I arrived at the science facility. The building itself wasn't anything extraordinary — a standard high-tech research center, albeit with more organized and advanced equipment than usual.

  I greeted the scientists and made my way directly to the experiment room. The room was constructed entirely around a spatial portal — today's main focus. Advanced gadgets and complex devices surrounded the portal, all protected by reinforced high-quality glass.

  “Ah, you’re here. Now we can finally start the experiment.”

  I flinched slightly at the voice, my gaze still fixed on the portal. It was Junia — a short brunette girl with part of her hair braided while the rest flowed loosely. Her fair skin, azure eyes, and well-developed figure made her presence easily noticeable. Junia was known for her cheerful personality but when it came to work, she was all business.

  “Yeah, go ahead. I just hope this works… if we succeed, we might finally save those who were devoured.”

  I spoke with firm conviction, my heart heavy with expectation.

  Junia smiled softly, then turned towards the other scientists. “Alright, everyone. Take your positions. Just so we’re clear, I’ll be using my powers to forcibly open this portal. Our goal is to enter the other side and, if possible, rescue the people who were taken. We have Arceid here as our security, but be warned — it’s extremely dangerous. Anyone having second thoughts can leave now. This is your last chance.”

  A few of them hesitated, eyes briefly flickering toward me. I responded with a confident, reassuring smile. No one left.

  I gave Junia a nod, signaling her to proceed. She let out a subtle smile. “Seems like they really trust you, Arceid.”

  I shrugged. “I mean, I’m not called the strongest for nothing.”

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  Junia moved to the control panel, and the other scientists began activating their respective equipment. I stepped back, maintaining a cautious distance in case anything went wrong.

  “Alright. Pouring my energy now. Stay sharp, everyone.”

  Junia’s azure energy flared, condensing into a concentrated beam and merging with the spatial portal.

  Sparks of vibrant blue and transparent light began seeping from the portal’s core. Thin streams of energy slithered like lightning, gradually stabilizing the gateway. And then — it opened.

  My world stopped.

  A familiar silhouette appeared within the portal — one I never expected to see again.

  My younger brother. Azrael.

  Before anyone could react, my body moved on its own. I accelerated at sonic speed, plunging into the portal and grabbing him. Without hesitation, I dragged him back.

  The moment we emerged, the portal collapsed behind us. My heart raced as I laid him on the ground. He was bleeding profusely — half his torso was missing. The same wound from that day… the day he saved Edith.

  “Azrael… no…”

  My mind went blank. Distantly, I could hear Junia and the others shouting, but their voices were muffled. My thoughts spiraled into the past… the day when this nightmare began.

  ……

  Seven years ago…

  We were on a family vacation — my sister, her husband, Azrael, little Edith, and me. Our parents couldn't join us due to a religious tour, so we decided to spend some time together, making happy memories.

  The day was perfect — carnivals, movies, park visits. Everything was normal… until it happened.

  We had paused by a park, the adults chatting on a bench while Azrael played with Edith. That was when the mist came. Thick, unnatural, and suffocating. We brushed it off at first — until Azrael instinctively shielded Edith.

  Minutes passed. The mist dissipated. We relaxed. And then… the portal appeared.

  A swirling, monstrous void opened just two meters behind them. Its gravitational force uprooted rides and benches, devouring everything in its path. Edith was pulled a meter toward it.

  We froze in horror. My sister screamed and tried to rush in, but my brother-in-law and I held her back. Our bodies trembled, paralyzed by fear.

  And then… Azrael moved.

  Using the force of the debris being pulled into the portal, he launched himself toward Edith. He caught her — and with all his might, threw her toward us. We caught her just in time.

  But Azrael…

  A massive piece of ride struck him in the side, tearing through his torso. The impact flung him directly into the portal. And then — he was gone.

  ……

  “Arceid!! Arceid!!! Snap out of it!!”

  SLAP!

  The sharp sting jolted me back. Junia stood before me, her eyes blazing with urgency.

  “That’s my brother!!” I roared, clutching her shoulders. “We can save him! Call the healers! NOW!”

  Junia, visibly shaken, grabbed my wrists and firmly replied, “Look at his body, Arceid.”

  Confused, I turned my gaze toward Azrael’s mangled form — and froze.

  The wound was gone. His torso — which should’ve been missing — was fully intact. His body… was regenerating.

  “What… the hell…”