Mythology Sealed Away

Dark clouds shrouded the city, blotting out the sun. It was only noon, yet the city felt gloomy and lifeless, filled with nothing but deathly silence. And now, its first guests before sundown had arrived.

Twelve men and women of various ages stood behind the barrier at the highway toll booth, all gazing toward the heart of the city. The man at the head removed his glasses, his expression grave.

"So this is... the new escape map?"

This novel and its characters are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to actual people or events is purely coincidental. Do not imitate.