Taggart's farm looked like the scenery for a film about the Wild West - a slanted two-story house, a spacious courtyard surrounded by a shabby fence, and several outbuildings, including a massive barn and a silage tower. At other times, Alexander would appreciate the cinematography of this place. Now he was feverishly assessing his defensive capabilities.
- The main house is strong, - said Taggart, holding an improvised briefing for survivors in the living room. - The windows of the first floor are barricaded. In my arsenal there are two shotguns, a rifle, a harpoon gun and enough ammunition to wage a siege.
Alexander stood by the window, watching the darkness outside. Thanks to his night vision, he could see further than the others, but so far he did not notice the signs of Creeper.
- The weapon will only make him angry," he said without turning around. - We need a better plan than just shooting back.
- What do you suggest? - Taggart asked with a challenge in his voice. - Were you, with your tricks, able to stop him?
- No, - Alexander honestly admitted, turning to the group. - But I know he can't be killed. At least not in the usual way.
There was silence in the room. The survivors - about a dozen teenagers, coach Barnes and a wounded driver - looked at him with a mixture of fear and hope.
- Then what the fuck should we do? - Dane blurted out, nervously tapping his foot on the floor. - Sit here and wait until this creature interrupts us one by one?
- If he can't be killed, - Alexander said slowly, - then he needs to be imprisoned.
- To sharpen? - Taggart asked doubtfully. - How?
Alexander looked around the room:
- I need to inspect your farm. Especially outbuildings. I have an idea, but I have to make sure that it is feasible.
Taggart nodded:
- I'll go with you.
- Me too, - Diryu volunteered.
- No, - Alexander interrupted. - You are needed here to protect the others if Creeper appears before we finish.
- I'll go, - Minxi said firmly, getting up. - Three pairs of eyes are better than two.
Alexander wanted to object, but realized that it was useless. In addition, keeping her close meant being able to protect her in case of danger.
- Okay, - he reluctantly agreed. - But do exactly what I say.
Minxi nodded, and Taggart handed her a lantern:
- Here You Go. And don't lag behind.
They went out into the yard, feeling the cold night wind creeping to the bone. Taggart tightly squeezed the harpoon gun, ready to shoot at the slightest sign of danger.
- What are we looking for? - he asked as they were walking to the barn.
- A place where we could hold a creature that is stronger than ten people, can fly and has incredible regeneration, - Alexander replied. - Something like a Faraday cage, only on steroids.
- Cells of what? - Taggart frowned.
- It doesn't matter, - Alexander waved it off. - Just show me all the closed spaces on your farm. The stronger, the better.
They inspected the barn, a spacious room with a high ceiling and wooden walls. There are too many exit points, Alexander decided. The creeper will easily break through the wall or roof.
Then they checked several sheds and outbuildings, but none of them was suitable for their purposes.
- There is also a silo tower, - said Taggart, pointing to a tall cylindrical structure at the far end of the truss. - But it has not been used for a long time. There may be collapses inside.
- Let's see, - Alexander decided.
The silo tower turned out to be a massive reinforced concrete cylinder about fifteen meters high. It used to be used to store grain, but now it was empty, with the only entrance - a heavy metal door at the base.
- This... can work, - Alexander said thoughtfully, inspecting the structure. - Are there any other exits inside?
- Only a hatch on the top, - Taggart replied. - To load grain. But it was brewed many years ago, when we stopped using silage.
Alexander nodded, and his face lit up with sudden understanding:
- It's perfect. I have a plan.
He turned to his companions, his eyes behind the round glasses were burning with determination:
- We'll lure Creeper inside the silo and seal him there.
- How are we going to do it? - Minxi asked, looking incredulously at the massive tower. - He's not stupid enough to just fly there.
- No, - Alexander agreed. - But he's a hunter. And every hunter has a weakness - his prey.
- Do you want to use someone as bait? - Taggart frowned. - It's too risky.
- I'll be the bait, - Alexander said firmly. - This creature has already tried my blood. And I saw his look - he became interested in me after I attacked him with electricity. I think he will want to add my... abilities to his collection.
- You're crazy, - Minxi exhaled. - He'll tear you apart!
- Maybe, - Alexander nodded. - But I have an advantage that the others don't have, - he raised his hand, and blue sparks danced between his fingers. - I can fight him back. Long enough to get it inside the silage.
- And then what? - Taggart asked, beginning to understand his thoughts. - Even if you lure him inside, how will we keep him there? The door is strong, but not that strong.
- For this we will need preparation, - Alexander smiled, and there was something predatory in his smile. - And I need to know what materials you have on the farm. Cement? Fittings? Welding machine?
Taggart's eyes widened in understanding:
- You want to wall him up.
- Exactly, - Alexander nodded. - Lure inside, slam the door and fill the entrance with concrete. Quickly, before he came to his sains.
- It's... - Taggart thought, - ...may work. I have an old welding machine in the workshop. And bags with cement for repairing the foundation.
- What about ventilation? - Minxi asked. - Even if we brick up the door, there should be ventilation holes.
- There are several ventilation grilles there, - Taggart confirmed. - But they are small, a person will not get through. Especially so she's so huge.
- They will also need to be brewed or walled up, - Alexander decided. - It would be ideal to turn the silo into a completely sealed capsule.
- Even if it works, - said Taggart, - in 23 years he will wake up again. And who knows, maybe during this time the silage will be destroyed.
- In 23 years, it won't be my problem anymore, - Alexander grinned grimly.
"Yes, and yours too," he thought, but didn't say it out loud. What's the point of explaining that for him all this is just a temporary stay in someone else's movie?
- Okay, - Taggart nodded. - Let's try. What do we need to do?
Alexander quickly outlined his plan. He explained in detail how they would prepare the silage, how it would lure Creeper inside, and how they should act to quickly seal the entrance.
- It's crazy, - Minxi whispered when he finished. - But, damn it, it might work.
- One problem, - Taggart remarked. - How are you going to get out of the silo before we wall up the entrance?
Alexander smiled:
- I have a plan for this, too. But first, let's prepare everything else.
* * *
For the next two hours they worked as possessed. Taggart collected everything necessary from his workshop - a welding machine, reinforcement, bags of cement. They checked the silo from the inside, making sure that there were no hidden exits or weaknesses in the structure.
Alexander examined the inside of the tower and found what he was looking for - an old metal staircase leading to the welded hatch at the top.
- Great, - he said. - It's part of my escape plan.
- How? - Minxi asked. - The hatch is brewed.
- Trust me, - Alexander replied. - I have an idea.
They prepared the concrete mixture in advance so that the entrance could be quickly poured. Taggart welded additional metal plates to the outside of the silo door to strengthen it.
When all the preparations were completed, they returned to the house to explain the plan to the others.
- It's suicide," coach Barnes said categorically, listening to them. - We can't let you risk your life.
- We have no choice, - Alexander objected. - This creature will not stop until he gets what he wants. And she wants us. All of us.
- But why you? - Dane asked. - Why not one of us?
- Because only I have a chance against her, - Alexander demonstrated his ability by creating a small electric discharge between his fingers. - I'm the only one who can hold Creeper long enough to lure him into a trap.
There was silence. Then Diryu stepped forward:
- I'll help. What should I do?
Several more people volunteered for him, including Dane and coach Barnes. Alexander explained his role in the plan to everyone.
- As soon as I lure Creeper into the silo," he said, "you have to act quickly. We'll have only a few minutes before he realizes that he's trapped and tries to break out.
- And how will you get out? - Diryu asked.
Alexander hesitated for a moment, then replied:
- Through the ventilation shaft in the upper part of the silo. It's too narrow for Creeper, but I can squeeze in.
It was a lie, but he couldn't tell them the truth. His real plan was much more risky and did not guarantee success.
- When do we start? - Taggart asked.
Alexander looked at the clock:
- It's almost midnight now. I think Creeper has already recovered from our previous skirmish and is ready for a new hunt. We'll start in an hour. We need everyone to be in position.
* * *
The cold wind intensified, bringing with it the smell of rain. Alexander stood in the middle of the farm yard, waiting. He was alone - the others took their positions according to the plan. Taggart with a harpoon gun was hiding around the corner of the barn, ready to cover Alexander if something goes wrong. Diryu and Dane were waiting at the silo, ready to slam and lock the door as soon as Alexander lures Creeper inside. The rest were in the house, with weapons ready in case the plan fails.
Alexander took a deep breath of the night air. Thanks to his enhanced night vision, he could see everything around in the smallest details, despite the darkness. He concentrated, collecting electrical energy in his hands. Blue sparks danced around him, gradually intensifying until he was surrounded by a pulsating electric field.
"Come on, you bastard," he called in his mind. - "I know you feel me. Come and take it if you can."
As if in response to his call, the night silence was cut by a distant scream - not human or animal, but something in between, making the blood cool down in the veins.
Creeper was approaching.
Alexander tensed up, ready for battle. His plan was risky, but it was the only way to trap Creeper. He had to pretend to fight in full force, but at the same time gradually retreat to the silo, forcing the monster to follow him.
Suddenly, darkness over the farm came into motion. A huge winged figure was flying from the sky, moving at an incredible speed. Alexander barely had time to create an electric shield when Creeper fell on him with all his weight.
The blow was so strong that Alexander flew several meters away, crashing into the barn. Pain pierced his body, but he forced himself to get up without losing control over his ability.
Creeper landed a few meters away from him, spreading his wings. There was a cold rage in the monster's yellow eyes.
- Do you remember me, freak? - Alexander shouted, wiping the blood from his lips. - I'm the one who fried your ugly ass!
Creeper tilted his head, studying him, then gritted his teeth in a terrible parody of a smile.
- Your... parts... will be... mine," he wheezed in his inhuman voice.
- Try to take it, - Alexander replied defiantly, creating balls of electrical energy in his hands.
Creeper attacked with inhuman speed. Alexander released a powerful discharge, but the monster dodged, demonstrating incredible dexterity. His claws passed in millimeters from the face of Alexander, who barely had time to deviate.
A fierce fight has begun. Alexander produced category after category, some reached the goal by burning Creeper, but most of them were cleverly avoided by the monster. He moved around the man, attacking from different sides, trying to find a breach in his defense.
One of the blows reached the goal - Creeper's claws left deep cuts on Alexander's back. The pain was blinding, but he used it to concentrate. The next category hit the monster right in the chest, throwing it back.
Creeper roared with pain and rage. His chest was smoking at the place of impact, but the wound had already begun to tighten. He spread his wings and soared into the air, preparing to attack from above.
Alexander took advantage of the moment to start retreating to the silo. He moved slowly, pretending to be more wounded than he really was.
Creeper noticed it and spoke, deciding that his prey had weakened. Alexander waited until the last moment, then fired the most powerful discharge right into the monster's face. Creeper recoiled, grinding in pain, his eyes were instantly blinded by a bright flash.
Alexander continued to retreat, gradually approaching the silo tower. He attacked periodically, supporting Creeper's interest in the chase, but did not put all his strength into the blows - he needed to save energy for the decisive moment.
- Come on, you bastard! - he shouted, provoking the monster. - Is that all you can do?!
Creeper, as if understanding the mockery, attacked with a new rage. It moved so fast that it seemed like a blurred spot even for Alexander's enhanced vision. His claws and teeth were everywhere, and Alexander received several new wounds before he was able to throw away the monster with another category.
Finally, they reached the silage. Alexander stopped at the open door, breathing heavily. Blood flowed down his face and body from many wounds, but he was still standing, ready for the final phase of the plan.
Creeper landed a few meters away from him, also breathing heavily. His body was covered with burns from electric discharges, but they were healing before our eyes. The monster studied Alexander with a new interest, as if overestimating his opponent.
- Tired, aren't you? - Alexander asked mockingly. - Come on, come here. I'm right here.
He took a step back, entering the silo. Creeper followed him, but stopped at the entrance, as if feeling a trick.
"Damn, he's too smart," Alexander thought. It took something else to lure the monster inside.
And then there was a shot. Taggart's harpoon plunged into Creeper's wing, naiting him to the ground. The monster howled in pain and rage, trying to free himself.
Taggart jumped out of his hiding cover, reloading his harpoon gun:
- Come on, you creature! - he shouted. - It's for my son!
Creeper with incredible effort snatched the harpoon from its wing and ground. His eyes were burning with a deadly rage now directed at Taggart.
- NO! - Alexander shouted, releasing a powerful discharge into Creeper's back. - I'M HERE, FREAK!
The electric shock was strong enough to distract the monster from Taggart. Creeper turned to Alexander, and in his eyes you could read a crazy desire to destroy this cheeky man.
Alexander retreated deeper into the silo:
- Come on, show me what you're capable of!
Creeper rushed forward with a roar, forgetting about caution. He flew into the silo aimed at Alexander, who continued to retreat deep into the cylindrical room.
- NOW! - Alexander shouted as soon as Creeper was completely inside.
Diryu and Dane, who were waiting on both sides of the entrance, slammed the heavy metal door. There was a clatter of metal and a click of a massive lock.
Inside the silage, Creeper stopped, realizing that he had fallen into a trap. He turned to the door, preparing to break it out, but Alexander didn't let him do it. He released a powerful discharge, temporarily paralyzing the monster.
- What, didn't you expect? - Alexander exhaled, retreating to the stairs. - Every hunter has a weakness. Yours is your self-confidence.
The Creeper was recovering quickly. His eyes watched Alexander's every move while he went up the stairs.
- Don't... go...you're going," the monster wheezed, spreading its wings.
"We'll see," Alexander replied, continuing to rise.
Creeper soared up, aiming to intercept a man at the top of the stairs. Alexander was waiting for it. When the monster approached, he created an electric field around him of such strength that the air cracked with tension.
Creeper crashed into this field and flew back, falling to the bottom of the silage. Alexander took advantage of the moment to get to the upper platform, where the welded hatch was located.
Outside, Taggart, Diryu and the others acted according to the plan. They hastily poured concrete into the base of the door, welded additional metal plates and sealed the ventilation holes.
- Where's Alex? - Minxy asked, helping to mix the concrete. - He should have already got out!
- Believe in him, - Taggart just said, continuing to work. - He has a plan.
Inside the silage, Alexander reached the brewed hatch. Creeper had already recovered from the blow and rose to him again, this time more carefully.
- You're trapped," said the monster, and something like satisfaction could be heard in his voice. - There is no... way out.
- Not for you, - Alexander agreed. - And for me...
He put his hands on the metal hatch and concentrated, directing all his electrical energy to one point. The metal began to heat up, turn red, and then melt. Alexander has never used his ability in this way before, but theoretically it should have worked - an electric arc can melt metal.
Creeper approached, realizing that his prey was trying to escape. He accelerated, releasing his claws.
Alexander continued to concentrate, feeling his strength leaving him. The metal melted, but too slowly. Creeper was already a few meters away.
"Come on, come on," he mentally adjued himself, putting his last strength into his ability.
Suddenly, the metal gave in, and a hole formed in the hatch, large enough to squeeze. Alexander didn't lose a second. He pulled himself up and began to squeeze into the hole, feeling the hot metal burning the skin.
Creeper got to him at the moment when Alexander was already half outside. The monster's claws clung to his leg, trying to drag it back. The pain was unbearable, but Alexander did not give up. He released the last, desperate category, aiming at Creeper's eyes.
The monster pulled away, blinded for a moment, and that second was enough. Alexander pulled his body through the hole and found himself on the roof of the silo, under the open starry sky.
He didn't stay late. Despite the pain and exhaustion, he began to go down the outer stairs of the silage, hearing Creeper beating and screaming inside, trying to break through the hole that was too narrow for him.
When Alexander reached the ground, the work on sealing the silage was almost completed. Taggart, seeing him, breathed a sigh of relief:
- You did it!
- Not yet, - Alexander exhaled, staggering from fatigue and blood loss. - I need to finish. He can try to get out through the upper hatch.
- I saw, - Taggart nodded. - Diryu, Dane! - he shouted. - Help me with the stairs! We need to climb to the roof of the silo!
They quickly brought a long ladder, and Taggart, taking a welding machine, went upstairs. Alexander, despite his condition, insisted on accompanying him - he wanted to make sure that the work would be done correctly.
Upstairs, they found that Creeper was still trying to expand the hole that Alexander had created. His claws scraped on the metal, gradually increasing the hole.
- We need to act quickly, - said Alexander. - He almost broke through.
Taggart nodded and started working. The welding machine threw out bright sparks while the farmer welded the hole, applying a seam behind the seam. Alexander stayed close, ready to repel Creeper's attack if he broke through.
Finally, the work was completed. The hatch was completely welded, and Taggart also put metal plates on top of the welds, which they brought with them.
- Done, - he exhaled, turning off the device. - Now this creature won't get out.
They went downstairs, where the others were waiting for them. The work on sealing the entrance was also completed - the door was not only locked, but also welded around the perimeter, and the base was poured with concrete.
- Everything is ready, - Diryu said. - All the ventilation holes are also plugged.
Alexander approached the silo and put his ear to the metal wall. Inside, Creeper was still being beating and screaming, but the sound was getting weaker.
- We did it, - he said quietly. - He's trapped.
Taggart put his hand on his shoulder:
- It won't kill him. He will simply hibernate until the next cycle.
- I know, - Alexander nodded. - But in 23 years it won't be our problem anymore.
He looked around a group of survivors - emaciated, wounded, but alive. Minxi approached him and hugged him without saying a word, not paying attention to the blood covering his clothes.
- You're crazy, - she whispered. - Absolutely crazy.
Alexander smiled faintly:
- Maybe. But the plan worked.
The group slowly went to the house, leaving behind the silage, which now served as a prison for the ancient horror. Inside, Creeper continued to rago, but his screams became quieter and quieter until they subsided completely.
* * *
The morning met them with golden rays of the rising sun. The survivors gathered on the porch of Taggart's house, discussing a plan of further action.
- The police will arrive in an hour, - said Taggart, returning after talking on the phone. - I told them about the attack, but I didn't mention the details about... the essence.
- They still won't believe it, - coach Barnes agreed. - Let's say we were attacked by a group of psychopaths. This will explain the wounded and the dead.
Alexander stood aside, looking towards the silage. His wounds were treated and bandaged, and the regeneration granted by the Devil had already begun to act - the pain subsided, and the bleeding completely stopped.
Minxi approached him:
- You'll leave, won't you? Before the police arrive?
Alexander nodded:
- I can't stay here. There are too many questions that I don't have answers to.
- Where are you going? - she asked, and there was an undisguised sadness in her eyes.
- Where the road leads, - he answered evasively. - I still have a lot of work to do.
- Other monsters for hunting? - she asked half-affirmingly.
- Something like that, - he smiled faintly.
Minxi was silent, then said decisively:
- I could go with you. To help.
Alexander shook his head:
- No, Minxi. Your place is here. You have life, family, future. Don't refuse it.
- What about you? - she asked. - Do you have a future?
"I don't think so," Alexander answered mentally, but said out loud:
- My future... is difficult. But I can handle it.
She nodded, realizing that his decision was final. Then, suddenly going forward, she kissed him - not on the cheek, as before, but on the lips, putting all her youthful passion and gratitude into this kiss.
Alexander froze with surprise, but then gently withdred:
- Take care of yourself, Minxi, - he said quietly. - Live happily ever after.
He turned to the others who were going to say goodbye. Diryu shook his hand tightly:
- Thank you, dude. You saved our asses.
Dane, who was skeptical at first, now looked at him with respect:
- Whoever you are, you are a real hero.
Taggart came last. He handed Alexander a small bundle:
- Take it. Some food, water and some money. Not much, but it should help on the road.
- Thank you, - Alexander sincerely thanked, taking the bundle.
- No, we should thank you, - Taggart said firmly. - You avenged my son. I will never forget it.
Alexander nodded, feeling a strange warmth inside. For the first time since the beginning of his strange journey through the worlds of horror films, he experienced something similar to satisfaction. He really saved these people. Changed their fate.
- Goodbye, - he said. - And be careful. The world is full of dangers, not only such as Creeper.
With these words, he turned and walked away from the farm, along the dusty road leading to the highway. He didn't look back, but he knew that they were looking after him until his figure dissolved in the morning haze.
* * *
Alexander had been walking for several hours when the world around him began to change. At first he thought it was just fatigue and blood loss, but then he realized that the reality of the film was disappearing. The road, the fields, the sky - everything began to lose clarity, turning into blurred colored spots.
"It's time to go out," he thought, stopping.
The last thing he saw before reality completely disappeared was the silhouette of a silage tower in the distance - a prison he created for an ancient monster.
And then darkness came.
* * *
- Bravo! Bravo! What a performance! - a familiar voice sounded, and Alexander opened his eyes.
He was again in that strange "nowhere" - the space between the worlds where the Devil lived. The Devil himself stood in front of him, this time in the form of an elegant middle-aged man with graying temples and piercing eyes that constantly changed color.
- I completed the task, - Alexander said tiredly. - What's next?
The devil theatrically splashed his hands:
- "What's next?" He asks "what's next"! - he imitated. - No enthusiasm, no joy from a job well done! Ah, Alexander, Alexander...
He came closer, studying a man with the interest of a collector looking at a rare specimen:
- I must admit, you surprised me. I expected you to just kill the creature in some inventive way. But you? - he hummed. - You locked her up. He created a personal prison for her. It's... elegant.
- I couldn't kill her, - Alexander shrugged. - At least not with the means I had.
- And this understanding of limitations, - the Devil raised his finger, like a professor making an important remark, - distinguishes a smart person from a fool. A smart one works with what he has. The fool complains about what he doesn't have.
He started walking around Alexander, continuing to say:
- But that's what really intrigued me - your interaction with people. You protected them. I took care of them. He even let that cute girl kiss you," he paused. "Why?" They are nothing to you. Just characters in the movie that you will never see again.
Alexander thought about this question. Why did he really try so hard to save as many people as possible? It wasn't part of the deal. The devil demanded only to kill the monster and save the main character.
- I don't know, - he answered honestly. - Maybe because he could. Because it mattered, lives mattered.
The devil stopped in front of him, his face became serious for a moment:
- Interesting. Very interesting, - he seemed to make mental notes. - I'm beginning to understand why he chose you.
- Him? - Alexander asked again. - Who are you talking about?
The devil just smiled mysteriously:
- Don't pay attention. Just thinking out loud," he clapped his hands. "And now let's get down to business! You completed the task, and very successfully. It's time for the award.
He stretched out his hand and lightly touched Alexander's chest, where his stamp was hidden under the clothes. A wave of heat passed through Alexander's body, and he felt every muscle, every cell being filled with new strength.
- That's it, - the Devil nodded with satisfied. - Now you're stronger than any ordinary person. You can lift about five hundred kilograms, although, I admit, with some difficulty. Your speed, reaction, endurance - everything is improved. You're now almost like those comic book superheroes you read as a child," he grinned. "Well, maybe not like Superman, but rather like Captain America. In his worst days.
Alexander really felt the changes. His body seemed lighter, stronger, the energy pulsated in every muscle.
- And I also improved your feelings, - the Devil continued. - Sight, hearing, smell, touch - everything is much sharper. The night vision you discovered in the last world is now a constant ability. You will be able to see in almost complete darkness, hear whispers behind the wall, feel smells that ordinary people do not notice.
- Thank you, - said Alexander, realizing how strange it is to thank the Devil. - It... will come in handy.
- Oh, it will be useful, - the Devil agreed enthusiastically. - Especially in the next world. It will be... more difficult than the previous ones.
Alexander sighed:
- Of course. They are always more difficult.
- You're starting to understand the rules of the game, - the Devil nodded approvingly. - Okay. But do you know what's the most interesting thing?
- What? - Alexander asked, feeling that he was unlikely to like the answer.
- You still haven't asked why all this, - The Devil spread his hands. - Why do I send you to these worlds, make you fight monsters, save people? What is the ultimate goal?
Alexander shrugged his shoulders:
- I decided that you're just having fun. You use me as a toy for your space reality show.
The devil laughed, but there was a hint of something else in his laughter - not anger or sarcasm, but something almost... sad?
- If only everything were that simple, - he said, suddenly becoming serious. - You see, Alexander, I chose you for a reason. Or rather, I didn't choose.
- What are you talking about? - Alexander frowned.
The devil looked at him with a long, studying look:
- Tell me, what do you remember about your life? Before you died?
Alexander thought about it. He remembered his hard life on the streets, the eternal struggle for survival, the absence of family and loved ones. I remembered my death from collectors. But when he tried to remember specific details - names, faces, places - they seemed to escape him.
- A little, - he admitted. - Only general points. The details are blurred.
- Exactly, - the Devil nodded with such a look, as if Alexander had just confirmed his theory. - Have you ever wondered why?
- Injury from death? - Alexander suggested. - Or a side effect of moving between worlds?
- Or, - the Devil raised his finger, - because these memories never happened. At least, not in the way you imagine them.
Alexander felt the chill run down his back:
- What do you mean?
- Oh, I've already said too much, - The Devil suddenly changed his tone to frivolous. - Let's leave this fascinating topic for another time. It's time for you to go. The new world is waiting for its savior!
He snapped his fingers, and the space around began to change, twisting into the funnel.
- Wait! - Alexander exclaimed. - You can't just...
- I can, - the Devil interrupted him with a mischievous smile. - And I do. But don't worry, Alexander Fable. All answers will come in due time. In the meantime... - he made a dramatic pause, - enjoy the journey. And remember - sometimes the most terrible monster hides not in the shadows, but behind the smile of light.
The last thing Alexander saw before reality dissolved was the face of the Devil - no longer smiling, but thoughtful, almost sad.
And then he was swallowed up by darkness, taking him into a new nightmare.