The heavy stone doors groaned open, revealing a vast temple bathed in eerie golden light.
At first glance, it was breathtaking — high marble pillars lined with enormous statues of gods and warriors, their carved eyes glowing faintly in the shadows. In the center stood an altar, and beyond it, a massive stone idol holding a sword taller than any man.
The hunters stepped inside cautiously, their footsteps echoing through the silence.
"Wow… look at this place," one whispered.
"Feels like some kind of cathedral," another said.
Jinwoo followed last, his expression grim. Every corner, every detail — he remembered it all. The towering statues. The altar. The ominous stillness before death.
He glanced toward group of people.
At the front, Mr. Song examined the glowing altar. "There's something here," he said, pointing to ancient runes carved into the stone. "Looks like a text… maybe an inscription?"
Before anyone could respond, one of the younger hunters laughed. "Why are we wasting time reading? Let's find the treasure and get out of here!"
He took a few steps forward toward the altar.
Jinwoo's blood ran cold.
"No—don't move!" he shouted.
But it was too late.
The moment the hunter's foot touched the altar's step, the air trembled. A low, thunderous hum filled the chamber.
The torches flared to life, burning blue.
And then — the statues moved.
Their stone heads turned slowly, eyes glowing crimson. The grinding of stone against stone echoed like a scream.
One hunter dropped his weapon in terror. "W-what the—?! They're moving!?"
The massive statue at the center — the God Statue — raised its sword high, shadows spilling across the room like ink.
"Everyone, stay back!" Mr. Song shouted, trying to form a defensive line. "Form ranks! healers, stay behind—"
But Jinwoo was already moving. His mind raced with the memory of this moment — the rules, the sequence of slaughter.
He shouted at the top of his lungs,
"Everyone, kneel! Don't move! Don't attack! Bow to the statue!"
The others froze, staring at him in confusion.
"What are you saying?!"
"Are you insane?!"
"Run, you idiot!"
But then, the God Statue's eyes glowed brighter — and it swung.
The floor cracked under the weight of the strike. In a single motion, half the group was annihilated, crushed beneath stone blades and spears. Blood sprayed across the marble like paint.
Screams filled the air.
Jinwoo's voice broke. "Kneel! Now! Those who kneel will live!"
Mr. Song, trusting his instinct, dropped to one knee. Chu lee followed him, trembling. A few others hesitated, then fell to the ground in panic.
The statues froze mid-motion.
Silence fell — broken only by the hunters' ragged breathing.
Jinwoo lowered his head, his body trembling as cold sweat ran down his neck. It's working… just like before.
But he knew it wouldn't last long.
The second rule would come soon — the rule of worship.
He turned to the survivors, eyes sharp. "When the flames light again — look at the God Statue and pray! Do exactly as I say, or you'll die!"
They didn't understand, but they nodded — too terrified to argue.
The torches flickered once more, and the glow filled the temple again. The statues began to move a second time.