Alex glanced back at him, smirking. "Well, you're here now, and you've got the potential to be strong, too. Just depends on how much effort you're willing to put in."
In the center of the room lay a massive pentagram, etched into the dirt with blood—fresh, too fresh. Candles surrounded it, their flames flickering in the dim, earthy light. The air felt charged with something otherworldly, and Ryu couldn't shake the creeping sense of dread.
Alex stood off to the side, his hands casually in his pockets, watching Ryu closely.
"Just cast the mantra if you remember it," Alex said, his tone calm and matter-of-fact.
Ryu's eyes widened as he glanced down at the blood-soaked pentagram. His stomach twisted uneasily. "Wait... why is the blood still fresh? Did you... kill someone to use this thing?" Panic began rising in his chest, his voice growing more frantic. "Am I next? You're not going to sacrifice me, are you?"
