A wave of desolation overwhelmed him as countless thoughts surged chaotically through his mind. But in the next instant, Ian's awareness snapped back to reality.0

A wriggling sensation near his side jolted him back. He finally noticed the figure of a girl collapsed beside him, her face buried against his body. Without needing to look closer, he knew—it was Lucia.0

The realization came late, lost amid the shock, the searing pain coursing through his body, and the strain of his armor stretched awkwardly. He hadn’t landed here alone.0

"Ugh... ngh...." The muffled groan reached his ears, and Ian shot upright as if propelled. 0

Ignoring the dizzying pain coursing through his body, he gripped Lucia's cloak with both hands and pulled her upright with him.0

Puff...0

Faint yet ominous, black smoke wafted out like powder from the tattered edges of her cloak, which had miraculously stayed on despite its battered state. 0

It carried the same eerie foreboding he had felt beyond the Black Wall.0

No way.0

Memories flashed through Ian's mind, prompting him to draw upon his chaotic energy instinctively. At the same time, Lucia's pale face emerged from beneath her hood. Her tightly shut eyelids quivered, with black smoke seeping out like fine powder.0

Her lips moved faintly. "Ian......0