Thomas discovers the temple is deliberately buried by ancient priests. He finds modern coffins of recent victims and reads an archaeologist's journal documenting the pharaoh's corrupting voice. Encountering aquifer traps and animated mummies, Thomas learns the curse bridges millennia.

Nine days after emerging, Cael and Tomas lead 30 soldiers back underground to find the Deep Forge. Camp at the first chamber where Karthians and Valorheim once camped together. Heading toward the Sunken City via Tomas's route.

Thomas touches the bloodstains on the altar and experiences visions of each of the seven knights during the transformation ritual. He witnesses Cadoc's terror and trust, Gareth's heartbreak leaving his sisters, Brennan's forgiveness even as corruption takes him, Daven's desperate final message,...

Thomas awakens trapped in an ancient Egyptian sarcophagus. Disoriented and suffocating, he discovers it belongs to Pharaoh Kha-em-Waset, a condemned ruler. Finding Violet's locket offers proof of his original reality.

Five weeks after second ritual. Tomas questions Father Aldous about alternatives. Aldous reveals Progenitor weapons that could permanently kill Wurm Lords - "the forge beneath the first city" and "blade that cuts existence" with a "price beyond death."

Sentries spot 11 figures approaching. Cael recognizes Tomas and runs to meet him. Reunion - the blacksmith survived with 11 of 30 from Brennan's group. Tomas tells his story including killing a Wurm child and Brennan's death.

Four weeks after second ritual. General Marcus Thane arrives with 3,000 Southern Valorheim soldiers. He accuses the Alliance of conquest disguised as survival. Political tensions rise over sacrifice distribution and territorial claims.

Tomas leads twelve survivors through underground passages. They find mushroom gallery providing first real food in days. Continue climbing toward surface. Encounter dead soldiers with scratches indicating a way up. Follow the passage through treacherous climbs.

Cael leads a group of survivors north toward fortress. They encounter corrupted sky and demons everywhere. They rescue a family hiding in a root cellar, then recruit seven bandits who were attempting robbery. Cael and Vessa discuss whether survival is worthwhile.