My mind, muddled just a moment ago, was now as clear as spring water from the far north. With each circulation of my soul energy, the gem came into sharper focus. This is amazing! I couldn't help but feel ecstatic. I mean, any person would—the sensation of wielding magical powers was truly fascinating.
But even with my mind clear, a sense of impending doom lingered, gnawing at the edges of my thoughts. Something wasn't right with this place. Sure, a floating gem wasn't exactly normal, but that wasn't what unsettled me. Ever since entering this place, my hair had been standing on end. A mysterious aura seemed to be lurking deep below the lava, its presence impossible to ignore.
Malrang isn't handling this well… I glanced at her, and my stomach churned. She looked utterly drained, as if her very life force was being siphoned away. What do I do? If I didn't act quickly, the fox might not survive.
