Chapter 7: The Sigbin’s Secret

Jereco plummeted into the depths of the earth, the darkness swallowing him whole. He landed with a thud, the impact jarring his bones. As his eyes adjusted to the dim light, he realized he was in a subterranean cavern, its walls adorned with strange symbols and markings.

Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the cavern. A shadowy figure emerged from the darkness, its form shifting and changing. It was a sigbin, a creature of the night, with a dog-like body and backward feet.

“So, you’ve finally arrived,” the sigbin sneered. “I’ve been expecting you.”

Jereco, despite his fear, kept his composure. “And what do you want from me?” he asked, his voice steady.

The sigbin chuckled. “Oh, I simply want to test your worthiness. If you can solve my riddle, you may claim the artifact.”

“Oh, Jeese, not this again,” Jereco muttered. “Okay, give me your best shot. I’ve got nothing better to do today.”

The sigbin posed a riddle, a cryptic puzzle that tested Jereco’s knowledge of ancient lore. Jereco, drawing on the wisdom of the engkanto, pondered the riddle. After a long moment, he answered, his voice filled with confidence.

The sigbin was impressed. “You’ve proven yourself worthy,” it said. “The artifact is yours, but beware, it is guarded by a powerful curse.”

“What else is new?” Jereco replied dryly.

The sigbin led Jereco to a hidden chamber, where the artifact lay on a stone pedestal. As Jereco reached for the artifact, a surge of energy pulsed through the cavern. The air crackled with electricity, and the walls began to shake.

“To break the curse,” the sigbin warned, “you must recite the ancient incantation.”

Jereco, recalling the words spoken by the engkanto, began to chant. As the final word echoed through the cavern, the curse was broken. The artifact, a glowing crystal, pulsed with power. Shocked, Jereco almost dropped the object of his quest. It was more beautiful and powerful than he could have ever imagined.

With the artifact in his possession, Jereco thanked the sigbin and made his way back to the surface. As he emerged from the depths of the earth, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. He knew that he was one step closer to defeating the darkness and restoring balance to the world.

To Be Continued