Blue aura exploded from Kaelith's body.
It burst outward in a blinding flash, then surged in every direction—like a tidal wave of light tearing through the darkness. The aura spread across the entire forest, crashing into the dense fog and pushing it back.
Slowly.
Relentlessly.
The suffocating mist began to thin as the blue light expanded, peeling away the illusions layer by layer.
Meanwhile—
On the other side of the forest, James was on his knees.
His breathing was ragged.
In front of him lay the torn, mangled bodies of Clara, Elias, and the others—what remained of them being devoured by twisted monsters, teeth tearing into flesh, claws ripping through bone.
James stared blankly.
His hands shook.
"It was all because of me…" he whispered.
He clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white.
"I was the one who brought them here. I thought we could clear this floor by ourselves…"
His voice trembled.
"But now… all of them are dead. All because of me…"
