Scene 1: The Invitation
Eight months have passed since Ron and Carter visited Sami's House. While Carter immersed himself in missions, Ron trained and quietly unlocked new abilities.
Carter – Present Day
For the last eight months, I've been buried in missions. But today, I decided to take a break and grab something good to eat. I was scrolling through restaurants when a text popped up from Ron:
> "Meet me here. You'll want to hear this."
He dropped a location pin. Curious, I grabbed my car keys and headed out.
The place was a top-tier restaurant—polished marble floors, velvet chairs, the works. As I walked in, a woman at the front desk looked up and asked,
"Are you Carter?"
"Yeah, that's me."
She smiled and escorted me to table 26. There sat Ron, flashing that familiar grin.
I sat down and asked, "Why'd you call me here? Fancy place for a casual talk."
He chuckled. "You know how rich I am. But I didn't bring you here just for food. I heard something—something your department is trying to hide."
I narrowed my eyes. "You're well-informed as usual... Fine. I trust you."
I leaned in.
"A team was sent to the southwest mountains of Hero Town. Only one guy made it back... barely. He's traumatized, keeps muttering about an Ancient Mill. Rumor has it the place is real."
Ron's eyes lit up. "Another mystery. I knew asking you was the right call. So—what else do you know about this 'Ancient Mill'? Why don't we check it out?"
I sighed, knowing where this was going.
"A few days after the survivor's return, we sent a second crew. What they found was... horrifying. Human bones. Our doctors confirmed—they belonged to the first team."
Ron's smile faded. "What kind of monster did that?"
I looked him in the eye.
"They weren't killed. The doctors say the crew aged to death. Literally. Turned to bones in days... maybe even hours."
His expression shifted. That was the first time I saw Ron genuinely stunned.
"Aging? You mean they just... decayed into skeletons?" he asked quietly.
"Exactly."
Then, true to form, Ron grinned. "Then we have to see it for ourselves."
---
Scene 2: The Skeleton Gatekeeper
Ron's POV– Later that Day
After the meeting, I opened a gate to the World of Dark Souls. I needed answers—and only one person (or rather, being) could help.
I landed in the bone-paved courtyard, where a skeleton warrior glared at me like he was ready to chop me in half.
"Is Dr. Thomas here?" I asked.
The skeleton studied me, then growled, "No. He's not. What do you want, you damn human?"
I smirked. "Easy, you damn fossil. Watch your mouth or I'll punch you back into the museum you came from."
The skeleton's bony hand reached for his weapon.
"You looking for a fight?"
"I'm always ready," I shot back.
Just as he was about to strike, Yardy stepped between us.
"Calm down, both of you," he said, shaking his head. He turned to me. "What brings you here?"
I explained—well, most of it. I left out Carter and the mission details, told them it was about a group of hikers who mysteriously died in the southwest mountains.
The skeleton listened in silence... then laughed—a dry, hollow sound.
"You're talking about the Ancient Mill, aren't you?" he said. "Many monsters across the multiverse originate from that cursed place. Fifty levels deep. But the people didn't die because of monsters. No. The Mill protects itself with invisible aging gas. The moment you enter, time turns against you. The higher you go, the stronger the monsters... and the faster you age."
I clenched my fist.
"Then I'll clear that Mill."
The skeleton laughed even harder. "You? Clear it? I've heard of you, Ron—but this is suicide. I'll see you never. Because once you enter, you're not coming out."
When I returned, I gathered my gear. Carter, Lia, and I made our decision.
We're going in.
Scene 3: Gathering the Old Wolf
I drove with Carter and Lia toward the western edge of Hero Town. There, nestled among the cliffs, was a weathered cottage. Dirt covered most of the door, but after a quick swipe, the words revealed themselves:
> "Welcome to David Degg...'s House"
I knocked.
A grumpy voice answered.
"Who the hell knocks this early? Go away."
The door creaked open. An man in his late 30s stood there—white hair like wild lightning, eyes that had seen too much.
"Are you... David Degg? Also known as DA?"
He narrowed his eyes. "What do you want, kid? I don't hand out candy."
I blinked. This was the legendary DA?
Carter and Lia gave me that look. The you dragged us here for this? look.
DA glanced at them, then back at me.
"You gonna tell me why you're here or just stand there breathing?"
I cleared my throat.
"DA... we're planning to raid the Ancient Mill. We need your help."
He stared at me. Then suddenly burst out laughing.
"You kids? Raid that place? Don't make me laugh—I've buried stronger men for less."
Then he paused. "Wait... Carter Klein and Lia? Ohhh, now I get it. You must be Ron. Heard a lot about you."
Lia stepped forward, respectful.
"Sir, will you help us?"
DA didn't answer. His gaze drifted, lost in thought. Carter finally shook him.
"It's the last time we're asking, old man. You in or not?"
DA blinked, then chuckled. "If it's the great Carter Klein asking, how can I refuse? My apologies. Let's not waste time."
We loaded up. The Mill was waiting.