-9th Rest-

My worst fears from my last entry have been confirmed. When we first ventured into the Graylands, there was a slow but noticeable transition from vibrant colors to the bleak, dismal monochrome that now surrounds us. I had assumed that as we retraced our steps and made our way out, the color would gradually begin to return. It only seemed reasonable that the further we traveled from the heart of this place, the more life would seep back into the landscape. But that hasn’t happened. Not even a flicker of color has reappeared in the world around us.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

Everything remains in complete monochrome—still, lifeless, and unnerving. And though it's difficult to tell under this oppressive gray light, I think some of our clothing and equipment are losing their vibrancy too. What was once a necessary safeguard against graying now seems less effective, as the very essence of color is being drained from us. The cheerful, bright hues we wore as protection have begun to dull. Slowly, and subtly—just enough to notice if you pay close attention.

I don’t know what this means, but it's becoming harder to shake the feeling that we might be in greater danger than I initially anticipated.

I think I will keep this information to myself for now, to avoid causing panic in the group.