The trio finally reached the outer wall of the necromancer estate — a twisted structure of bone-colored stone and dark ivy, pulsating faintly with necrotic energy. The front gate loomed open, but a thick fog covered the entrance.
Noah raised a hand to stop the others.
"Alright. From here on, we stay sharp."
Cordelia leaned on one hip. "What's the plan once we're inside?"
"We move together at first," Noah replied, eyes scanning the estate. "But once we reach the inner courtyard, we split. That's when we'll need a distraction."
Lys blinked. "Distraction? Wait… me?"
A heavy rumble shook the ground as a skeletal claw erupted from the earth nearby. Then another. The fog began to swirl violently, revealing a towering, cloaked figure — bones wrapped in tattered royal robes, a crown fused to its skull.
"A Lich," Noah said calmly. "Guess they put the welcoming committee out early."
Cordelia grinned. "Well, that's your cue, Lys."
"W-Wait, you're leaving me alone with that thing!?"
