'Could this place be simply a prison?'

As the only explanation that slightly made sense, I couldn't help but think it through even though I already denied it at the very beginning…

'No!'

However, I once again denied it simply according to the facts, dependent space artifacts couldn't be found that easily!

The Space element was simply too mysterious and hard to use, I wasn't even sure if one could muster it and have the affinity to use it as all records that I read refused that idea, making an elemental artifact out of it was almost impossible.

Although the existence of Corruption Gates seemed to operate through this element, it was as if it was naturally made so far, neither the domains' people nor the demons could bend its rules. Other than my doubt one of those 'Demon Hunters' who left extensive legacies had some mastery over it, the current era's beings didn't seem to be capable of mastering 'Space'. Even the great 'Dragon Ancestor' couldn't use his spatial ability without restriction!

Most importantly, while it was true that the demons should have a few spatial artifacts left from the ancient times, one that could open an independent space to imprison someone was one that had to bend 'Laws' severely, even if the demons actually had one of it, they couldn't possibly use it on someone of limited capability like me.

Furthermore, even if they did discover that I was a complete obstacle to their plan and was worthy of sacrificing such a rare artifact that could change the results at the late stage of their invasion, I wasn't supposed to be the target of the demon from the very start, there was no way he could simply exchange targets with how precious such an artifact was…

'Is this the effect of exhaustion…?'

Having already used this line of thought to erase this idea of my head yet returning to question it as if I forgot all of this flared the 'Off' feeling that persisted as I wondered if fatigue could really be a cause for my memory to be that hazy…

Naturally, the fatigue that I was talking about wasn't physical fatigue but a mental one. After all, while my body's stamina needed some recovery after so long, it wasn't that severe due to my high Constitution, but my mind somewhat hurt as I overloaded it with thoughts about the entrance's location, especially in the last 5 days.

'Let's just continue…'

Though it didn't make complete sense to make a path that long, it wasn't as far fetched as the prison idea, the spatial artifact's predetermined destination could have been simply designed that way so that it would wear one's mind and body. At this point, resolutely moving ahead seemed to be the only logical method of seeking an exit.

However…

…

10 days later…

'Can this place be really a prison?'

I no longer found any reason why such a possibility couldn't be true, but I didn't want to admit it, I simply continued moving forward while stopping all thoughts!

…

20 days later…

'I should just stop…'

I lost all hope as my mind went blank, understanding the feeling of being physically exhausted which I didn't feel for so long, I already stopped counting the time, but I could tell that over a month has already passed.

I already gave my body the order to stop, but it simply didn't listen to me as if it was just repeating what it had done continuously for the last month, my thoughts' color had already become a copy of this space's from the constant clash between my previous resoluteness and the will to give up, but just then, certain thoughts streamed as if that wasn't the case…

'Just when did this go wrong…'

I tried to remember what exactly led to my current situation as my jumbled memory reminded me of various scenes as if to give me reason to continue…

'Was it then…?'

The image of my confidently standing next to the Dragon Clan Leader appeared first as I wondered… Did I really grow too confident as my ability grew stronger? Should I have stayed more low-key than that?

'Or then?'

The scene of my standing up with an overly healthy and capable body back in Thunder Village as I couldn't help but question… Did I behave too stupidly and throw away my chance as I started to learn the ability to fight? Should I have simply hid in one corner as I enjoyed my new body?

'Or back then…?'

The neatly clothed Claus's face flashed in my eyes as I doubted… Was my choice to start everything completely wrong? Couldn't I have simply chosen to spend the time which I had to live in peace instead of all this?

The stream of thoughts finally stopped as the blackness seemed to extend over to my eyesight, but for some reason, the feeling of relief was the only one that came up… perhaps it was truly time to…

Just give up…?

...…

...

...

'No!'

Just as I was about to be completely engulfed in the pitch-blackness that took over this space, both my mind and my heart refused to let go as they flared like undying fire!

My heart beat fast enough to jump from my body while my mind's gears ground returning my 'Off' feeling as my eyes lit up once more.

'It's not yet time to give up! My path is not wrong!'

The insecure questions that clouded my mind completely vanished as I came back to my senses, I always believed that my major choices were right. While it was true that I made some mistakes along the way, my path was not wrong! I firmly believed it was the only true path for me!

'It's simply too early!'

Giving up after coming this far was not an option! So what if over one month didn't make it? I still had nine years worth of time to try and get out of here!

Just then!

'This is…'

As if something had responded to my thoughts that carried unyielding will, blinding light flashed ahead of me, dying the pitch-blackness in its own color!

My eyes couldn't see at this moment, but I finally heard a voice that wasn't my own after so long...

{You are finally back...}