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Chapter 10: The One Behind the Map...
(The silver light from the map still spreads across the ground. Xiao Feng and Gu Lang move forward cautiously.)
š Gu Lang (sleepy but serious):
ā This isn't a game anymoreā¦ something big just woke up.
š Xiao Feng (thinking):
"I need to know who's behind this map... and why me? Why now?"
(Suddenly, a strange voice echoes from within the map. The sound grows louder with each beat of Xiao Feng's heart.)
š Muffled, deep voice from the map:
ā Comeā¦ if you want the truth, walkā¦ into the shadowsā¦
š Gu Lang:
ā I told you a creepy voice would show up. Let's goāmaybe there's food.
(Xiao Feng smirks. From the glowing map, stone steps emerge, leading downward.)
š Xiao Feng:
"If there's a cooking pot at the end, I'll know what to do."
(They descend into the underground path. The air is damp and thick, filled with the scent of burnt spices.)
(Suddenly, a glowing wall of light appears. The map in Xiao Feng's hands shakes and unfolds itself.)
š Map (with a clearer voice):
ā Xiao Fengā¦ you've finally arrived.
š Xiao Feng:
ā Who are you? How do you know my name?!
(Behind the wall of light, a tall shadow wearing a long cloak slowly steps forward. His face remains hidden.)
š Mysterious Man:
ā I'm the one who started this gameā¦ and maybe the only one who can end it.
š Xiao Feng (frowning):
"End it? I haven't even really started."
š Mysterious Man:
ā All your questions will be answeredā¦ but under one condition.
š Gu Lang (mumbling):
ā A condition? Don't tell me we have to drink soup againā¦
š Xiao Feng (cold smirk):
ā Name your condition. But if it's food-relatedā¦ you're talking to the master.
(The light vanishes. The only thing left is the sound of tickingā
a clock ticking from nowhere.)
š End of Chapter 10
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