Nina kept her gaze steady on Julie.
"So? What's the plan?"
Julie looked conflicted, her fingers fiddling with the edge of her sleeve.
"We don't have a choice. We have to enter the dungeon."
She admitted quietly.
Nina frowned. "Didn't you say it was sealed?"
"It is. But we found out why. It won't open unless someone under its influence is nearby. That's the key."
Julie replied.
"And those affected are all civilianS."
Nina guessed.
Julie nodded.
"Exactly. Hunters can't step in—not without dragging innocent people into danger. We can't use force, we can't push them. The only way to get in is by willingly walking with someone already affected."
"So your options are… none?"
Julie sighed, frustration etched across her face.
"The only ones we've found so far are ordinary people. No combat experience, no protection, no resistance. If we take them in, we'd be sending them to die."
Nina didn't speak immediately. Her Patron's voice rang in her head before she could.
