Shadows Beneath the Ruins (Part 1)
Clara lips were pressed tightly together.
Moisture shimmered faintly in her eyes.
She was trying with everything she had not to cry.
The closer she came to the place connected to those forgotten memories...
The stronger the pressure inside her heart became.
Victor didn't comment.
He simply asked,
"So..."
"Where's the old man?"
Clara couldn't bring herself to answer immediately.
Instead...
She slowly raised a trembling hand.
Her finger pointed toward the empty stall.
"...There."
Victor quietly walked forward.
Each step was measured.
Each movement carried deliberate caution.
The stall showed no signs of recent activity.
He crouched beside it.
His fingers lightly brushed across the weathered wooden counter.
Dust.
Faint traces of dried fish scales.
Old rope.
Nothing unusual.
No lingering curse.
No spiritual residue.
No mana signature.
It was...
Too clean.
Victor slowly stood.
His gaze swept across the surrounding shops.
