บท 1017: Besides...

Long after Cekt's barrage of distressing news ceased, his disciples sought an exit with their hangdog faces, their eyes glazed and devoid of hope. Jake's allies were hardly faring better, but their despair was less evident.

"Jake, stay," the Wendok halted him as he too began to politely withdraw. Noticing Lucia, Hade, and Ulfar's curiosity, he graciously allowed them to stay as well.

Silently, he gestured for them to follow him into an adjacent room, Saros' hologram trailing them like a spectral chaperone, resolved not to lose sight of his protégé even if he couldn't physically show himself to his corrupted companions.

Minutes later, the aged alien came to a stop in a barren room that had been stripped bare during a renovation by the Dungeon Digestor's spirit. Wielding his cane like a maestro, he then cast a soundproofing spell to shield them from prying ears before he said,