As if unwilling to admit defeat, Bologue resisted the overwhelming pressure, offering this response: he would not trust the astronaut, Bologue could only trust himself and everything he had seen with his own eyes.
"Alright, I look forward to that moment."
The astronaut spoke with a strange smile, seeming either to be glad that Bologue had not fallen into his trap, or mocking Bologue's desperate struggle.
He raised his hand, his large fingers pressing down on Bologue's forehead.
"Then, see you next time, Bologue Lazarus."
The surrounding space began to warp, Bologue's figure turned abstract like a painting, twisting, deforming, and ultimately completely peeling away from Between Nothingness.
Bologue disappeared, leaving the astronaut alone within the desolate Ring Mountain.
Before the astronaut could enjoy a moment of tranquility, a Curved Path Gate slowly opened in the darkness, and an unexpected visitor arrived.
