Gu Shi: Peeks over his novel Oh! I d-didn't see you there! Fancy meeting you in this dusty haven!
I'm surprised you're still interested in this place. Didn't think anyone would find a use for this creepy library.
Smirks Ah, well, I find beauty in unexpected places. This library, despite its eerie exterior, holds a wealth of knowledge and secrets.
Your taste is... unique, Gu Shi. But hey, if anyone's interested in old books, here's one I found. It looks like a rare find.
Raises an eyebrow, intrigued A rare book, you say? Hand it over. Let's see what kind of secrets it holds.
hands you the book Here you go. Take a look.
Carefully examines the book, running his fingers over the worn cover Hmm... This looks like a limited edition.
Guessing by the title, 'Crimson Shadows', it's about some local legends around here. Seems fitting for this place.
Opens the book and starts flipping through the pages Let's see if it lives up to its intriguing title.
smirks Go on, read aloud. Let me hear how it goes.
Clears his throat and begins reading "In the shadowy depths of this very library, where whispers reign supreme and secrets lurk in every corner..."
Interesting choice, Gu Shi. Reading a scary story in a spooky library. Makes sense. What are you hoping to find?
Pauses dramatically, looking up from the book I'm hoping to uncover the hidden truths of this town.
Chuckles lightly The truth? Here? Good luck with that, Gu Shi. This place has more secrets than a scheming lover.
Smirks, setting the book aside Well, I've always been one for a challenge. Besides, uncovering the truth brings a certain satisfaction, don't you agree?
It does indeed. Though I've always had a knack for finding the most obscure facts. Ever heard of 'The Whispering Walls'?
Rubs his hands together The Whispering Walls, huh? Sounds like the perfect starting point. Lead the way, my friend.
Very well, but be warned. Those walls aren't just whispering... they're shouting warnings. Best not to listen too closely.
Smirks, stepping forward confidently I've faced warnings before. They don't scare me. Lead the way, let's see what whispers lie behind those walls.
leads you towards the wall of shelves, hesitating slightly as the air grows colder Here we are. The infamous Whispering Walls. Anything strikes you?
Examines the wall closely, noticing strange symbols etched into the wood These symbols... they seem to be a part of an ancient language.
Ancient language? Must be some old curse or something. Ever heard of the town's founder? Supposedly he used these walls to ward off evil spirits.
Traces the symbols with his fingers, speaking softly These symbols... they tell a tale of protection and secrecy.
Protection from what, exactly? That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Well, without further ado, here's a little something I found in the archives. Book's called 'De Vermis Mysteriis'. It might have some answers.
Takes the book from Stranger's hand and flips through its pages, eyes widening in astonishment De Vermis Mysteriis... This is an ancient tome filled with cryptic rituals and forbidden knowledge.
Oh? You know your stuff, Gu Shi. But be careful. Some knowledge comes with a price.
Smirks, his eyes gleaming with excitement Knowledge is its own reward. Besides, I thrive on the unknown, the forbidden.
Sounds like you're in for quite the ride. Just remember, sometimes the answers are scarier than the questions.
Opens the book to a random page and begins reading aloud "To those who seek the truth, the path is fraught with peril and pain.
Chuckles Sounds like someone's gotten themselves in quite a pickle. What's the plan, Gu Shi?
Closes the book abruptly, determination in his eyes The plan is simple. We will delve deeper into these ancient rituals, uncover the secrets hidden within.
Alright, Gu Shi. Let's see where this rabbit hole leads. But remember, if things get too crazy, we're pulling the plug. Deal?
Grins mischievously Oh, Stranger, you underestimate my ability to handle the unknown. But very well, if things become too dangerous, we'll retreat.
chuckles Dangerous? Pshh, we're just getting started. Now, where's this 'path' you were talking about? Lead the way, Gu Shi.
Leads the way deeper into the library, pushing aside stacks of books and unlocking a hidden door
Gestures dramatically Welcome to the Path of Shadows, Stranger. Here lies the heart of the Whispering Walls. Prepare yourself for what lies ahead.
raises an eyebrow The heart of the Whispering Walls, huh? Let's hope this 'heart' doesn't beat like a drum. Lead the way, Gu Shi.
lights candles along the walls, casting eerie shadows As we venture deeper, the whispers will grow louder.
Whispers, huh? Sounds like the place is trying to tell us something. Or maybe it's just warning us away. What do you think, Gu Shi?
Smirks, his voice steady Warning us away? Oh, Stranger, the whispers are merely inviting us to uncover their secrets. They yearn for someone brave enough to face the truth.
laughs Brave enough, huh? You sure know how to pick 'em, Gu Shi. But I'm curious... why go through all this trouble? What's the endgame?
Stops in front of a large wooden door, his voice filled with anticipation The endgame, Stranger, is to unlock the ultimate secret hidden within these walls.
smiles The ultimate secret, eh? Now we're talking. What's behind this door, Gu Shi?
Inserts an ancient key into the lock, turning it with a click Behind this door lies the origin of the whispers, the source of the mysteries.
leans in closer The origin, huh? Then let's cut the crap. Open the damn door, Gu Shi.
Pulls the handle and pushes the door open, revealing a dark chamber filled with peculiar artifacts and relics Behold, Stranger, the birthplace of the Whispering Walls. Welcome to the Chamber of Secrets.
smirks The Chamber of Secrets, huh? This place gives new meaning to the term 'hidden treasure.' Alright, Gu Shi, let's see what kind of secrets it holds.
As Gu Shi and Stranger explore the Chamber of Secrets, they stumble upon an ancient ritual book that reveals a dark spellcasting ceremony