Pecos (whispering while peering downward):
"Ortinus, I don't like this kind of bridge. Respectable bridges should have pillars, railings, and perhaps a sandwich vendor at the entrance. This bridge looks like it's just waiting for us to sneeze so it can collapse."
Nerar (examining the blue symbols on the walls with his torch):
"Stop the nonsense, Pecos. Look, the symbols are starting to change. The closer we get to the bridge, the more complex the inscriptions become. 'Self-oblivion'... the words I just read now seem like a warning, not just a piece of wisdom."
Romelius (suspiciously):
"Do you mean our fears could literally kill us here? That explains why the Royal soldiers didn't follow us. Entering this place requires a different kind of courage—the courage to face oneself."
Ortinus took the first step. As soon as his foot touched the bridge, the stone emitted a faint chime, and a ripple of blue light spread beneath his feet.
Ortinus: "Follow me, one by one. Don't look down, and don't think about the past. Just focus on the light."
While they were halfway across, Miron began to stagger. His eyes widened as if he were seeing something invisible to the others.
Miron (in a choked voice):
"I hear them... the victims who fell because of me. It wasn't just a rebellion; it was a trap! Ajax, stop calling out!"
Darius (grabbing him by the arm):
"Miron! Don't listen to him! It's just an echo in this strange cavern. Look at me—we are alive, and we are with you!"
Suddenly, eerie shadows began to manifest from the walls of the abyss. They weren't physical monsters like the crystal bats, but specters that resembled the companions themselves, though with distorted features full of malice.
Pecos (screaming as he saw a specter that looked exactly like him, but carrying a burnt pot):
"Oh, by the gods! Even in my nightmares, I haven't seen my pot look that bad! Get away from me, you fat shadow!"
Darius (trying to draw an arrow, but his hand felt heavy):
"Ortinus! The bridge is starting to weaken! Miron and Pecos's fears are increasing the weight of this place. If we don't move now, the bridge will collapse with all of us on it!"
Ortinus (in a thundering voice):
"Silence, all of you! Miron, look at me. You aren't the only one carrying sins. We've all done things we wish to forget, but we are here to set them right. Don't let the past drag you into the abyss!"