Reprieve & Dream

Approaching the newly opened passageway, Ren hesitated for a moment as he remembered the mission that had clogged his mind.

"...Iris."

Looking back at the desecrated dungeon, another stinging pain traveled through his body, urging him to move forward.

She was much stronger than him, he knew that well--if she was on that floor, she would've already cleared it without a doubt.

--Even if she didn't...Asterius is gone now, I don't know if he'll be resurrected again, but there should be a grace period before that.

Beyond just stringing logic together, it seemed his temporary enlightened mind granted him one gift before parting--a feeling in his gut told him she wasn't here.

Encumbered by a failing body, Ren dragged his feet forward into the awaiting section of the floor, stepping past the ancient gates. As the threshold was crossed, the towering slabs of natural elements pulled themselves back into place--cutting off any hope there may have been of returning to the labyrinth.