Hanzazeelem strolled along a winding staircase, his footsteps echoing in the silent corridor. The faint, blinkering light barely illuminated the path ahead, casting long, flickering shadows. Yet, the examiner showed no fear as he traversed the darkness, his steps confident and unwavering.
He paused, and the guarding beacon vanished, plunging the staircase into deeper obscurity. A voice, cryptic yet clear, resonated from the void. “You’re here. How did it go?”
Hanzazeelem dropped to one knee, bowing his head. “Everything went according to your predictions, sir,” he replied, a hint of hesitation in his voice. “Sir, is it right for us to allow them to proceed?”
“They have broken no rules,” the administrator responded firmly. “It is not explicitly stated, but the Order of Light has the right to punish anyone who violates the laws of the Dark Forest.”
“But sir, it’s obvious he’s manipulating events from behind the scenes,” Hanzazeelem protested, lifting his gaze. “Godfall Island isn’t a place…” A gentle wind rustled, compelling Hanzazeelem to lower his head again.
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“It’s within the rules,” the administrator reaffirmed.
“I understand, sir,” Hanzazeelem said, his voice tinged with resignation. He hesitated before asking, “Sir, is it wise to let him live? Would his existence not threaten the continuation of the tower?”
“Do you fear an invasion from beings of a higher dimension?” the administrator retorted.
Hanzazeelem paused, then admitted, “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t anxious about an impending war. But I harbor no fear. I only worry that it will bring destruction to this dimension and everything within it.”
“You’re concerned the tower would cease to exist?” the administrator queried.
“Yes, I am, sir,” Hanzazeelem replied without hesitation.
“You may leave, Hanzazeelem. Good work,” the administrator said.
Hanzazeelem stood, bowing once more before turning to leave. “While the tower might currently exist in a lower dimension, it would be unwise to assume it originates from here. Inform Darit of his daughter’s whereabouts.”
“What if he attempts to rescue her?” Hanzazeelem asked.
“I will annihilate the lightning dragons,” the administrator declared.
Under the guidance of the flickering light, Hanzazeelem retraced his steps, fading into the darkness once more.