With labored breaths and aching muscles, Gem's trembling body, consumed by exhaustion, stumbled upon a narrow ravine. The jagged walls and the eerie echo of howling winds transformed the ravine into a concealed sanctuary amidst the desolate wilderness. Seeking refuge from the harsh elements, Gem's weary eyes caught sight of a small cave nestled within the depths of the ravine.

The place offered a temporary respite from the biting cold that gnawed at his skin, despite its own frigid embrace. Realizing he couldn't be selective, Gem carefully lowered his wounded father onto the cold, rocky ground and meticulously examined his injuries.

A sense of despair washed over him when he realized a significant portion of his father's shoulder had been irreparably damaged, serving as a cruel reminder that not all exorcists possessed the coveted gift of regeneration.

Suddenly, a noise outside caught Gem's attention. His senses sharpened, and he cautiously made his way to the corner of the cave. Peering out, he locked eyes with a humanoid creature with an octopus head, its eyes devoid of emotion. Tentacles wriggled ominously, but before it could make a move, a hand burst through the creature's chest, splattering Gem with repulsive demon blood that carried the scent of fish.

With a swift upward motion, the hand effortlessly tore off the upper part of the demon's body. Gem was taken aback, wondering whether the demon was truly weak or if its killer simply made it appear so.

The killer, a man with flowing silver hair that cascaded to the ground, met Gem's gaze. His red eyes, slit like a cat's, emitted an unsettling presence. Despite having thrust his hand through a demon's chest, he bore no trace of blood. His clothes appeared old yet impeccably clean, save for the ripped shirt exposing his chest through a hole.

The enigmatic man paid no attention to Gem, instead surveying his surroundings as a multitude of other creatures materialized one by one. Among them, Gem recognized some familiar faces, such as the four-armed gorilla.

The gorilla took a step forward, grunting, "Honored one, why do you interfere in our games? This territory does not belong to yo-"

Before he could finish his sentence, the atmosphere froze, gripping the air with a tinge of anticipation. Time seemed to slow as every eye in the vicinity fixated on the colossal gorilla, its immense form looming with raw power and primal fury. Muscles bulged beneath its coarse, matted fur, while its deep, penetrating eyes gleamed with a mix of wildness and intelligence. But in an instant, a haunting stillness shattered as an inexplicable force ripped through the gorilla's body, splintering sinew, bone, and flesh with a sickening explosion.

The air became a red canvas as crimson fragments filled the surroundings, mingling with the eerie silence that followed, etching a grisly tableau in the minds of all who bore witness.

Just like that?

Gem felt as if the world was taunting him. A demon he couldn't even scratch had been effortlessly killed as if it were nothing more than a fleeting thought in the man's mind.

It was the kind of power that, when witnessed, discouraged anyone from aspiring to become stronger. After all, what was the purpose of training when one knew that no matter how hard they tried, at most, they would only be toyed with by someone who could kill them with just a thought?

Though Gem hadn't entertained such thoughts, witnessing someone like this forced him to confront his perspective. To him, even the weakest ultimate-class demon was merely the top of an unclimbable mountain. However, encountering an individual of this caliber made him realize that there was a sky above that very iceberg.

The man’s mere presence in the midst of the chaotic scene sent shivers down the spines of the demonic beings. They, with their menacing eyes and gnarled claws, hesitated for a moment, sensing an indomitable power within him. As the man's eyes locked onto the demons, an ethereal force seemed to surround him, intensifying the air with an otherworldly energy. The pressure grew, suffocating the vile creatures and leaving them gasping for breath. In a desperate attempt to escape, the demons instinctively took two faltering steps backward. However, their efforts were in vain as the invisible force exerted on them reached its peak, causing their bodies to explode like fragile balloons, dissipating into dark mist.

Even Gem, aware that the pressure wasn't directed at him, felt the veins on his forehead strain to circulate blood to his head. He grew lightheaded, but suddenly, the pressure vanished as if it had never existed.

Gem had been on the verge of inquiring about the man's identity, but the enigmatic figure simply turned around and walked away, not uttering a single word. Witnessing the display of power, Gem chose to retreat.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

What the fuck was all that about? Gem wondered, as his worldview crumbled before him.

All those things he had considered formidable... he had truly been a frog in a well all along...

***

Despite being teleported to a peculiar part of the island by his mirrors, Anika noticed that Sei remained vigilant.

"Is someone still following us?" she asked, using her body to support Kon. Her heart skipped a beat when he leaned on her, but she was going to act super casual about it.

"I'm not sure," Sei replied. "This place makes it nearly impossible to sense anything. I swear I can feel multiple versions of myself running around, only for some of them to suddenly vanish and new ones to appear. Some change, while others remain the same, and some even replay events that have already occurred."

Anika clarified, "From what I understand, this place operates by its own set of rules. It's like different time zones but in a more literal sense."

Sei glanced at her and murmured, "It's easy to forget, but she's actually a genius and not just some persistent stalker."

Anika resisted the urge to respond to his obvious provocation. Even Sei should be aware that, as Ord users, their hearing was heightened, rendering normal whispers practically useless.

"Don't extend your senses too far," Kon cautioned, as he focused on restoring his Ord and tending to his injured arm. "You might pick up on past or future versions of yourself. Anika, your assumption about the island resembling different time zones is somewhat accurate."

However, he didn't delve further into the explanation. Truthfully, Anika paid little attention to his words, as her primary concern was Kon's arm.

After all, she blamed herself for what had happened. While she couldn't deny that Kon's actions of him pushing her out of harm’s way had stirred her heart. That was something that a heart-throb hero would do! Still, she didn't want to see him get injured.

As they ventured forward, their steps becoming futile, a strange phenomenon unfolded before them. They found themselves trapped in an uncanny loop, going in circles that seemed unending. The landscape around them shifted, distorting their perception of reality.

Kon's once warm gaze turned icy, a subtle signal to Anika that he was tapping into his special ability. However, when emotion flickered back into his eyes, a frown etched across his face. "We're ensnared in an illusion. Everything we see is a deceptive mirage, concealed beneath a dense shroud of mist."

Anika growled in frustration. "What the hell is wrong with this accursed island? It feels like there's always something lurking, ready to strike and kill us."

Sei nodded in agreement. "Each triumph feels less like a victory and more like mere survival."

"Yeah, yeah, spare me the theatrics," Kon dismissed their concerns with a wave of his hand, reclining on the ground and shutting his eyes. "I'll find a way to break free from this predicament. My special ability is well-suited for unraveling illusions like this. But keep your guard up; my senses will be completely obstructed as I try to unravel this mess."

As Kon slipped into an unconscious state, vulnerable and defenseless, Anika swallowed hard. A darker inclination whispered in the depths of her mind, tempting her: Go on, seize the opportunity, give him a kiss!

Her musings were interrupted by an awkward cough from Sei, snapping her out of her reverie. "You're not going to assault him right? Because you had a really creepy look on your face right now."

She frowned at him, locking eyes with his inquisitive gaze. "Assault him? What on earth are you suggesting? I never had any such intentions. In fact, it was you who brought up those disturbing thoughts. You should worry more about your thoughts, than mine."

Anika deflected the accusation back at Sei, thankful that her true thoughts and desires remained secret as long as she refused them to anyone. Besides, even if she were to entertain such thoughts, it wouldn't be classified as assault since she was an attractive young woman.

Yet, she refused to exploit Kon's vulnerable state; that would be repulsive. Although, she couldn't help but acknowledge the fleeting fantasy that had momentarily invaded her mind.

No, this strange place must be distorting her thoughts! She wasn’t so morally bankrupt, Anika reassured herself.

Kon was wounded, and despite the fleeting inappropriate thoughts, Anika clenched her hand in resolve.

How could her mind stray to such dark corners? She was a beautiful, young woman who yearned for Kon's well-being. Her concern went beyond mere physical desire. When the time came for Kon to reciprocate her feelings, Anika desired not only his body but also his heart and soul.

She wanted to have her own hero, bound by a connection deeper than passion alone.

"Okay, seriously, can you stop ogling him like a piece of meat? I was joking earlier, but I'm growing more concerned by the second," Sei said, his tone serious. "And just so you know, if you attempt anything strange with the guy who's literally trying to save our lives, I will intervene."

Anika hummed in acknowledgment and nodded. Despite maintaining an accusing glare, she couldn't afford to give off the impression that she was some sort of pervert.

Suddenly, the surroundings they had been observing dissipated, replaced by a dense mist carrying a sweet aroma. Gradually, even the mist dispersed, leaving behind an expansive grassland with dark blades of grass. If one focused, one could hear the grass emitting faint screams.