There was a short wall encircling the small building, where the white wall plaster had somewhat peeled away, revealing uneven patches of black. There was plenty of withered grass at the corners of the wall, underneath which was grey, hardened, frosty soil.
Crunch.
Black boots crushed the clumps of soil beneath them.
Casio stood in front of a pale wooden door.
He reached out and knocked softly.
"Tap, tap, tap..."
"Who's there?"
A familiar voice from inside, it was Black Blade.
"From the 'Black Mansion Archery Club', sir,"
These were the code words used among the crossbow users, Casio said.
"Come in."
From the inside, a series of approaching footsteps were heard.
In no time, the wooden door creaked open.
The familiar face of Black Blade appeared before Casio.
When he first opened the door, he took a pause, then his gaze travelled up from Casio's chest to his face.
"Who... Who are you?!"
