As Aiko and Asim stepped through, the air turned cold, the sky dim. The place was filled with people.
Asim opened a dark circular void, reached inside, and pulled out a jacket. He handed one to Aiko and took one for himself.
As they put them on, a faint warmth covered Asim's torso as they entered the cave.
All around, people moved about — mentors, students, scientists. After all, Veynar's death wasn't something small.
The famous Shadow Order mad scientist, killed easily with no body found? It was alarming — and concerning.
As Aiko and Asim walked deeper in, they were suddenly stopped by an old man standing before them.
Aiko bowed slightly. "Hello, Sensei Serath."
Asim nodded his head with respect.
It's Aiko's and Ivan's old mentor… Serath Kaldor, Asim thought.
Serath chuckled softly as he looked at them both. "It warms me to see you still walking your own path… unbroken by the dark," he said, his tone gentle.
He turned to Asim. "How have you been, student of Aiko?"
"I've been doing well, Sir Serath," Asim replied respectfully.
"How does it look in there?" Aiko asked.
"The tale hasn't changed," Serath sighed, looking back at the crowd. "Veynar is nowhere to be seen. As if consumed by the shadows."
Aiko nodded. "Understood, Sensei." Her posture straightened — respectful and loyal — while Asim stared at the people around them.
Serath's eyes softened. "The void takes much, but it never forgets kindness. Remember that, Aiko Tenshi."
Aiko bowed her head as Serath walked away.
She sighed, turning to Asim. "Let's go. We can't stay here for long."
…
"Asim?"
…
Aiko gently slapped the back of his head. "Stop daydreaming and stay with me, won't you?"
Asim groaned, rubbing his head. "You didn't have to hit me, you know."
Aiko exhaled. "What's got you all in your head?"
…
"Something doesn't feel right," Asim said quietly.
…
"The same feeling I had when we entered the cave."
He paused. "As if something's hidden right beneath our noses — and we can't see it."
He couldn't shake the feeling that Veynar was watching, even in death.
Aiko looked at him for a long moment. "Then keep your head up," she said, turning away. "This world isn't meant to be a second chance to enjoy life."
Asim followed behind her, silent.