Kazaf: The upside down

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A Dangerous Offer

Farhan led the group to a secluded cavern hidden deep within Ghostwood Forest. The entrance was narrow, concealed behind a tangle of thick vines, but once inside, it opened into a vast chamber illuminated by the glow of strange, bioluminescent fungi.

Kazaf's gaze swept the cavern, assessing their surroundings. "You chose a good hiding spot."

Farhan sat cross-legged near a small fire, his piercing silver eyes reflecting the flames. "I chose survival."

Asma stepped forward. "You once served Jalwa. You know where he keeps his prisoners."

Farhan smirked. "I do. But information has a price."

Rahim scoffed. "A price? We don't even know if you can be trusted."

Farhan chuckled. "You don't have a choice. If you want to save your father, you need me."

Kazaf exhaled sharply. "Name your price."

Farhan leaned forward, his expression serious. "A favor."

Dulla crossed his arms. "What kind of favor?"

Farhan's gaze turned sharp. "There's something Jalwa fears. A weapon—one that can turn the tide against him."

Asma frowned. "A weapon?"

Farhan nodded. "A relic, hidden within the Ruins of Kael'Thar. It is said to possess the power to weaken even the strongest cultivator's abilities."

Samir narrowed his eyes. "And you want us to retrieve it?"

Farhan smirked. "Smart boy."

Kazaf's jaw clenched. "If this weapon is so powerful, why haven't you taken it yourself?"

Farhan's expression darkened. "Because it is protected by something even I cannot face alone."

Silence fell over the group.

Kazaf finally spoke. "Tell me everything."

The Ruins of Kael'Thar

According to Farhan, the Ruins of Kael'Thar were the remnants of an ancient civilization that once rivaled the greatest sects of the Down world. Buried deep within the mountains, it was a place of forbidden knowledge and dangerous artifacts.

The relic they sought was known as the Void Shard, a crystalline fragment said to drain the spiritual energy of those it touched. If wielded correctly, it could cripple even a powerful cultivator like Jalwa.

"But," Farhan warned, "Kael'Thar is not unguarded."

"The ruins are home to the Sentinels of the Lost—warriors trapped between life and death, cursed to protect its secrets for eternity."

Harun sighed. "Why is it never easy?"

Kazaf's expression remained unreadable. "We leave at dawn."

A Moment of Quiet

As the group settled in for the night, Kazaf found himself sitting near the cavern's entrance, staring at the moonlit forest beyond.

He sensed someone approaching.

"Can't sleep?"

He turned to see Asma, her long, dark hair illuminated by the soft glow of the fungi.

Kazaf shook his head. "Too much on my mind."

She sat beside him, silent for a moment before speaking. "Are you sure about this?"

Kazaf exhaled. "I have to be."

Asma studied him, her dark eyes searching his face. "You always carry everything alone."

Kazaf smirked. "And you always worry too much."

She looked away. "Maybe because I care too much."

Kazaf's smirk faded. He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Asma stood up.

"Get some rest, Kazaf," she said softly before walking away.

Kazaf watched her go, his heart conflicted.

Then, with a deep sigh, he closed his eyes.

Tomorrow, they would face new dangers.

And there was no turning back.

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