The grand obsidian gates of the Obsidian Spirit Hall trembled as a shadow fell across them. From the depths of the Hollow streets, a colossal black palanquin floated forth, borne aloft by twelve abyssal beasts with bone-armored hides and eyes burning with ghostly flame.
Above, banners of ivory and dusk fluttered, each etched with the bone sigil of the Abyssal Bone Marquis!
Gasps and fearful whispers rippled through the crowd outside the Hall.
"The Abyssal Bone Marquis himself has come!"
"Why would he descend here personally… Could it be… for the Ancient Abyssal Permit?!"
"No… no, this is too sudden. But if it is for the Permit, then who else but him would dare snatch it away? However, did the Marquis know the entire truth?!"
The palanquin came to a stop before the gates, and with a groan of tortured iron, the doors swung wide.
