The Protagonists of an Epic

Gate of Death was a thaumaturgy Shade had learned after returning from death. It allowed willing souls, as well as the caster himself, to pass through. Because it was a one-way passage, Shade had never imagined that one day he would truly step into death from here.

He knew Mr. Mathis was watching him, but he did not turn back. Instead, he stepped into the crack.

Outlander, you have stepped into death.

Outlander, you have gained a deeper understanding of "Slumber."

Cold. Trembling.

For an instant, the void and extreme cold nearly sent Shade's consciousness back into the deepest slumber, but he immediately realized that he had arrived at his destination.

Soundless and still, all creation fell silent. The Underworld Moon illuminated all things; this moment was the end.

Behind him stood the two enormous stone doors. At his feet was the faint, nearly extinguished bonfire of Tree's Kiss. Before him, a vast Silver Moon hung half-submerged at the end of the dark waters. The waters before him seemed endless, and merely looking at them filled him with a primal terror.

Countless hazy white shadows stood with their backs to the narrow mudflat by the water. They raised their heads toward that silent, cold Underworld Moon, their bodies flickering as they gradually drifted away and advanced toward the Silver Moon.

There was no sound here. Even breathing was unnecessary. Quiet and solemn, cold and profound—this place was death itself.

Shade lowered his head to look at his hands. Cracks were spreading across his entire body, and divine radiance shone through them, protecting his soul from drifting away.

"Iluna!"

He removed his mask and hurried over to Iluna, who had collapsed on the ground. He planted Night Watchman into the earth, set down the Kerosene Lamp containing the First Fire, then