Rushing to the Finish Line! (3)

"Who's there?!"

I roared in surprise, looking around. However, the clapping seemed to be coming from all directions and not from any specific one.

"Well, don't be so wary, little challenger."

A voice echoed along with the still-continuing claps.

"It's been a while since I had a visitor. Let me relish this scene for a bit longer."

"..."

The clapping only ended about a minute later, but the voice didn't return. Fang and I were already standing back to back, with her tentacles and my sword at the ready.

*Ting!*

The sound of a glass object falling to the ground echoed as a small orb could be seen rolling towards our feet. I turned toward it, traced back the spot where it came from, and... When I realized it, I was already out of that place, panting hard while gripping an orb tightly in my hand.

"Sh*t... F*cking hell! What in the rotting heavens was that?!"