Emerging in the area [A-9] with [Dungeon path], Sylviette, Gron, and I arrive at the point where Gron summoned me.

It is dark around me, while the soft grassy cover and the ivy on the rocky walls emit a bluish luminescence.

I am saddened to note that corals thrive here. Since the last time, they have increased, and the landscape is alien to me.

Overall, however, the environment is less dark. I do not mind this since we are about to approach strangers.

My tail moves freely, as I prefer not to carry weapons.

The idea is to converse with the elves, but Gron seems skeptical. It is fear of being a target since the deceased is well founded, but the intruders are them and not us.

I will try to set the record straight right away and avoid arguments later.

“Follow me. Their camp is not far away.”

Following Gron, keeping ourselves as stealthy as possible, walking low, and moving in the shadow of the tallest corals and rocks, we arrive near strong and warm lights.

These are similar flames to my [Will-o'-the-wisp] but a deep orange, fading from dark red to white.

Hidden behind a mossy rock, I admire those fires and the light they leave.

These flames are not free.

Imprisoned inside lanterns, similar to those on the lampposts on the dungeon walls. The only difference is the workmanship. These lanterns are not very ornate. From afar, they look like simple iron bars and smooth glass.

I count four of them, and behind them are two camp tents, a couple of small crates, and some backpacks with tools and ropes.

Further back, the darkness of the abyss.

“Open.”

A black miasma emanates from my hand, transforming into my grimoire.

Sylviette and Gron look at me, waiting for instructions.

I check the map and see we are on the opposite side of the abyss.

Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

It would seem so. But I struggle to orient myself. I close the disappearing grimoire and turn to Sylviette.

“Do you see something familiar to you? I don't know. Is there any coat of arms you recognize?”

Sylviette shakes her head and leans over to get a better look.

I do the same and notice that there is no one around.

I come out of hiding and stretch my arms. “Ngh, guys I think there's no danger. Sylv, thank you for your help.”

“Forget about it. Are you sure you don't want me to stay until they return?”

“Hm, just in case, I can call you again. I can imagine how annoying it is to be awakened, so I will try to avoid it.”

“Okay, thank you in advance then.”

I say goodbye to Sylviette and lift the spell. From behind her, Gron advances low into the vegetation.

“There's no need to be so fearful. It's just us. When they come back, I'll just have to talk to them.”

“Common cat wisdom dictates that suspicion is held tight.”

“Oh, don't be paranoid. Even if they were reluctant to talk to the undead, the fact remains that I am the Empress here. Right?”

“Prr… hmm…”

I do not insist that Gron believe whatever it likes. In the end, what matters will be the result. I am calm about that.

I walk to the field. But once I get close, I have to back away.

“Something wrong?”

“Hm—these flames are hot!”

“Prr, looking at the lanterns… they don't seem beyond the melting point. It's nothing that hot.”

Here, it is like the story of lava, indeed. Temperatures above freezing are truly terrible!

Hmm, I do not think they will be offended if—

[Will-o'-the-wisp]

[Will-o'-the-wisp]

…

[Will-o'-the-wisp]

I replace the flames of the lanterns (eight at the end) with magical ones.

With [Astral journey], their physical body is not here. They should not feel the difference.

Once I finish, I sit on a box and pat my leg to make Gron understand that it can come and pick me up.

Still low among vegetation and corals, Gron looks around. It brings one paw forward. Retracts. Looks around again…

…and takes two leaps and is on top of me.

Ci-cin.

I start stroking it. Meanwhile, I look around. The environment is similar to that of the other side. Although, the edge is integrally chipped and with holes.

Walking on it superficially could prove fatal.

A very narrow path full of ivy flanks the abyss. Is that where they access the [Sanctuary]?

“Gron.”

“Hm?”

“Why didn't you just get over them? I mean, like you did with the gargoyles. Besides, you already know what's beyond the abyss…”

Gron stretches out its front paws and shows its claws for a moment. It is a relaxing, non-threatening gesture, and I push it behind the ear.

Who knows what it is like to be cuddled when you are dead? Looking at Gron, it seems apathetic to affection. It would not surprise me to discover that it lets itself be cuddled out of habit.

After all, it does not feel temperature, pain, hunger, tiredness, thirst, and so on.

Surely, it does not even feel the cuddles…

This creates a sense of displeasure in me. But Gron chases it away.

“Well, I could have just kept going if I wanted to… but I turned back after seeing the monsters in the glacier.”

Sure.

There is no need to add anything else.

The memory of those bizarre iron creatures and that immense glacier. Above a lake of dark blue flames…

…and then that girl, so similar to me. The wall of flames, the plates identical to that of the [core].

“I understand what you mean.”

“Really, prr?”

“Sure, you were right to call me.”