Deeper in, the Mirage Ruin began showing its teeth.
There weren't just traps. There were temptations too.
Because the Echoes weren't neutral puppets… they were manifestations of intent.
Greedy hearts made their Echoes lean toward treasure.
Battle-hungry souls found their Echoes drifting toward noise and combat.
Those who craved safety unconsciously guided their Echoes toward empty, looping corridors.
If a contender didn't clamp down with sheer will, their Echo wandered according to what they truly wanted.
In treasure halls, chests overflowed with relics and spirit stones. Echoes drawn too close had their hands sink into the gold… and found chains underneath. The more they struggled, the faster their link frayed until the Echo shattered.
In battle-heavy halls, phantom beasts and illusory enemies appeared, provoking anyone whose intent screamed "fight me." Each unnecessary clash drained will, slowing the Echo until monsters (real ones this time) pounced from the dark.
