The atmosphere here was worlds apart from the city center. There was no roar of engines, only the whistling of wind through bamboo groves and the chirping of birds hidden in the ancient canopies. The brick path leading into the citadel was draped in cool shadows, flanked by high earthen embankments that curved in massive, primordial spirals. Van Thien and Minh walked slowly toward the Temple of King An Dương Vương.
At the entrance, a pair of blue stone dragons coiled along the steps—relics of a thousand-year-old fortress. Their long bodies and sharp scales radiated an air of solemn authority. In the courtyard stood a grand stone screen, and two ancient wells on either side of the path held water that remained crystal clear despite the passage of millennia.
As they entered the inner sanctuary, Minh whispered in awe. In the center, a bronze statue of King An Dương Vương sat upon a high stone dais. The King wore imperial robes and a ceremonial crown, holding a ritual tablet with an expression of majestic calm. Surrounding him were antique incense burners, bronze cranes, and ancient lampstands.
Thien looked around, his eyes reflecting deep respect for the ancient craftsmanship. The two brothers stood before the statue, offering incense with joined palms. As Thien turned to leave, the cross pendant on his neck gave a single, microscopic vibration.
Elsewhere, atop the summit of Landmark 72, the cloaked subordinate of Duan Thiet was busy. He was installing a strange metallic device, its surface pulsing with concentric rings of ominous red energy.
Back at the relic site, Thien and Minh arrived at the Am My Chau (The Small Temple of Princess My Chau). Near the entrance sat a round well with emerald-green water. Ancient banyan trees cast deep, refreshing shadows over a stone stele that summarized the tragic legend of My Chau and Trong Thuy.
After reading it, Thien thought to himself, "So that's how it happened..."
They stepped inside the shrine. In the center sat the headless stone statue of the Princess, draped in meticulous silk robes embroidered with phoenixes. She wore multiple necklaces and shimmering jewelry, the scent of agarwood filling the air. Minh shivered slightly.
"Why did I just get a chill down my spine?"
They offered incense to the statue. Before leaving, Thien noticed other visitors touching the statue's stone robes and then rubbing their own shoulders for luck. He followed suit, lightly grazing the stone fabric. At that exact moment, his necklace pulsed again. He still didn't notice.
They wandered toward the Co Loa Vong Swamp. As Thien stood by the lake, the necklace reacted again—this time, significantly stronger. He looked down, startled.
"Why is it reacting so intensely now?"
High above on the tallest rampart of the ancient citadel, Duan Thiet stood looking down. His subordinate appeared behind him. "Sir, everything is prepared."
Duan Thiet's lips curled into a smirk, his eyes glowing a predatory red. "Then... begin the plan."
By the lake, Minh looked at his brother. "Brother Thien, I'm exhausted. Can we rest for a bit?"
Thien nodded. "Sure."
They sat on a stone bench near the water. Minh was huffing. "This place is huge. My legs are about to fall off!"
Thien chuckled. "Complaining already?"
Minh pouted. "You're thin, it's easy for you. I'm chubby, I can't keep up!"
"Alright, alright. I'm actually a bit thirsty. Go grab some water for us."
Minh immediately protested. "Why can't you go? Why me?"
Thien patted his shoulder. "Go on. If you do, I'll buy you some sweets later."
Minh squinted at him suspiciously. "You can't fool me... what kind of sweets?"
Thien held up three fingers. "I'll buy you three: a Banh Cha (Crunchy Meat Cake), a Banh Xu The (Husband and Wife Cake), and a Banh Chin Tang May (Nine-Layer Cloud Cake). How's that?"
Minh hesitated for a few seconds, his stomach winning the debate. "Fine! I'll go. But you better remember!"
Thien laughed as the boy ran off. He watched Minh's retreating back with a smile.
On the peak of the citadel, Duan Thiet looked at the device in his hand. He glanced down at the entire relic site and grinned. "Initiating startup."
Thien sat by the lake, the breeze rippling the water. Above, Duan Thiet began the count.
"3..."
"2..."
Below, Thien suddenly felt a primal jolt of danger. He stood up abruptly. "...?"
Duan Thiet whispered: "...1. Activate."
Before Thien could process anything, the earth groaned and shook violently. He grabbed the stone railing as panic erupted. Tourists screamed, scattering in every direction.
"Aaah! Run!"
"Move! Get out of the way!"
Outside, the entire capital of Hanoi was hit by a massive earthquake. People poured into the streets as the city descended into chaos. In Co Loa, Thien looked up and heard a sound like a crack of thunder.
There stood Duan Thiet, looking down at him with a mocking laugh. Suddenly, a pillar of raw energy erupted from the sky where Duan Thiet stood, slamming into the heart of the Citadel. Simultaneously, miles away, another pillar of blue lightning-like energy surged from the top of Landmark 72.
The trap had been sprung.