"What on earth is that? Why is the Black Lake receding?"
Miranda stood in shock, staring at the lake before her.
What had once been half full was now rapidly shrinking, as if something enormous were siphoning it away.
Beside her, Astra looked just as stunned, struggling to believe what she was witnessing.
"Is this Leon's doing?" she asked, doubtful.
"No, it's not," Miranda replied firmly, her expression growing serious. "My master's consciousness has been pulled into a mysterious dimension. He can no longer purify the lake."
"Then there's only one explanation..."
Her eyes narrowed. "This must be the work of that Evil God consciousness you mentioned, Astra."
Astra's expression stiffened slightly at the words. But before she could respond, Leon's body—which had appeared motionless—suddenly trembled.
A moment later, he stirred and came to his senses.
"Pufft!"
Leon coughed up blood, groaning in pain, leaving both women stunned.
"Master!"
"Leon!"
