The team advanced cautiously through the corrupted castle-like interior of the gate. The air was thick with dark mana, and faint purple mist clung to the broken stone floors and walls. Massive pillars wrapped in black vines loomed overhead, and the distant sound of dripping water echoed through the halls.
Sein walked at the front with Andrey, her flames flickering around her fists as she scanned the surroundings.
"This place really reeks of demons," she muttered, her expression sharp.
Hope, walking slightly behind with her greatsword ready, smiled brightly despite the tense atmosphere.
"Everyone, please stay behind me if anything happens. I'll protect—"
Sein immediately shot her a glare. "Don't give me orders, Hope. I don't need your protection."
Hope blinked, still smiling but clearly a bit taken aback. "I'm just trying to help—"
"I said I don't need it," Sein cut her off again, her tone arrogant. "Just focus on not slowing us down."
