The doors behind him closed silently. It felt as if the pressure in the air had shifted, and for a moment, a heavy silence pressed down, making his ears ring. Ian gave no outward sign and continued forward.0

On either side of him were towering columns, thick and tall, paired in perfect alignment.0

Ahead of him, the black-haired maid walked silently, leading the way. Another maid followed at Ian's left, and one at Seras's right, their footsteps soundless as they moved. Only Ian’s steps echoed faintly, breaking the quiet.0

Was it like this in the game, too?0

Walking calmly, Ian took in the grand hall, its walls entirely covered in white marble. The ceiling soared above him, and countless candles flickered in chandelier-like holders hanging overhead.0

Replacing those must be a real pain.0

Wide, lengthy corridors branched off on either side of the hall. At every entrance, guards stood like statues, holding halberds, while figures in white robes hurried about beyond the doorways, their movements completely silent. Perhaps during the day, it would have been brighter and livelier than it was now, but at the moment, it was so quiet that even the faintest rustling of fabric could be heard.0

Moreover,...0