Jack sat in the dark prison cell, his mind still reeling from the betrayal he had just experienced. The cold, unyielding silence pressed in on him, suffocating his thoughts. Just when he thought he was alone, the cell door creaked open, and Vermeil stepped inside. His kind eyes still held a warmth that contrasted sharply with the bleakness of their surroundings.
VERMEIL:
I understand how you feel, Jack.
Jack looked up, anger and desperation still flickering in his eyes.
JACK:
Do you? How could you possibly understand?
Vermeil sighed, leaning against the cold wall, his expression one of deep melancholy.
VERMEIL:
It was a long time ago when I was sent to the Empty Void. Back then, I was just like you—straightforward and fearless. When I first stood before the great Lord, he told me he liked my attitude, just as he told you. He offered me the same chance, and I accepted it, just as you did.
Jack listened, a mixture of disbelief and curiosity growing within him.
VERMEIL:
That was 837,000 years, 7 months, 5 days, and 3 hours ago. I've been stuck here ever since. But what can I do? I still remember her... and I hope she's okay.
A deep sadness washed over Vermeil's face, and Jack felt a pang of sympathy.
VERMEIL:
Look, Jack, there's nothing we can do. At least you'll get to remember Hana. It's the only thing that keeps me going—the memories.
But Jack's resolve only hardened at Vermeil's words.
JACK:
I can't just sit here and accept that. I can't forget Hana, and I won't waste away in this prison. I'll do whatever it takes to escape. Tell me, Vermeil, is there any way out of here?
Vermeil's expression shifted to one of worry. He glanced away, avoiding Jack's intense gaze.
VERMEIL:
You can't, even if you try.
JACK:
Why not? There has to be a way!
Vermeil hesitated, then finally met Jack's eyes with a solemn look.
VERMEIL:
Those who open the door to the forest while still alive… they're banned from the Blessed Forest.
Jack's confusion deepened.
JACK:
I don't understand. What does that mean?
VERMEIL:
It's like this—we can go to the other three sides of the forest and even the Judgment Palace, but the Blessed Forest is forever out of our reach. The door that led you here is a one-way passage. Once you've stepped through, the Blessed Forest is lost to you.
Jack's heart sank as the full weight of Vermeil's words settled in. The hope of reuniting with Hana seemed to slip further from his grasp, but his determination didn't waver.
JACK:
Then I'll find another way. There has to be something, anything, that can break this curse.
Vermeil shook his head slowly, his eyes filled with both sorrow and admiration.
VERMEIL:
You remind me of myself when I first arrived. But, Jack, there's a reason no one has ever escaped this prison. The great Lord's power is absolute. Still, if anyone could find a way… maybe it's you.
Jack felt a flicker of hope ignite in his chest, a small but resilient spark against the overwhelming darkness.
JACK:
I have to try. For Hana… and for myself.
Vermeil nodded, a small, sad smile playing on his lips.
VERMEIL:
Then I wish you luck, Jack. Just remember—whatever happens, never lose sight of why you're fighting. The forest may try to take everything from you, but it can't take what's in your heart.
As Vermeil left the cell, Jack was left alone once more, but this time, the silence wasn't as suffocating. His path was unclear, and the odds were against him, but for the first time since entering the forest, Jack felt a renewed sense of purpose. He would find a way to escape, no matter what it took.
And so, with his resolve firm and his heart set, Jack prepared to face the impossible.