The Real Sacrifice

As soon as Ess spotted the boar mask on the Fang's mask, everything became clear. Even his vigilance and agency stagnated. If he wasn't paralyzed to the smallest of muscles, he might have even smiled.

'So that's what going on,' he thought as the harsh, rancid breath of the Parasite and its titanic teeth closed in on him.

Ess' brain was a marvel. It processed all the clues in an instant.

'Ah… That was a nice play. You're smart and resourceful, I'll give you that. But you better hope I don't find my way out of this worm.'

It was only after Ess finished this thought that he found himself dipping into the darkness that was the Great Earthen Parasite's cavernous maw. Dust and pebble bits welcomed him to the prison he would serve in for – perhaps – all time. A giant tongue that looked as though it had been dry-aged also whipped up to receive him. Given the way it twisted, it wished to wrap around him and drag him deep.