The interior of the tower was oppressive. An icy chill clung to the ancient stone walls, etched with arcane symbols that seemed to writhe and whisper in the gloom. An absolute silence reigned in the corridors, broken only by the echo of Ren's cautious footsteps and the frantic beating of his own heart. Every shadow that stretched from the torches on the walls seemed to come alive, threatening to trap him in the darkness. The dense, heavy air, thick with the scent of incense, pressed down on his chest, making it difficult to breathe.
As he ascended the spiral staircase, the feeling of unease intensified, as if the tower itself resisted his presence. Shadows danced on the walls, taking monstrous shapes that dissipated as he approached, playing with his mind and feeding his fears. Ren felt vulnerable, exposed, as if each step brought him closer to a deadly trap. But the image of Aiko, captive and helpless, spurred him forward, ignoring the cold sweat that ran down his back and the tremor in his hands.After what seemed like an eternity, he reached a dark wooden door, imposing and adorned with engravings of demonic creatures that seemed to watch him with accusing eyes. The aroma of incense was almost unbearable here, emanating strongly from the crack under the door, like a harbinger of what lay on the other side. He held his breath, swallowing the knot of anguish that had formed in his throat, and slowly pushed the door open.The room was circular, with a vaulted ceiling that was lost in the shadows, creating the illusion of an infinite space. In the center, a single candle flickered, its weak flame struggling against the darkness, casting elongated shadows that danced on the walls like specters. A chill ran down Ren's spine. The room was empty.Puzzled, Ren carefully examined the room. There was no sign of Aiko. However, something caught his attention: a small stone altar in a corner, on which rested a ceramic bowl with the remains of incense ash. Next to the bowl, an object gleamed faintly in the candlelight: a jade hairpin, identical to the one Aiko used to wear in her hair.Ren recognized it instantly. It was the same hairpin he had given her for her last birthday. He took it in his fingers, feeling the coldness of the jade against his skin. Aiko had been there, no doubt. But where was she now?The hope he had felt upon finding the hairpin quickly faded, replaced by a growing anxiety. Was he too late? Had they taken her somewhere else? Or...?A noise from outside the room interrupted his thoughts. Hurried footsteps were approaching down the hall. Ren hid the hairpin and prepared for whatever was coming. Someone else was in the tower. And from the sound of the footsteps, they were not alone.The door burst open and a group of hooded warriors stormed into the room, their swords drawn and their eyes glinting with a menacing light. Ren found himself surrounded, with no escape."It seems we have an intruder," one of the warriors said in a gruff voice. "Finish him."Ren knew he was in a desperate situation. But he would not give up without a fight. Not while Aiko's life was at stake. With a war cry, he launched himself into the attack, his katana slicing through the air with lethal precision.The battle had begun.