Corrupted Priest

Battle.

We moved forward slowly and cautiously in silence.

Passing a strange, unidentifiable statue, we entered a white building, greeted by a stark white hallway. But the hallway was shrouded in darkness. Just as Carmen lit a torch she had prepared in advance and took a step forward, a blue light suddenly illuminated the corridor, as if mocking her efforts.

Carmen turned to us with an awkward smile.

"Since I've already lit it, might as well carry it in. Who knows when these lights might suddenly go out, just like how they suddenly came on."

I held my hand out to Carmen.

"Then I'll carry the torch—my hands are free anyway. All my weapons can be used one-handed."

Since Carmen's bow required both hands to wield, it made more sense for me to take the torch. She nodded lightly in thanks and handed it to me.

Beyond the shimmering blue-lit corridor, a massive door awaited us. In the center of the door, complex characters were inscribed. Though adorned with many phrases and modifiers, the message was simple at its core:

—Prove the royal blood that flows through your veins.

So this was a ruin where ancient royal blood granted free passage.