A portal stood at the end of the cave. It was a black whirlpool emitting an unpleasant stench of blood.
In front of them, an old man with long, dull white hair that covered his eyes sat on a stone chair. He leaned on a wooden cane, which supported his wrinkled hands.
"It's been twenty years since a Valerian last came here, let alone with a mage. Have you come to strengthen the seal?" The old man tapped his cane against the ground. "The seal can still hold for another two years. You've come too early."
Selene recalled that the seal blocking the insect clan from using the portal needed reinforcement whenever the barrier weakened. "Good morning, Senior. We've come here to look for golden caterpillar thread."
The old guard shook his head. "The last party that came searching for that item was three of them, and none returned. And now, only two of you. Are you not afraid of death?"
"We will return. I will make sure of it."
