Kami stepped back—and immediately felt a heavy pressure, a warning so sharp that his heart nearly froze. Something dangerous was approaching. He rushed toward the chained people and whispered urgently:
"Stay alert… something is coming."
Before anyone could respond, a booming voice filled the entire space. From the darkness stepped a middle-aged man with a muscular build. His hair fell over his eyes, and he wore a rough, torn robe that made him look both wild and worn out.
"There's no time left," the man said. "Our souls are close to ascending… but the creatures lurking out there want to twist that process. If they reach us, everything is lost."
With a sudden crack, the chains around him shattered. Kami watched, stunned, as the man stretched, rolled his shoulders, and dusted himself off.
"Why didn't you free yourself earlier…?" Kami asked.
The man laughed softly and rubbed the back of his head. "Kid, this whole place is a prison dungeon. There's a compression spell here—it weakens us and locks our abilities. But still… for someone like you to come in here and help us?" He smiled proudly. "You've got courage. And potential too. I like that."
He walked forward, each step radiating strength that seemed to wake the air itself. He freed the others—one by one. Some thanked him, while others trembled with fear or confusion.
As Kami watched, he noticed something odd.
There were twelve pillars, each carved from stone—twelve people standing beneath them. And high above, held by vines and covered in glowing seals, hung a giant bell.
The rough-haired man from earlier walked up beside Kami, adjusting his old glasses.
"The twelve pillars represent each one of us," he explained softly. "The seals control the ascension ceremony. When the bell rings, one of us will begin to ascend. Only one at a time. It's called the Ascension of the Unholy."
Kami looked at him, confused. "How do you know all of this?"
"I'm a scholar… a very ashamed one," the man replied with a tired smile. "This ritual is a curse placed on those who inherit the sins of their ancestors. All of us here carry that burden."
Kami's eyes softened with pity as he looked at the group.
The scholar pointed to a massive square stone block in the distance.
"That stone… it's part of the ceremony. A sacrifice platform."
"You mean… you're all still going to—?"
"Yes," the scholar said quietly. "Eventually."
Just then, the muscular man joined them. "That's why we need to hold off the creatures until the ascension starts."
The scholar suddenly squinted and studied the man's build.
"You have the body of a warrior soldier."
"That was long ago," the man replied, falling silent for a moment. Then he turned to Kami. "Let's make sure everyone stays safe."
Kami nodded, though fear still tugged at his chest.
Behind them, the scholar announced, "The women should ascend first." There were five in total.
Kami tugged the muscular man's sleeve. "Mister—"
"Don't call me 'mister,' kid," the man interrupted with a grin. "Call me Little Man. That's what my child used to call me."
Kami blinked with curiosity, but held his questions.
Little Man pointed at the scholar. "Hey, Rusty—guide the people through the ascension."
"That is not my name," the scholar replied. "I'm Liu."
"I'm still calling you Rusty," Little Man said.
Liu rolled his eyes but didn't argue further.
While they talked, Kami walked toward the far edge of the chamber. A deep, endless pit stretched downward, hidden under swirling mist.
When he returned, Little Man tightened broken chains around his fists.
"I'm going with Kami," he announced. "We'll stop those things from getting anywhere near this place."
Kami saw the determination in him—strong, unwavering. Kami's own fear trembled inside him, but he breathed deeply and steadied himself.
Little Man whispered a short prayer. Kami adjusted the bones he wore as armor, inhaled, exhaled—
And together, they stepped toward the bridge.
The barrier shimmered before them.
They walked through it.