Epherene walked down the passage, its walls shimmering with mana stones and crystals, having no way of knowing when it was built or for what purpose—only that it stretched deep into the unknown.0

“Haah… Haah…”0

The deeper she went, the more labored her breathing became. The mana was too thick, pressing against her lungs, and her heightened sensitivity only made it worse. Sweat clung to her skin as she pushed forward, one careful step at a time—until, suddenly, her foot touched something slick and wet on the cold, shadowed floor.0

“… What is this?” Epherene muttered.0

Epherene released her mana, casting a pale blue glow into the darkness, revealing a slick trail of crimson smeared across the cold stone floor.0

“... Is it blood?”0

It was not just a deep red stain—it was real blood. Epherene stared blankly, tracing the slick trail. At the heart of the underground chamber, a lone chair rested in silence, and as her eyes settled upon it, her eyes slowly widened.0

“Professor…?”0

Deculein sat in the chair as if he were reading a book, yet the blood pooled across the floor made it clear—something was undeniably wrong, for he would never allow his domain to fall into such disorder.0

Gulp—0

Epherene swallowed hard and hesitantly approached. At first, only his back was visible, but as she stepped around to face him, her heart pounded violently, and her breath caught in her throat.0

“... Professor?”0

Seated in his chair, Deculein remained still, his eyes shut and his face drained of all color. Beneath his skin, deep blue veins strained against the surface, stretched tight as if they might burst at any moment.0

“Ah…”0

Without hesitation, Epherene extended her hand, placing her fingers against Deculein’s neck to feel for a pulse—unsure if warmth still remained in his body.0

— Will you not avenge ...0