They walked deeper into the graveyard, heading toward a random, unmarked grave that seemed no different from the others.
Yardy muttered something under his breath — too quiet for Ron to hear. The ground trembled slightly. Then, without warning, the grave split open, revealing a dark, spiraling hole that descended into nothingness.
Before Ron could react, Yardy shoved him forward.
He fell instantly.
The descent was fast and disorienting, like sliding through an endless tunnel with no end in sight. The air grew colder, heavier, and darker the deeper he went. Time felt stretched, distorted — until suddenly, he crashed onto solid ground.
Ron groaned softly as he pushed himself up.
When he looked around, there was nothing. No walls. No ceiling. No visible floor — only pitch-black emptiness stretching infinitely in every direction.
A moment later, Yardy landed beside him, completely unfazed.
"Wait here," Yardy said casually and began walking forward.
Ron watched in disbelief.
With every step Yardy took, the floor materialized beneath his feet — faintly glowing for a split second before solidifying. It was as if he was creating the ground as he walked.
Yardy glanced back. "What are you waiting for? Hurry — the floor disappears behind us!"
Ron turned and saw the glowing tiles fading and crumbling into darkness.
Without hesitation, he sprinted after Yardy.
Together, they crossed the endless void until a single door appeared ahead of them — standing alone in the middle of nothing. Above it hovered a small glowing board, flickering with strange energy.
Yardy stepped forward and knocked gently.
"Master," he said respectfully, "there is someone here who wishes to meet you."
Sparks danced across the glowing board. Slowly, radiant text formed in midair:
"You may enter."
The door creaked open on its own.
Yardy stepped aside and looked at Ron. "Go ahead."
Ron frowned. "You're not coming in?"
Yardy shook his head. "I can't. No one can — not even the Skeleton."
Ron hesitated.
(Could this be a trap?)
(Worst case… I can teleport out.)
Taking a breath, he stepped through the door.
The moment he crossed the threshold, he froze.
Standing before him was someone he never expected to see.
"…Dr. Thomas?" Ron muttered in disbelief.
A familiar figure from Hero Town — yet the atmosphere around him felt far from ordinary.
Dr. Thomas smiled calmly. "Welcome, Ron. I welcome you to my realm — or dimension, if you prefer. It is an honor to have you here."
Ron stared at him. "What are you doing here?"
Dr. Thomas chuckled softly. "As I said, this is my world."
Ron's mind raced. "You're… the King of the World of Dark Souls? Weren't you just a regular doctor back in Hero Town?"
Dr. Thomas clasped his hands behind his back. "That is true. I am the king here. But in the human world, I am known as 'Dr. Thomas' — a harmless physician."
Realization slowly settled over Ron.
"So… you've been living among us this whole time?"
Dr. Thomas nodded. "Yes. But let us not dwell on that."
His expression softened.
"Ron, I brought you here because I wish to speak with you. Can you spare a moment?"
Ron exhaled quietly. "You're a king — and you're asking politely. Of course I'll listen."
(He's being unusually gentle… whatever this is about must be important.)
Dr. Thomas gestured beside him. "Why don't we sit somewhere more comfortable?"
In an instant, the surroundings changed.
A simple, cozy living room appeared around them — but there was no roof. Above them stretched an infinite cosmos: swirling galaxies, drifting stars, and glowing streams of colored energy weaving through the darkness like living constellations.
It was breathtaking.
Dr. Thomas motioned toward the seat next to him. "So, Ron… how about we help each other?"
Ron raised an eyebrow. "Help each other? If you can create worlds like this, why would you need my help? And what do I get in return?"
Dr. Thomas smiled knowingly.
"If you agree, I will grant you access to this realm. You will be able to return here whenever you wish. I will also help you learn to control your powers… and perhaps even teach you some of mine."
He studied Ron carefully.
"So — how does that sound?"
Ron narrowed his eyes. "So you already know I have powers."
Dr. Thomas simply nodded.
(He knows everything… how long has he been watching me?)
After a moment, Ron finally spoke.
"…Fine. I accept your offer."
Dr. Thomas stood and extended his hand. Ron shook it.
From within his robe, Dr. Thomas produced an old, metallic magnifying glass — intricately designed, with strange symbols etched into its rim.
"This will be your key," he said. "Focus your mind through it, and you can enter this dimension. You can also use it to contact me… the Skeleton… or Yardy."
He took a step back. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I must attend to something important. I will contact you soon."
Before Ron could respond, Dr. Thomas vanished.
Ron looked down at the magnifying glass in his hand. It hummed faintly, as if alive.
Guess it's time to go home.
He focused — and in an instant, the realm dissolved.
Ron found himself back where he had first met Yardy, standing once again on the familiar streets of Hero Town.