Power Beyond Mortal Reach

The moment Theus opened his eyes, he saw little Gwen's face.

The angle was a little strange. Little Gwen's hair brushed against his face, making it itch.

"Are you okay?"

Theus's consciousness gradually cleared. Then he jolted and sprang upright.

He moved too abruptly and slammed right into little Gwen, who had been leaning down to look at him, producing a crisp smack.

"Ow."

"That hurt!"

They each clutched their heads and grimaced in pain. Only then did Theus realize that little Gwen had apparently been resting him on her lap.

"Hiss... What just happened?"

"How would I know? You were fine before, then suddenly let out a terrible scream and fell over stiff as a board. I kindly came over to check on you, and you smashed into my head!"

"Sorry." Theus rubbed his forehead and tried to examine his surroundings.

Just now, he had wanted to interrupt the descent, but he had been a step too late. He had already entered this shell.

But... it looked like there was nothing wrong?

Theus lowered his head in confusion and looked at his body. Pale skin, a huge hole in his chest—no matter how he looked at it, he was no different from the worker Theus from before.

So what exactly had happened? Why had White-Robed Theus shaken his head at him?

This time, Theus was truly a little lost. With the Moth Lord last time, he had at least had some clues, and he had even been able to descend into the Moth Lord's shell. But this time, he genuinely had no idea.

"What's wrong? You look like you have a lot on your mind. Tell me about it, and I'll help you think it over?"

Theus glanced at Gwen, thought for a moment, then shook his head.

Gwen