The instant they crossed the threshold of the castle, Kame's senses screamed in protest.
What had once been a faint, tingling warning now exploded into something far more violent—an instinctive retaliation against an unseen force. The air itself felt hostile, as if the castle had acknowledged their presence and rejected it.
Pressure descended upon them.
Not physical.
Not spiritual alone.
It was existential.
The lobby opened into a colossal circular hall, its ceiling vanishing into darkness above. At the center stood a massive round table forged from ancient black stone, its surface carved with symbols long erased by time. Twelve chairs surrounded it, each one emanating a distinct presence—overwhelming, twisted, and absolute.
One by one, the barbarians gathered.
Figures that felt less like warriors and more like walking calamities.
After an immeasurable stretch of history, a monumental event was taking place.
A lazy voice shattered the tension.
"Well, well… hello everyone."
The Barbarian of Sloth lounged casually in his chair, resting his head on one hand. "I respect this authority—" he paused, then grinned. "—or maybe I don't. Just kidding."
He burst into loud, unrestrained laughter.
"Tch."
A deep, bitter voice responded immediately. "Damn it, Sloth. Will you ever stop with those jokes? Life isn't some comedy."
The Barbarian of Wrath spoke with a hollow anger, his eyes shadowed by exhaustion and fury.
"Can we finish this already?" another interrupted impatiently. "I'm starving."
The Barbarian of Gluttony tapped his fingers against the table, saliva almost dripping from the corner of his mouth.
"Heh… yeah, let's end it quickly," a seductive, demonic chuckle followed. "I need to eat too."
The Barbarian of Lust smiled, crimson eyes narrowing with amusement.
A sudden surge of dominance crashed through the hall.
"Enough."
The word alone felt like a command carved into reality.
"Oh my god," the speaker continued coldly, "every single one of you is a piece of scum. As your commander, I order you to stay quiet and listen."
The Barbarian of Pride stood at the head of the table, posture straight, gaze sharp enough to cut through steel. The moment he spoke, the others fell silent.
"But Greed hasn't arrived yet," Pride added.
"Leave him," the Barbarian of Envy said with irritation. "He won't come."
On the opposite side of the table stood the trio.
Out of place.
Insignificant.
Yet undeniably present.
"This… this is insane," Joshen muttered under his breath. "It's like stepping into a whole different world."
"One we don't belong to," Catia whispered back. "You can always count on him to state the obvious."
"Enough," Kame said quietly. "For now, stay silent. Only listen."
His eyes scanned the exits.
If there was a chance to escape, he would take it.
But before he could even take a step back—
Pride's gaze locked onto them.
"You three," he said.
Their names echoed through the hall.
"Sit."
The command wasn't loud.
It didn't need to be.
The moment they moved toward the table, the atmosphere collapsed.
The barbarians' Shifter pressure surged outward—not intentionally, not even consciously. It was simply their nature.
The force crashed down like a falling sky.
Catia gasped, her vision blurring before she collapsed unconscious.
Joshen barely managed a curse before his body slammed to the floor.
Kame felt his bones scream. Blood filled his mouth as his knees buckled—but he forced himself to remain upright, shaking violently.
A sharp, amused laugh echoed.
"Ha… ha… ha…"
The Barbarian of Sloth leaned forward, eyes glinting.
"Little boy, you survived that? Not many can withstand this pressure."
The others began to laugh—
Until Pride raised his hand.
"Silence."
The sound vanished instantly.
"He is chosen by her," Pride declared.
The hall froze.
No laughter.
No breathing.
Not even the sound of dust settling.
"What did you say?" Envy asked slowly, disbelief creeping into his voice. "Are you certain? On what basis?"
Pride's gaze never wavered. "Yes, Commander. I'm certain. The reason—I will explain later. You will understand in time."
A brief pause.
"For now, trust me. I would never do anything that would disappoint you."
Envy studied Kame carefully, eyes filled with suspicion—and interest.
Finally, he turned back to the council.
"Then we move forward."
His voice hardened.
"Prepare yourselves. Bring the other travelers. Equip them properly."
His gaze flicked back to the trio.
"And bring these three as well."
The pressure intensified for a moment.
"We are heading toward war."