Both Ethan and the Founder appeared on the eighth floor of the castle, the transition occurring without sound or distortion, as though space itself had quietly repositioned them into place. However, the monster that had been pursuing Ethan moments earlier now stood completely immobilized, its massive body frozen mid-motion. Its claws remained raised, its jaws partially open, yet it could not move even a fraction.
The Founder stood beside it calmly, his hand slightly raised. Invisible authority flowed outward from him, binding the creature more thoroughly than any physical restraint could have achieved.
"Ethan, I will teach you a secret technique that will allow you to mask your presence within the gray mist," the Founder said, his tone measured and composed. "Once you master it, the monsters roaming outside this place will perceive you as one of their own, and they will no longer target you unless you attack them first."
Ethan nodded immediately. "Thank you, sir."
