A Narrow Encounter

After a moment of silence, Landon opened the Parchment. The next instruction had already been written on it.

'Open the box and take out the Crystal Ball inside. Someone will tell you Paola's whereabouts.'

Following the instructions on the Parchment, Landon opened the Anti-Magic Alloy box, took out a special communication Crystal Ball, and activated it.

The Crystal Ball flashed, and an image immediately appeared.

The background on the other side was a dark Secret Chamber. A mysterious man wearing a hood, with no identifiable features visible, appeared in the center of the image.

"You were fast. I thought it would take you at least another half day to get here."

Looking at Landon's cold gaze through the Crystal Ball, the figure spoke indifferently. His voice carried a strange hoarseness, clearly deliberately distorted.

"I came as you requested. Now tell me where Paola is."

Suppressing the fury in his heart, Landon stepped forward and asked in a low voice.

"Paola? Heh heh..."

The figure gave an eerie chuckle.

"Give me that book, and I'll tell you where she is. Don't play any tricks. You know what I mean."

"I agree, but where am I supposed to meet you for the exchange?"

Landon nodded and agreed without hesitation, while trying to draw out more information.

"You don't need to go anywhere. Just place that book in the center of the stone platform. Once I confirm that the book is genuine, I'll naturally return Paola to you."

"Wait. I need to confirm that she's safe first!"

After the figure stated the terms of the exchange, Landon's eyes shifted as he demanded confirmation of Paola's condition.

"Hmph... of course."

The figure snapped his fingers. The image at one side of the Crystal Ball suddenly rippled, revealing a Bedroom.

On the Wooden Four-Poster Bed