The transition from the Emerald Dream to reality was swift. Almost in the blink of an eye, Dick's consciousness returned to his body. His hand still rested on the enormous green gemstone, and the moment his awareness returned, his eyes fell on the green mist constantly churning and surging inside the gemstone beneath his hand.
It was like a miniature tornado of smoke! Flecked with points of light, it looked utterly beautiful.
Eranikus beside him gave a low murmur as well. His draconic body, which occupied most of the hall even lying on the floor, stretched, leaving Dick on tenterhooks, afraid that the behemoth might accidentally crush him to death.
But that absurd notion of his clearly would not come true. The instant the dragon's body moved, it began to shrink, rapidly shedding that quality of being somewhere between illusion and reality. Soon, it became truly solid.
It was Eranikus's humanoid form, and this was the first time he had appeared before Dick in such a tangible form.
Still so handsome...
The paladin grumbled inwardly, then raised his left hand, took the leather glove from his waist, and pulled it onto his arm.
He glanced back at the dark, slightly damp hall. It looked the same as before, yet Dick kept feeling that something had changed, as though a brighter light had shone into it. Though that light did not exist, the hall did indeed feel a little brighter.
"Wherever darkness reaches, light always retreats. What you sense is no illusion."
Eranikus walked forward with a smile and swept his outstretched hand ahead of him. Fresh air spread from his palm, filling the entire hall. "The Nightmare Xavius left here has dispersed, and Hakkar will never return. This temple has been thoroughly cleansed."
The Emerald Dragon looked back at the