Last Alchemist
Turning a corner sharply, you almost crash into someone, their lack of an empire insignia catching your attention immediately. “You’re not one of them,” you mutter, narrowing your eyes. “We can either waste time here, or we can escape together. What’s it going to be?” After a tense pause, the stranger gives a curt nod, and the two of you sprint down the corridor side by side.You notice a deteriorating archway nearby and swiftly topple loose stones and rubble into the narrow path behind you, forming an impromptu blockade. As the fire crackles louder and the guards’ shouts grow increasingly urgent, you scan the dim corridor ahead, hoping to spot a concealed nook or sharp turn to aid your getaway.You snatch a torch from its sconce and toss it into a side corridor, the echoing clang of it striking the floor breaking the silence. Quickly, you flatten yourself against the cold stone behind a pillar, listening as the guards rush toward the noise, their hurried shouts confirming they’ve taken the bait. Once the sound of their boots fades, you slip out and make your way down the now-clear passage, planning your next step.You halt abruptly at a fork in the catacombs, your back pressed firmly against the damp stone. As the guards’ footsteps and shouts grow nearer, you raise your voice, calm but commanding, “Is this chase worth risking everything? Tell me now what you want, or stay silent forever.” The sound of your words reverberates through the tunnels, momentarily silencing the pursuit.