Maria and I passed through the ceiling too—since it served as an Exit, and we found ourselves on the surface of the Dark Desert.
I looked around and saw the vast expanse gleaming with darkness—just as we left it. Perhaps I was hoping to see some sign of Stefan, but he was long gone already.
'Damnit…'
There were many questions I wanted answers to, but first I needed to take care of Maria.
'She's really shivering. This expression she's making… it's like she's had a never-ending nightmare. Is it trauma?'
Using [The Tower], I briskly teleported myself and Maria away from the Dark Desert and we arrived at a more comfortable place.
>VWOOOSHHH<
The blue portal closed behind me as I brought Maria into the large, well-lit room.
The ambiance was warm and nice, and as I took in the familiar scent permeating the room, I felt nostalgia.
'Why did I think of this place first? I guess this really is home for me…'