Everyone's footsteps grew heavier and heavier, yet the most relaxed among them was not the little hound, but Little Mia.
Shade had hidden it in his pocket, which was practically like carrying extra "weight" himself. Yet this cat seemed to weigh even less here than it did in reality. Thinking carefully, it had gotten lost right after being born, was soon found and fostered in a pet shop, then taken in by Shade. In its two years of life, let alone committing sins, it had barely come into contact with any life besides Shade.
This cat was utterly innocent, so even carrying it would not become a burden on Shade's life.
No one knew how far the road back truly was. Along the way, voices in the wind tried to make them turn back, while illusions in the mist tried to lead their steadfast steps astray.
But no one turned back, and no one gave up. For various reasons, the Outlander faced the least difficult "trial," but he truly admired the Witches ahead of him. Every one of them possessed a will as firm as steel.
No one knew how much time passed. Gradually, the gale weakened, and the mist vanished, leaving only Deep and Serene darkness ahead. Even the pressure weighing on everyone disappeared, and their footsteps all became quicker.
"Are we about to reach the exit?"
The young lady wearing round-framed glasses immediately began running forward after feeling her body become light again, while the others behind her followed at a jog.
The five people and two hounds gradually drew closer to one another until they regrouped and continued onward together.
On the road just now, each of them had lost their breath and heartbeat. Now that the sensation of being alive had returned, everyone was delighted in