The abandoned department store's windows were coated in dust half a finger thick. The midday sunlight slanted through, cutting patches of light and shadow across the dust-covered floor.
The rusted escalators stood frozen between floors, and metal counters lay strewn across the first-floor atrium.
At Luo Wen Tianmo's feet, several freshly exorcised grunts were dissolving into black smoke.
He closed his eyes and sensed the fluctuations of Cursed Energy drawing closer. The presence was not weak.
"Go wait in the clothing section on the second floor. Stay away from the railing."
He turned toward his younger brother beside him and gently brushed his knuckles over Luo Wen Tianyou's head.
The boy wore an ivory dress trimmed with lace, a rhinestone hair clip pinned near the ends of his hair. At those words, he caught his brother's sleeve and gave it a shake, answering softly, "Okay," before heading toward the stairs with small steps.
Luo Wen Tianmo turned back and took his place in the center of the atrium, his back perfectly straight, the hem of his black clothes trailing over the dusty floor.
He was acknowledged as the strongest Player within this barrier. His Cursed Technique, Skillful Seizure, had never failed him, and he had yet to suffer defeat.
Before long, footsteps sounded at the entrance, and two people walked in side by side.
The young man in front held an unlit cigarette between his lips. His black jacket hung open, its collar slouching loosely over his shoulders, and his steps were leisurely.
The person beside him held his arm, long hair falling to his shoulders, its ends brushing the young man's elbow. His features were delicate, a faint smile resting on his lips as he casually brushed dust off his companion's shoulder.
They were Kinji Hakari and Kirara Hoshi.