The Eighth Sea

Prologue

Levi

This was it. This was the day when Levi Alwin would have his name written down in the history books as the most famous explorer of the last century. He had found it: the golden treasures lost long ago to time. Even as he knelt on the uneven stone floor, he could not help but be drawn, not to the gold, but to the macabre decor. A row of skeletons balefully watched him from the side of the room, their empty eye sockets casting accusatory glances at him as if cursing him for being able to still draw breath. They looked like they were trying to scream, "Get out!" He couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Ignoring the unsettling sensation, he stepped backwards, promptly tripping over a golden chalice lying on the ground. He recovered his balance before he could let his fellow adventurers notice. The room was filled with golden artefacts, from intricately crafted jewellery, to ornate chalices, to the simplest of coins. The gold reflected off of the other adventurers' faces as the lantern light bounced off of the shimmering surface. It was a sight that made Levi's heart flutter with excitement. He had spent years searching for this treasure, and now that he had found it, he couldn't wait to bask in the glory of his discovery. He would be able to walk up to Queen Aria, carts of gold behind him, and ask for a share in the riches. He could live a happy, comfortable life.

"Hey, how much do you think this is worth?" one of the adventurers asked.

"Hundreds," another one answered.

"Of what?"

"Of millions."

"Of what?"

"Of coins."

"Wow."

As Levi's fingers wrapped around the golden chalice, encrusted with blood-red rubies, his hand shook with hesitation. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was going horribly wrong. The skeletons looked at him, their jaws falling off one by one. Levi could have sworn that their mouths were closed (and intact) just minutes ago. A chill ran down his spine, and goosebumps formed on his skin. Despite his unease, he remained determined to collect as much of the treasure as he could carry. But when he lifted the chalice from the crusty wooden table, a faint creaking sound was heard behind him, and he drew his scimitar to be safe.

Suddenly, the room grew colder, and a thick mist began to form around his company, obscuring their vision. Their lanterns flickered, screaming for air until they were finally extinguished. Levi was now enveloped by the misty darkness, and he could feel his heart racing in his chest. He held his scimitar out in front of him, ready to strike at whatever was lurking in the shadows. The mist began to swirl around him, and all he could hear were ancient choral chants in his ear. He didn't know what they were saying; the words were in a language long lost to time.

"What do we do?" an adventurer asked.

"Run, you damn idiot!"

Levi could feel his resolve weakening as the darkness closed in around him. He had faced many dangers before, but this one was different. This was an ancient evil that had been awakened by his intrusion. He wondered if he had been foolish to think that he could take the golden treasures and leave without consequences. He knew he had to get out of there before it was too late. But as he took a step towards the exit, all of the lanterns in the room lit up once again, blinding him.

That was when the screams started.