Chapter 61: The Lower Floor

Gengyo caught back up with the group easily enough. As he progressed further underground via the wooden steps, they began to be replaced by stone. The air grew a good deal mustier, and he was overwhelmed by the humidity and dampness.

They had stopped before a barred iron gate, and were discussing what to do next. The iron poles gave a good indication of just how damp the area was, as they were covered in rust. It appeared – judging from the keyhole – that they would need a key if they wished to pass.

The corridor they had gathered in at the bottom of the stairs was entirely made out of stone. Had it been wood, or something similar, it would have rotted long ago from the damp. It was dimly lit by a series of torches, and they could see hinged steel doors hiding inside the walls. They could tell it was steel, because it was a degree less rusty than the iron gate they stood before.

"Miura-kun, you've caught up. We were just discussing how to proceed."