"The ritual doesn't require a separate sacrifice for every individual, as long as you don't pass through individually," Albert explained. "There is a minimum number of souls needed to activate it. Once that requirement is met, the ritual can loosen the laws binding us here, and we can force it open the rest of the way using our strength, allowing our people to cross."
The elderly Saint's brows drew together.
"Then the exchange applies to all of us?"
"Yes. The souls are offered together to fulfill the condition. We aren't exchanging one outsider for each person below us."
"And you're certain we can obtain enough souls?"
"If we find enough of the outsiders to use as sacrifices before their time here expires."
The old man clicked his tongue.
"Which brings us back to the people you allowed to leave."
Albert met his gaze without flinching.
"One of them had formed a contract with Kali."
"That troublesome arachnid?"
"Yes."
