Leo soared through the sky on the back of a Volucrys, his heart racing with adrenaline. The wind whistled through his hair as Damon skillfully guided their majestic bird through the clouds. The Volucrys proved to be their savior after being able to subjugate it, its wings cutting through the air with precision and grace.
A few yards to his right, Steve, Arashi, and Hatta mounted another Volucrys, their expressions determined as they approached the magnificent palace of Jäävarasto. However, their path was far from unobstructed. Dozens of hostile Volucryses pursued them, diving and swooping, their eyes fixed on devouring Leo and his companions. Damon's expert flying allowed them to dodge the snapping beaks and razor-sharp talons, but Steve and the others faced a more challenging experience.
"Watch out!" Leo's voice rang out.
As if that wasn't enough, a relentless Jeibaa joined the chase, its fiery breath scorching the sky. Leo could feel the intense heat of the fireballs as they zipped perilously close, missing their mark.
Finally, the group reached the grand entrance of the court, and Leo's heart thumped with excitement and fear. He rushed up the stairs, his breaths coming fast, and reached the looming entry doors. Once inside, he started to push the right door.
With one last push, the group managed to close the heavy tall doors just as the Jeibaa crashed into them. The powerful impact shook the ground beneath his feet, and Leo felt the aftershocks through his body. It was a stark reminder of the peril they had narrowly avoided.
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The now-silent flying reptile made no further noise. Leo surmised its fate. "It's likely dead after crushing its head against the doors," Damon remarked. "These doors are like heavy armor, not even a scratch."
Once inside, the hall revealed itself to be a place of eerie beauty and decay. Discolored and moldy paintings adorned the walls, their once-vibrant colors faded by the relentless march of time and nature. Leo couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness as he gazed upon the faded artworks, now mere shadows of their former glory. Even the sculptures of angels and famous characters were marred by encroaching plant roots piercing the floor.
The room was bathed in a soft, ethereal glow, thanks to the transparent glass chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The flickering light cast intricate patterns on the decaying walls, adding an air of mystery and intrigue to the surreal atmosphere.
The group of five split up, each on their own mission. Steve and Hatta headed upstairs to search for Alice, and Leo watched them disappear behind the first door on the second floor.
Arashi followed suit, vanishing down another hallway upstairs. Leo couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as his friends disappeared into the unknown.
Leo and Damon exchanged a silent look before venturing forward, their footsteps echoing through the vast hallway on the first floor. Leo's eyes scanned every nook and cranny, searching for any sign of Anna. The room seemed to stretch out endlessly before them, with two more corridors awaiting exploration.
With a deep breath, Leo and Damon decided to separate.