As Kosu stepped into the garden, he was greeted by a surreal landscape that seemed to blend beauty with an unsettling aura. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silvery light over the scene, illuminating the vibrant hues of the flowers that thrived despite the manor's dark history.

The garden was an intricate maze of winding paths, bordered by meticulously trimmed hedges and ancient stone walls that whispered tales of the past. Delicate blossoms in shades of crimson, violet, and gold danced in the gentle breeze, their sweet fragrance mingling with the cool night air. Yet, beneath the allure, there was a palpable tension, as if the very earth held its breath.

In the center of the garden stood a grand fountain, its once-pristine marble now weathered and cracked, with water trickling down in a soft murmur. The sound was soothing, yet it felt almost tainted, echoing the eerie screams that had haunted Kosu moments before. The water shimmered under the moonlight, reflecting the stars like a thousand tiny diamonds scattered across the surface.

As Kosu moved deeper into the garden, he noticed patches of shadow that seemed to pulse with an unnatural energy. Some corners remained untouched by the moonlight, cloaked in darkness that felt alive, as if lurking creatures were waiting just beyond sight. The air grew thick with anticipation, and Kosu could sense the garden's dual nature—both a sanctuary of beauty and a realm of lurking danger.

Old trees, their gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal fingers, stood sentinel around the periphery, their trunks thick with age and wisdom. Each rustle of leaves carried an undertone of secrets, hinting at the history entwined with the Valet family and their mysterious disappearance.

At the far end of the garden, Kosu spotted a dilapidated gazebo, its once-elegant structure now overrun with creeping vines and wildflowers. It seemed to beckon him closer, a remnant of the garden's former glory. As he approached, the air grew colder, and a shiver ran down his spine—a reminder that the garden, like the manor, was not just a place of beauty but also a keeper of dark secrets.

Despite the enchanting scenery, Kosu remained on high alert, aware that the garden's charm was laced with peril. Each step echoed in the stillness, and he knew he had to tread carefully as he sought a way out, unraveling the mysteries that lay hidden within the shadows.

The garden sprawled before Kosu like a tangled web, a vast maze of overgrown flora and winding paths that twisted and turned unpredictably. It was clear that the Duke had designed this place with both beauty and defense in mind, creating a labyrinth intended to confuse any intruders. The lack of maintenance only added to the chaos, with dense thickets and brambles obscuring the way.

As Kosu pressed on, determination fueling his steps, he soon realized he was lost. Each turn seemed to lead him deeper into the garden's heart, away from any semblance of an exit. In frustration, he attempted to chant a spell to force his way out, but the air crackled with resistance. It was as if Duke Valet had set up intricate magical mechanisms to thwart any attempts to escape. Each incantation he tried fizzled into nothingness, swallowed by the garden's oppressive aura.

With no other options, Kosu reluctantly decided to retrace his steps. However, navigating back proved to be an arduous task. The garden seemed to shift around him, paths leading him in circles and shadows deepening as he wandered. Eventually, after what felt like hours, he found himself back at the gazebo.

The structure stood there, worn but still majestic, its vines weaving a tapestry of nature reclaiming what was once a place of elegance. Kosu approached it, feeling a sense of familiarity wash over him. Perhaps this could offer some respite. He stepped inside, the wooden floor creaking beneath his weight, and sat down to catch his breath.

As he rested, he examined the gazebo more closely. Intrigued by its craftsmanship, he noticed intricate carvings along the railing that depicted scenes of celestial beings and mythical creatures. Each detail seemed to tell a story, but one carving caught his eye—a depiction of a key hidden among the stars.

Kosu's curiosity piqued. He ran his fingers along the railing, feeling for any irregularities. His hand brushed against a small, concealed latch. With a gentle tug, he activated it, and to his surprise, the floor beneath him shifted slightly. A low rumble echoed as a section of the wooden platform slid aside, revealing a narrow staircase descending into darkness.

Heart racing with both excitement and trepidation, Kosu stood up and peered down the staircase. The air that wafted up from below was cool and musty, hinting at secrets long forgotten. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for whatever lay beneath the gazebo.

With the flicker of determination igniting within him, he descended the stairs, gripping his katana tightly. Each step echoed softly as he ventured into the hidden underground chamber, ready to uncover the mysteries that had been concealed for far too long.

As Kosu descended the narrow staircase, the air grew cooler and thicker, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and decay. The dim light from his katana illuminated the chamber's entrance, revealing a vast underground space that stretched farther than he could see.

The chamber was surprisingly expansive, with high ceilings supported by ancient stone pillars that were intricately carved with symbols and runes, their meanings long lost to time. Shadows danced across the walls, creating an eerie ambiance that sent a shiver down his spine. The flickering light revealed glimpses of faded murals, depicting scenes of rituals and gatherings—echoes of the Valet family's history.

The floor was uneven, covered in a thick layer of dust and scattered debris, remnants of forgotten times. In the center of the chamber stood a large circular altar, crafted from dark stone and adorned with more of the same mysterious runes that decorated the pillars. It bore the marks of age and use, with grooves and scratches that hinted at its significance. Surrounding the altar were several stone benches, arranged in a semicircle, as if intended for an audience of both the living and the spectral.

Kosu cautiously approached the altar, drawn to its presence. As he studied it, he noticed a shallow basin carved into its surface, now dry and empty. The air felt charged with energy, and he could sense that this place was once a site of power—a location where rituals had been performed, perhaps even the dark rites hinted at in the letters he had discovered earlier.

Along the walls, hidden niches contained remnants of old offerings—faded flowers, broken trinkets, and what appeared to be charred remnants of candles. The atmosphere was thick with a sense of foreboding, as if the chamber itself held onto the memories of the past, both sacred and sinister.

In one corner, Kosu spotted a set of old, rusted chains anchored to the wall, their purpose unclear but unsettling. They seemed to whisper of darker rituals, binding something or someone to this place.

As he took in the chamber's details, Kosu could feel the weight of history pressing down upon him. The whispers of the past echoed in his mind, urging him to uncover the truth behind the Valet family and the secrets that had led to their downfall.

With a determined heart, he stepped closer to the altar, ready to delve deeper into the mysteries of the underground chamber, for he sensed that answers awaited him just beyond the shadows.

Kosu approached the rusted chains anchored to the wall, a sense of unease creeping over him. The chains were thick and heavy, their surface covered in a rough layer of rust that spoke of years—perhaps decades—of neglect. They clinked softly as he drew near, the sound echoing in the stillness of the chamber.

He examined the chains closely, noting how they were secured to a heavy iron ring embedded in the stone wall. The ring was worn but sturdy, suggesting that whatever had been bound here was once a significant force or a prisoner of great importance. Kosu couldn't help but wonder who or what had been shackled to this spot.

As he traced the chains with his fingers, he felt an unsettling energy pulsing through them, a remnant of whatever dark rituals had taken place in this chamber. The air around him grew colder, and he could almost hear faint echoes of whispers, as if the chains were holding onto the remnants of a tortured past.

Kosu knelt down to inspect the ground around the chains. Bits of stone and dust were scattered, but he noticed something peculiar: faint markings etched into the floor, almost obscured by debris. They resembled the same runes that decorated the pillars and the altar, hinting at a connection between the chains and the rituals performed here.

Curiosity piqued, he focused his mana, attempting to sense any lingering magical energy. As he did, a surge of warmth coursed through him, and the chains seemed to resonate, vibrating subtly in response. It was a clear indication that these chains were more than mere metal; they were enchanted.

Kosu stood up, contemplating the implications. The chains could have been used to bind a powerful entity or perhaps a member of the Valet family who had dabbled in dark magic. Either way, the presence of the chains suggested a history steeped in pain and sacrifice.

Feeling a mix of determination and caution, he reached for the chains, testing their strength. With a firm grip, he tugged on them, but they held fast, the rusted links refusing to yield. There was a sense of finality in their resistance, as if they were meant to remain undisturbed, guarding secrets best left hidden.

Kosu took a step back, contemplating his next move. The chains were a key piece of the puzzle, and he knew he needed to uncover their true story. With newfound resolve, he turned back to the altar, ready to delve deeper into the chamber's mysteries and see if further investigation could reveal the truth behind the rusted chains and the dark history of the Valet family.