Chapter 128: The Otherworld-ers (1)

The burst of icy mist filled the air, sending an unnatural chill through the cavern. Arthur's instincts kicked in, his muscles tensing as his [Mini-Suns] hovered closer, their warmth pushing back the sudden cold. He stepped forward beside Lily, who had her swords up, the flames reflecting off the crystalline walls of the chamber.

"Step away from the crystal," the hooded man repeated, his bow trained directly on Lily. His voice was calm, unnervingly so, like he had control over something the others didn't even understand yet. The woman beside him, cloaked in darkness, stared at them with eyes that almost seemed to glow.

Arthur let out an exaggerated sigh, rolling his eyes. "You know, this is exactly why I hate dungeons—there's always someone lurking in the shadows thinking they've got the jump on you. Are you guys NPCs or something? You didn't even give us a heads-up dialogue before pulling out the bow."