The Man's Decree

Observing Jared's apprehensive countenance, the elder smiled and elucidated, "Do not be afraid. I understand what you and the others have been through, but my younger brother is not the only one with control over this world. Our worlds have largely merged. If you all hadn't intruded, I would have remained within my thatched cottage, never setting foot here. I intended to wait until my soul remnant faded and my world crumbled."

"Then why did you bring me here, sir?" inquired Jared, confused. To prevent the resurrection of my little brother, of course."

"In that case, we can just go together. You'll deal with your brother while I snatch the Ice Soul Pill. Isn't that simple?" Jared was perplexed by the elder's decision to make such a simple feat appear more mysterious than it needed to be.

"You know my brother's power will be greatly reduced if he leaves the altar, yes? Do you think the same doesn't apply to me when I leave my own territory?" questioned the elder.

"Um..." Jared was momentarily at a loss for words because he didn't consider that.

pass through this place, you'll see a whole new world." The moment the elder finished speaking, his figure vanished. Suddenly, Jared

ahead of him, unlike the first time he was there. After a brief contemplation, he strode toward the dim

depths of the palace. After taking

step he took heavy and laborious.

his forehead was covered in sweat. Every time he lifted his leg, he felt as though he was walking with boulders attached to his calves. Also, each iolite tile that he laid his foot on would crack. Could this be

and marching ahead. The pressure applied on him was getting more intense the deeper he ventured. Also,

physical strength and willpower to carry him forward. His shirt was

Suddenly, Jared's legs gave way, and he dropped to the ground. He panted for a few moments

gazed at Jared with surprise.