Even the black gas that fought against the golden net’s ensnarement froze. That gave the golden net a chance to attack. Hence, the net quickly and securely wrapped around the black gas.

Likewise, the two domes that battled one another from the beginning finally stopped. The black dome gradually shrunk to barely the size of Darius’ nails, which meant Darius was victorious.

Turning to look at the man, Darius continued, “But I’m unwilling to do so because I value all relationships in my life.”

His gaze bore into the man. He was unwilling to blink, focusing all his attention on the man behind the black fog.

Despite his calm demeanor, Darius placed both hands behind his back and balled his fists, concealing how emotionally turmoiled he felt at that instant. As he said those words, the black fog around the man began to dissipate.

That went on until the man’s face became clear. It was as Darius pictured earlier—the face from his memories. The only difference was, now, the man’s eyes were