Lev stared in bewilderment at the gigantic robed being as it observed him in return. Its glowing white eyes seemed to read his soul memory by memory, line by line.

The staring contest seemed to take an eternity. It was getting on Lev’s nerves.

Lev calmed himself before speaking. “So you know my name, my true self. Care to explain how?” He maintained a direct line of sight into the white light. “And do tell me what you want from me. What are you? Why am I here?”

The creature smiled at him, sending a chill up Lev’s spine. As more white light spilled out of the corners of its upturned mouth, Lev felt increasingly unsettled.

Regardless, he persisted. “So, will you answer my questions?”

The robed being chuckled.

My compatriots always complained that I was too verbose. Instead of telling you, let me show you.

“What do you me—?”

Before Lev could finish his sentence, the being snapped its fingers, and the void was filled with blinding light once again.

Lev faded in and out of consciousness. When he came to, he found himself floating above a grand hall. Lev’s weightless body could observe its surroundings, but seemed formless, incorporeal. Looking around, he saw the white-masked figure from before below him. It glided towards another figure dressed in full regalia, seated atop a golden throne.

In the darkened area behind the throne, Lev could discern a few unmoving, robed figures, who seemed to be listening intently. Although Lev could not see their faces, he could pick out some sharp angles where he imagined those would be.

Lots of masks here, I see, Lev mused.

The white-masked figure halted and kneeled before the throne, which was decorated with various symbols and had a menacing aura to it.

The aged and tired figure on the throne shifted as it began speaking, almost too softly for Lev to hear. He made a concerted effort to listen as intently as the other masked figures, however, and found himself able to understand its raspy words.

“How was Kram’s latest report? Has he addressed the Korrigal rampaging near our borders? They have been destroying valuable mining sites for months now. Without intervention, our deficit will continue to increase, and—”

Fret not, my master. Kram has foreseen all and has acted accordingly.

Who’s Kram? Lev thought. What am I looking at? Where am I? He saw the apparently subordinate creature move closer to the throned figure and bend down, as though to whisper in the throned figure’s ear. Lev could not hear the creature’s words, but the throned figure visibly relaxed and slumped in its throne.

“I see. Then all has been solved by Kram.”

Indeed, my lordship. His armies are dealing with the threat of the tusked ones and their accursed armies in the north as we speak.

The robed figures behind the throne nodded in unison.

“Marvellous!” the throned figure said, its voice regaining some of its power. It was as if youthful vigor had blessed the figure, if only for a mere moment.

Armies? Tusked ones? Gherm didn’t know about any races capable of waging large-scale war like that. Surely a civilization that sophisticated would have stumbled across the cavern, Lev thought, baffled.

Then again, that… being told me he would ‘show me,’ so maybe this is from the distant past, when ‘tusked ones’ were still a fearsome foe.

As he came to this realization, something clicked in Lev’s mind. Wait. After Ainshart rose to prominence, he crushed a civilization of tusked folks, among other things… That’s right. They called themselves ‘Korrigal.’

According to the history Gherm had been taught, centuries ago, powerful godlike figures roamed the land, but there were no mentions of robed figures, much less a war against them. Back then, the Korrigal were a loose coalition of small, independent raiding bands, certainly not a society capable of mobilizing a unified army.

This must be taking place after the Age of Gods then, Lev concluded.

The white-masked figure unbent itself and floated towards the door where two equally otherworldly guards were stationed. Their jet-black horned armour emanated an aura of power and discipline, prepared to ruthlessly strike down their master’s enemies with but a single thought. If Lev were in the flesh, he would have taken every pain and more to avoid drawing their ire. He hated to imagine how even the strongest bogey would cower before them.

The masked figure took one last look back at the throned figure. Ainshart, my lordship. You know when to summon me. I have given you everything needed to advance to the next stage.

Lev suddenly snapped his head back to the throned figure. Ainshart! In bogey folklore, Ainshart had united numerous races under his banner and conquered vast swaths of land. It was not inaccurate to call Ainshart akin to a god. Yet this decrepit shell of a figure, clutching feebly to both the throne and his last days in the world, seemed a mockery of the myth.

Ainshart cleared his throat. “I’m grateful. My time is limited, as you know. Let’s hope Kram’s wisdom serves us well one last time.”

The guards hoisted open the giant obsidian doors. The masked figure left the room, and the figures who had been lurking behind the throne followed in his footsteps. The guards gently closed the doors and returned to their posts.

Lev could hear whispering coming from within his head.

But why?

Why did Kram act so late?

Have I gone too far?

How much… How much time have I left?

Lev tried to find cohesion in the thoughts that rapidly assaulted his brain. Are these Ainshart's thoughts? Why can I hear them? Unless—

Lev momentarily glanced at Ainshart. The whispering continued, faster and faster, each thought flowing and roiling into a whirlwind of whispers. Just as Lev thought he was losing himself, his vision blurred and his sense of weight returned. He found himself back in the void from before, standing next to the masked being he had seen leaving Ainshart’s throne room.

As I told you before, the being began again, it really is better when I show, not tell.

“So you were on good terms with Ainshart. Were you his advisor?”

In a sense, yes. I am an ancient. I served as guide and guardian for Ainshart and the kingdom he founded. My goal is to restore the kingdom to its former prosperity.

“And?”

And for that, I’ve determined, I need a worthy king. The being flew backwards, almost elegantly, to its original position.

Lev staggered under the mental weight and physical pain of the oppressive, reverberating thoughts. In a brief moment of clarity, he willed his gaze skyward.

What a surprise, he noted, there are no stars. His mind quiet at last, he returned his attention to the masked being, which was hovering above the void in front of him. Lev briefly looked down; the emptiness below him made him wonder whether he was falling without knowing it.

Don’t worry, Leonard. Everything in this place is… under my control.

As if that would calm me down, Lev thought as he alighted upon the transparent floor, a barrier perceptible entirely by touch rather than sight. This being could likely remove that safety barrier with a flick of its fingers.

I have been waiting for you, Leonard. In fact, I’ve been waiting for you for a very long time.

The creature hovered closer and extended a single, long, wrinkly figure at Lev. It chuckled almost benevolently.

How a fragile creature like you could have managed to get this far is… admirable. Its voice seemed to echo off of the floor-like barrier.

“Then why did you summon me? I’m a bogey. Weakest of the weak. I have nothing to offer you.”

It’s not that, the being said. You are like him. Ainshart. Your mind is foreign, having devoured the original soul within your body.

Devoured? Lev thought.

Yes, devoured, the being replied. Your mind is not constricted by the world you inhabit.

Lev concluded from the being’s response that it could read his conscious thoughts, and even memories, to a limited extent.

Limited?

Shit! Lev cursed.

The light behind the mask flickered.

I see. Gherm was the original’s name, correct?

“Yes.”

How peculiar. Your memories are full of one-sided conversations. Your actions have been quite… erratic, as well. The last embers of the previous owner’s soul could have put up a fight at first, but it typically takes less than a week for the new soul to devour the original. I may need to examine you more thoroughly.

The light behind the mask flickered again, and Lev felt the figure’s eerie gaze as searingly as before. He attempted to shield his memories with all his willpower; this manifested as a thick, opaque barrier through which the being’s light could not travel.

Surprised, intrigued, and perhaps frustrated, the being pointed its finger at Lev.

“Stop!” Lev yelled.

The being lowered its finger. Oh my, it seems I may have taken this too far. I mean no disrespect, but I tend to lose myself in my curiosity. My apologies.

Lev stiffened his immaterial visage, though his true feelings revealed themselves in his tone of voice. “Apology accepted.”

The being shrugged. Your barrier looks cumbersome… Anything for a cordial relationship, I suppose.

I’m sure, Lev mentally verbalised as hard as he could. The being did not reply. Lev was unsure as to whether his barrier was effective or the being was merely ignoring him.

Lev smiled anyway. “Well, then, it’s my turn to ask questions. Who are you? Not your role, but who are you as an individual? What is this cavern, and where are the others?”

Too soon… Too soon.

Lev wanted to yell at the mysterious figure. “After all you’ve put me through, don’t I deserve at least these few answers?”

Hmm. You’re in the Enlightened One’s frontier dungeon, one of the last remaining dungeons of Ainshart.

Lev frowned. “The Enlightened One?” Although Lev understood from Gherm’s memories that this “cavern” was actually a dungeon, Gherm’s memories had not associated the dungeon with Ainshart.

Now, now, Leonard, it is my turn to ask a question. What has happened during my absence from Gherm’s world?

Lev hesitated. Maybe the being intended to dispose of him after getting the information it wanted—empty promises of power in exchange for intel were common in Eurasia—but if that were the case, it would have shown him Ainshart’s kingdom in its prime. Who would want to inherit a country in decline?

“We were on an expedition…”

Lev described the conditions of the outside world, how the Jiira had enslaved the bogeys, how he had been made to undertake an expedition more akin to a death march.

The being remained silent long after Lev had finished.

Lev turned impatient. “It’s your turn to answer me now. Where are the others? Are they safe? Where even is this place?”

With no warning or additional verbalization, the being turned towards Lev and opened its mouth wider than Lev had thought possible. There was nothing within—its mouth revealed an empty pit of nothingness.

Lev gasped. “You’re hollow, aren’t you?”

Yes. If I do not find a successor soon, the hollowing will continue. I feed on the prayers of my believers and direct excess worship to my master. In the absence of sustenance, I starve, and this place digests me.

“Ah, but of course. That’s where I come in, I take it.”

Correct. The being alighted upon the same surface Lev could feel beneath him, though he could not see its legs. Now, let me grant you Ainshart’s inheritance.

With a wave of its robed, billowing arm, the being materialised a document that looked like aged parchment.

Lev had heard stories in his previous life about people signing away their souls so that vague figures could grant their deepest wishes. “With all due respect, I don’t think I need Ainshart’s inheritance.”

Do not misunderstand. This is a contract between equals, Leonard. The penalty for breaching this contract is the shattering of the soul, and without a soul, one can neither reincarnate nor transmigrate. In a way to which death cannot compare, one would cease to exist.

“You claim it’s a contract between equals, but there’s a huge knowledge differential between us. What insurance do I have that there aren’t any loopholes you can exploit?”

The being grumbled indistinctly about some unpleasant individuals from its past before answering Lev’s question. Leonard, you flatter me so! Greater powers than I exist, and it just so happens that those greater powers would enforce our contract mercilessly and without bias, the being chirped excitedly. Not… that I have personally ever observed any breaches of contract.

“And what if I refuse?”

Then I will toss you asunder and choose another.

Lev sported a smug smile. “You can’t, now can you? You said it yourself, you’ve waited a long time for me to come here.”

I can wait for another.

“True, you could wait for another. But I’m curious. How long would you have to wait for another like me to appear before you?”

Lev awaited for the being’s reply, but there was no answer. Only silence, as it stared at him with a blank expression.

After seemingly eons of silence, the being caved. You’re right, I don’t have that time. But you can’t leave my humble abode without my permission, can you?

“Let’s see. All the abilities you’ve demonstrated involve memories, visions, and thoughts. I know I can project a barrier by pure force of will. I believe as long as I concentrate, I should be able to leave this… mindscape.”

The sound of applause filled the area. Bravo, the being chimed, you’ve figured it out. Nothing could possibly stop you now!

Lev frowned. The being was clearly leading him on, but to what purpose, he was unsure of. As he had done to create a barrier, Lev gathered his willpower and concentrated on leaving the area.

Nothing happened.

Leaving is not as simple as forming a barrier, Leonard. If you wish to leave, you have no choice but to sign the contract. The alternative is to stay here and pray for the others to take care of your body for you. Will they? Perhaps they will for a short while. But as time passes, they’ll understand your unconscious body to be the liability it is; will they continue to care for you then? I think not.

“I don’t appreciate being blackmailed.”

Blackmail? Far from it, the being chuckled. This is a purely equivalent exchange. I shall give you the power you need, and you shall carry out a few favors for me.

“Such as?”

Releasing my kinsmen. Exacting vengeance upon my enemies. Things like that someone of your calibre could accomplish, the being indicated. You see, my kinsmen have been sealed just as I have, and whether you contract with me or not, my enemies are destined to eventually become yours.

“I see. So those comrades must be the figures I saw behind Ainshart’s throne, right?”

The being hesitated. Yes, they were. I require their service, as I am sure you shall, too.

Although the being’s account sounded suspect, Lev had to acknowledge the great value that the allegiance of such powerful beings could bring him. His primary concern was how much damage they could do if their allegiance were to shift. This contract would have to be airtight.

Be honest with yourself. You’re ill-prepared for the challenges ahead. I promise you the power to free yourself, and all I ask is that you use that power to bring me my own freedom. If you sign it, I promise to not bring you down the wrong path. You will also be able to complete the tasks at your own discretion. So please, sign it and break both of our chains. The being begged as it handed Lev the contract.

Lev pondered the being’s words as he read his way through the contract a few times. After the tenth read, he finally came to a decision.

“I’ll sign it.”

After Lev signed the contract, the being shuddered from joy.

Wonderful! You will not regret it, Leonard. The being extended a long, spindly finger to touch Lev’s forehead, and from the first touch, a strange electrifying sensation radiated outwards, down his face and out his limbs. In an instant, Lev felt his immaterial muscles slacken involuntarily.

The being slowly retracted its finger, then floated backwards a few metres, its mask never once turning a single degree away from Lev.

“What did you do to me?” Lev choked out. “Answer me!”

All shall be made clear soon, Leonard. I look forward to cooperating with you.

Lev’s vision blurred. As the last wisps of his consciousness left him, he saw the being disappear into darkness.

***

“Lev. Lev! Is everything alright?” Rapha shouted.

“What happened? We lost you for a moment there. What happened?” Hemgall roared.

“Did you see anything?” Rapha asked.

“Don’t… touch…”

“What?” Rapha looked at the monument Lev had touched before collapsing. The masks and intricate symbols covering the monument hadn’t shown any signs of change.

The gate blocking their route remained unopened.

“Wait, something’s off,” Hemgall remarked. “The gems, they’re glowing!”

Rapha glanced at the nine masks. The gems in each of the masks’ eyes now softly glowed, and a stream of light escaped through the carefully crafted masks and symbols, lighting up the gate before them. Much to their relief, the gate finally opened.

Rapha soon returned her attention back to Lev, who had started moving about again, if awkwardly.

“Here, let me help you,” Rapha said as she stretched her hand out towards Lev to help him up.

“How long was I out for?” Lev asked.

“I guess it must’ve been—”

“About two hours, if my count isn’t off,” Vyrga interrupted. “It’s remarkable that you didn’t stop breathing. After all, this musclehead started accusing me of treason the moment you fell. When did I even have the chance to hurt you?” Vyrga stared daggers at Hemgall.

“It was only natural for me to suspect you, you fancy immoral bastard,” Hemgall snarled.

“Oh look, a mangy cur is calling me a bastard. Funny, since you’re also a bastard.”

“Why, I oughta—”

“Can you two shut up for one minute!” Rapha shouted.

Lev straightened his back. “Rapha, let’s return to the cavern. We’ve made it far enough.”

Rapha nodded, relieved that the gates had opened and they could leave the room posthaste.

“You heard him,” Hemgall said. “Orva, help Rapha out with Lev so he can keep up. No matter how many hivelings we have to shake off, we cannot lose pace on this climb.”