BOOM! The tunnel shook with a violent blast, knocking the air out of Adriel. He bowed his head lower, shielding it with both hands.
A wave of dirt, splinters, and an alarming amount of rotten wood flew over him in an icy breeze.
The last pieces of the door landed behind him with a heavy thunk, thunk, thunk.
When he was sure the only sound he heard was the ringing in his ears, he looked up at the evil spirit, wide-eyed. There were no nice words on his mind.
"You can pass now," Hale informed him casually, dusting off his hands after a good explosion of dark energies.
"None of this..." Adriel shoved himself forward with a grunt, practically diving out of the tunnel, "...is safe."
The second his palms hit solid ground, he heaved himself up and stood. Finally.
"God, I never want to do that again." He stretched his back, rolling his shoulders and dusting off his hands. His gloves were coated in grime, probably beyond saving.
