The moment Christina blew out the candle, the light around her dimmed completely.
The only illumination left was the White Candle in Dorothy's hand, still giving off a dim, gentle glow. The other visitors had long since gone ahead. On either side were narrow passageways and countless tombs and skeletons. There were even weathered white bones lying across the corners of the passage for no known reason, their vague outlines traced by the candlelight.
At that moment, the chill Tina had felt upon first entering the Underground Catacombs seemed to return. The darkness beyond the candlelight appeared to conceal countless monsters lying in wait, ready to drag her, about to be swallowed by the dark, into the depths of the catacombs and make her disappear completely.
Suddenly, an angry shout rang out:
"What are you doing?!"
It was not Dorothy complaining. The voice came from behind Tina. Immediately afterward, a figure darted out from that direction, holding a lit candle in one hand. Its flame swayed violently with his movement. He quickly brought it close to Tina's candle and relit it, letting warm firelight surround her, Dorothy, and himself.
What was going on... Had I seen a ghost?
Tina jumped in fright and hurriedly shielded Dorothy behind her, swinging the newly lit candle at him like a dagger.
In the light was the face of a young man. He looked to be around twenty, with slightly messy short black hair and a lean build. He wore a common Intis outfit of shirt, vest, and trousers, while everything below his calves remained hidden in darkness.
No legs... Tina immediately lowered the candle, allowing its light to illuminate beneath him. Only after she saw a pair of pointed leather shoes did she secretly sigh in relief.
Once she confirmed he was not