The trio moved through the hallways, still searching for the place to insert the key, hoping that the core of the purgatory was there. The system indicated they had 73 hours remaining.
Null: Tsk… time passes too fast.
(panting)
Besides, this purgatory becomes more agonizing and oppressive with every second… not to mention that gravity keeps increasing without end.
Azrael: You don't have to repeat it to me!
—sighs as he adjusts his joints—
I just hope this damn key leads us to the exit of this purgatory.
Nevaeh: I have no opinion.
(nervous laugh)
I don't feel affected… I just notice a bit more gravity, that's all.
⸻
Meanwhile, far away, in the human realm — in one of the infinite worlds that exist within infinity — at the very spot where Null "died" being run over while escaping his parents' house, a hooded figure observed that exact point. It was as if they knew someone had died there, even though Null's "death" had occurred months ago.
The figure: A lost soul? I don't think so. I should have detected it when they died… no soul, detectable or not, would escape my hands.
From their back, they drew a massive scythe, made not just of materials but of concepts: Limbo, Death, Life, Resurrection, Reincarnation, and Eternal Life.
The figure: Valker… I know I can't detect you with my omniscience; I knew that the moment you began living. My master knew it too. But that won't stop me from searching until I grant you the rest you deserve.
The figure removed their hood, revealing a human-like female appearance: long dark hair with a silver streak, gray eyes, features of someone around seventeen… though for her, time was irrelevant. She wore a dark cloak like the void and a completely white kimono.
The figure: After all… it is my duty, being Death.
Death disappeared. Not because she teleported, but because she moved at a speed that traversed dimensions, universes, space, time, and even concepts. Her passage bent and warped reality and existence, breaking it like cloth at the bottom of the sea.
Death: I will have to search every corner… leaving not a single crumb unchecked.
⸻
Meanwhile, in the Creator's Forest, Alcanor continued creating hundreds of crystals that contained entire narratives across the horizon. He looked up at the sky and smiled, entertained.
Alcanor: I suppose my apprentice finally noticed Null. I'll have to change the probability of them finding him… just enough for the three to exit purgatory and for me to rest a little.
(laughs)
Though it will be entertaining to watch them try to find him.
Just by thinking it, the probabilities shifted so much that infinite realities and existences bent, warped, and finally rearranged themselves.
Alcanor: That will be enough.
(laughs)
⸻
Meanwhile, Death crossed the entire human realm: lower, intermediate, and higher dimensions, searching every corner… without success.
Death: This boy knows how to hide well.
(sighs)
Annoying… not being able to see him, even with my omniscience.
A powerful blue fireball was hurled at her. Death destroyed it with a thought, as if silencing a living being with a single strike.
Death: How annoying! Don't you see I'm busy?
Mage: W-who are you?! What are you doing in this castle? You're in the Elorar Kingdom, you're not allowed in!
Death: Since when do I have to follow your orders?
Indignant, the Mage prepared a colossal fireball, absorbing energy from the multiverse and space-time to enhance his power.
Mage: This will be your last warning. Surrender, and your punishment will be lighter. If not, I'll have to execute you right here.
Death:
(impassive)
And? You think something so weak will intimidate me?
Mage: I WARNED YOU!
The attack was launched… and he died instantly, disintegrating before even reaching halfway.
Death: You're lucky I forgive you. After all, you were just fulfilling your duty.
Death vanished, continuing her search at full speed.
⸻
Meanwhile, in purgatory, the trio had been walking for hours. They were exhausted. The pain in Azrael and Null had increased so much that their souls and wills were suffering severe damage.
Null:
(panting)
We must find the core… or we won't survive.
Azrael:
(exhausted)
WHERE IS THAT CORE?!
Nevaeh: It must be somewhere…
(scared)
As they moved forward, Null noticed something in the distance: a slight distortion in reality. Everything was curving and twisting as if trying to hide something.
Null: Hey… look.
Azrael:
(looking at the place)
Something's hidden here.
—begins analyzing it, approaching slowly—
It must be… no. I'm sure the key goes here.
Azrael took the key and inserted it into the distortion. It absorbed it, and after seven seconds, something began to open.
A sort of parallel dimension revealed itself: brimming with energy. The environment glowed green, filled with chaotic luminous particles. Even the concepts that formed purgatory could be seen: pain, suffering, agony… everything related to torment.
Azrael: So… this is it.
Null: Yes. Here's the core.
Nevaeh:
(somewhat nervous, but determined)
Let's go.
The trio advanced into the parallel dimension without looking back. The door closed behind them, signaling that they would have only one chance to escape… or be consumed by purgatory.