Kosu pressed forward, each step feeling like a battle against an unseen force. The dark energy swirled around him, a palpable weight that threatened to crush him. As he moved closer to the girl, he could feel the sinister power seeping into his body, leaving a trail of exhaustion and pain in its wake. His muscles screamed in protest, and he felt as though his very essence was being ripped apart.

"Keep going, Kosu! You're almost there!" Riku called out, her voice echoing with urgency. She stood behind him, her eyes scanning the swirling shadows, trying to find a path through the chaos. "The energy is lower to your left! Move now!"

Kosu strained to hear her over the roar of the dark energy. Every step felt like wading through molasses, his limbs heavy and unresponsive. Miko stood just behind Riku, her hands glowing with the soft light of her potions. "I'm trying to support you, Kosu! Just hold on a little longer!" she urged, pouring magic into him as best as she could.

Despite her efforts, the dark energy was relentless, gnawing at Kosu's strength faster than Miko could replenish it. With every second, he felt a growing sense of dizziness, his breath coming in heavy gasps. It was as if the shadows were reaching into his very core, siphoning his vitality away.

Yet, amidst the chaos, the floating girl appeared like a beacon of hope—a lighthouse shining brightly in the depths of despair. Her presence calmed him, and he found a renewed sense of determination washed over him. He had to reach her.

The ring in his hand reacted fiercely against the encroaching darkness, its warmth intensifying. He could feel the heat radiating from it, reaching out toward the girl. As if sensing the energy, her body trembled slightly, a flicker of awareness igniting within her.

With one last surge of willpower, Kosu gathered every ounce of strength he had left. He took a deep breath, the world around him fading into a blur, and launched himself toward her. "I'm coming!" he shouted, grasping for her hand.

The moment their fingers connected, a wave of calm washed over the room. The dark energy receded as if repelled by the bond forged between them. Kosu and the girl began to descend slowly to the ground, the oppressive weight lifting from his body.

Miko and Riku rushed to his side as they landed, concern etched on their faces. Miko immediately began to tend to Kosu, pulling out every potion she had at her disposal. "You did it! But you're hurt!" she exclaimed, her hands moving quickly to treat his wounds.

Riku knelt beside the girl, her heart racing. "She seems to be waking up!" Riku said, her voice filled with hope as she observed the girl's features. The darkness around them faded, and for the first time, a glimmer of light pierced through the shadows, offering a sense of safety.

Kosu lay back, exhaustion washing over him, but the sight of the girl awakening filled him with a sense of purpose. They had made it this far, and now, perhaps, they could uncover the truth together.

As the dust settled, Kosu finally got a good look at the girl who had been floating in the center of the room. She had long, flowing red hair that cascaded down her back like a fiery waterfall. Her white dress resembled a wedding gown, adorned with delicate lace and intricate embroidery that shimmered softly in the ambient light. A white veil rested gently on her head, adding an ethereal quality to her appearance.

When she began to stir, her bright green eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, confusion clouded her features. As she focused on Kosu, a relieved smile broke through her initial bewilderment. "Calisto?" she murmured, misinterpreting him for someone else. Her voice was soft and melodic, yet tinged with urgency.

Kosu blinked, taken aback. "I'm not Calisto. My name is Kosu," he replied, his heart racing at the unexpected connection.

"Calisto..." she repeated, her brow furrowing as she registered his words. "I... I'm Juliana."

The name echoed in Kosu's mind. "Juliana? Not Jhurala?," he remarked, a hint of curiosity creeping into his tone, recalling the name Jhurala that had been whispered in the manor's shadows.

At the mention of her name, tears welled in Juliana's eyes, and she suddenly collapsed against Kosu, sobbing quietly. "I had a nightmare about you being killed," she cried, her voice breaking. "There was chaos, a magician, and my relatives... It was so terrible!"

Kosu felt a wave of compassion wash over him as he held her gently, trying to provide comfort. "It's okay, you're safe now," he reassured her, glancing at Miko and Riku for support.

But Juliana's expression shifted to one of confusion. "Where am I? What happened?" she asked, her voice laced with desperation. It was clear she was disoriented, unable to grasp the situation fully.

Miko stepped forward, her face a mixture of concern and curiosity. "We found you here in the underground chamber. There's been a lot going on, but we're here to help you," she explained gently.

Juliana looked between them, her eyes darting as if searching for answers in their faces. "I don't understand," she whispered, her voice trembling. "All I remember is the nightmare... and then... nothing."

Kosu exchanged worried glances with Miko and Riku, realizing that while they had made progress in finding her, the answers they sought were still shrouded in mystery. They needed to understand what had happened to Juliana and the connection to the dark energy that had surrounded them. But for now, all they could do was offer her their support as they pieced together the fragments of the chaos surrounding them.

A sudden clap echoed through the chamber, causing everyone to turn in unison. From the shadows emerged Cistar, her presence commanding yet serene. "Congratulations, lady Juliana, your prince has come to wake you up," she said, a gentle smile gracing her lips.

Kosu felt a shiver run down his spine at her words, while the others exchanged confused glances. "As for you three," Cistar continued, "congratulations, you found the exit."

"What do you mean?" Kosu asked, suspicion creeping into his voice.

"Let's take it at face value," he added, trying to maintain his composure. "Just break my friends free."

Cistar smiled knowingly, then waved her hand. From the shadows, Thorn and Jenna emerged, their forms solidifying as consciousness returned to them. As they shook off the disorientation, confusion flickered across their faces.

When Thorn's eyes landed on Cistar, his instincts kicked in. "You...!" he growled, readying his weapon.

"Wait, Thorn, we're safe!" Kosu quickly intervened, raising his hands to calm him. Thorn hesitated, then slowly relaxed, stepping aside to regroup with the others.

Miko pointed toward the center of the chamber, where the sinister energy had once raged. In its place now stood a shimmering portal that looked remarkably like a dungeon entrance. "Could it be... we've been inside a dungeon this whole time?" she mused, disbelief coloring her voice.

Cistar nodded, her smile unwavering. She moved closer to Juliana, helping her to her feet. "I guess you have many questions, but let's change the location first," she suggested, her demeanor calm and inviting.

Kosu exchanged glances with his team. They had the chance to return to their world, but this was also an opportunity to uncover more about the situation.

Miko was the first to speak up. "I want to stay here and talk to Cistar. There are too many questions left unanswered."

Jenna chimed in, "I agree. I still have equipment in the attic, and since the mastermind herself said it's safe now, we can afford to spend a little more time here."

Riku shook her head, a knowing look in her eyes. "I had a feeling this would happen," she said quietly.

Thorn hesitated, the weight of leadership pressing down on him. He had done little to help during this mission and felt like a burden to his team. Kosu noticed his friend's turmoil and placed a reassuring hand on Thorn's back. "What matters is that we're all safe now," he said, encouraging him with sincerity.

After a moment of contemplation, the team collectively decided to stay back in the manor, eager to uncover the truth. Cistar nodded approvingly. With a snap of her fingers, a wave of energy enveloped them, transporting everyone to another room.

They found themselves in the same room where they had first been treated upon entering the manor, the air filled with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. The familiar surroundings brought a sense of comfort, but the questions that loomed over them remained unanswered.

"Now," Cistar began, her tone shifting to one of authority, "let's discuss everything."