Chapitre 477: Story 477: The Tavern of Secrets

The team stepped cautiously through the massive iron-bound door, emerging into a space that seemed entirely out of place in their grim reality—a rustic tavern, illuminated by the warm glow of hanging filament bulbs. Wooden beams crossed the ceiling, and the scent of aged whiskey mingled with a faint aroma of leather and smoke. The ambiance was oddly inviting, yet an air of tension lurked beneath the surface.

Rook raised a fist, signaling the others to halt. His sharp eyes scanned the room. A long bar ran along one side, lined with stools that looked freshly polished despite the apparent age of the place. Shelves stacked with bottles of liquor stood behind it, and a single clock above the bar ticked softly, its hands once again frozen—this time at 3:15.