Summoning Realm: Dragon-Snake Sage Cave! (7) Soul-Devouring Ghost

"Not good. I might have triggered a trap." Uchiha Ying's heart tightened, but he quickly steadied himself. Don't panic. First, see what's happening. His mind raced through possible responses as he stared at the runes beneath his feet.

Just then, Amina's voice sounded in his mind. "Ying, be careful! What's happening over there?"

Uchiha Ying replied, "I think I triggered an array. Some mysterious force has me pinned down, but I'll find a way out. Don't worry."

Uchiha Ying immediately realized he might have triggered some kind of trap or array.

He tried to leave the runes at once, only to find that a mysterious force had already bound him. His body felt wrapped in invisible ropes, and he could not move an inch.

As the runes glowed brighter, ghostly figures slowly emerged from the darkness.

The ghosts took all manner of forms. Some bared their claws as though ready to tear him apart and devour him; others had hideous faces, their twisted features seeming to tell of endless pain and hatred.

They circled Uchiha Ying, letting out piercing cries that stabbed at his eardrums and stirred an inexplicable fear in his heart.

This is trouble. Uchiha Ying's heart sank, but he immediately warned himself, I can't let fear take over. There has to be a way out. He began assessing the situation, searching for a way through.

"Ying, stay calm. I know you can find a way," Amina said, offering him encouragement.

"I know. I will. Don't worry," Uchiha Ying answered. He took a deep breath to steady himself, then looked firmly at the ghosts around him.

A ghost spoke. "Face the fear in your heart until you die."

Its sinister voice seemed to rise from the depths of hell. "Face the fear in your heart until you die."