As we stepped out of the ruins, the fresh air hit me like a splash of cold water. The sun was higher now, casting long shadows over the crumbling stone.
For the first time in what felt like hours, I took a real breath.
I was alive.
I was free.
But I wasn't the only one lost in thought.
Silvia, Edward, and Blaire walked beside me in silence, their expressions clouded with confusion.
It was Edward who finally broke the tension.
"That hooded guy… he just vanished." He rubbed the back of his head. "I don't get it. One second he was there, then poof—gone."
Silvia frowned, her green eyes still scanning the temple entrance, as if expecting to see the figure appear again. "That wasn't teleportation. I know the signs of space magic, and that wasn't it. He just… stopped existing."
Her words sent a chill down my spine. Yeah. That was exactly what had happened.
Because that figure—the future me—was never meant to be here in the first place.
I kept my expression neutral, acting just as confused as them. "Maybe it was some kind of illusion?"
Blaire, who had been quiet this whole time, suddenly let out a soft hmph.
I turned to see her staring at me—not with open suspicion, but with something else.
Calculation.
I could practically see the gears turning in her head.
Blaire wasn't stupid. She had always been the most cautious one in the group.
And even though her favorability toward me had increased after that fight, I could tell she still wasn't fully convinced.
She was watching me.
Not in the same way as before, when she openly distrusted me. No, this was different.
Now, she wasn't looking at me like a potential enemy.
She was looking at me like a puzzle she couldn't quite solve.
But she didn't press the issue.
Instead, she simply said, "Maybe."
A single word, but one that carried a warning.
I nodded, pretending not to notice her silent scrutiny.
"Well, whatever it was," Edward cut in, stretching his arms, "at least we got out in one piece. And we took down a Wendigo. That's gotta be worth some points, right?"
I let out a chuckle. "Yeah. Not bad for a day's work."
Silvia, who had been lost in thought, finally relaxed. She gave me a small smile. "You really were incredible, Gunavor."
I blinked.
…Did she just praise me?
"The way you fought, the way you thought on your feet—" she continued, "—you saved us all more than once back there. I'll be honest, when we first met, I didn't know what to make of you. But now…"
She hesitated, then nodded. "I'm glad you're with us."
That was… unexpected.
Silvia had always been polite, but this was the first time she had genuinely acknowledged me.
Even Edward grinned, giving me a thumbs-up. "Yeah, man. I don't know where you came from, but you're one hell of a fighter."
I wasn't used to this.
People trusting me.
People believing in me.
It felt… strange.
Good, but strange.
Blaire, of course, was still watching me.
She didn't say anything, didn't argue with Silvia's words.
But she also didn't agree.
She was still on guard.
But there was one small difference now.
She was giving me a chance.
And in this world, that was more than enough.
"Come on," Silvia said, turning back toward the city. "We need to report this to the guild."
"Race you there," Edward grinned.
"Oh, please," Blaire scoffed, but there was the faintest hint of amusement in her tone.
I rolled my shoulders, finally letting the tension leave me.
The past was behind me.
The future was mine to change.
And for the first time since waking up in this world…
I felt like I belonged.
As we walked toward the city, I glanced around the clearing and frowned.
Something was off.
"…Where are the guards?"
The question froze the group mid-step.
Silvia's eyes widened slightly. "You're right. They were supposed to wait outside."
Edward exhaled through his nose, rubbing his temples. "Tch. Either they were too cowardly to even stand around—which is unlikely—or…"
Blaire finished his sentence for him, crossing her arms. "The city lord summoned them."
Silvia turned to Edward, concern flashing across her face. "Edward… do you think your father—"
Edward shook his head, already looking tired. "I don't even need to think about it. He definitely called them back."
I raised an eyebrow. His father?
Wait.
I glanced at Edward's full name in my mind.
Edward Wither.
Wither City.
Wither City Lord.
Oh.
This dude wasn't just some random protagonist.
He was the city lord's son.
Well. That explained a lot.
Silvia sighed. "Then we'll have to meet with him."
Blaire groaned, muttering something under her breath. She didn't look thrilled.
I wasn't either.
If the city lord had summoned the guards, then it meant he knew something was happening at the ruins.
And if he was anything like the city lords I had seen in games before, then he was either:
A powerful and wise leader who would give us a crucial quest.
An arrogant noble who would be a pain in the ass.
A corrupt ruler hiding something much worse.
I was really hoping it wasn't the third option.
Edward started walking ahead. "Come on. If we don't go now, he's just going to summon us later. Might as well get this over with."
Silvia nodded. "He'll want to hear about the Wendigo either way."
Blaire glanced at me, still keeping that watchful look in her eyes, before sighing.
"Try not to embarrass yourself in front of him, Gunavor."
I smirked. "No promises."
She rolled her eyes.
And with that, we made our way toward the Wither City Lord's mansion.
Something told me this was going to be interesting.
The walk back to the city was filled with an odd tension. No one spoke much, and even Edward—who had been his usual relaxed self earlier—looked less than thrilled about what was coming.
The Wither City Lord.
The man who ran this city. Edward's father.
And, apparently, someone Blaire really didn't want to deal with.
I had no idea what kind of person he was, but judging from Blaire's irritated expression and Edward's tired sighs, I was about to find out.
——
By the time we reached the city gates, I noticed something immediately.
The guards were different.
The ones that had escorted us to the ruins were nowhere to be seen. Instead, the men at the gate were more heavily armed, their armor polished and well-maintained.
Elite guards.
The kind nobles liked to keep close.
Edward muttered under his breath, "He's really making a show of it, huh?"
Silvia gave him a sympathetic glance. "You know how he is."
Blaire stayed quiet, but her hand lingered near her sword. Not in outright hostility—just habitual caution.
The guards saw us approach and straightened, their eyes locking onto Edward first.
Then me.
And they didn't like what they saw.
I wasn't exactly dressed like the others. Sure, I had bought a proper chestplate to replace my weird ribcage armor, but I was still wearing a looted cultist's robe over it.
And it showed.
One of the guards stepped forward, narrowing his eyes at me. "Who's this?"
Before anyone else could answer, I gave them my best grin. "Oh, don't mind me. Just your friendly neighborhood ranger. Here to make sure Edward gets home safely."
The guard didn't look amused.
Edward, however, let out an exhausted chuckle. "He's with us."
That was all it took.
The guards immediately stepped aside, and I had to bite back a whistle.
Damn.
Edward really wasn't just some adventurer.
His words held weight.
——
The City Lord's mansion was exactly what I expected.
Big. Fancy. The kind of place where one wrong step could make a noble glare at you like you just insulted their bloodline.
The main hall was massive, lined with expensive paintings and statues. Golden chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the polished marble floor.
At the very end of the hall, sitting on a throne-like chair, was a man who could only be the City Lord.
Duke Reinhardt Wither.
Edward's father.
He looked nothing like his son.
Where Edward was relaxed, easygoing, and carried himself like a friendly adventurer, the Duke was rigid, formal, and sharp-eyed.
His dark blue armor gleamed under the lights, his cloak draped neatly over one shoulder. His presence was commanding—the kind of man who owned any room he walked into.
And right now, his cold gray eyes were locked onto us.
Or rather…
Locked onto me.
Great. I was already his least favorite person in the room.
"Father." Edward's voice was neutral, but there was an edge to it. "We're back."
The Duke leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "So I see." His gaze flickered to Silvia. "And you, Your Highness. I trust your journey was enlightening?"
Silvia gave a polite nod. "It was… troubling."
The Duke hummed. "So the rumors were true."
Blaire stepped forward, arms crossed. "Worse than true. There was a Wendigo in those ruins."
That got his attention. His eyes narrowed slightly.
"A Wendigo."
Silvia nodded. "And something else. A figure in black robes. He disappeared before we could learn his identity."
The Duke absorbed the information silently, his fingers tapping lightly against the armrest of his chair.
Then, his eyes landed on me again.
"And this one?"
Edward sighed, clearly having expected this. "His name is Gunavor. He helped us fight. If not for him, we might not have made it out."
I raised a hand casually. "Pleasure to meet you, Your Lordship."
Blaire closed her eyes for a second, probably resisting the urge to slap me.
The Duke's expression didn't change. If anything, he seemed… curious.
He studied me like I was a piece on a chessboard he hadn't quite figured out yet.
Then, after a long pause, he simply said—
"Interesting."
I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.
But I had a feeling I was about to find out.
The room was silent for a long moment as Duke Reinhardt Wither continued studying me.
I kept my face neutral, standing relaxed but not too casual. Nobles could be unpredictable. Some were stiff, arrogant bastards who'd throw you in jail for looking at them wrong. Others were dangerously polite, smiling while deciding whether you were useful or disposable.
But this guy?
I couldn't quite pin him down yet.
Then, he chuckled.
A low, amused sound that caught me completely off guard.
"Well then," the Duke said, leaning forward slightly, "it seems I owe you my thanks, Gunavor."
I blinked. "Huh?"
Edward sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Father…"
"Oh, don't give me that look," Reinhardt said, waving a hand. "You fought a Wendigo, Edward. Even you have to admit that's impressive."
Silvia smiled softly. "Gunavor was a great help."
The Duke hummed, his gaze flickering back to me. "Is that so?"
I shrugged. "I just didn't want to die."
That earned a small laugh from him.
Okay. Not what I expected.
I had been bracing for suspicion, some noble nonsense about an unknown adventurer getting close to his son and a princess. Instead… he seemed entertained.
Not too gentle. Not too harsh.
Balanced.
It was honestly refreshing.
Reinhardt's eyes gleamed with interest. "And what exactly brings you to my city, Gunavor?"
I had anticipated this question.
I gave the same answer I told the others. "Got lost in the forest. Couldn't find my way out. Then I ran into these guys."
Technically not a lie.
Reinhardt raised an eyebrow. "Lost, you say?"
He didn't sound convinced.
But he didn't press the issue. Instead, he nodded. "Well, whatever your reasons, you aided my son and Lady Silvia. That deserves at least some recognition."
I waved a hand. "No need. I already got paid in wolf pelts."
Edward choked on air. Silvia looked horrified.
Blaire just closed her eyes for a second, muttering something under her breath.
Reinhardt… actually looked amused.
"You're an interesting one, Gunavor." He shook his head. "No wonder my son took a liking to you."
Edward groaned. "Father, please."
The Duke chuckled again, but then his tone shifted.
"What concerns me more… is this hooded figure you encountered." His expression hardened slightly. "A Wendigo is bad enough, but someone powerful enough to summon one? That's a bigger problem."
Blaire nodded. "We don't know who they were or what their goal was. But it's clear that something is very wrong in the region."
Reinhardt steepled his fingers. "Agreed. I will increase patrols around the city and send word to my allies. If something bigger is coming, we need to be ready."
That was… surprisingly reasonable.
This guy was actually competent.
A noble who listened to warnings and took action?
I was starting to like him.
But as I watched him, something struck me as odd.
It wasn't his reaction to the Wendigo. It wasn't even how enthusiastic he was about Edward's involvement.
It was how he spoke to Blaire.
When Reinhardt addressed her, he wasn't talking to her like a mere knight.
Not like a bodyguard.
But like an equal.
That was weird.
I glanced at Blaire, subtly trying to gauge her reaction.
She was completely unfazed. Like this was normal.
Huh.
I didn't know what that meant yet, but I kept it in the back of my mind.
What I didn't realize was that Blaire had already noticed my glance.
She didn't react. Didn't even acknowledge it.
But she knew.
And for now?
She didn't care.
Reinhardt finally stood from his chair. "For now, you should all rest. You've had a long day."
Silvia nodded. "Thank you, Duke Wither."
Edward sighed in relief. "Finally."
Blaire remained silent, but I could tell she was still thinking.
And me?
I just gave the Duke a lazy salute. "Pleasure doing business with you, Your Lordship."
Reinhardt shook his head, smirking slightly.
As we left the Duke's office and made our way down the hall, Edward let out a deep sigh—the kind that told me he had been holding that in for a while.
"Well," he muttered, rubbing his neck. "That went better than expected."
Silvia smiled. "Your father is very reasonable."
Edward groaned. "Yeah, that's the problem."
I raised an eyebrow. "That's… usually a good thing."
Edward shot me a look. "Not when he gets too interested in what I'm doing. Now that he knows I fought a Wendigo, he's definitely going to get involved."
Blaire scoffed. "What, worried your father will ground you?"
Edward gave her a flat look. "No, I'm worried he's going to start shoving political nonsense in my face. 'Oh, Edward, why don't you take command of this battalion?' 'Edward, you should consider forming stronger ties with the nobles.' 'Edward, when are you getting married?'"
I snorted. "Wait. That last one sounds personal."
Silvia stifled a giggle.
Blaire?
She just rolled her eyes and kept walking.
I took the opportunity to glance at her again, more carefully this time.
The way Reinhardt spoke to her—that wasn't normal. Not for a knight.
There was something else there.
A connection.
The way she didn't react told me she was used to it. Like it wasn't strange for her to be treated on the same level as a Duke.
But I didn't push the issue.
Not yet.
Because I had a feeling I'd find out sooner or later.
——
We exited the mansion, stepping back into the warm glow of the setting sun.
The city streets were still alive, merchants calling out their final sales for the day, adventurers chatting outside the guild, kids running through the plaza.
For a moment, I just stood there.
A week ago, I had been stuck in a poisonous forest, eating bugs, and hiding in a cabin.
Now?
I was standing in a city, with people who trusted me.
And I was still alive.
Edward stretched. "Alright, I don't know about you guys, but I need a drink after all that."
Silvia sighed. "You always want a drink."
"Because it's always a good time for one."
Blaire crossed her arms. "You drink like a reckless idiot."
Edward grinned. "And yet, I never die. Coincidence? I think not."
Silvia shook her head, laughing softly.
Then she turned to me.
"What about you, Gunavor? What will you do now?"
I blinked.
For the first time since waking up in this world, I actually had a choice.
No poison forcing me to hide.
No immediate need to kill or survive.
Just… time.
I thought about it for a second, then smirked.
"Eh. I think I'll stick with you guys for a while."
Edward clapped me on the back. "Good choice."
Blaire muttered something under her breath, but she didn't argue.
Silvia smiled warmly. "Then let's get some rest. We have a long journey ahead."
I nodded.
The future wasn't set in stone anymore.
After parting ways with the trio, I wandered the streets of Wither City, soaking in the atmosphere.
The place had a certain charm to it—lively but not chaotic, well-structured but not suffocating. The kind of city that felt… real.
But as I walked, something caught my eye.
A massive building, standing out among the others. Tall, grand, with intricate carvings on the stone entrance. Large glass windows reflected the fading sunlight, and the scent of aged parchment and ink drifted through the air.
A library.
I slowed my steps, staring at it.
Huh.
Now that I thought about it, I didn't know much about this world.
I had been surviving on game knowledge and instinct, but how much of it was still accurate?
How much had changed?
And more importantly… what else was there?
Curiosity scratched at my heart.
"Well, I've got time."
With that, I stepped inside.
——
The interior was quiet. Peaceful. The faint sound of pages turning filled the air, and rows upon rows of books stretched endlessly in every direction.
I let out a low whistle. "Fancy."
The librarian—an elderly man with half-moon glasses—gave me a side glance but said nothing.
I wandered through the aisles, picking out a few random books. History. Magic Theory. Geography.
Then, my eyes landed on a particular title.
"House of the Nobles."
I hesitated.
Then, before I could overthink it, I pulled the book from the shelf and carried my pile to an empty seat.
Might as well start with something interesting.
——
Flipping through the pages, I quickly realized this wasn't just any book.
It was a detailed record of noble bloodlines, their political influence, and the history of major families across the kingdom.
And among them—
I found something very, very interesting.
Wither House.
Edward's family.
That wasn't surprising.
But as I read further, I saw another name right below it.
Nightshade House.
I stopped.
Wait.
Nightshade?
I read on, my eyes scanning the text quickly.
The Nightshade family was one of the oldest noble houses, but unlike others, they were not bound by titles. Instead, they were known as a warrior lineage—protectors, commanders, and sometimes… shadows.
They served directly under the ruling families, with authority nearly on par with the Dukes themselves.
My grip on the book tightened.
That name.
Blaire Nightshade.
So that's why Reinhardt treated her as an equal.
She wasn't just a knight.
She was nobility.
And she had never mentioned it.
I sat back, the pieces clicking into place.
Blaire wasn't just the princess's bodyguard.
She was far more important than she let on.
And judging by how naturally she acted around Edward and Silvia… they already knew.
Which meant I was the only one left in the dark.
I glanced down at the book again, my heart pounding slightly.
Just what else have I been missing?
I leaned back in my chair, staring at the words on the page.
Blaire Nightshade.
A noble. A warrior lineage. Nearly on par with the Dukes.
That explained a lot.
The way Reinhardt spoke to her, how she carried herself with absolute confidence, her natural authority—it was all starting to make sense.
She wasn't just the princess's bodyguard.
She was someone important.
And she never once mentioned it.
I slowly closed the book, tapping my fingers against the cover.
Why hide it?
It wasn't like she was pretending to be a commoner. She still had the presence of a high-ranking knight, and anyone who paid attention could tell she wasn't an ordinary soldier.
But the fact that she never brought it up…
That was deliberate.
And that meant there was a reason.
I wasn't going to ask her directly. That would just put her on guard.
Instead… I'd just pay attention.
People always reveal more in what they don't say rather than what they do.
I took a deep breath, letting the new information settle before moving on to another book.
For the next hour, I buried myself in reading.
——
By the time I left the library, the sky had turned dark, lanterns lighting the streets.
The trio was probably still at the guild.
I started making my way there, mind still spinning from everything I had learned.
Blaire's noble status was one thing, but the book had also given me a broader view of the world.
There were major kingdoms, ancient bloodlines, and forgotten wars that the game never really explored in depth.
Which meant…
This world wasn't just a copy of the game anymore.
There were things even I didn't know.
And for the first time since arriving here…
I felt small.
Not in a bad way.
But in the way that made me realize just how much more there was to learn.
I wasn't just some lost player trapped in a game world.
This was real.
And if I wanted to survive?
I needed to understand it.
All of it.
——
As I neared the guild, I spotted the trio waiting outside.
Edward waved when he saw me. "Took you long enough. What, did you get lost again?"
I grinned. "Nah. Just expanding my horizons."
Silvia tilted her head. "Oh? Where did you go?"
"The library."
Blaire, who had been standing silently, finally glanced at me.
I kept my face neutral, pretending not to notice.
If she realized I had found out about her lineage, she didn't show it.
She just watched.
Almost like she was wondering what I was thinking.
Edward, oblivious as ever, laughed. "The library? You? I thought you were more of a 'stab first, ask questions never' kind of guy."
I shrugged. "Hey, even stabbing requires strategy."
Silvia giggled. Blaire just shook her head.
"Come on," she said, turning toward the inn. "We should rest."
As we walked, I felt her glance at me again.
Not suspicion.
Not distrust.
But acknowledgment.
Like she was starting to see me differently.
The walk back to the inn was quiet.
Edward was humming some tune, Silvia looked lost in thought, and Blaire—well, Blaire was still watching me out of the corner of her eye.
Not openly like before, not like she was suspicious.
No.
This was different.
This was her reevaluating me.
Which meant I had done something to change her perception.
Was it the fight? The way I handled myself against the Wendigo?
Or…
Did she somehow notice that I knew about her lineage?
It was hard to tell, and I wasn't about to ask.
Instead, I just acted normal.
"So, what did you guys find out at the guild?" I asked, keeping my tone casual.
Edward stretched. "Nothing too crazy. Just confirming our next job."
Silvia nodded. "The guild is putting together a team to investigate the disappearances around the eastern border. The strange monster activity might be connected."
Blaire crossed her arms. "We leave in two days."
Disappearances.
That didn't sound good.
But what did sound good was that I had two days to prepare.
More time to train, study, and get my bearings in this world.
I nodded. "Got it."
We reached the inn a few minutes later.
Silvia and Edward exchanged goodnights before heading upstairs to their rooms.
Blaire, on the other hand, lingered for a moment.
I pretended not to notice.
She finally spoke. "You read a lot for someone who acts like an idiot."
I smirked. "You watch me a lot for someone who pretends not to care."
She didn't deny it.
Instead, she exhaled through her nose and turned away. "Don't be late tomorrow. I'm training you."
I blinked.
"Wait. You? Training me?"
She shot me a deadpan look. "Yes. You rely too much on instincts. If you're going to keep fighting with us, you need proper technique."
Huh.
That was… actually kind of nice.
I tilted my head. "I thought you didn't trust me."
Her red eyes narrowed slightly.
"I don't. Not completely."
Then, without another word, she went up the stairs, leaving me alone in the inn's main hall.
I chuckled to myself.
Progress.
Slow, but it was happening.
I wasn't just some random outsider anymore.
I was becoming part of this world.
And I was going to make damn sure I stayed in it.
The next morning came faster than I expected.
I woke up early—out of habit more than anything. My body was still used to the paranoia of sleeping in that damn forest, where staying in one place for too long meant death.
But this time?
There was no poison in the air. No scratching at the windows. No distant howls.
Just the soft hum of the city waking up outside.
Weird.
Not in a bad way.
Just… different.
I rolled out of bed, did a few quick stretches, then grabbed my gear.
Time for training.
——
Blaire was already waiting in the courtyard behind the inn, arms crossed, sword resting against her shoulder.
She looked bored.
Like she had been here for a while.
Her red eyes flicked up as I approached. "You're late."
I raised an eyebrow. "The sun just came up."
"And?" She pushed off the wall. "You think your enemies care about sunrise? If you wake up later than them, you're already dead."
Okay. Fair point.
I shrugged. "Noted."
She studied me for a second, then motioned for me to step forward.
"Alright. Show me what you've got."
I blinked. "Just like that?"
She smirked. "What, you want me to hold your hand first?"
I grinned. "I knew you'd warm up to me eventually."
She sighed. "Shut up and fight."
——
Blaire was fast.
I barely had time to react before she closed the distance, swinging at me in a precise, controlled arc.
I dodged—barely—then went for a quick counterstrike with my dagger.
She parried with zero effort.
Then she kicked my legs out from under me.
I hit the ground with a grunt.
Ow.
Blaire exhaled sharply. Not quite a sigh. Not quite amusement. Something in between.
"You fight like a survivor."
I frowned. "That's bad?"
She tilted her head. "It's… effective. You react fast. You make quick decisions. But your movements are raw. Sloppy. Instinct over technique."
I sat up, rubbing my ribs. "And I suppose you fight like a noble?"
She went still for half a second.
Then she smirked.
"So you did find out."
I kept my expression neutral. "Find out what?"
Her smirk widened slightly. "Don't play dumb."
Ah.
So she did notice my little moment in the library.
But instead of calling me out for it, she just… acknowledged it.
She picked up her sword again. "Come on. Get up."
I stood, dusting myself off. "No lectures about how I should mind my own business?"
She rolled her shoulders. "You figured it out on your own. Not my problem."
Interesting.
She wasn't trying to hide it.
She just… didn't see the point in explaining herself.
I filed that away for later.
For now?
I had training to survive.
And something told me Blaire wasn't the gentle type.
This was going to hurt.
A lot.
Thud.
I hit the ground—again.
Blaire barely broke a sweat as she lowered her sword, staring down at me with mild disappointment.
"Are you even trying?"
I groaned, lying flat on my back. "Define 'trying'…"
She nudged me with her boot. "Trying as in not dying in the first five seconds."
I pushed myself up, shaking the dirt from my clothes. "Look, I get it. I'm not a trained swordsman like you. But in my defense, I'm still alive. That means I must be doing something right."
Blaire tilted her head. "Debatable."
I scowled. "You enjoy this, don't you?"
She smirked. "A little."
——
For the next hour, she kept me on the defensive, attacking without giving me a chance to counter.
She wasn't going easy on me. Not even a little.
And while it was frustrating, I couldn't deny that she had a point.
I had been surviving on instinct alone. Dodging, countering, adapting—but never with proper form.
Blaire fought with control. Precision. Every move had purpose.
She wasn't just fast.
She was efficient.
And it made me realize just how sloppy I really was.
I was improving—slowly—but it was a painful process.
And Blaire?
She kept talking.
Not like before, when she was just throwing insults.
This was different.
It was almost like… curiosity.
"You're a weird one, Gunavor."
I wiped sweat from my forehead. "Gee, thanks."
She leaned on her sword, watching me. "You don't act like a noble. But you don't act like a commoner either."
I blinked. "Well, maybe I'm just special."
She scoffed. "Or suspicious."
I chuckled, shaking my head. "You just don't trust anyone, do you?"
She didn't answer immediately. Instead, she turned her gaze to the sky, thoughtful.
"Trust isn't given freely," she said. "You have to earn it."
I tilted my head. "And how am I doing so far?"
She smirked. "You're less annoying than before."
I placed a hand over my heart dramatically. "Wow. I'm honored."
Blaire rolled her eyes.
But she didn't deny it.
——
After another round of painful 'training,' Blaire finally called for a break.
I flopped onto the ground, breathing heavily.
She sat across from me, drinking from a water flask before tossing it my way.
I caught it, taking a grateful sip.
Then, she spoke again.
"But seriously, Gunavor…"
Her red eyes narrowed slightly.
"You're strong. Too strong for someone who claims to be lost in the forest."
I paused.
There it was.
The doubt.
She wasn't accusing me of lying. Not outright.
But she was confused.
Trying to figure me out.
I kept my expression neutral, handing the flask back to her. "Guess I'm just built different."
She raised an eyebrow. "Cute. But that doesn't explain anything."
I leaned back, looking at the sky. "Does it have to?"
She frowned.
And for a moment, I thought she would press harder.
But then she just… sighed.
"Fine. Keep your secrets."
She stood up, stretching. "Come on. Training's over. Let's get food before Edward finds a way to make us regret being around him."
I grinned, pushing myself up.
"See, Blaire? You're starting to enjoy my company."
She smirked, walking ahead.
"Don't ruin it."
I chuckled, following behind.
Progress.
Slow, but steady.
The streets were lively by the time we left the training grounds. Merchants shouting their best prices, adventurers laughing over drinks, kids weaving through the crowd—the city felt alive.
Blaire walked ahead, leading the way without saying much.
I followed, rolling my shoulder, still sore from her so-called training.
The pain was worth it, though.
I was improving.
Not just in skill, but in understanding.
Blaire wasn't just some overprotective knight. She wasn't just a noble.
She was practical. Calculated.
And more than anything—she was watching me closely.
Still trying to figure me out.
——
We stopped at a small food stall near the guild.
The smell of roasted meat and fresh bread filled the air, making my stomach growl.
Blaire glanced at me. "If you start drooling, I'm leaving you behind."
I smirked. "You're really warming up to me, huh?"
She sighed, ordering two plates before tossing a coin to the vendor.
I blinked.
"…Are you paying for me?"
She gave me a flat look. "I don't need you slowing down because you're hungry."
I grinned. "Admit it. You're being nice."
She sat down at a nearby bench, taking a bite of her food. "Believe what you want."
I chuckled, sitting across from her.
The food was simple but good. Warm, filling.
For a while, we just ate in silence.
But then—
Blaire spoke again.
"You fight like someone who wasn't trained properly, but still survived worse things than most adventurers ever will."
I glanced at her. "That a compliment?"
She tilted her head. "More of an observation."
I smirked. "Well, you're not wrong."
She tapped her fingers against the table. "You also don't react to nobles the way most people do."
Ah.
So she was still on that.
I swallowed my food, pretending to think. "Maybe I just don't like politics."
Blaire hummed. "Or maybe you know more than you let on."
I grinned. "Or maybe you just think too much."
She rolled her eyes.
But she didn't press further.
Not yet.
——
As we finished eating, a familiar voice called out.
"There you are!"
I turned to see Edward and Silvia approaching.
Edward grinned. "I should've known you two ran off together."
Silvia smiled politely. "Did you two enjoy training?"
I stretched, feeling the soreness in my muscles. "Oh yeah. Blaire tried to kill me in at least three different ways. It was great."
Edward laughed. "That sounds about right."
Blaire just exhaled. "If I wanted you dead, you'd be dead."
Silvia giggled, covering her mouth.
Edward clapped his hands. "Anyway! The guild has the details on our next mission. We should head back and go over it."
I nodded.
Back to work.
As we walked, I felt Blaire's gaze linger on me one last time.
Not with suspicion.
Not with distrust.
Just curiosity.
She still didn't fully trust me.
But she was starting to.
And for now?
That was enough.
The guild hall was busier than usual.
Adventurers filled the room, gathered around the large meeting table in the center. Some leaned against walls, others sat with arms crossed, and a few were already studying the quest details on the table.
I followed the trio inside, taking it all in.
There were all kinds of people here—mages in elegant robes, armored knights, agile-looking rogues. High-ranked adventurers.
And then there was me.
A freshly registered newbie with a wooden plate.
I glanced at the trio beside me.
Silvia, Edward, and Blaire all walked forward like they belonged here.
Because they did.
And as I looked closer, I finally saw the difference.
Their rank badges.
Silvia's was gold.
Edward's was silver.
Blaire's was silver as well, but lined with red.
Meanwhile… mine was still wood.
The lowest rank.
I suddenly felt like a newbie in an RPG party, getting carried by veteran players.
This is ridiculous.
But what surprised me even more…
No one questioned it.
No one sneered, no one asked what a low-rank like me was doing here.
Nothing.
It was the opposite of the usual 'prove yourself, weakling' scenario I had been expecting.
And I quickly realized why.
It wasn't because of me.
It was because of them.
The trio was so high-ranked that with their voucher, no one even considered the possibility that I didn't belong.
I wasn't being carried.
I was simply with them.
Huh.
That was… new.
——
A guild officer stood at the front of the table, clearing his throat to begin the meeting.
"As you all know, our next mission concerns the disappearances happening along the eastern border," he started.
"People have been vanishing without a trace—travelers, merchants, even some adventurers. No signs of struggle, no bodies found. Just… gone."
A few murmurs spread through the room.
The officer continued.
"The last reported location was an abandoned watchtower near the border. That's where we'll start."
I leaned forward slightly. Interesting.
Edward raised a hand. "Any leads on what's causing it?"
The officer shook his head. "None. That's why we're forming a high-ranked team. Whatever this is, it's dangerous."
I exhaled slowly.
Great.
A complete mystery threat in an abandoned location.
That never went well.
The officer clapped his hands. "We leave at sunrise. Be prepared."
With that, the meeting ended, and people started scattering to prepare.
I stretched, rubbing the back of my neck. "Well, that was vague."
Edward chuckled. "Yeah, but that's how these things go. We'll figure it out once we get there."
Silvia nodded. "We should stock up on supplies."
Blaire turned to me, arms crossed. "You too. Get some proper gear. I'm not dragging your corpse back if you die."
I smirked. "I knew you cared."
She rolled her eyes.
Silvia smiled softly. "Don't worry, Gunavor. We'll help you out."
Edward grinned. "Yeah. Think of it as your initiation."
I chuckled.
I wasn't sure how I ended up here, but one thing was clear.
I wasn't just watching this world anymore.
I was part of it.
The meeting ended, and adventurers began filing out of the guild hall, talking amongst themselves as they prepared for the mission.
I stayed seated for a moment, still processing everything.
A high-ranked team. A mysterious disappearance. An abandoned watchtower.
This wasn't some low-level rat extermination.
This was serious.
And somehow, I was in the middle of it.
Again.
——
Silvia, Edward, and Blaire stood near the exit, waiting for me.
Edward grinned. "Alright, rookie. Time to gear up."
I raised an eyebrow. "You make it sound like I'm about to be thrown into a dungeon with level 100 monsters."
Blaire gave me a look. "If you go unprepared, that's exactly what'll happen."
Fair point.
Silvia smiled. "Don't worry, Gunavor. We'll help you find what you need."
I sighed, standing up. "Fine. But don't expect me to wear something ridiculous."
Edward snapped his fingers. "Damn. There goes my plan to get you a full suit of enchanted pink armor."
Blaire muttered, "That would've been an improvement."
I ignored that.
——
We spent the next few hours gathering supplies.
I managed to get proper leather armor—something sturdy but flexible enough to let me move freely.
Upgraded my dagger to one with a stronger edge.
Restocked my arrows, including a few special ones—barbed, piercing, and even a couple of fire-tipped.
Silvia insisted on getting me a potion set.
Edward made sure I had rations and camping gear.
Blaire just stood there with her arms crossed, watching.
By the time we finished, I actually felt equipped for once.
And then, as we were leaving the last shop, Silvia turned to me with a thoughtful look.
"Gunavor," she said.
I blinked. "Yeah?"
She hesitated for a second, then smiled. "Do you have a preference for weapons?"
I frowned. "I mean, I use a bow and a dagger. Why?"
She tilted her head. "You rely on agility and quick reactions. Maybe you should consider getting something… a bit more versatile."
Edward grinned. "Ooh, are we getting him a sword?"
Blaire sighed. "Great. Now he'll be reckless in three different fighting styles."
I crossed my arms. "Hey. I resemble that remark."
Silvia giggled.
Then she pointed to a nearby stall.
"Come on. Let's see if we can find you something that suits you."
I sighed.
But deep down?
I was curious.
Because as much as I had been relying on my old tactics…
Maybe it was time to start thinking about something new.
The weapons stall was packed with all sorts of gear—swords, axes, maces, even exotic weapons I didn't recognize. The blacksmith behind the counter, a burly man with arms like tree trunks, glanced up as we approached.
Edward was already grinning. "Alright, Gunavor, let's get you something fun."
I rolled my eyes. "I'm not looking for a toy, Edward."
Silvia smiled, scanning the selection. "You don't have to change your fighting style completely. But having an extra weapon might help."
Blaire, as usual, stayed quiet, just watching.
I ran my hand over the different weapons, testing the weight of a few.
A longsword? Too bulky.
A greatsword? I'd probably trip over it.
A rapier? Too delicate.
I was about to give up when something caught my eye.
A shortsword.
Not too big, not too heavy. Compact, with a slightly curved blade—perfect for quick strikes and mobility.
I picked it up, giving it a few test swings.
The balance felt… right.
Edward whistled. "Not bad. A shortsword pairs well with a dagger."
Silvia nodded. "It suits you."
Blaire tilted her head slightly. "Can you actually use it?"
I smirked. "Guess we'll find out."
The blacksmith chuckled. "Good choice. That one's built for speed, not brute force. Fits someone with quick reflexes."
I flipped the blade in my hand. Yeah. This could work.
I wasn't abandoning my dagger or bow, but having a versatile backup wouldn't hurt.
I glanced at the blacksmith. "How much?"
Before he could answer, Edward tossed a pouch of coins on the counter.
I blinked. "Wait, what—"
Edward grinned. "Consider it a gift."
Silvia giggled.
Blaire just sighed. "Spoiling him already?"
I raised an eyebrow. "I don't like owing people, you know."
Edward clapped a hand on my shoulder. "Then pay me back by not dying."
I paused.
Then I chuckled, shaking my head. "Fine. Deal."
I strapped the shortsword to my belt, feeling more prepared than ever.
Tomorrow, we'd head to the eastern border.
A new mission. A new mystery.
And for the first time…
I was ready.
The next morning, I was up before sunrise.
Not because I wanted to be—trust me, I could've used the sleep—but because my body was still wired for survival.
Old habits die hard.
I stretched, rolled my shoulders, and checked my gear. Everything was in place.
Leather armor? Secured.
Dagger? Sharpened.
Bow? Quiver full.
New shortsword? Still getting used to the weight, but manageable.
I took a deep breath, letting the crisp morning air fill my lungs.
Today was the day.
——
The trio was already waiting at the city gates when I arrived.
Edward yawned. "You're actually early? Who are you, and what have you done with Gunavor?"
I smirked. "What can I say? I'm excited for our deadly, potentially horrific mission."
Silvia chuckled, while Blaire just gave me a look.
"You're either stupid or reckless."
I grinned. "Why not both?"
She muttered something under her breath, but I caught the hint of amusement in her tone.
Progress.
——
We weren't alone.
A group of five more adventurers stood near the gate, waiting. Our additional party members for the mission.
One of them, a broad-shouldered man with a heavy axe, stepped forward. "You must be the ones leading this." His eyes scanned the trio, then stopped on me for a second.
I expected doubt. Judgment.
It never came.
Instead, he just nodded.
"Name's Gareth. We've been briefed. We're ready when you are."
Edward clapped his hands. "Perfect! Then let's move out."
Silvia took the lead, and we set off toward the eastern border.
——
The journey started off uneventful.
The roads were clear, the air crisp, and the only sounds were our boots crunching against dirt and the occasional conversation between adventurers.
But something about this mission nagged at me.
People disappearing without a trace? No signs of struggle?
It didn't feel random.
This wasn't just monsters lurking in the dark.
This was planned.
And that worried me.
Blaire must've sensed my tension because she spoke up, voice low.
"Something on your mind?"
I kept my tone casual. "Yeah. Like how we're walking straight toward an obvious trap."
She didn't deny it.
Instead, she smirked slightly. "Good. You're learning."
I raised an eyebrow. "So you think this is a setup too?"
Blaire glanced ahead at Silvia and Edward, then back at me.
"I think we're walking into something none of us are prepared for."
That wasn't exactly reassuring.
I tightened my grip on my shortsword.
Whatever was waiting for us at that watchtower…
It wasn't going to be simple.
The road stretched ahead, winding through the vast countryside. Rolling hills and scattered forests framed the horizon, but despite the scenic view, none of us were relaxed.
The further we traveled, the quieter things became.
No distant wagons creaking down the road.
No idle chatter from passing travelers.
No birds chirping in the trees.
Just silence.
And in my experience? Silence was never a good sign.
——
We reached the eastern border by midday.
The abandoned watchtower stood tall in the distance—a lonely, crumbling structure, half-consumed by vines and time.
Something about it felt wrong.
Like it wasn't just old.
It was forgotten.
Silvia motioned for the group to stop. "This is it."
Edward exhaled. "Great. It looks even creepier up close."
Gareth, the axe-wielding adventurer, studied the area with narrowed eyes. "Still no signs of struggle. No tracks, no blood. Just… nothing."
The fact that nothing seemed wrong was exactly what made it so wrong.
I scanned the surroundings. Something's off.
That's when I noticed.
There were no insects.
No buzzing flies, no ants crawling along the dirt.
Even in abandoned places, nature always took over.
But here?
Nothing.
Blaire noticed it too. She muttered under her breath, "This isn't natural."
I gripped my shortsword tighter. "No, it's not."
Silvia turned to the group. "We move in together. No one splits off. Stay alert."
We nodded.
Then, as one, we entered the watchtower.
——
The air changed the moment we stepped inside.
Thick. Heavy. Like stepping into a place that hadn't been disturbed for centuries.
Our footsteps echoed through the hollow stone halls. Dust clung to the walls, and cobwebs draped over rusted armor stands and shattered furniture.
Still, no signs of a fight.
No bodies.
Just emptiness.
"This doesn't make sense," Edward muttered. "Where did everyone go?"
Silvia studied the walls, tracing faint markings with her fingers. "These symbols… They're not just decorative. They're part of something older."
Blaire tensed. "Magic?"
Silvia nodded. "A kind I don't recognize."
That set off every alarm in my head.
I didn't know much about magic, but if a high-ranked caster like Silvia didn't recognize the symbols, then we were in serious trouble.
Gareth stepped forward, running a hand over one of the sigils. "Then what does it—"
The wall pulsed.
A faint glow spread through the markings, flickering like embers in dying light.
Then…
The ground vanished.
——
Falling.
The world ripped out from beneath us.
I barely had time to react before I was plunged into darkness.
Wind howled past my ears. My body tensed, waiting for the inevitable crash—
Thud!
I landed hard on something rough, pain jolting up my side. Dust filled the air, choking my lungs.
More thuds followed—Edward, Silvia, Blaire, and the others hitting the ground around me.
A faint groan. Then—
"What… the hell… just happened?"
I coughed, pushing myself up. "I think we got teleported."
Silvia gasped, looking up. "No… We were dropped."
I followed her gaze—
And felt my stomach drop.
The ceiling above us was gone.
Instead, there was only a void.
A vast, endless abyss, swirling with darkness and whispers.
It wasn't a pit.
It was something else.
Something wrong.
Blaire stood, sword drawn, voice tense. "We need to move. Now."
Gareth cursed. "Where even are we?"
That's when I noticed the door.
A massive, ancient doorway stood ahead of us. Carved with more of those strange symbols, except these…
Were glowing.
And then—
A voice.
Low. Hollow. Not human.
"Welcome."
The door creaked open.
And for the first time since entering this place…
I felt real fear.
The door groaned open, revealing a long, dark corridor.
No torches. No signs of life. Just an eerie glow from the sigils lining the walls, pulsing like a dying heartbeat.
A chill ran down my spine.
Whatever this place was… it wasn't part of the watchtower anymore.
Silvia swallowed hard. "This magic… it's ancient. Older than anything I've ever seen."
Edward frowned, gripping his sword. "Great. That's exactly what I wanted to hear."
Blaire scanned the area, her posture tense but controlled. She was on edge. And if someone as composed as Blaire was uneasy… that meant we were in real danger.
I took a deep breath. "Standing around won't get us answers."
Blaire glanced at me, then nodded. "Stay close. Weapons ready."
We stepped forward.
——
The corridor was unnaturally silent. Our footsteps barely made a sound, as if the stone itself was swallowing the noise.
The air felt thicker the deeper we went. Not quite suffocating, but pressing.
Then, we saw them.
Markings on the walls.
At first, they looked like the same glowing sigils from before. But as we moved closer, I realized something.
These weren't just symbols.
They were words.
Old, jagged script, twisting across the stone like veins.
Silvia's eyes widened as she traced the carvings with her fingers. "I recognize some of these…"
"What do they say?" I asked.
She hesitated. "It's a warning."
Edward tensed. "Of what?"
Silvia inhaled sharply. "Something that should never be woken."
My grip on my shortsword tightened. Of course it is.
Blaire's voice was low. "Then we keep moving. Carefully."
We pressed on, the corridor stretching endlessly—until we reached a massive chamber.
And at its center—
A pedestal.
On it sat a black stone tablet, covered in the same markings.
The air shivered around it. Like the stone itself was breathing.
Gareth frowned. "Is that… what we're here for?"
I didn't like this.
Everything about this screamed trap.
Edward stepped closer. "Maybe it has answers—"
The moment he got within ten feet, the sigils on the walls flared violently.
The chamber shook.
The whispers turned into screams.
And then, from the shadows—
They came.
Figures crawled out from the darkness, their forms twisted and wrong.
Not quite human.
Not quite monster.
Something in between.
Their eyes glowed with the same sickly light as the markings.
Their voices melded together, a single, broken chorus.
"You should not be here."
I drew my blade.
Edward raised his sword. Blaire was already in a combat stance. Silvia's magic flared around her hands.
Gareth cursed. "Here we go."
The creatures lunged.
And the fight for our lives began.
The creatures moved erratically, crawling and lunging with unnatural speed.
They weren't strong—each one fell after a few good strikes.
But they were tricky.
Each time they landed a hit, a sickly, blackened wound spread across the flesh it touched, like a rotting disease trying to take hold.
Poison? No. Decay.
I saw one of the adventurers—one of Gareth's men—get slashed across the arm. He staggered back, eyes wide as his skin darkened and cracked.
"Damn it!" he cursed, gripping the wound. "It's spreading—!"
Silvia immediately moved, her hands glowing. "Don't resist, I can purify it!"
She pressed her magic against the wound, and the darkening effect stopped, but the man still looked shaken.
"This isn't normal," Edward muttered, cutting down another creature. "They're trying to wear us down."
Blaire cut through two more, her blade clean and precise. "Then don't let them touch you."
Easier said than done.
These things kept coming. Even when they were clearly outmatched, they moved like they had nothing to lose. Mindless. Unrelenting.
Then—
A creature lunged straight for Silvia.
She didn't see it in time.
But Blaire did.
She moved instantly, shoving Silvia aside and taking the strike instead.
The creature's claws sank into her side.
Blaire gritted her teeth, swinging her sword to cut it down before it could strike again.
The wound was shallow.
But that didn't matter.
The black decay was already spreading.
Her eyes widened slightly. Shit.
She hadn't expected to get hit.
She hadn't expected a second creature to rush in from behind.
It was already mid-swing, claws aimed right at her exposed back.
She couldn't dodge.
She couldn't block.
But before it landed—
I moved.
I didn't even think about it.
I just reacted.
I threw myself in the way, taking the full hit.
Claws tore into my back, pain lancing through my body.
Blaire's eyes snapped to me, shocked. "Gunavor—!"
But then… something strange happened.
The pain faded fast.
Too fast.
I expected the same decay effect that had spread on the others.
But instead…
Nothing.
Or at least, that's what I thought.
I rolled my shoulders. "Huh. That wasn't so bad."
Blaire was still staring at me.
Not just at the wound.
At my face.
Her red eyes narrowed slightly.
"…Your eyes."
I frowned. "What about them?"
She didn't answer immediately.
But I noticed it now.
A faint, cold sensation under my eyes.
Like something was there.
But I couldn't see it.
Blaire, however, could.
Black lines.
Faint, but spreading just slightly beneath my eyes, like veins of dark energy.
I had no idea what that meant.
But as I thought about it, the pieces clicked into place.
Why didn't the decay work on me?
Why did it feel like the attack was dampened?
Because I wasn't normal.
Because I had inherited something.
That future version of myself…
He was dead. A wandering soul, a shadow of what once was.
And before he faded, before he disappeared, he had left something behind.
A part of him.
A part of me.
A dead creature doesn't need to fear decay.
Because the dead don't rot.
A slow grin spread across my face.
"…I have an idea."
Blaire immediately looked suspicious. "I don't like that look."
I ignored her.
Instead, I turned to the others, raising my voice over the chaos of battle.
"Everyone, focus on attacking! I'll draw them in!"
Edward blinked. "Wait, what?"
Silvia frowned. "Gunavor, that's dangerous—"
"I can take the hits," I cut in. "I don't know why, but their attacks don't affect me the same way."
Blaire was still staring at me.
Not objecting.
Not agreeing.
Just watching.
Silvia hesitated, clearly worried.
But Gareth?
He grinned. "Fine by me! If you can keep them busy, we can clean them up faster."
I nodded.
Then I took a deep breath—
And charged straight into the horde.
—---
They reacted instantly.
The moment I rushed in, the creatures turned toward me.
Like a pack of starving beasts drawn to fresh prey.
Good.
I raised my dagger and shortsword, slashing and dodging, but never fully avoiding.
Each time they struck me, I felt the sting of pain—
But not the decay.
It was almost like…
They were trying to corrupt something that was already tainted.
And that's when I realized.
That future version of me—he hadn't just given me resistance.
He had made me immune.
I grinned. "Is that all you've got?"
The creatures lunged.
I let them.
I let them focus entirely on me, giving the others the perfect opening.
Blaire was the first to take advantage of it.
She moved like lightning, cutting down two creatures before they even realized what happened.
Edward swung his sword, tearing through another one.
Silvia's magic flared, light bursting from her hands and erasing the ones that got too close.
The adventurers pushed forward, cutting through the horde with precision.
One by one, the creatures fell.
And soon—
It was over.
—---
The room was silent again.
The creatures had vanished, their bodies dissolving into nothing.
Everyone stood there, catching their breath.
Edward chuckled, resting his sword on his shoulder. "Well… that was insane."
Silvia turned to me, concerned. "Gunavor, are you alright?"
I stretched. "Better than expected."
She frowned. "But those wounds—"
"They'll heal." I glanced down at myself. The scratches were there, but they weren't spreading like they had on the others.
Edward sighed. "Alright, I'm officially calling you unfair."
Blaire, however, was still staring at me.
She hadn't said a word since the fight ended.
But I could tell.
She had noticed something.
She had seen those black lines under my eyes.
I met her gaze. "What?"
She tilted her head slightly.
Then, without answering, she simply turned away.
Not dismissing it.
Just storing it away.
I sighed, shaking my head.
She wasn't going to let this go.
But for now?
We were alive.
And whatever was waiting for us deeper in this place…
We were one step closer to finding out.
The eerie silence that followed the battle was unnatural.
Not the relief-filled kind that came after a hard fight.
But the waiting kind.
The kind that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
The others felt it too.
Edward exhaled, wiping his blade clean. "Alright. That was awful. I vote we never do that again."
Silvia, still checking the wounds of the adventurers, didn't respond. Her face was tense.
Gareth, despite his bravado earlier, was frowning. "That was too easy."
I raised an eyebrow. "Easy?"
He nodded. "Yeah. Those things weren't strong. Just tricky. And this whole place?" He gestured to the glowing sigils on the walls, still pulsing faintly. "This doesn't feel like a place that throws weak enemies at you."
I hadn't thought about it that way.
Blaire, still standing apart from the group, finally spoke.
"That was just a test."
Her voice was calm, but there was an edge to it.
Silvia blinked. "A test?"
Blaire turned toward the large stone tablet at the center of the room—the one we had noticed before the fight started.
"It's still there," she said, walking toward it. "Untouched."
She wasn't wrong.
The creatures had never tried to protect it.
They only focused on us.
Almost like…
They were stalling.
My stomach sank.
That wasn't a fight.
That was a distraction.
I stepped forward. "Then what the hell were they buying time for?"
Blaire didn't answer.
Instead, she reached out—
And touched the tablet.
——
The moment her fingers brushed the stone, the room changed.
The sigils along the walls flared violently, flooding the space with dark red light.
The whispers returned—louder, sharper. Not warnings anymore.
But laughter.
Low, distorted, and wrong.
The air shivered.
And then, beneath our feet—
The ground cracked.
Silvia gasped. "Something's—"
The floor collapsed.
——
Falling. Again.
But this time, it wasn't into an endless void.
This time, we landed somewhere else.
A chamber.
Massive. Ancient.
Pillars stretched toward a ceiling we couldn't see, vanishing into darkness.
And at the center of the room—
A throne.
Carved from the same dark stone as the tablet above.
And sitting upon it…
A figure.
Motionless. Waiting.
And then—
It moved.
A slow, deliberate tilt of the head.
Not mechanical.
Not stiff.
But aware.
Then, in a voice like cracked stone and dying embers…
"You have come far."
The air grew heavier.
And for the first time since stepping into this place…
I felt like I was being watched.