned, more to himself than to Ines.

Asher stood poised on translucent glass, suspended above an abyss.

Asher tried to walk towards the girl But-

A guttural roar surged from the abyss, echoing through the crystal floor. The scream, evocative of ancient forces, reverberated with untamed might. The glass quivered, responding to the resonant sound, emphasizing the profound nature of the unseen entity concealed below.

Asher Froze and panic...nah there was no panic, He just froze and looked like statue.

This haunting and poignant primal scream felt like an ethereal bridge between the mortal realm and something ageless, leaving an enduring imprint in the air. Entranced by the abyss and the mysterious cry.

His eyes went down and he put more power into ruin through his wand and atmospheric mana... giving him access to look more deep and far in the darkness.

He stopped channeling the moment his eyes met a iris.... it's red, the rumbling felt too real to be a dream and-

"DON'T TELL ME YOU GUYS HIDE A FUCKING BASILISK DOWN HERE IN MIDDLE OF THE CAPITAL! UNDER MY FUCKING HOUSE!!!!!" He cursed as the gravity of situation fell on him.