In that accursed Valley of Souls, the fog had grown far denser and far more poisonous than before. Allen and Claire moved forward with hurried steps, yet with every stride, a rustling sound followed closely behind them, refusing to let them go. The pages of the ancient book in Allen's hand fluttered violently, like the convulsions of a tormented soul. Again and again, Claire felt as if someone was walking right behind them. But Allen had already warned her that the Valley of Souls was steeped in mysteries, and at every step, the spirits here deceived other souls with illusions. That was why, no matter what sound she heard, Claire was not to react—she had to remain calm and keep moving forward.
"Dad… are we on the right path? You do know the correct way to the house where that portal is, right?" Claire asked in a hushed voice. Her gaze kept drifting toward the old tea store, which was slowly disappearing into the fog—a place that, in its own way, had been her father's home.
