We continued to advance toward the hidden vault on the third level of the relic chamber.
The narrow stone passage, which had felt like squeezing through the throat of some ancient beast, was slowly widening the deeper we went. Shadows clung to the walls like thick cobwebs, but the air didn't feel old—just heavy. Like it knew something we didn't.
The only sounds were our footsteps and the quiet rhythm of our breathing echoing through the tunnel.
Then, I heard her voice.
"…It's strange."
Alice spoke softly, almost to herself, but in this silence, even whispers carried.
I didn't stop, but I slowed down and glanced over my shoulder.
"What is, My Lady?"
Her crimson eyes met mine, sharp and watchful even in the dim light. She kept her voice low, as though the walls might be listening.
"It's been a while since we started descending… and we haven't encountered the guardian spirit."
I frowned at her words.
She was right.
