Chapter 2620: Story 2621: The Kingdom of the Dead

The ancient gates slammed shut behind them.

For several seconds, nobody moved.

The darkness ahead was broken only by thousands of red eyes staring from distant towers.

Kael raised his shield.

“Stay together.”

The Last March formed a defensive circle around Lena, while Isabella’s soldiers held their weapons ready.

Ethan whispered, “Those things are watching us.”

“They haven’t attacked,” Mara replied.

Adrian looked at the ancient walls.

“Maybe they’re waiting for permission.”

Kael glanced at Elias.

Elias remained strangely calm.

“They won’t attack.”

“How do you know?”

“Because this was once my home.”

Kael stared at him.

“You remember this place?”

Elias nodded.

“Not everything. But enough.”

They moved deeper into the underground kingdom.

Massive statues lined the road. Each one depicted a warrior wearing ancient armor and carrying a sword.

At the end of the road stood a colossal city gate.

Above it were carved three words:

KINGDOM OF THE ORIGIN.

Lena suddenly stopped.

“Kael.”

He turned.

“What?”

She pointed toward the nearest statue.

A familiar symbol was carved into its chest.

K-27.

Then another statue.

K-26.

And another.

K-28.

Adrian approached slowly.

“These weren’t experimental designations.”

Kael looked at him.

“What were they?”

Adrian examined the carvings.

“Royal bloodline numbers.”

Kael’s expression changed.

Elias looked away.

Lena whispered, “We were chosen.”

A deep horn sounded inside the city.

Boom.

Boom.

Boom.

The enormous gates began opening.

Thousands of armored creatures stood beyond them.

Unlike ordinary infected, these beings wore ancient metal armor. Some carried swords, others spears and shields.

Every one of them lowered their weapons.

Then they knelt.

Kael stared in disbelief.

The entire army bowed toward him.

Elias smiled.

“Welcome home, brother.”

Kael stepped forward.

“I don’t want this.”

A voice echoed from the city.

“You were never asked.”

The armored army suddenly parted.

An old woman walked between them.

She wore a long black robe decorated with silver symbols. Her white hair fell over her shoulders, and she carried a staff topped with a red crystal.

Isabella raised her spear.

“Identify yourself.”

The woman ignored her.

Her eyes remained fixed on Kael.

“I am Seraphine Vale, Keeper of the First Kingdom.”

Adrian stepped forward.

“The records said everyone here was dead.”

Seraphine smiled.

“Records written by Veyr should never be trusted.”

Kael lowered his sword slightly.

“Where is the First Origin?”

Seraphine’s expression became serious.

“Below the throne.”

“And the Sleeping King?”

“He is gone.”

Kael’s heart tightened.

“My father?”

Seraphine looked at him with sadness.

“He sacrificed himself to imprison the First Origin.”

Kael stared at the ground.

“Then why is it awake?”

Seraphine’s gaze shifted toward Lena.

“Because the Heir has awakened.”

Lena stepped backward.

“What do you want from me?”

Seraphine raised her staff.

“Nothing.”

The red crystal suddenly began glowing.

“We want to protect you.”

A distant explosion shook the kingdom.

Seraphine looked toward the ceiling.

“They have arrived.”

Ethan raised his rifle.

“Who?”

Seraphine’s face hardened.

“Veyr’s army.”

Another explosion echoed.

Then thousands of human voices screamed from beyond the gates.

Kael raised his shield.

“Seal the city.”

Seraphine shook her head.

“Too late.”

The massive gates behind them exploded inward.

Through the smoke stepped Marcus Veyr.

But he was no longer completely human.

Black armor covered his body, and enormous red veins pulsed across his face.

He smiled at Kael.

“You finally came home.”

Kael raised his sword.

Veyr spread his arms.

“Now, K-27...”

His eyes burned crimson.

“Let us awaken your throne.”