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“Do you think it's true?” Elle asks softly, her voice barely audible over the sound of machinery, “Do you think there's... something coming?”
“If we're talking about the Lliogor, then yes. I think it's almost inevitable that they'll return to our shores sooner or later. They attacked the Galsean Islands, it's only natural that they'd continue on to Agoria,” you reply slowly, choosing your words carefully, “As for, well, whatever else she was talking about, that's too vague. Our best chance is to try and squeeze some more information out of her. Maybe I should get you to give her a good telling off.”
Covering her face with her hands, Elle lets out a low groan. “Please don't remind me,” she complains, “Honestly, I don't know what came over me.”
“It worked, so I'm not going to complain too much.”
Lowering her hands and giving you an awkward smile, Elle nods. “We'd better not lag too far behind,” she says after a moment, “Or our host might change her mind and make us do this the hard way.”
-
You're not exactly happy to see a mannequin awaiting you in the next hall, the puppet posed with one arm extended. You keep your distance for a moment, studying the small metal object glinting in the outstretched hand.
“You've been a very cooperative test subject... for the most part. Certainly more cooperative than our previous guests,” your host announces in a groan of static, “So, I've prepared a reward for you – although, really, this is more like returning your own property to you. Go on. Take it.”
Cautiously, as if expecting the mannequin to lurch into motion as soon as you get close, you reach out and snatch up the metal emblem. Taking a closer look at it, you see your own family insignia gazing back up at you.
[Pale Family Emblem: +1 Insight Attunement, +1 Ingenuity Attunement.]
“We're almost at the end now. I'm eager to look you in the eye and shake your hand. I'm sure you feel the same way,” the metallic voice sneers, “But before we do, I think your colleague wants something.”
The voice dies with a last wail of static, leaving you to look around at your companions in confusion. Mihail hastily shakes his head, while Alinda remains sullenly silent as she gazes towards the floor. Usik is the only one who meets your gaze, his eyes as flat and lifeless as those of the mannequin beside you. “Need your help with something,” he says at last, tilting his head towards one of the side doors, “Saw something. Wanted to check it out.”
Remembering Mihail's earlier warning, you feel a sudden thrill of danger cut through you. Yet, you have a feeling that backing down would be no less dangerous.
“Sure,” you tell Usik slowly, “The rest of you, wait here. This won't take long.”
[1/2]
