Suddenly, a commanding and resonant voice echoed through the cave, startling James, who was surveying his surroundings. He immediately raised his guard, searching for the voice’s owner.

“Since you’ve already achieved the first half, why not tackle the later half?” asked the voice.

Confronted with the query, James frowned. He refrained from answering and changed the topic. “Are you Emperor Yarden?”

“I’m the one asking questions,” the assertive voice responded.

James asked calmly, “Does the Da