9. Madman

**

As the people of Quaalid retraced their steps, the bright yellow light of their torches once again illuminated the dark corridor they had passed through.

Their footsteps echoed through the underground passage as they crossed the stone floor, while the faint groans of the injured grated on their nerves.

The situation was tense enough to push them to their limits, and despite the head maid's scolding, some of the maids couldn't stop sniffling. Enya walked alongside Ramona, who was among them, gently patting her shoulder.

Since they had been attacked in the middle of the long corridor, the guards and Tarmin moved in a formation that seemed to protect the entire procession. Their pace was frustratingly slow, but there was no helping it.

How long had they been walking like that?

Enya's guess proved to be right.

As they drew closer, the smell of blood grew stronger, and at last the torchlight illuminated the scene of carnage. Someone made a retching sound, unable to bear it.

“Ugh!”

The torchlight revealed the horrifying traces of a battle...