The Curse of Shattering (15)

"Do you mean we should follow them that way?"

Ni Huayuan's words were easy enough to understand, but Kamakura Mi hesitated.

Though it was essentially a ruin, the family had guarded it for years and had long since come to regard it as a sacred place.

Now, after violently breaking through the wall, they were preparing to track down the culprit.

Considering how the people from the Academy had acted earlier, it was easy to imagine what the scene would look like.

"Of course, we don't have to pursue them. We can go back and try those methods of masking the connection again. A few more times."

Ni Huayuan's expression didn't change.

The approach had already been proven ineffective. What was the point of trying it a few more times?

Besides, this wasn't an ordinary attempt. Each time they tried, it would almost certainly mean losing another member of the Kamakura Family.

"Then let's get started as soon as possible."

Kamakura Mi quickly shook off his misgivings about the sacred site and agreed.

"Good."

Ni Huayuan was clearly pleased that Kamakura Mi knew how to read the situation.

He signaled for the others to search the stone chamber one last time. Once they'd confirmed there were no other abnormalities, he didn't waste a minute. Taking the lead once more, he led the group through the door.

This...

The scene before them left everyone speechless for a moment.

A rough, narrow stone passage stretched upward, then suddenly opened out into a corridor.

Judging by its dimensions and the decorations on either side, this kind of corridor was a standard feature of the ruins. They'd already seen many like it.

They also had a good idea of just how intricately the corridors crisscrossed.

Pursuing someone here would be difficult, especially if