I gave one last look at the strange platform—the special place that had just changed so much for me. Then I took a breath and urged the system that I was ready to leave.
Without delay, a portal shimmered into existence right beneath my feet. Before I could think twice, I dropped straight into it.
The next moment, the portal spit me out into the cave I had carved into the mountain. I landed smoothly, knees slightly bent, absorbing the impact without a sound.
I straightened up and glanced around. The cave was empty.
No sign of movement. No flicker of Essence. Just stillness.
I reached out with my perception, letting my Psynapse flare to life. Instantly, my senses expanded beyond the cave, sweeping across the surrounding peak, the ridges, and the trees below.
Nothing.
Neither Steve nor Ana showed up anywhere in my range. My gaze narrowed as I turned toward the cave entrance—the stone wall I had created to seal it was still there… but cracked open on one side.
