For now, Sol closed the system prompt. They didn't have time to waste figuring out what happened to Torben's status page.
"Forget it, we can figure that out later. I'll head back to warn the others and give them the tools you gave me. I might have to fight the monster if we encounter it. What are you going to do?"
Torben thought for a moment. "I still think it's suicide to try and take it head on, but we can't let it eat all those people you brought. Do your best to avoid it if possible. Even though it's weakened, its law is advantageous against the living. Bring them to the castle. We can use the main hall as a choke point if it tries to come in with the puppet army. While you do that, I'll go and try to get that damn dragon's attention."
"Orna? Yes! That's right!"
He nodded. "It would only take a second for him to kill the monster, but from down here, there's only one way to get his attention. It'll take some time to prepare, so you'd best hurry and keep it from killing your people."
Sol nodded and ran out of the workshop at full speed. While running, he also cast wind spells to enhance his speed even further. He left the castle in a blur, leaving turbulent air in his wake.
As he sprinted through the castle halls, Sol realized something: he'd forgotten to look at the picture of the creature because he got distracted by Torben's weird status page. He considered going back but shook his head.
'Forget it. Based on his reaction, I'm pretty sure I'll know it when I see it.'
Upon leaving the castle, Sol immediately noticed that everything in the city wasn't as it previously seemed. The buildings not made of metal were all in shambles and ruin, with only those made of the Azrem alloy Torben mentioned still standing. The streets were cracked, and skeletons littered the ground. Where trees and bushes once stood, there was only dried, hard dirt. The illuminating lampposts had mostly fallen over, with only a few still working, thanks to Torben's efforts.
The biggest change was the massive orange crystal embedded in the roof of the underground city. It was cracked through the middle, barely able to illuminate the city, and appeared to be on its last legs.
Seeing the city's true state, Sol frowned and pushed himself to run even faster toward the park where they had set up their base. He soon arrived, finding the park was really just a large area of hardened dirt with no grass in sight. But seeing the soldiers and scholars still doing their jobs brought him relief.
He stopped suddenly, causing the air he was dragging to blast forward, knocking a nearby soldier to the ground. The soldier, startled by the indirect attack, readied his spear. Upon recognizing Sol, he was shocked by how fast he must have been running to create such wind pressure.
"Sorry about that. Where's Duncan?" Sol quickly apologized and got straight to the point, scanning his surroundings for any sign of the creature.
"Over there." The soldier, sensing the urgency, immediately pointed toward a large tent.
Sol nodded and used [Phase Step] to appear at the tent entrance, then stepped inside. There, he found Duncan, Lapis, Nataly, and a few scholars and soldiers discussing logistical matters.
Duncan looked up at Sol. "Captain, you're back? What are you covered in? Is that some kind of jam?"
Nataly sniffed the air. "Mmm, smells like it. But why are you covered in it?"
"Jam?" Sol looked down at the dried blood on his body. Clearly, they were under the influence of an illusion. "Forget it. Put these on, quickly. We need to move fast."
Sol took out the headbands and masks, enough for them and the rest of the camp. He also handed out three PALs. He didn't have enough for everyone, but there were enough for him and his squad, which was all he really needed.
When no one reached out to take the items, Lapis gave him a perplexed look. "Are you serious? I'm not wearing that."
The group's reactions varied. Lapis frowned slightly, Nataly blushed profusely, and Duncan was simply speechless, his jaw hanging open. The soldiers and scholars looked equally confused and shocked.
One of the soldiers muttered, "Aren't we on a mission? Isn't this inappropriate?"
A scholar seemed torn. "Maybe it's to immerse ourselves in their culture?"
After regaining his composure, Duncan asked with uncertainty, "Captain, is this a prank? There aren't any for men."
"So you'd wear it if it were for men?!" Nataly shouted, her face turning an even deeper shade of red. Those around her feared she might explode if she got any redder.
Sol felt awkward under their mixed gazes but quickly realized they were clearly not seeing headbands and masks.
'Could it be that the creature already knows what they do and is trying to stop them from wearing them?'
If Sol was right, it meant the creature was already aware, or at least somewhat aware, of their plan and would soon intervene. But it could also just be a complete fluke, either way he needed to keep his guard up.
"I'm completely serious. I'm not sure what you're seeing, but if you trust me, put them on. Start with the headband."
Sol suggested they start with the headband, as it would clear up any visual illusions and show them he wasn't crazy. But his words only made them more apprehensive. The hallucinations were now affecting their hearing as well.
Duncan mumbled, "Start with the bra, he says…"
'Bra? Oh my gods…'
Sol was beginning to understand what they were seeing and hearing. He then noticed Lapis starting to undress in front of everyone. She didn't want to wear the items, but Sol's serious and sincere expression, combined with his plea for trust, convinced her to at least try them on. She knew he wouldn't ask without a good reason, no matter how absurd it seemed.
"Wait! Don't take off your clothes!" Sol yelled in panic.
Lapis paused, confused. "How else am I supposed to put on a bikini? You want it over my clothes?"
At that moment, Sol knew exactly how Torben had felt when he presented him with a picture of the creature, only to see a field of flowers instead.