Meanwhile, deep in the Dungeon, elsewhere.
Rodney and his group followed the few taciturn Black Robe People through the mist for a long time before finally reaching the so-called "sanctuary."
The fog around them was a little thinner here.
A huge black rock stood in the middle of the clearing.
It was irregularly shaped and pitch-black all over, its rough surface riddled with marks, as if worms had eaten into it.
Strangely, some kind of force seemed to surround the stone. The drifting fog appeared to be continually sucked in, then breathed back out.
It radiated an oppressive presence that made their hearts pound, as if it were waiting to feed.
"We're here."
The Black Robe Person at the head of the group stopped and turned around. The face beneath the hood slowly swept over Rodney and the others.
"Who will offer the sacrifice first?"
The atmosphere among the group grew tense.
They glanced at one another, but no one dared take the first step.
After all, the Half-Orc's earlier experience was still fresh in their minds.
"I'll go first."
The taciturn human warrior stepped forward.
He glanced at Rodney, a questioning look in his eyes.
There was no way back. Someone had to test the waters.
Rodney pressed his lips together, then finally nodded gravely.
The warrior walked up to the Giant Stone and, following the Black Robe Person's instructions, placed his hand on its cold surface.
"Pray to the Sacred Item. Say that you wish to leave this place, and offer up all your memories from the past six months."
The warrior closed his eyes and murmured, "I'm willing to offer up my memories from the past six months. I pray that you will guide us out of this mist—"
Buzz. As his words faded, a Ghostly Light