My name is Meredith Meyer. 28 years old. I'm a soldier who worked as a cop for three years before joining the army. My sixth year of duty began today. But I haven't done much recently—barely anything. I've heard about major conflicts and fights in other nations. I had no choice but to stay in the barracks.
Nothing changed throughout the winter. A person can only hold out for so long when all around them are snowy days with little going on. Over the past few months, all I've done was shovel snow, clean the barracks, and do more of the same dullness, dullness, and more dullness, till I felt like I was slowly going insane. I have no right to complain. I did serve in the reserve, after all.
The majority of my crew of more than twenty people retired, leaving only four people, including myself. There was Michael, our technician and clown; Raquelle, our medic; and lastly, Geoffrey, our scout. We may not get along, but they listened to me at least. Although I had already made plans to leave, those cretins in charge finally chose to give us a mission. At last, some action. I thought to myself as my crew and our commander approached me. I overheard the commander mention something about "being in charge" of some "secret research" as they stood in front of me.
Although I was uncertain, it's better than staying another second in our musty barracks.
My crew all ran to the armory as if they were in a race, and I could see them exchanging enthusiastic glances with one another after what they heard. Who can blame them? We finally have something to do for the first time in a very long time. Our commander handed me a sealed document and informed me that it was a dossier for our assignment, despite the fact that "Secret Research" doesn't sound particularly appealing. I observed his grave expression. The minister's stamp on the dossier's cover led me to believe that the mission must be significant. The commander saluted me, and I returned the favor by saluting the commander. We parted ways, and he continued his duty. Before reviewing the document, I prepared for the mission for the remainder of the day.
All I know is that the mission involves watching over a group of researchers while they investigate a tunnel they've found, and that it will take place somewhere in an unspecified desert region. I used to be covered in snow, and soon I'll be surrounded by sand.
Besides, why would a group of researchers need soldiers to do their research?
I suppose if there were dangerous animals or perhaps bandits, our abilities would be put to use. Well, I suppose it's better than nothing. I gave one final glance in the direction of my barracks before grabbing my equipment and leaving.
18:01.
It had been a few hours. I remembered being a passenger in a vehicle, or, to be more precise, a transport carrier. I can only recall six carriers leaving our military post. My team and I are in one of them. On the carrier, there were twenty personnel seats available. But due to being a very small team, my team had to share space with another team. Even though it was packed, it was still comfortable enough to travel in.
The sun was fading when I looked out the carrier's window. I pondered how long it would be before we arrived. Days? Week? Maybe even more? Yet, remaining still would only make it as monotonous as it was then. I adjusted my head so that it was resting on the headrest rather than the window. I took a look around. My team and the other team can be seen conversing. Some of them could be heard arguing and talking, while others could be heard singing and humming. Even though it was disruptive, I was able to block out their voices with the help of my steeled mind before I closed my eyes and dozed off.
Chapter 2 - Beyond the Mountains
06:15.
I could feel the sun's rays sneaking in between my eyes. And my seat is rumbling. I can't help but wake up from my slumber. It was now daytime, and the road was rough. Some of the passengers on the carrier were fast asleep. Some were awake, chatting to someone across from them or to themselves. I leaned in close to the window and discovered we were in the desert. When we passed down a track, I noticed tall sand and stone mountains all around our carrier. I notice tents and caravans; they must be traders of some kind. My stomach roared at me as I looked down. Hungry, I reached for my rucksack in front of me and took some food. I took a long stick composed of grain and flour in particular. It was primarily tasteless, although it wasn't completely awful. I seasoned it with salt.
I was surprised to hear the driver's voice over the carrier's speaker above me. "We're nearing our destination, Hillstone Valley." Before the speaker turned off. Looking out the window, I noticed that we were following a straight, narrow route between two big stone mountains. The route split into two sections along a high cliff that headed to the same sites. The carriers separated into two groups so that we could all arrive at the same time. I couldn't eat since the ride was so rough. As I tried to sip from my canteen, it instead poured all over me.
After passing through a tunnel built out of a big mountain, we were at our destination in no time. I see a vast excavation site with many construction workers, scientists analyzing ancient treasures, and just a few troops patrolling. The carriers were halted as they passed an outpost. I see troops from the outpost coming out to speak with the drivers of the carriers. It took a few minutes for them to let us through.
Before parking near the excavation location, the passengers all gathered together. I can hear the doors opening and everyone inside waking up or gathering their belongings. The sand particles were blown away by the powerful blast of wind, producing a state of disorientation among the passengers after the carriers’ doors were opened. Despite the momentary setback, everyone immediately regained their composure and began shielding their eyes from the strong winds. It wasn't anything serious, but it served as a reminder that we're no longer in the snow. We crawled out of our carriers one by one. The landscape was previously only visible from the carriers' windows, but as we exit, we can now gaze in awe at it directly.
The valley was wide and hilly. I can hear our commander indicating for everyone to gather. There were twenty troops on our carriers; when combined with the other six carriers, there are now a total of one hundred and twenty soldiers.
He briefed us before what appeared to be the chief researcher approached us. He was wearing a hardhat and a construction vest, as well as goggles. Professor Lee Edwins, a geographer, presented himself.
The commander then dismissed us and allowed the soldiers to be guided to their quarters by the on-site personnel. While team leaders are instructed to remain, I stayed since I am the team leader of my extremely small, nearly defunct team. The commander told the team leaders to meet him and Professor Edwins in a huge tent to the west.
We complied and took our positions before moving towards our objective. The professor and his apprentice, Dr. Hadrian Windspeak, a historian, greeted us inside the tent. We sat in a circle around a round table. I can see the commander smoking his cigar in the corner of the room. Where the professor went over the specifics with us. He said that they had uncovered a series of tunnels leading to a long-forgotten ancient city.
"an ancient city?" I asked. Dr. Windspeak answered by disclosing papers with theories he had created for us. He speculated that this may be the long-lost city of Aldmaris. Aldmaris was assumed to have been completely destroyed centuries ago, but recent evidence reveals that it was preserved beneath the ground. "The tunnel could take us to valuable landmarks and insights into the history of this long-forgotten civilization," Dr. Windspeak appears to believe. Folklore indicates that the city was cursed for ruthlessly killing a hero who protected them. It was noted that despite the fact that it was a folktale, Dr. Windspeak was confident of its existence and discovery.
"It could be any city," the Professor interjected, "don't get caught up in your fairytales, Windspeak!" In which Dr. Windspeak responded, "If it wasn’t the long ancient legendary city, then why would another organization known as The Right Hand carry it to such high regard?"
The professor, on the other hand, remained skeptical and questioned the legitimacy of "The Right Hand" group. He contended that their motivations and agendas might not be compatible with the pursuit of historical truth. Despite this dispute, Dr. Windspeak remained determined to unearth the cursed city's mysteries and establish its relevance to the world. Charles McDove, a man in his mid-thirties with short brown hair and a beard, one of the team leaders, asked them who The Right Hand was.
Professor Edwins denounced them as a "crowd of troublemakers looking to capitalize on their findings," but the commander cut him off. "If they were nothing more than troublemakers," he argues, "why would he need over a hundred soldiers?" With a solemn tone. "While The Right Hand is a group of scholars and researchers, like us, they are not intrinsically dangerous; rather, the threats come from their leadership organization, The Three Heads, who also deployed a paramilitary group known as The Left Hand to aid The Right Hand," the professor explained. The additional guards were necessary due to the presence of the left hand."
"How come you didn't brief me on this?" The commander's voice became sterner. "Since this was only recently known, the troops were intended to defend us against outlaws roaming the lands!" the Professor responded. The commander scoffed and walked out of the room, appearing irritated. Evidently, he wasn't given all of the details. After all, we troops didn't know much, so we stayed and listened to learn more about our mission. The others were perplexed. The work was clearly more difficult than had been suggested. We came in closer, hoping to discover the true nature of our mission and gauge the extent of The Three Heads' influence.
Chapter 3 - Stories Re-told
13:22.
It was the next day. After I was escorted to my quarters to rest, the commander summoned everyone outside the tunnel. McDove's team is clearly in the lead. As another group trailed after. "What exactly is going on?" I inquired. "The Professor mentioned that during digs, mysterious-looking individuals have been spotted within," Raquelle, who came here before me, replied. "It may be the left hand."
As several anxious researchers streamed out of the tunnel, I returned my gaze to McDove's team. McDove, his crew, and the team behind them stormed into the tunnel to secure it once the last of them had left. Several other personnel are questioning the terrified researchers. I approached one of them, who appeared to be in great agony. "Was it the left hand?" I questioned.
"No, I don't know what it was," the researcher answered, shaking his head. "I immediately ran when I saw it," he remarked, his voice cracking.
"See it? What exactly do you mean? "What did you see?" I attempted to ask further questions. But perhaps I'm worsening things as I observe him becoming more terrified. I left him alone to speak with my colleagues. Michael, as usual, made light of the situation. Raquelle was checking on the researchers, while Geoffrey was speaking with Dr. Windspeak.
"What do you suppose happened?" I questioned both of them.
"There might be several possibilities. The left hand may have frightened them enough to remove any obstructions. Or perhaps there are wild creatures within; we won't know until we start investigating." Dr. Windspeak responded.
"Anyway, it may be hazardous," Geoffrey said to me. We've also been assigned to accompany Dr. Windspeak and his team of archeologists far into the tunnel."
"I see, and when?" I questioned him, but while I spoke with him, I could hear the commander and professor arguing in the background.
"Tomorrow or two days from now. We must wait until McDove's crew confirms that it is safe to descend, according to the commander."
I nodded and decided to take a look around. Yesterday was largely spent talking with the commander and other squad leaders. But now I can genuinely enjoy the scenery. Although it was a desert, this valley was rather gorgeous.
17:03.
I went about my business before noticing Dr. Windspeak doing the same. I approached him, and he spotted me. "Ah, Captain Meyer. I see you're enjoying the scenery as well."
"Yeah, it's strangely relaxing here." I felt calm as the winds blew across us.
"Despite the lurking threats of mercenaries, outlaws, deadly animals, and so on, The Valley might be rather lovely at times."
"So, what's so unique about Aldmaris?" I said, turning to face him. With intrigue.
"Oh, Aldmaris. My mother used to tell me stories about that legendary city."
"I'm not familiar with it. "Can you explain?"
"Certainly! I'd be delighted to explain it to someone as keen as you! Let's see... The tale revolves mostly around the hero of Rold, who saved the city. Yet he was crucified and slain by them for unexplained reasons. That's the most straightforward way I can describe it. Since reports differ and the narrative is rife with conjecture."
Dr. Windspeak then turned around and began walking away, stating, "We'll go down to the tunnel tomorrow. Get some rest, Captain!"
I watched as he walked away before returning my attention to the scenery. I sighed and returned to my chambers to relax.
05:35.
Something startled me out of my slumber. Perhaps a dream? It's difficult to say. However, all I saw was a bleeding casket in an empty room. I peeked inside, only to discover that it was empty. That was odd, but also unsettling. When I looked around, I had the impression that I was being watched. I awoke soaked in sweat before I realized what was going on. What was that? I thought to myself. My pondering was cut short when I heard a knock on my door. It was the commander. "Report to the tunnel entrance, Captain Meyer, for a briefing." He walked away before I could answer him.
I stood up without thinking any more. Once I had finished preparing, I stepped outside.
When I approached the tunnel entrance, I could see my team outside, along with Dr. Windspeak and a few other researchers. "I suppose you already know your mission?" the commander stated as he approached me. "If you don't, your job is just to accompany the doctor and his entourage inside."
I bowed and saluted, "Yes, sir!" I shouted before turning to face my team. I can tell that everyone is prepared. Geoffrey supplied me with my weapons. On my cue, we all make our way inside. Nevertheless, before I could go too far inside, the commander called me. When I turned around, he added, "Also, go locate McDove. We were unable to contact him. That must be due to subterranean interference. If you do locate him, request a sitrep before ordering him to return!" I responded with a nod.
We all proceeded deeper into the tunnels, and what appeared to be rock formations turned into carved-out stone walls with markings. The path was well lit, so visibility was never an issue. There was a wooden door at the end of the tunnel. Following further examination, we determined that the door was barred from the opposite side. Strange. Who would do such a thing? Maybe the right hand? Perhaps they didn't want us in their way. In any case, my team and I were able to remove the obstacle with little to no difficulty. And we came out the other side, only to find A magnificent metropolis was concealed deep below the surface of the planet, inside a large subterranean cave. We were astounded by its marvels. Huge cascading structures with symmetrical designs, well-preserved residences with minimum damage, carts, smiths, everything! That was a marvel; there are no words to explain how magnificent it was. The architecture was absolutely gorgeous, with elaborate detailing and beautiful patterns on every corner. The buildings' brilliant hues added to the overall allure, producing a gorgeous image straight out of a storybook.
Chapter 4 - Deep Within
06:31.
We traveled throughout the city, passing through other tunnels that led to various areas of the city. Fortunately, we had professionals on hand to help us. McDove and his troops have yet to be heard or seen. What happened to him? Perhaps we'll find them as we go deeper. But for the time being, we must proceed to our destination, which is the infamous city center, where the Hero of Rold is said to have been crucified.
The ground was strewn with dust-covered bones. Several of the structures appear to be decaying. Despite this, the cave remained strong. It's mind-boggling how much of this is concealed from the rest of the world. I'm curious whether there's more to this planet than we know.
We arrived at the center after wandering via abandoned and deteriorating roads. It was indeed a sight to witness. The ground was covered with bones and skulls; vines had taken over the houses; and a cross rose tall atop a mound of skeletons. I moved closer to get a better look, only to see liquid dripping from the cross. It was scarlet red, almost like blood. I don't know for sure. Yet I was curious: if the Hero of Rold was crucified, where is his body? Maybe among the skeletons? If that's the case, whose blood is it? Maybe I'm overthinking things.
Dr. Windspeak came next to me and pointed to the cross. "There used to be a body there." "Where could it have gone?"
Body? I thought to myself. What does he mean? Before I could inquire, several of his researchers went up to check on the cross; he appeared to be frustrated. He stomped on the ground and said, "It's those dirty right hands! They actually did it! They took the body!"
One of the researchers tried to calm him down by patting his back and saying, It's probably fallen someplace here."
I approached them both and asked Dr. Windspeak, "What are you talking about?"
"The right hand... they took one of our crucial research artifacts!" he remarked, his countenance disturbed. On the cross, there's supposed to be a preserved body! My researchers could have collected it and carried it to the surface, but the frights kept them from doing so! It's no longer there! We're almost finished studying its history! Concerning its beginnings!"
"If it's so essential to you, we'll find it; for now, calm down, doctor," I attempted to reassure him.
"You're correct; acting like this isn't going to get me anywhere." He collected himself.
Dr. Windspeak was called by one of the researchers looking into the cross. He showed the doctor the blood-red liquid dripping from the cross. Who is it? The bodies in this location are either rotting or skeletal. Dr. Windspeak then ordered my crew and I to draw our firearms; we may not be alone here...
After assessing the area, everything appeared to be clear, but we needed to double-check. An abandoned structure near the center was more stable than the others. I told Michael and Raquelle to stay and protect the researchers while Geoffrey and I surveyed the building. If it is found to be safe, we will utilize it as a sort of temporary base. As we entered, there was complete silence. There was no noise, no nothing. I could hear my own breathing and even my heartbeat. The stillness was almost unbearable until Geoffrey broke it to speak to me. "The building appears to be safe; I don't notice anything unsafe in the vicinity."
I let out a sigh of relief. As I returned to summon the group, I heard someone scream at the top of their lungs. It was one of the researchers lying on top of what seemed to be a dead corpse. That had to have fallen from someplace. Michael and Raquelle raced up to him, pulling the lifeless body away from him. Terrified, the blood-covered researcher crept away.
I hurried up to check what was going on, only to find the lifeless body of a soldier who resembled one of us. His face had been completely severed, his eye sockets were empty, and he was malformed and bleeding. To say the least, it was a shocking sight. With my weapon in hand, I looked around—where could it have fallen from? At that very time, I heard a liquid trickle to the ground next to me. I simply checked to see if it was blood. My body tensed at that instant, and I slowly gazed up with a wide eye. And there it was—a dozen dead soldiers hanged from their necks to the cave's roof. They seemed misshapen and bloodied. This was not done by either the right or left hand. This was truly inexcusably brutal. When I saw their bodies dangle lifelessly, bereft of their identities, I froze. I wanted to vomit but couldn't. I was tempted to scream, but I couldn't. I simply stood there looking. The odor of death permeated the air, heightening the misery of what I was witnessing. The sight of those butchered bodies sent shivers up my spine, paralyzing me with terror and dismay. What once I thought to be the feeling of a once amazing city turned into a nightmare...
Chapter 5 - Remains
07:18.
We convened at the abandoned building we discovered. We glanced around to make sure everything was okay, but we didn't see anything. We were still uneasy. We needed to be certain. The lights we had placed around the cave suddenly went out. As though they were candles being extinguished. The only lights that were turned on were the ones we had just set up in the abandoned building. I urged Michael to look into it and potentially switch on the lights. He agreed, but I could see he was nervous.
Raquelle and I stood at the doorway as Michael cautiously left. Meanwhile, Geoffrey was assisting anxious researchers. Dr. Windspeak seemed bewildered by what was going on. Who could fault him? I, too, am confused and terrified. Despite the fact that I am a soldier, I have the impression that I am expressing my fears too openly. Throughout my years of military service, I've never been in a situation like this.
Michael proceeded until he was entirely enveloped in darkness. We couldn't see anything because the only lights were inside the building. We could hear minor scuffles and thuds, but nothing substantial. The lights soon turned on, but there was no sign of Michael.
Raquelle and I decided to seek out Michael. He most likely became lost in the dark. We had to look for him for more than five minutes. As we arrived, I never wanted to scream more in my life. Raquelle's look is a mix of fear and disbelief. He was lying on the floor. As he was motionless and had his entire bottom jaw ripped out, I could see his exposed tongue nerves. His eyes had become black, like if he'd been scorched. His body was completely broken. His arms were bent and twisted. We no longer recognize him.
What was the cause of this? I started questioning everything. What I had just witnessed shocked me to my core. The horrible image of my teammate was hard to swallow. What the hell is going on here? After hearing a little noise, I got nervous and aimed my firearm in all directions. Raquelle smacked me in the face and brought me back to reality. I panted for oxygen and found it difficult to breathe. My mind is still attempting to make sense of what I'm seeing. I looked up to Raquelle once I had regained my composure. Just to discover nothing.
What?! I swear she was standing right next to me! Where the hell is she? Raquelle! Raqulle! I screamed out, oblivious to the dense fog that surrounded me. Raquelle! Where have you gone?
I went back to the abandoned building, dazed and disoriented. Geoffrey was spotted standing at the door. As soon as I spotted him, I ran inside. I was tense—no, I was tenseer. My body is flooded with adrenaline. I was breaking out in cold sweats. My heart rate is out of control. I could feel my heart racing. It practically burst through my chest. Then Geoffrey grabbed me. "What in the world happened?! He stated that with a troubled expression. "I-I… They ask, "Where has Raquelle gone?" I can hardly form a coherent sentence.
"Raquelle? I've never seen her! Is she out there? What happened to Michael?" He interrogated me. I couldn't respond because I was too dazed.
Suddenly, we heard a faint roar—or perhaps not. It sounded like something hitting a metal panel, and it resonated throughout the cave. "We need to leave! Now!" I exclaimed, looking Geoffrey in the eyes.
I could hear the researchers becoming concerned; many of them reported hearing sounds outside the building. Geoffrey assembled everyone to devise a strategy. Yet no one was brave enough to provide solutions. "Could it be the left hand?" "Could it be an animal?" They were bickering with Geoffrey, which I could hear. Dr. Windspeak sat alone and unmoving. I approached him and asked if he knew what was going on out there.
"You know, this area was once nothing more than a fantasy. But after discovering it, I knew that everything was possible." He was babbling to himself.
"What exactly do you mean?" Puzzled.
"You see, there are several versions of this story. About how the city was cursed, how it fell, and who was to blame!"
I just stood there and listened. I'm not sure if he's gone mad or is still in his initial condition.
"Did you know that?" According to one version of the story, the hero of Rold was not killed by the people when he was supposedly murdered. He had condemned the city. The Hero of Rold is said to have laid in wait for someone to excavate the city after it had been buried for who knows how long."
"What exactly is your point?" I questioned him.
"Don't you get it? What if what's out there is what's left of the Hero of Rold? What if it wasn't the left hand after all, or what if it was the very thing the right hand was pursuing?" He uttered it in a frantic tone. His words hung in the air, infusing me with dread. The thought of the Hero of Rold still being alive and prowling in the buried city sent my pulse racing.
Yet, as we were discussing, the walls shattered as something massive smashed through them. The ground shook under us, and a tremendous roar echoed through the air. Our hearts pounded with terror and eagerness as we turned to confront the source of the ruckus. The room became obscured by dust and debris, making it impossible to see anything around us. When everything cleared, I could see that my feet were soaked in blood. When I looked up, I saw the researchers being slaughtered right in front of me. It was horrible just to see it. And in the midst of them stood an impossible entity. It resembled an old medieval armor with carvings, but there was no one to wear it. Only a transparent black mass, like a shadow, may be seen inside it. The armor moved about as if it were being worn. But as I looked at it, I grew increasingly nervous. The longer I gazed, the more deformed its appearance got as inexplicable malformed bits emerged around it. I can feel my mind disintegrating. I don't know what would have occurred if Geoffrey hadn't pulled me away. When the living armor extended out his left arm towards me, I felt excruciating pain. I appeared as if someone had sliced me open, yet I was absolutely fine. When the cave walls and stalagmites collapse to the earth, I can sense the entire globe trembling. The city's historic structures are being ripped apart and crushed.
Dr. Windspeak was sprinting with the other remaining researchers in the distance. When he pulled me away, Geoffrey appeared to be struggling to reach them. Geoffrey didn't push me away from him until a tower fell in front of us. We are apart. I couldn't see anything since dust had again obscured my vision. Yet the pain was even worse than before, and I couldn't help but scream in agony. It seemed obvious to me. I discovered a way to hide myself in one of the structures. Outside, I could hear its footsteps. The agony is excruciating. I don't believe I'll make it through this agonizing pain. I could feel my strength diminishing and my discomfort rising as I huddled in the hidden building. The footsteps became more audible, booming through the ruins, and I realized that time was running out. I prayed for a miracle as I urgently fought to conceal my screams, hoping that the thing would pass by without noticing my presence. The terrifying sound of its footsteps got closer, making my heart beat. With each passing second, I became more aware that my odds of survival were fading.
