Far Beyond the Abyss

"Those who can be helped must be helped," said the floating man in a calm voice filled with a strange authority. He pointed toward the storm roaring on the horizon, like a conductor directing the next movement of his symphony. His books swirled around him, whispering incomprehensible sounds.

Ethan, on the other hand, was completely frozen, paralyzed by shock. This was all too much: the robot, the samurai, the monster… and now, the sandstorm advancing like a living wall, making it clear they wouldn't have time to escape. He could only watch as the golden and black destruction moved to engulf them.

Before the wind reached them, a small figure emerged. A little girl, pale and serene, walked calmly toward the monster. Ethan held his breath as he saw her extend her arms to it, like a child asking to be picked up. The monster froze. Its giant, rough hands lifted her with surprising gentleness, cradling her against its chest like a protective father.

And then, the storm hit.

Ethan closed his eyes, bracing for the impact that would surely be his end. He prepared to feel the sand slicing his skin, the wind tearing through his lungs… but none of that happened. When he opened his eyes again, he was left speechless.

The old man was standing in front of him, as unmoving as a rock. The wind and sand split around him like water flowing around a stone in a river. The storm seemed to be deflected by an invisible barrier he had created. Beside Ethan, the silver-haired woman remained calm, not a trace of worry on her face. Behind her stood a figure Ethan only now noticed: a humanoid insect, watching him with multifaceted eyes. He tried not to react, but a shiver ran through him. He'd never liked bugs.

The environment around them was terrifying. It felt as though they were in the stomach of some horrific creature, swallowed by a storm that seemed alive. But thanks to the old man, nothing happened to them. The barrier protecting them was as solid as the silence hanging in the air.

After what felt like an eternity, the storm passed. Ethan's legs felt weak, but he could finally breathe again. He looked at the old man and murmured, still incredulous, "Thank you, good sir."

The old man turned to him, his eyes gleaming with ancient wisdom, and nodded. "Youth deserves to be protected," he replied serenely. He then took a few steps forward, as if attending a cordial meeting, and gave a simple bow.

"My name is Lian Xuan," he said calmly. His voice was gentle but carried a quiet strength, like a deep river. "I am—or was—a cultivator in my world. And you, young ones, who are you?"

Ethan was still dazed when the blind woman answered. "Seryne Callaris," she said calmly, bowing her head slightly. Her tone was firm but kind.

The insect-like creature behind her stepped forward. "Kaerith," said the feminine voice, surprisingly soft for something so large and intimidating.

Ethan stammered, feeling out of place. "E-Ethan Ward," he finally replied, trying to sound confident but failing miserably. "Where… where are we?"

The question hung in the air like an echo. Before the old man could answer, something in the sands moved. A massive, monstrous hand emerged, followed by the hulking body of the creature that had been fighting the robot and the samurai. It had survived the storm. In its palm, cradled like a treasure, was the little girl. It placed her on its shoulder, where she sat naturally, gazing at the horizon as if nothing had happened

Ethan watched the scene and felt a weight in his chest. "Even she's braver than me…" he thought, frustrated.

From the distant dunes, the samurai reappeared, walking with purposeful strides. He seemed unscathed, but there was an intensity in his eyes that Ethan found hard to face. Without hesitation, he looked at the floating man. "Where are we?"

Before the floating man could answer, the robot descended from the sky, landing with impeccable precision. Its cold, metallic voice echoed. "Yes. Organic Creature, answer the question."

Now, all eyes were on the man. He remained hovering, his books orbiting him like small satellites. For a moment, he stayed silent, savoring the tension. Then, with an eccentric smile, he replied:

"I wish I knew." He crossed his hands in his lap. "Did any of you, by chance, sign up for a vacation coupon?"

Ethan almost laughed but held back. The others didn't react, their confusion evident on their faces. The sorcerer sighed dramatically. "Well, I truly don't know. I simply noticed that we were here. You all lying around me like broken dolls. Nine strangers in total. Does anyone sense some symbolism in that? Because I feel like it might be important…"