King Of The Outer Parts

Only the corpse of the snake remained.

Alden still sat on the ground with his back leaning into a tree. He could not stand up. He had no strength in his legs.

The green slug walked back into the portal and returned to the mental world.

"Are you alright?" Aether appeared before Alden. He was worried sick.

He helped Alden get up. 

Alden panted heavily, taking deep breaths. His whole body trembled, and he felt dizzy. His heart still raced in fear.

"I-I almost died," Alden muttered. 

The pressure of the snake, the terror of such a beast, Aden could never have imagined it to be like this.

'When that beast appeared, just the sheer amount of spiritual energy emitted from its body made me unable to breathe. Is this the difference? I am just an ant in front of them.

Then, how can I face Elttil? How can I protect my friends? Isn't everything in vain?'