The corridor was narrow, carved directly into damp, black stone.
Only the footsteps of Meliodas and Zeldris echoed through the silence, bouncing off the ancient walls.
Behind them, Gelda and the soldier remained at the entrance, guarding it against intruders.
"How far down do you think this passage goes?" Meliodas asked, frowning.
Zeldris stopped for a moment, his eyes searching the thickening darkness.
"…And what are we even doing?" he murmured.
"We keep going," Meliodas replied without hesitation.
"And we'll find out."
Zeldris shook his head, visibly irritated.
"No, I don't mean that. I mean… all of this. What if Zephyr doesn't even exist? What if it's like with Estarossa? You remember—that lie. That false memory. Who turned out to be Mael…"
Meliodas's expression grew serious.
"I don't know. Maybe this is just another twist of fate… or some illusion. But one thing I do know—"
"I'd rather uncover the truth about this so-called 'brother' than live in ignorance."
He turned to Zeldris with a sincere smile.
"And you do too. Even if you won't admit it."
Zeldris sighed. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"You're right… big brother."
They resumed their descent—this time, with renewed resolve.
Suddenly, Zeldris stopped in his tracks and pointed.
"There! Look!"
A faint light shimmered at the end of the tunnel.
They quickened their pace, racing down the last of the steps.
The corridor felt endless, as if time itself had stretched… until they finally arrived.
A vast underground chamber opened before them.
Silent. Covered in broken chains and old magical markings.
Rusty bars. Ancient runes etched into the stone.
It was a prison.
A long-forgotten demon prison.
Meliodas narrowed his eyes.
"First time I've ever seen this place… What about you?"
"Same," Zeldris answered, wary.
A raspy voice rose suddenly from the shadows.
"Hehehe… Well, it's the first time I've seen you two, as well."
Meliodas and Zeldris immediately stepped forward, hands on their swords.
"Who's there? Show yourself!" Zeldris barked.
A figure slowly emerged from the darkness—
behind the bars of one of the ancient cells.
An old demon.
Skin as gray as stone.
Worn, stubby horns.
And an aura ancient… weakened, but still potent.
He slowly lifted his gaze toward them.
"My name is Kaelis," he said in a gravelly voice.
"And what you seek… only I can tell you."