Ariyan smirked, his confidence unwavering despite the oppressive void around him. "You said 'humans' like you're not one of us. So, what exactly are you trying to be?"
The entity tilted its head slightly, a faint smile playing on its lips. The expression was calm, almost indifferent, yet carried an undercurrent of something ancient and unfathomable. "Why do you think anyone would want to be one of you?"
Ariyan raised an eyebrow, a flicker of amusement crossing his face. He rubbed the back of his head in an exaggerated motion, feigning frustration. "Ah…! You're a real piece of work, you know that? Anyway, just cut to the chase." His eyes narrowed, his tone growing sharper. "Why am I here?"
The entity's smile remained, unfazed by Ariyan's impatience. "That's what I'd like to know as well," it replied, its voice smooth yet cryptic. "So, tell me… Why are you here?"
Ariyan blinked, his smirk faltering. His thoughts stumbled over the question as his eyes widened. "What the hell? Why are you asking me that?"
The entity's gaze sharpened, its smile deepening. "How could I possibly know what brought you here?" it said, its tone turning pointed. "Did someone force you here? Or… did you come of your own will?"
Ariyan stared at the figure, his mind reeling. Came here… by myself? The words echoed in his head, triggering fragments of memories he couldn't quite piece together.
His thoughts spiraled as visions flooded his mind. The first time—he remembered sipping tea, the taste oddly familiar, as if brewed from a memory long forgotten. Then the second time—it was like stepping into a kaleidoscope of impossible sights: worlds crumbling and rebuilding, myths unraveling, cosmic truths unfolding before his eyes. Destruction and creation danced in harmony, gods and legends intertwining with reality. Each vision had left his senses overwhelmed, teetering on the edge of comprehension.
And now, the third time. Here. In this void. No one had dragged him here, no force had compelled him—he had simply blinked, and suddenly…
This place.
"First time, time stopped for everyone… except me," Ariyan muttered to himself, his voice distant as if unraveling a puzzle. "Second time, time didn't stop—it kept flowing outside. But now…" His voice trailed off, his hands clenching into fists. "I don't even know how time works in this place."
His gaze snapped back to the entity, his frustration boiling over. "What the hell is this? What kind of game are you playing with me?"
The entity didn't flinch at the outburst. If anything, its expression grew more enigmatic, as though savoring Ariyan's struggle.
Ariyan's voice rose, sharp with irritation. "What is this place? And just tell me who the hell you are!"
The entity stepped closer, its movements deliberate, almost predatory. Its calm demeanor was unnervingly unshaken, its dark, fathomless eyes locking onto Ariyan's.
"This place…" it began, its tone dropping to a low murmur that seemed to echo within the void itself, "is neither here nor there. A reflection of nothing and everything. As for who I am…"
The figure leaned in slightly, a faint glimmer of amusement flickering in its eyes. "I am… whatever you perceive me to be. A guide, a foe, a fragment of your own mind—or perhaps, something far beyond your understanding."
Ariyan's jaw tightened, his instincts screaming at him not to trust this enigmatic figure. Yet, despite the unease gnawing at him, he couldn't shake the feeling that the entity was toying with truths he wasn't ready to face.
"You speak in riddles," Ariyan said, his voice low but unwavering. His gaze lingered, sharp and calculating. "Mark my words—I will figure you out." He paused, drawing a breath before continuing, his tone edged with determination. "But first, I need to find a way out of here."
The entity chuckled softly, the sound resonating like a haunting melody. "Oh, Ariyan…" it said, its tone laced with both fondness and mockery. "I look forward to seeing you try."