The gate slammed shut, and in an instant, it began to crumble, disintegrating into the air as if it had never existed. With it, the oppressive weight that had hung over the isle vanished, allowing the atmosphere to return to its normal state.
Arthur gazed upward, sensing a disturbance in the sky. It ruptured and fractured, as if the heavens themselves were collapsing. The debris of the sky dissipated into nothingness, revealing a celestial tapestry that had long been obscured. The stars twinkled brightly, and a full moon illuminated the world below, casting a serene glow over the scene.
As Arthur beheld this transformed sky, he reflected on the days spent on the isle. Where in hell was I living? he pondered, bewildered by the unfolding events. His companions, Tito and Theo, shared his awe, their eyes wide as they took in the breathtaking spectacle above.
However, Arthur's gaze soon drifted to Lily, who lay on the ground, her body succumbing to a dark slime as she rotted away before his eyes. A shudder coursed through him as he noticed maggots crawling over her decaying form, feasting on the flesh that was turning to sludge. Each passing moment saw her dissolve further, the grotesque transformation creeping from her waist to her neck.
Then, he saw it—dark tears streaming from her eyes, a haunting testament to her suffering. Arthur stared at her, grappling with a tumult of emotions: pity, sadness, and a lingering memory of her morning words, "Arthur, it's truly enjoyable to be with you." A bittersweet chuckle escaped his lips, a fragile laugh in the face of despair.
As Lily's face began to dissolve, becoming unrecognizable, Arthur felt a surge of grief. He stood, preparing to leave, but something compelled him to turn back. He squatted beside the slimy remains and reached out, retrieving an object partially hidden beneath her tattered clothing.
In his palm lay a dark sphere, the size of a fist, adorned with thorny protrusions. Within it, something white and dark writhed, a mysterious presence that piqued his curiosity. He glanced toward Tito and Theo, who were seated on the ground, panting from exhaustion, then spotted Jason standing a distance away. He tucked the sphere into his pocket, feeling its weight like a secret he couldn't yet comprehend.
As he approached Tito and Theo, he remained silent, troubled by the surreal turn of events. Moments later, Jason joined them, his expression serious. "Let's find a place to rest before we move out," he instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument.
The group rose and began to head toward the inn, with Tito carrying Theo. Arthur was about to follow when Jason called out, "Wait a minute, Arthur."
Arthur turned, intrigued by Jason's intensity. He had come to recognize the duality of Jason's demeanor—sometimes serious, sometimes playfully foolish. Jason studied him in silence, waiting for Tito and Theo to move away before finally asking, "What are you planning to do with that thing?" His gaze flicked to Arthur's pocket.
Calm on the surface, Arthur's mind raced. How had Jason sensed the sphere? "I can feel its spiritual energy," Jason explained, as if reading his thoughts. "Anything that emits such energy can be sensed, until it's well concealed."
"Am I not allowed to keep it? Is it dangerous?" Arthur countered, curiosity piqued.
"Nah, you can keep it. I don't know what it is, but it doesn't feel malevolent. I trust you won't do anything foolish with it," Jason replied, a teasing smile playing on his lips.
Arthur studied him, then asked, "How can I make it unnoticeable to others?"
"Give it to me," Jason said, extending his hand.
Reluctantly, Arthur handed over the sphere. As Jason took it, a shimmering aura enveloped the object, spiritual energy coalescing around it, obscuring its presence. The sphere glowed with an ethereal light, transforming into something entirely different.
I can't feel anything from it now, Arthur thought, the unique energy that had once emanated from it now hidden beneath Jason's influence.
"This is how you do it," Jason said, grinning as he returned the sphere to Arthur.
Bewildered, Arthur accepted the sphere back, realizing Jason hadn't taught him anything but had merely cloaked it. "Thank you," he said, slipping it back into his pocket, a question on the tip of his tongue.
"I know you have questions, but let's get out of here first," Jason urged, leading the way toward Tito and Theo.
Arthur followed, the weight of the night heavy on his shoulders, as they vanished into the shadows of the isle, heading toward the inn.