The Midnight Pawnshop transformed overnight into a maze of preparation. Mr. Shen had turned the backroom—once filled with curious and forgotten antiques into a training ground of sorts. Strange symbols were etched into the walls, and faint, unearthly lights glimmered from talismans hung at strategic points.
Wei, Mei, and Lin stood at the center, their expressions a mix of curiosity and unease.
"To face the Heart of the Abyss, you must first understand its nature," Mr. Shen began, his voice steady. "The Heart is not just an entity; it is a convergence of chaos, feeding on fear, doubt, and regret. To fight it, you'll need more than brute strength. You must master control—over yourselves and the mirror."
He gestured to the soul mirror, now resting on a pedestal surrounded by flickering candles. Its surface shimmered faintly, reflecting not their faces but something darker and more intricate.
