Kazaf: The upside down

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The news of Kazaf's victory over Tariq spread like wildfire across the Elara Sect and beyond. His name was now whispered with a mix of awe and curiosity. Some saw him as a rising warrior, while others still viewed him with suspicion. But one thing was certain—Kazaf was no longer just an outsider. He had carved a place for himself, and the strong took notice.

One afternoon, while Kazaf was finishing his training, a group of disciples approached him near the martial grounds. He recognized one of them—Yasir, a tall, broad-shouldered disciple with a confident smirk. Yasir had been watching Kazaf's progress from the sidelines, but unlike the others who mocked him, he seemed intrigued rather than hostile.

With him were three others:

Rahim, a lean, sharp-eyed young man known for his speed and agility.

Samir, a cheerful and easygoing disciple who specialized in tracking and map-reading.

Harun, the quietest of the group, but his presence carried a sense of wisdom beyond his years.

Kazaf wiped the sweat from his brow as Yasir stepped forward, nodding in greeting.

"You fought well against Tariq," Yasir said. "Not many can handle someone like him."

Kazaf studied Yasir carefully. He didn't sense any hostility. "I just did what I had to."

Yasir chuckled. "You did more than that. You proved you're not just some half-breed. You've got skill, and you're not afraid to fight for your place."

Kazaf folded his arms, curious about where this conversation was going. "And what do you want?"

Rahim grinned, stepping forward. "We have a little… adventure planned. Something only the strong and confident can handle. After seeing what you did to Tariq, we figured you might be interested."

Samir pulled out a rolled-up parchment and spread it open. It was an old, worn-out map with faded markings, showing a deep underground structure.

"This," Samir said, tapping the parchment, "is an ancient tomb hidden beneath the ruins outside Elara Sect's territory. It's been abandoned for centuries, but according to old records, it's filled with treasures—artifacts, rare cultivation scrolls, weapons, maybe even lost techniques."

Kazaf's interest was piqued, but he remained cautious. "And why hasn't anyone taken these treasures already?"

Harun, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. His voice was calm and measured. "Because it's dangerous. Many have tried to explore it, but few return. There are traps, guardian beasts, and possibly even ancient spirits protecting the tomb's secrets."

Kazaf raised an eyebrow. "So you want me to be your bodyguard?"

Yasir laughed. "Not exactly. We're all capable fighters, but an extra pair of skilled hands wouldn't hurt. And let's be honest—you could use some allies in this world. Not everyone here is your enemy."

Kazaf considered their words. Exploring an ancient tomb was risky, but he wasn't one to back down from a challenge. If there were treasures or powerful artifacts inside, they could help him grow stronger—and he needed all the strength he could get.

Asma's voice echoed in his mind: You can't take on Jalwa alone.

Maybe she was right. Maybe making allies wasn't such a bad idea.

After a moment, Kazaf smirked. "Alright. I'm in."

The group exchanged excited glances. Yasir clapped Kazaf on the shoulder. "Good. We leave tonight."

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Into the Depths

Under the cover of darkness, the five of them made their way beyond the Elara Sect's borders. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and ancient mystery as they reached the ruins—a crumbling temple structure half-buried under vines and debris.

"This is it," Samir whispered, his voice filled with excitement. "The entrance to the tomb is just below."

They carefully moved aside a set of heavy stone slabs, revealing a dark passage leading downward. A musty, cold air drifted from the depths, carrying the scent of time long forgotten.

Kazaf felt his heart quicken. He had fought enemies before, but this was something different. A test not just of strength, but of intelligence and survival.

One by one, they descended into the darkness.

Their torches flickered against the damp stone walls, revealing ancient carvings of warriors, mythical creatures, and cryptic symbols. The deeper they went, the more oppressive the air became, as if something unseen was watching them.

"Stay close," Harun warned. "The real danger begins now."

They had no idea how right he was.

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