Sealed Curse

⟨name⟩ beckons you over.

In a narrow space concealed behind the wall, a skeleton lies collapsed. It remains frozen in place, one hand outstretched toward something beyond its reach.

The surrounding floor is covered in layer upon layer of intricate patterns and indecipherable writing. At the center of the circle lie an ancient censer and mana stones stained with dried blood.

The ritual appears to be over, yet the scene gives the unsettling impression that it stopped at the very last moment.

After examining the area, ⟨name⟩ speaks in a low voice.

"It looks like someone performed a ritual here. But... I don't think they ever completed it."

The faint metallic scent of blood-blood that should have vanished long ago-still hangs in the air.

"Commander... If we interfere carelessly, we may end up just like this person."

(no dialog text - scripted sequence)

(no dialog text - scripted sequence)

⟨name⟩ searches around the ritual circle and carefully recovers anything that still appears useful. But just as they turn to leave, the sensation of a cold gaze crawls across their back.

Soon, unintelligible murmurs begin seeping into everyone's minds. You try to ignore them, but every whisper sends an icy shiver down your spine.

As ⟨name⟩ begins the ritual, the patterns carved into the floor flare crimson.

"Ngh...!"

As though something unseen is forcibly draining ⟨name⟩'s life force, ⟨name⟩ clutches their chest and trembles in agony, barely managing to endure.

But nothing happens.

As ⟨name⟩ begins the ritual, the patterns carved into the floor flare crimson.

"Graaagh!!"

An unseen force drains ⟨name⟩'s life as though wringing the blood from their body.

The fresh blood spilling across the floor gathers at the center of the ritual circle, soaking the mana stones and filling them with an ominous crimson energy.