The rattling grew louder until the air itself seemed to shudder. Heavy iron doors at the far end of the chamber creaked open, revealing a vast cavern. Chains hung from the ceiling like a forest of metal vines, some so long they dragged across the floor.
From the darkness, a figure stirred. At first it looked like a man—tall, gaunt, with skin the color of ash. But then the chains moved, slithering like serpents, wrapping and unwrapping around his body. His eyes glowed molten red.
"Initiates…" Aurelius's voice cut like steel. "This is not part of your trial. This is mine. Watch, and learn."
But before the Grandmaster could step forward, the chained figure raised his head. The voice that echoed from his mouth was not human.
"Johann's stench… it lingers on the boy." His gaze snapped toward Lucien. The chains clattered violently, as though eager for blood.
Lucien felt his stomach drop.
"Why does everything down here know your name when I don't even know theirs?"
[Heh, I've put this high-ranking demon here myself, of course he'll remember. There are a lot of caves like that around here. You are just lucky enough to come across exactly the demon I captured.]
"I wish you talked more at times when I ask you something important, not when you want to boast about your abilities."
Aurelius's hand hovered near his blade. "Stay behind me."
Of course, Juan didn't listen. He leaned toward Matteo and whispered—loud enough that everyone heard:
"So, what do you think? Friendlier than the dragon? Maybe he just wants a hug."
Ino cracked a smirk before the chains lashed out like whips, slamming into the ground inches from Juan's boots. Dust blasted up around him.
Juan stumbled back, hands raised. "Okay, not a hugger!"
The cavern shook as Aurelius finally drew his sword, a blade humming with old power. He barked over his shoulder:
"Lesson two, children: don't come close when adults talk."
The Grandmaster launched forward, clashing steel against writhing chains. Sparks flew in the darkness, lighting up the cavern like a storm of fireflies.