As the dark diviner observed the unexpected alliance between the aspect of death and Penelope, a sense of bewilderment washed over her. Bex had always known the death aspect to be combative, reveling in chaos and conflict, often disregarding his own safety in pursuit of power. Yet here he was, uncharacteristically compliant, as if the very essence of cooperation had seeped into his being. Bex decided it was best not to question this rare moment of harmony. Drawing in a deep breath, she let the familiar rush of magic course through her veins, her focus sharpening as she conjured a portal to the archives. She appreciated how easily Penny manipulated the guards' magic, making their journey smoother.

Once the blonde duo stepped through the shimmering portal, Ery followed, the gateway snapping closed behind her with a soft pop.

“To answer your question,” Penelope began, her voice steady and thoughtful, “studying these creatures will help us unlock the mysteries of their abilities, potentially leading us to the mirrored veil. It seems too coincidental that the Aurazin, beings intimately connected with death, would find themselves barred from their own realm, especially when it intertwines with yours.”

As unseen servants glided forward to retrieve the voidlings, Bexley grimaced, her face twisting in distaste. “Besides, it could also help us make sense of what those ugly little things really are,” she muttered, the thought of those grotesque entities making her stomach turn. “Here’s to finding answers,” she added, her voice barely above a whisper as she trailed behind the servants. Deep down, she yearned for this ordeal to end, for the moment she could retreat to the solace of her home, where she could finally let herself cry and admit that Reus had indeed been right all along.

With a flourish, Penelope waved her hands, transforming her attire into a lab coat and protective gear, ready to face whatever lay ahead. She led the way into a room that felt eerily reminiscent of a sterile hospital, the air thick with an unsettling atmosphere. The voidlings were laid out on tables, their forms unnaturally still, each accompanied by a tray filled with ominous instruments.

“Reminds me of Area 51,” Bexley shuddered, reaching for a lab coat hanging on the wall, preparing herself for what was surely going to be a messy affair.

\ “Where do you think they got the idea?” Penelope quipped, attempting to lighten the mood as she picked up a syringe from the tray. With a swift motion, she pierced the voidling’s flesh, the plunger drawing forth a thick, black goo. A grimace crossed her features as she recoiled from the bizarre substance. “This feels icky,” she admitted, her voice laced with a mix of disgust and determination.

As Bexley moved through the Archives, she couldn’t help but feel the enchanting magic that permeated the air, wrapping around her like a warm embrace. It was a stark contrast to the discomfort that her companion, Erythreus, seemed to be experiencing. The Ailwards were known for their aversion to portals; after all, why would one choose to travel through shimmering gateways when they could soar through the skies as a dragon? Yet, Bexley had to admit that portals had their own efficiency, especially when it came to making a swift escape.


She watched as Penelope glanced over at Ery, noticing the unease that marred his usually composed demeanor. As he exited the sterile lab room, Penelope turned to Bexley and gave her a nod, urging her to follow him. Bexley returned the gesture with a grateful smile, understanding the unspoken bond of friendship that existed among them.

Navigating the Archives was a breeze; the familiar corridors seemed to lead her straight to Erythreus. As she approached him, she placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, hoping to offer some comfort. “Hey, you okay?” she asked, her voice steady and reassuring. “You don’t have to be a part of the science side if you don’t want to.” She glanced back toward the lab room, where the air felt heavy with sterile tension. “It’s a necessary evil, though, if we want to understand what we’re up against.”.


Bexley turned her attention back to Ery, her expression softening. “How about this: you can just hang outside the door and keep us ladies safe?” she suggested, her tone playful and teasing. “Or are you worried we’ll want to delve into your inner workings too?” Her eyes twinkled with mischief, hoping to lighten the mood and coax a smile from him. Bexley understood the weight of their mission, but she also believed in the power of camaraderie and a little humor to ease the tension. After all, they were in this together, and together they would face whatever challenges lay ahead.