The grayish-white stone stele was mottled with age.
White skulls were piled at its base. Most were human, while the rest belonged to various animals.
Half-burned candles that seemed to have petrified rested on top of them.
They turned their attention back to the stele.
Its surface was likewise inscribed with text in the language of the Ancient Balam Empire.
After carefully studying it over and over, the guide from the Black Cloud tribe looked up and said, "The person who erected this stele is the one named in the inscription we found on that statue on the first level."
"Sia Palenque Eggers."
Nefi nodded. "What does it say?"
The guide examined the inscription again. "It roughly says that a sinner's soul is imprisoned on this level."
"Anyone who enters this level of the Pyramid without permission will be attacked."
"This is what it says here."
"The sinner's soul will devour everything."
Nefi raised her head and said, "Wait here for a moment."
She intended to explore alone.
Naturally, no one objected.
And so.
Nefi walked around the stele alone and entered the Pyramid's second level.
A thin mist covered the floor here, as though it had lingered for a thousand years.
As the mist churned, distorted faces occasionally formed within it.
After Nefi entered.
The torches, candles, and lanterns around the Pyramid.
Including the petrified candles on the skulls at the stele's base.
All suddenly flared with blackish-green flames.
In an instant.
The entire interior of the Pyramid was washed in inky green.
Amid the dark green firelight, the sound of chains scraping across the floor rose from the depths of the Pyramid.
Muffled sobs and wails drifted out as well, as though many people were weeping in grief.
The people at the entrance felt their scalps prickle.
The