Story 417: Descent into the Abyss

The shattered remains of the grand door revealed a spiral staircase, winding down into impenetrable darkness. The air was heavy and carried a metallic tang, hinting at what horrors lay ahead. The torches above flickered as if warning the team not to proceed, but Commander Rook didn’t hesitate.

“Ghost, take point. Shadow, stay back and keep overwatch. Bulwark, stick close—we might need your firepower. Viper, guard the rear,” Rook instructed. His voice was calm, but his grip on his shotgun tightened as the team began their descent.

Ghost led the way, her NVG illuminating the twisting staircase. Each step felt like a journey deeper into another world—a realm of suffocating silence broken only by the creak of old stone beneath their boots.

“Something doesn’t feel right,” Viper muttered, her voice hushed but laced with unease.

“Everything about this feels wrong,” Shadow replied from the rear, her sniper rifle scanning their six. “Stay sharp.”