Ronnel extended his fingers cautiously, reaching toward the gap.
"Boom~"
To his surprise, there was no eruption of deathly malice or powerful skeletal monsters to disrupt the scene. Instead, his fingers touched the gap as though dipping into water, sending ripples across its surface.
"A portal? Or perhaps a boundary? A channel connecting to another world…"
For a moment, rumors about the Grand Canyon flitted through his mind.
"Could this really be connected to the Dark Continent?" he murmured. "No, that doesn't add up. If this gap truly led to the Dark Continent, the V5 wouldn't waste their resources and manpower organizing expeditions from the coastline. They'd simply enter from here. It would be much easier."
Ronnel shook his head, dismissing his own theory. "Still… this place does have an air of danger similar to the Dark Continent. Forget overthinking it—why not just go in and see for myself?"
Surveying the area, he noted the scattered skeletons of beasts and creatures, yet not a single human one. "That must mean those carrying the Sonata of Darkness have already entered. If they dared to venture in, then I should, too."
With his resolve steeled, Ronnel stepped back. Before entering the gap, he sent his clone forward to investigate. His main consciousness retreated to his body, allowing the clone to act as a scout.
...
Inside the Gap
Within the dark, shadowy expanse beyond the gap, a figure sat upon a throne of bones. Their fingers tapped rhythmically against the armrest, the sound echoing faintly in the stillness.
"Why hasn't he entered yet? Is he just being cautious?" The figure growled low in frustration. "I even extended the delay on the Bone Road to ten seconds—an increment designed to arouse minimal suspicion!"
Their irritation grew as they recalled how previous visitors carrying the Sonata of Darkness had entered without hesitation. "This guy, though… is he overthinking it? Or does he have other tricks up his sleeve?"
As impatience overtook them, outside the gap, Ronnel's consciousness returned to his main body.
...
Back Outside
Ging, casually munching on another apple, noticed the shift in Ronnel's demeanor. Tossing the core aside, he asked, "What happened? Did something dangerous destroy your clone?"
"The clone is fine," Ronnel replied, quickly inspecting himself for abnormalities before continuing. "But I've reached the end of the path and seen something strange."
"Oh?" Ging's interest piqued. "What exactly?"
"It's hard to explain…" Ronnel began, glancing at the pile of apple cores around Ging's feet. How many apples has this guy eaten?
He described the eerie gap, the rippling barrier, and the ominous feeling it radiated. Ging tugged at his collar, deep in thought.
"A dark space, a portal-like barrier, potential unknown dangers…" Ging murmured, considering the possibilities. But before he could form a plan, he felt Ronnel's gaze on him.
"…You've got an idea, don't you?" Ging asked flatly, meeting Ronnel's stare.
"An idea? Sure." Ronnel grinned. "It's a method that minimizes risk while maximizing our chances of success."
"Oh?" Ging raised an eyebrow.
"It'll take some time and…" Ronnel trailed off, leaving Ging hanging.
"What else?"
Ronnel's smirk widened. "You'll need to use your eyes~"
"...??!"
...
Five Days Later
Ronnel's clone stood motionless near the gap, seemingly meditating. Days passed, and within the gap, the figure on the bone throne grew increasingly restless.
Anyone would struggle with patience after decades of preparation, only to face an infuriating delay at the critical moment.
"I can't take this anymore!" the figure snarled, their heavy breathing punctuated by an animalistic growl. A skeletal finger extended from the throne, tapping lightly at the void.
...
The Clone Awakens
Ronnel's clone opened its eyes immediately, sensing the change. "The delay's gone?" he muttered, activating his aura without hesitation. His thoughts flowed freely, unfettered by the earlier sluggishness.
"Was it a trap? Or just environmental interference?" Ronnel studied the gap with narrowed eyes. "It's almost like they're inviting me in…"
A smirk tugged at his lips. "But it doesn't matter. I've prepared for every possibility."
Turning, he glanced behind him.
...
The Final Step
Within the gap, the figure on the bone throne froze. "Did his companions follow him? Have they finally made their move?" Excitement surged through them as they sensed an approaching presence.
A single figure walked steadily toward the gap, their silhouette sharp against the dark surroundings.
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