"Aether leaned on the scythe, struggling to stand. His vision was blurry, but after a few unsteady attempts, he managed to regain his balance. He looked at the other two and smiled faintly."
"This time… I saw everything."
Scar stared at him, perplexed.
"Saw? Saw what?"
"Aether began recounting the events moment by moment with startling clarity. Though the entity had been in control, Aether remembered it all. Emily cut in, her voice trembling"
"B-But how did you see it? And who is Theer?"
"Well, it wasn't just a few seconds like it seemed. I was pulled into this strange place—a world of darkness. I didn't understand what was happening at first, but then I saw him… the one controlling me. It happened like this."
"Aether closed his eyes, recalling the moment he slipped into that subconscious realm. He described the pitch-black void, the voice that echoed through it"
'Not fainting? Good. Now listen.'
"That voice froze me in place. I had no choice but to hear him out."
"I am Theer, the Shadow of Death. Humans tremble at my name… At last, I am reborn in the soul of one untainted."
'Untainted? What do you mean? And where have you been all this time?'
"Theer materialized before me—a translucent figure with a scar over his right eye and hair that flowed like dark energy. With a mere gesture, he pulled my heart out of my chest. I watched it—white and pure."
'This soul is special. Pure. Rare in these times… You are not like those fools, those stupid humans.'
'Wait! Why say that about them? They're not that bad!'
Theer's eyes burned with fury before he roared:
'Do not defend them!'
"He forced a wave of energy into my mind—visions I couldn't bear: murder, torture, women violated, children slaughtered… memories spanning five centuries. When he finally pulled back, I collapsed, gasping. Even breathing was agony. But I still told him"
'There are still others… like me. I'll prove it. There is still hope.'
"My words angered him, but then he calmed, turning away as he said quietly"
'You are under my protection… until you truly find someone like you. For now, the Scythe of Destiny is yours. Use it well… though I need not remind you. My rebirth here was necessary—the last hero was consumed by darkness, blinded… giving birth to that wretched Shadow.'"
"Aether stopped and looked at Scar, who hung his head in shame. Then Aether turned his gaze back to the scythe's blade."
"After that, he grabbed me and threw me upward—back into consciousness. I woke up gripping the scythe."
Emily watched Aether with concern, while Scar was lost in self-blame. She asked warily
"So… is Theer our ally now? Or what?"
"For now, according to him, he is. He'll protect me until I prove that there are other 'pure' souls out there. Heh."
Aether replied with sarcastic lightness, trying to ease the tension.
Emily laughed dryly:
"Oh, my! The 'pure' man is stubborn."
Her tone was so absurd it was funny—even Scar finally chuckled.
"Well, could you two take this seriously for once?"
"In your dreams, mate. This is how we deal with things."
"Afterward, the three spent some time eating, drinking, and sharing stories until they fell asleep near the cabin—which had only one bed, forcing them to sleep outdoors. At dawn the next day, Aether woke up sluggishly to find the sunrise slowly breaking and tranquility filling the forest. Despite its dangerous name, the atmosphere was utterly contrary: beautiful and serene."
"After a few yawns, Aether noticed Scar was already awake, sitting silently and staring into the fire still consuming the wood. The crackling of embers filled the space, and Scar was so lost in thought he didn't realize Aether had woken. Aether decided not to disturb him."
"He pulled the book from under his pillow and sat beside the cabin, reading through the Hero's Guide. Then he went inside, took the scythe, and tried to swing it quickly—but the scythe nearly flew out of his hands and into the wall."
"Oof! That was close! Seems like this is going to be exhausting."
"He tried to maneuver the scythe again, but it slipped from his grip and flew out of the cabin, embedding itself in a tree trunk in the middle of the forest. As Aether struggled desperately to pull it out, he heard laughter behind him. He turned to see Scar laughing at him and Emily staring groggily, having just woken up. She said with sarcastic calm"
"What a glorious way to start my morning!"