an old "enemy"

LIRAN'S POV:

After vanquishing the formidable entity emanating from the abode of the ebony monarch, my companion, Derek, and I made the decision to visit the dining hall.

Following a few minutes of traversing, we ultimately arrived at the imposing double doors that led to our destination. We stood before them, opened their grand entrance, and stepped into the expanse of the cafeteria.

Contrary to our previous encounter, this particular cafeteria was distinct—it was an auxiliary one.

This base is of such immense proportions that it harbors numerous such dining halls, chambers, corridors, and more.

Derek and I cast our gazes about, beholding the grandeur of colossal chairs, tables, and counters. Moreover, we beheld the presence of other deities and scholars, perambulating within this space. Some were engaged in conversations, while others were satiating their hunger.

Indeed, it was an impressive spectacle.

Derek: I am overcome with hunger... let us procure sustenance.

Subsequently, we approached the counter. As we did so, a towering deity, bearing an uncanny resemblance to Rythmeus, who stood behind the counter, drew near to us.

This being regarded us from above as it spoke:

Waiter: I am your server. Do you require any assistance?

Myself: Might we have two portions of steak, if it pleases you?

Waiter: Certainly.

With a mere snap of its fingers, the colossal deity conjured forth two mammoth plates, materializing out of the ether. They levitated before us, suspended in mid-air.

As we beheld these dishes, each one boasted a gargantuan steak.

Without hesitation, I took hold of one of the plates... and so did Derek.

Myself: Thank you!

Waiter: You're most welcome.

Subsequently, we made our way towards one of the smaller tables designated for human use. Upon reaching it, we carefully set the plates upon its surface and settled into the chairs adjacent to it.

Derek: Oh, my goodness! These steaks are absolutely massive...

Myself: Indeed, they appear to be around 12 pounds each... Quite astonishing.

Derek: Well, let us indulge ourselves!

After a brief pause, we commenced our feast. The steaks were utterly delightful, with tantalizing flavors and a masterful degree of culinary preparation.

Following a few minutes of savoring our meal, we decided to cease, for our appetites were satiated and we had consumed as much as we could manage.

Derek: Oh, my... I have an immense fondness for steak.

Myself: Likewise... It was truly satisfying.

At that moment, a custodian approached us, a deity who bore a striking resemblance to the waiter who had attended to us earlier. When the custodian drew near, they addressed us:

Custodian: Have you both finished with your meal?

Myself: Yes, you may collect the plates.

Upon uttering those words, the custodian snapped their fingers, causing the plates to vanish and the table to regain its pristine cleanliness, as if no repast had taken place.

Myself (inwardly): How remarkable...

We then rose from our chairs, standing upright.

Myself: Thank you. Farewell, until we meet again.

Custodian: Likewise, Liran. I shall anticipate our future encounter. Goodbye.

We proceeded towards the exit of the cafeteria and within a matter of seconds, we stepped out, finding ourselves in the corridor.

Derek: What should be our next course of action? Will they subject us to further tests or similar endeavors?

Myself: Hm... It's possible that we may encounter more of these entities they are dealing with. However, I have a particular curiosity.

Derek: What's on your mind?

Myself: I'm wondering if there are any "flesh faces" available here. Essentially, lifelike masks made of flesh...

Derek: I'm not sure... Why do you ask?

Myself: I have a feeling that I might come face-to-face with someone. Could we inquire about the existence of such masks within this facility?

Derek: Alright, let's find out.

Subsequently, we commenced walking along the corridor. As we proceeded, we noticed a researcher strolling about—the same individual who had registered me in that previous room.

I called out to them:

Myself: Hey! Could you provide us with some assistance, please?

The researcher turned towards me and began to approach, closing the distance between us.

Researcher: Liran? Do you require assistance?

Myself: Yes, but before we proceed, could you please share your name?

Researcher: I go by many names, but you may refer to me as "Astralux."

Myself: I see. It's a pleasure to meet you, Astralux.

I glanced at Derek for a moment before speaking again:

Myself: Derek, would you mind staying here for a while? I may need to handle and meet this "someone" on my own.

Derek: I understand. It's your decision. I'll explore this place in the meantime. See you later.

Derek then walked away, leaving me alone with Astralux. I turned my attention back to Astralux.

Myself: So, Astralux, do you happen to possess any "flesh faces" that are artificial yet lifelike?

Astralux: Indeed, we do. May I ask why?

Myself: I have a feeling that I will be encountering a specific individual very soon, and I might require such a "fake face."

Astralux: I see. Very well.

Astralux then snapped their fingers, summoning something into existence—an ethereal orb of cosmic nature. After a brief moment, the orb floated towards me, coming close enough for me to grasp.

Astralux: Take this orb and place it upon your face. It should create a lifelike "fake face" made of flesh.

Myself: Am I able to remove this "fake face" at will?

Astralux: Indeed, you can remove it at your discretion. Though I must warn you, it may appear rather gruesome and gory. Enjoy your newfound appearance.

I grasped the orb and placed it on my face. As I did so, the orb transformed, adhering to my skin and forming an additional layer of flesh, which soon became my new "face."

Wearing the "mask" felt surprisingly normal and comfortable. I expressed my gratitude to Astralux.

Myself: Thank you. I will see you later.

Astralux: I am glad to have been of assistance. Farewell for now.

Astralux returned to their duties, walking away from the scene.

A few minutes had elapsed, and I found myself walking the streets. Although I had a peculiar sense that I would encounter someone significant, I couldn't locate them among the bustling crowds.

Continuing my stroll, I noticed an alleyway and instinctively decided to venture into it. As I stepped into the narrow passage, I found myself alone. Leaning against the nearby wall, I took a moment to relax.

Myself: ...

After a few minutes of quiet contemplation within the confines of the alley, I heard a voice—a voice that sounded oddly familiar, all too familiar.

Myself (thoughts): ?...

I directed my gaze towards the source of the voice and beheld a woman passing by the entrance of the alley. As our eyes met, a rush of recognition surged through me. I knew this woman all too well. She paused for a moment, locking her eyes with mine, and spoke:

???: Liran?

I couldn't believe my eyes. The woman who stood before me, turning to face me, was none other than Eve herself.

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