After leaving the tomb chamber, Annie and Ilena continued exploring the depths of the ancient royal tomb. The air was damp and icy, thick with a thousand years of dust and all kinds of decaying stench. Their main goal was to find their respective copies.
They had no other intention. They just wanted to see how strong their copies were.
That was all!
The two wandered through the tomb's maze-like corridors, paved with massive stone slabs.
Now and then, they stopped to examine the ancient murals carved into the walls, long since worn away by time, and the dim magical runes whose meaning was unknown. Then they walked over the uneven stone floor, letting the baleful glow of the candles stretch their shadows out behind them.
Tap! Tap!
Tap!
Their footsteps echoed through the empty corridors as they walked, adding to the gloom and silence. Neither of them cared.
Unlike most of the other examinees, who were still cautiously and nervously making their way through the maze, the two of them seemed far too relaxed.
Yes, relaxed!
See?
"Mm, mm, mmm—"
(￣~￣) Munch!
Some troublesome little girl had even produced a bag of snacks from who knew where. As she walked, she nibbled at them, while her other hand swung the teddy bear she almost never went anywhere without, Tibbers. They looked less like they were taking a demanding magic certification exam and more like they were enjoying a leisurely outing at some historical site.
"..."
Ilena, meanwhile, maintained her usual elegance. Even in such surroundings, she still occasionally tidied her silver-gray hair and exquisite witch's robe, making sure to preserve the perfect image befitting the "Ashen Witch," even in the dark.
Her beautiful violet eyes kept roaming over the surroundings with curiosity, but there was more appraisal than caution