The Tick Amber Bug was frantically devouring Russell's blood.
But it was not trying to consume Russell's blood. By drinking it, it transformed it into another kind of energy and fed it back into Russell's body.
That energy was Second Turn Essence Breath, covered by a layer of Dragon Breath. It was the power Russell had previously lost when Snow Giant Da defeated him.
Through its ability to transform vitality and blood, the Tick Amber Bug continuously converted Russell's blood into the power he had lost. That power sustained Russell's thoughts and allowed him to gradually recover his Mental Power despite his cracked body.
As his Mental Power recovered, he was finally able to feel his left hand and the burning mark in his palm.
At last.
He sensed the Gecko Amber Bug, which was continuously releasing its mysterious power to repair Russell's damaged body.
It began with his left hand, gradually restoring his left arm, then his left shoulder, followed by his neck, and finally all the way to his eyes.
Suddenly.
Russell opened one eye.
The entire Dark Dreamscape instantly brightened. The light of magic outlined the current scene: his body had vanished, leaving only a left arm connected to a shoulder, a neck, and half a head.
Ahead of him was Unicorn Polly's magical outline. Her body was likewise covered in cracks, but at least it remained intact.
"Thank goodness, Polly is all right." Russell let out a sigh of relief.
He wanted to turn his neck and look back at Snow Giant Da, who had ambushed him. But with only half a neck, he simply could not turn his head. He also noticed that this Dark Dreamscape seemed somewhat different.
"Time," Polly answered Russell's confusion. "Normally, time in the Dark Dreamscape flows at the same rate