While Neve was deep in thoughts about the system, the mission, and the mysterious reward, he did not realize that the cave itself had changed.
The temperature dropped suddenly. The air became cold and heavy. It felt like ice was spreading through the stone walls themselves.
Popi felt it immediately. She started to shiver, her entire body trembling from the sudden cold. She stared at her own trembling hand in confusion.
What was happening? Why was it so cold all of a sudden?
She looked toward the cave entrance. Both of the guards who had been standing there were suddenly on their knees. Their faces were pale. Their bodies were shaking.
Something powerful had arrived.
"Neve?" she called his name, trying to pull him back to reality. But he was still deep in his thoughts. He was staring at nothing. His eyes were unfocused.
"Neve? Neve, wake up!" she called again, more urgently this time. "Is he shocked that he can't speak? Damnit!"
