As they ventured deeper into the basement, Niski's torch cast eerie shadows on the walls. Crinix chuckled, his voice low and husky. "Good thinking, Niski. You managed to perform that incantation they taught us at the academy."

Niski grinned, his eyes glinting with pride. "Yeah, it kind of just crossed my mind."

As they continued their search for the door, Takahishi suddenly stumbled, his feet tangling over something on the floor. A loud scream tore from his throat as he fell, something heavy and cold crashing down on his legs.

Niski spun around, his torch casting a narrow beam of light on the ground. Takahishi scrambled to his feet, his eyes wide with fear. Niski's gaze fell on a dusty old book lying on the ground, a stone altar looming behind it.

"It's just a stupid book," Niski whispered, his eyes flicking to Takahishi.

Takahishi took a tentative step forward, his eyes fixed on the book. He picked it up, his hands shaking as he wiped the dust off the cover. The book had a worn, red cover, and the dust that coated it seemed to cling to Takahishi's fingers like a bad omen.

As Takahishi examined the book, his eyes widened in horror. The front cover read "BOOK OF SOULS" in bold, black letters, and below it, a warning was scrawled in smaller text: "Do not open , they that open this book are doomed to suffer the worst fate ".

Takahishi's hands felt like ice as he stared at the book, his mind reeling with dark possibilities. Crinix peered over his shoulder, his eyes scanning the cover before meeting Takahishi's fearful gaze.

"What's with that book?" Crinix asked, his voice low and cautious.

Takahishi's voice was barely above a whisper. "I don't know what it is, but just staring at it gives me the creeps."

Niski's voice was firm, his eyes flashing with impatience. "Just put that stupid book where you found it and let's continue looking for a way out of here."

But Takahishi seemed rooted to the spot, his eyes fixed on the book as if mesmerized. Suddenly, the book began to shake in his hands, and Takahishi let out a shrill cry, his eyes wide with terror.

The book fell from his grasp, hitting the ground with a loud thud. The cover creaked open, and a bright green glow began to emanate from the pages. Niski and Crinix stared in horror as the book began to shake violently, the glow growing brighter and more intense.