The eerie silence of the stronghold was unsettling. Akira, Rafael, and the rest of the group moved cautiously through the dark, labyrinthine corridors, their senses heightened, expecting an attack at any moment. The stronghold was massive, with countless hallways and rooms, yet it felt completely deserted.
"This doesn't feel right," Akira muttered, his hand tightening around the hilt of his dagger. "Where is everyone?"
Rafael, leading the group, glanced back at Akira. "Stay alert. This could be a trap."
They pressed on, their footsteps echoing ominously through the empty halls. The further they went, the more oppressive the atmosphere became. Finally, they reached a large chamber at the heart of the stronghold. In the center of the room sat a lone figure, shrouded in darkness.
The figure looked up as they entered, revealing a pair of glowing, mechanical eyes. "Welcome," he said, his voice a low, mechanical hum. "I've been expecting you."
