Moving Forward.

"Portal," he repeated, his grin stretching unnaturally wide, almost splitting his face.

The sheer malice in it made everyone instinctively take a step back. 

To them, he was no longer just a monster. That smile, that aura—he was the devil incarnate.

Some tried to steady their nerves, clutching their weapons tighter, but even the bravest among them could feel the weight of despair.

"I'll spare every one of you... on one condition." He raised a single finger, his grin never leaving his face. 

The woman stepped forward hesitantly.

"W-what... condition?" she asked weakly, her trembling words showing the fear she tried to suppress.

"Tell me about this portal. Right now. I want to see it," he commanded.

"It's... it's still incomplete," she stammered, her voice shaky. "But I can show you where it is."

He folded his arms, staring her down. "Then lead the way. And don't try anything stupid, or this place won't see another sunrise."