Several disappearances and unexplained events have been registered shorty after the commercialization of an ancient statue linked to some legends from a mysterious place called "Reich der Finsternis" in eastern Germany, there is no know route leadin...
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Henoth am Hausmännin
What had started as another terrifying adventure within the confines of Reich der Finsternis had turned into a desperate escape for both the villagers and the agents. A dense, gray mist enveloped the heart of the forest, casting an oppressive and gloomy atmosphere. The sun's brightness was completely hidden behind the thick clouds that blanketed the sky. Feeling its warmth had become one of the agents' deepest yearnings, as the darkness of this place seemed to swallow every bit of hope.
Following Lukas, Liz, Nick, and Anika made their way through the basement of his house and into the foreboding woods. The chirping of birds and the harsh caws of crows already signaled the arrival of dawn. They trudged for almost a kilometer among the towering firs and straight oaks, breathing in the oppressive air filled with the scent of conifers. As they reached a wooden bridge, the sound of a river cascading down a waterfall offered a brief sense of relief. Icy droplets splashed on their faces, providing a refreshing sensation. Liz slipped on the moss-covered rocks, but swiftly steadied herself before Lukas reached out his hand to help.
"This is as far as I can go with you," Lukas said with a sigh, slinging his rifle over his shoulder.
The villager, who had rarely ventured into the upper part of Henoth am Hausmännin, was willing to guide the agents, placing his hopes on them, but he couldn't bring himself to enter the village. He gave them a faint, crooked smile before continuing.
"I need to head back now. If they don't find me there, I can't even begin to imagine what they'll do to my family," he added, pressing his lips together. "One of my friends, Florian—" Liz's eyes widened slightly at the mention of the name, "—left the village when he shouldn't have." She lowered her head, biting her lip. "Everyone in town believes he went into Anneliese's catacombs. The rippers dragged back what was left of him."
Liz couldn't help but feel sorrow for the young man. She had only been within the nightmarish confines of the dark realm for little more than two days, and she couldn't bear to imagine what it was like for those living in such a horrifying place, witnessing the horrors of human cruelty every single day.
"We appreciate your help," Liz said, offering a barely perceptible smile.
For the first time, she felt a sense of relief as the mist from the waterfall cooled her flushed cheeks and dampened her brown hair. The young man gave a slight bow, as if silently saying, "You're welcome."
"Keep heading north in a straight line, and you'll reach the village soon," Lukas instructed, already bidding them farewell. "Don't worry about us. Things like what happened just now are a daily occurrence in our village. Even though they're terrifying, we've learned to cope."
Liz nodded, noticing the resignation in his voice. She knew that saying anything more would only prolong an uncomfortable goodbye. Letting him go, she silently hoped things would be alright for him and his family.
