Chapter 623: Inner Unease

"If you run into any danger, come out right away, and we'll think of another way." His eyes flickered with trust and encouragement; though his heart was full of worry, he always believed in Xiang Lian's abilities.

Hashida pushed up his glasses and said nervously, "Yeah, Xiang Lian, this castle doesn't look simple at all—you've got to be extra careful. If you need anything from us, just call us anytime." His voice trembled slightly, and fine beads of sweat seeped from his forehead, betraying his inner unease.

Makise Kurisu crossed her arms over her chest and said, frowning, "This evil organization's plot is definitely not simple. Once you're inside, find the clues as fast as you can. We'll be out here ready to back you up at any moment." Her eyes revealed calm and wisdom; though her expression was stern, her concern for Xiang Lian was plain to see.

Amane Suzuha stood to one side and said firmly, "Xiang Lian, I believe you can handle any danger. If you run into a situation you can't solve, I'll rush in to help you immediately." Her voice was steady and strong, full of trust and support for Xiang Lian.

Shiina Mayuri, her face full of worry, tugged at the hem of Xiang Lian's clothes and said, "Xiang Lian, you have to come back safe, okay? Mayuri is still waiting to eat something delicious with you." Her eyes glistened with tears, her innocent face full of worry.

Okarin scratched his head sheepishly and said, "Xiang Lian, go on without worry—we'll be right here keeping watch. If those bad guys dare come out, we won't let them off easy." His face wore a resolute expression; though he usually seemed careless, at the critical moment he was utterly dependable.

Xiang Lian drew a deep breath, nodded, and said, "Thank you, everyone. I'll be careful." With that, he turned and walked toward the mysterious underground castle.

The castle's great doors were tightly shut, covered in eerie symbols, as if telling an ancient and evil story. Xiang Lian pushed the great doors open gently, and a wave of rotting breath rushed toward him, making him frown.

Inside the castle it was dark and damp; a few flickering oil lamps hung on the walls, their feeble light barely illuminating the road ahead. The ground was covered in moss—one careless step and you would slip. A deathly aura filled the air on all sides, making one's hair stand on end.

Xiang Lian pressed forward carefully, each step taken with extreme caution. Suddenly, a heavy tread of footsteps came, and he immediately stopped, watching his surroundings warily. Several tall guards slowly emerged from the darkness; they wore terrifying masks on their faces and held sharp weapons in their hands, radiating an overwhelming pressure.

"Hmph—someone actually dares to break in here? You're all going to die!" the leading guard said coldly, his voice brimming with killing intent.

Xiang Lian's heart tightened—he knew he was in trouble. These guards were powerful and worked in perfect coordination; defeating them easily was no easy feat. He quickly opened the Golden Finger System and began analyzing the guards' attack patterns.

The guards gave him no time—one of them swung a great blade and charged at Xiang Lian first. Xiang Lian dodged swiftly to the side; the great blade grazed past the hem of his clothes, bringing a gust of cold wind with it.

"So fast!" Xiang Lian marveled inwardly. He did not dare slacken in the slightest, continuing to dodge the other guards' attacks. While dodging, he noticed that though the guards' attacks were fierce, there were some subtle openings in them.