Chapter 59 (1/2)

Four gigantic chains hung forebodingly from the rock ceiling of the big chamber. Where the obsidian, black chains met, a claw-shaped metal structure that formed a twisted iron cage was mounted. Within it, a black crystal was held.

What they saw was just as Vivian had described; a meter odd in length with jagged edges protruding out from the main body. The crystal itself had the hue of blackened glass, almost obsidian-like with a tinge of blood red visible along the edges.

All three of them did not pay attention to the structure hanging on the ceiling when they first stepped into the room. Lily at first thought it was just a weird ornamental decoration, not being the sharpest tool in the shed. However both Hao Ren and Lily began to realize the gravity of the situation. It was the Demon Stone.

Hao Ren felt a faint vibration from the MDT and a deadpan voice echoed in his head. “I’m feelin’ really sa—”

“Hush it, shut up.”

“It can’t be…” Lily fell down, seated on her butt. “I’m still a wolf cub… I haven’t even met my mate yet…”

“Quiet!” Hao Ren hushed Lily as he smacked her head. “It’s a rock. We are not sure if it will—”

Vivian immediately interrupted him with a deadpan tone, “What do you think triggered the defensive mechanisms in the crypt or had those metal tin cans waking up?”

Hao Ren gulped. It was pretty obvious. Something resonated with the demonic rock.

“Say… would this be considered a critical situation beyond the ability of a mere human?” Hao Ren sheepishly activated the MDT and looked for the combat support function. “Is it okay if I call for reinforcements now?”

“Nope… not even close. You haven’t even seen the foe yet and you’re already calling for reinforcements? Do you have any sense of shame?” The MDT spat back viciously.

Hao Ren really lost it and screamed. “What the actual f*ck?! Do I really need to get myself almost killed before I can call for reinforcements?”

“That’s how we, at the Space Administration roll, buddy.”

Hao Ren almost burst a vein and got himself an aneurysm. A sudden violent shake within the crypt pulled him back from the brink. He realized that he was in a deeper pool of crap and fainting was not an option.

Dust and debris from the ceiling rained over the entire chamber. While the quaking was still ongoing, a spine chilling crack thundered from amongst the rocks. The hanging chains rattled violently and the claws, which held the Demon Stone shook too. From the outset, it looked like the claws would withstand the quake but after a few stir ups, the claws started to loosen their grip bit by bit…

Hao Ren wanted to leg it instinctively the moment the floor shook, hoping to find something to hide behind. But, as he caught sight of what was happening to the suspended cage, he forgot about it. The trio could only lock their sights on the hanging Demon Stone, as if enchanted by the magical crystal. With every shake, their hearts skipped a beat. Even Vivian did not have the guts to grab the thing out of the air. They could only stare at the iron claw’s loosening grip. Soon, one of the chains finally gave way.

The heavy metal chain swooshed through the air and headed towards the wall at the far end of the chamber. Nary a moment later, a deafening crash rumbled throughout the room.