Gazing out from the window of my room, I beheld the grandeur of the colossal fountain, its purple liquid shimmering like a celestial gem at the heart of the realm. Through this very gateway, I would find my way back to Earth.

Having bid us farewell upon delivering us to the 14th realm, the city of Easrich, Celina’s parting words echoed in my mind. Taking up residence in an inn within this new respite zone, I couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast between Easrich and the earlier city of Aurorium.

While Aurorium had been an underground sanctuary, Easrich sprawled beneath an expansive sky, its magnitude dwarfing its predecessor. The buildings boasted a more advanced architecture, constructed with sturdy bricks and adorned in an array of captivating shades. Gas lamps lined the streets, casting a warm glow reminiscent of the bygone era of 18th-century London.

Notably, Easrich embodied a harmonious coexistence between venturers and dwellers, a stark departure from Elsie’s homeland of Avlyrra. The city’s ethereal beauty beckoned, yet my mind remained preoccupied with weightier matters, leaving me unable to fully appreciate the splendour that surrounded me.

Just as a heavy fog settled, Kei’s voice pierced through my contemplation, his light footsteps signalling his arrival. "You need to think this through," he gently urged from behind me. Elsie, standing beside him, offered her unwavering support, assuring me that my decision would be met with their backing.

The gravity of the responsibilities thrust upon me by Baek’s final moments eclipsed any other thoughts or aspirations I held.

The severity of the situation weighed heavily on me. With nearly half of the Limbos already ravaged, the imminent collapse of the next one loomed, bringing the void order dangerously closer to their malevolent goal while leaving in its wake a trail of devastation.

Kei interjected, reminding me to consider Celina’s words. She had cautioned against hasty decisions and encouraged me to seek the perspectives of those around me, both within Limbo and back on Earth. It dawned on me that my prolonged absence from Limbo had caused me to almost forget the life I once led on Earth.

As thoughts of Earth flickered in my mind, the image of Gary Hall, the esteemed paladin and leader of H.A.D.E.S., materialised before me. He stood not only as a guardian of the portal between dimensions but also as a dear friend of my grandfather's as well as mine.

If anyone possessed knowledge of the tragedy befalling the Limbos and the machinations of the void order, it was him. I knew seeking his counsel would offer invaluable insights and guidance, helping me forge the path that lay ahead.

In this moment of revelation, I realised the pressing need for respite and sought the tranquilly necessary to gather my thoughts. "I think it is imperative for me to make a trip to Earth," I declared, my voice resolute and determined.

**

"Are you certain about joining me?" I inquired, glancing back at my companions as we made our way towards the enigmatic fountain.

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"Is that even a question?" Elsie retorted, her voice filled with determination. "How could we possibly abandon you after everything that has transpired? Besides, it’s an opportunity for me to experience Earth firsthand while ensuring your safety." She concluded with a hint of excitement in her words.

Kei remained silent, quietly trailing behind us.

In what seemed like no time at all, we arrived at the grand structure known as the ‘Nebula.’ The colossal fountain before us emanated a radiant shimmer, its purple liquid casting an otherworldly glow.

Adjacent to the fountain, a staircase beckoned, likely leading to the next realm, but that wasn’t our intended destination. I gestured for my companions to take my hand, and together, we submerged ourselves into the ethereal depths of the purple liquid, reminiscent of my initial dive into the lake that brought me to this extraordinary place.

Suddenly, my vision blurred, and I found myself standing in a vast hall, its pristine walls and floor adorned in immaculate white.

Elsie and Kei stood beside me, our surroundings brimming with an array of doors, each bearing a distinct number. The engravings on the doors emitted a soft white light, enhancing their visibility.

A myriad of numbers adorned the doors, ranging from 0 to 13. As I opened door number 1, I was met with the sight of a dense, mystical forest, its towering trees cloaked in lush foliage.

"Robhurst Grove…" I whispered, a moment of realisation washing over me as the true meaning of these doors became clear.

Each door served as a gateway to a different realm, one that we had previously explored. This mechanism bestows upon us the ability to traverse the vast expanse of Limbo freely, allowing us to journey wherever our hearts desire. It was nothing short of astounding.

Kei voiced his insight, suggesting, "The door numbered ‘0’ likely leads to Earth." His deduction was sound, considering there was no zero realm among the options.

Wasting no time, we gathered together, anticipation building within us. With a collective motion, we swung open the door marked 0 and were instantly engulfed in a blinding white light that caused us to lose consciousness.

**

"I’ve returned... to the lakefront!" As consciousness returned to me, I found myself surrounded by a diverse array of buildings, varying in size and style. People of different nationalities and races bustled around, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

I had arrived back on Earth, specifically at the place known as the Lakefront, where Venturers congregated to prepare for their journeys to Limbo. It unfolded before me, a familiar sight filled with memories.

Kei and Elsie stood by my side, taking in their surroundings. A glimmer of excitement danced in Elsie’s eyes, likely due to this being her first time setting foot on Earth.

I heard Kei speaking to me, but his words were unintelligible to me. It dawned on me that we were back on Earth, and he was speaking in his native language.

However, in contrast, I could understand Elsie perfectly.

"It seems like I know how to speak both your and Kei’s languages." I can serve as an interpreter," she offered, relaying the same sentence to Kei in his language.

The reason for Elsie’s newfound language abilities became apparent. Limbo had imprinted these languages into her mind to ensure her survival on Earth. The chosen languages were likely based on the fact that she had spent the most time with both Kei and me.

"Let’s find Gary," I declared, the determination in my voice propelling me towards the headquarters of H.A.D.E.S.

As I approached the building’s entrance, I noticed a familiar figure engaged in conversation with an elderly man, obscured by the surrounding crowd. Searching my memory, I recognised the figure as Cheryl Hall, Gary Hall’s niece, who had introduced me to him.

"That must mean the old man is..." I began to ponder, but before I could finish my thought, the old man turned to look at me, his eyes widening in astonishment.

The old man was none other than Gary himself, a burly and authoritative presence that stood out from the crowd. Surprise and shock painted his features.

"Is that you, Wallace?" he exclaimed in a booming voice, loud enough for me and my companions to hear.