>>6117788You are Craig - and these mana signatures, you feel as if Magos knows a thing or two about it.
"Correct! These conduits channel and amplify the ambient mana into the altar... or perhaps away from it. But that's not all!"
In an instant, Magos made your eyes see some rather recently inscribed mana patterns.
"These are detection runes, set to alert whoever inscribed them to any souls who cross the treshold. Good thing this one's inert and inactive."
Looking down below, you can see one of the figures has similarly-colored mana as the signatures on the walls. Maybe they're the designated magical security of the ritual?
In any case, it seems like Millie read your mind, because she whispered in your ear.
"How do we bypass these runes?"
Well, you have some ideas how...
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You are now Rosa Montagni, and a devilish plan had formulated in your mind. Through some gestures (and Valencio translating where needed), you tell the clown the plan, which earned you a smile and a nod. The plan is a go.
From the darkness, you run towards the two cultists.
"Clown's coming!!"
You half shout, the kind where it's interspersed by heavy breathing - as if you've been running for some time.
"Whoa, slow down! What do you mean?"
The human's starting to get worried, as the boogieman is showing signs of distress.
"They got everyone, man! He's just... didn't say anything as he bashed us one by one!"
"Wait what?! What is Gruber doing?"
The human is now fully concerned.
"The lookout - he beat him up to a pulp with a baton thing man! Saw it myself! Not a damn sound!"
"Aw naaah! We gotta let those kids out! I don't wanna die in this crummy cave!"
The boogieman is now panicking. You've got them where you want them... now what?
>CHOOSE ONE FOR MILLIE'S TEAM>□ Try to alter the runes so they won't activate, ever>□ Try to take out the magic security guy below>□ They detect souls, huh? Send Nemo and Clyde ahead>□ Jump from above, held by Clyde>□ Other (fill in)>CHOOSE ONE FOR ROSA'S TEAM>□ Have the clown knock out the human, then interrogate the boogieman>□ Pressure them to release the kidnapped kids>□ Suggest the three of you hide in the room with the kids>□ Other (fill in) 