As the young man stepped forward, the oppressive atmosphere suddenly eased.
He halted before the tightly shut gates of the ancient castle, then flicked his finger. A palm-sized dagger shot forward and struck the doors!
BOOM!
The sound of splintering wood echoed through the air.
The long-sealed gates of the castle burst apart into a storm of shattered wood, and a wave of rot and decay rushed out from within like a foul wind.
The gates had opened.
Everyone's expression grew solemn.
But as their eyes locked on the ancient castle, the faint sound of rustling echoed from within. Then came a raspy voice that drifted out from the darkness.
"So, you've finally come…"
Upon hearing this, everyone present wore a look of confusion.
Who was this eerie voice referring to?
"You've already arrived. Why hesitate to enter?"
The voice continued, stirring an unsettling chill in the crowd.
How long had this castle been here?
Why was there still someone inside?
