Chapter 198: Hall of Envious Shadows...

Two days later, the group came upon a village almost swallowed by the forest, its ruins a clear sign of battles fought and lives lost.

The crumbling buildings bore the scars of some forgotten war, with broken weapons strewn among the remains and walls painted with faded sigils of old alliances.

Not a sound disturbed the eerie silence that blanketed the village.

"Abandoned," Ava remarked, her voice hushed. "Completely empty."

"This doesn't look good," Lilith said.

"What is this place?" Adrian asked, his gaze sweeping over the ruined buildings.

Medea paused, a distant look in her eyes. "This... this is a result of envy and hatred. Of jealousy and fear. This village had been under the influence of Eris, the goddess of discord and strife."

"How do you know this, Medea?" Selene asked.

"Well... we all know our sister. This isn't the first time I've come across something like this. In fact, this isn't even the worst."

"Worst?"