My vision became nearly useless as the entire landscape was engulfed in a thick and heavy fog. It clung to every surface, to the point that even with my Perception skill, I felt utterly blind. Lost in an endless void, as if my eyes were closed.

  Aagh– did I just bump into something? It feels large… a piece of stone? I felt it up with my hands and could only tell once I was up close to it. I was faced with a massive chunk of stone, half-buried in the ground. Only once it was right in front of me, could I barely see the surface of it, but even then, it was hazy.

  Geez, this fog is completely blinding me, I can’t see a thing! Hold on, this rock shouldn't be here… I recalled the Perception skill I used before and how it didn’t pick up anything beyond the fog. So this stuff really does blind my skill. This is troubling… How am I supposed to find my way back now?

  I scanned across the area, but still couldn’t see past the white mist. Every direction looked the same, and no matter how far I pressed, it led to empty walking or the occasional stone structure I’d bump into.

  Is there a way to get rid of this mist stuff?

  {Processing request}

  The Oracle's voice resonated through my mind with its usual calm tone.

  {Answer. Unable to process request}

  {Ambient mana density exceeds permissible scan threshold}

  So not even the all-powerful Lost Oracle has an answer for it, huh? Well, if it's magic-based, what about starting with why it’s here in the first place?

  I directed my focus on the mist around me and felt its cooling touch against my stone body.

  When it came to magic sources, I always interacted with them differently from physical sensations. Magic came naturally to me, after all. Probably because of my Myranite origins.

  {A high-level magic is projecting mist through the area. Source cannot be identified at this time}

  W-woah! That’s starting to think for yourself, Oracle! Good job. I almost got a fright from the sudden message, but it turned out it was listening in on my thoughts. Honestly, I had a suspicion the source was coming from somewhere else already, but it was great having a second opinion on it.

  I shifted my claws through the air and observed the mist drag along my fingertips. My eyes glared for a moment, deep in thought, then reacted to my instinct.

  The mist around my hand slowly left the space, and the further I extended it out, the more the mist vanished from my touch. I cleared a small area in front of me while doing this.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  No way… my skill works this well?

  {Skill

  has been activated}

  I shifted my hand away and noticed the mist fill the area in front of me again. The empty patches I created were filled up again, almost as quickly as they were swept away. It lasted a few seconds, but I definitely made a dent in the mist.

  It’s not great for the long term, but if it’s this, I might just be able to bring Veyra in here with me. I shook my head. What am I thinking? I can’t be trying to explore here when we have other things to worry about. I seriously can’t get my head into the game lately.

  I almost got caught up in my side interests that I nearly forgot the sole reason we came to this place. We had to find out where her adventuring party was last seen and if anyone knew Veyra or the masked man. Honestly… it seemed like the questions were piling up, with barely any room for answers.

  I had left the misty ruins and just entered the forest when I felt a chilling presence over my shoulder. It was an eerie sensation, like prey being stalked by something fierce and terrifying.

  I flipped around, and the presence disappeared entirely. The scurrying steps sprang to the nearby trees just before I had the chance to see who or what it was, but it seemed awfully quick. Much faster than I could track.

  Strange… maybe there really are monsters worth hunting in this forest?

  ?

  ***

  ?

  The following day, I met back up with Veyra outside the ruins to hear what she found out. She had a much better look to her after spending a night in a proper bed. Even if it was short-rested, I could tell she was a lot better.

  So then, did you hear anything about a masked man?

  She nodded back with a determined look, “Yes…seen before…!”

  My eyes widened. Seriously?! I didn’t expect us to find him so soon… Well, where did they say he is? Did they give you directions?

  Her lips pouted as the excitement vanished from her ruby eyes in a flash. Her pupils lowered, almost in shame. “They say…gone…while.” She opened her mouth as if to sigh, but no sound left her mouth. “Leave…while…then back…”

  Not much to go on, but it’s more than we knew before. I tapped my chin with a claw. He doesn’t seem to be well known around here, but maybe he’ll come back if we wait around here long enough. I gave it some thought as I suddenly recalled the night before. In the meantime, we’ll prepare!

  The sudden jolt in my posture gave Veyra a shock.

  Veyra, if we’re really going to get your voice back and take down that masked man, we’re probably going to fight him. I suddenly remembered when he appeared in the dungeon. The overwhelming presence that bled into the room, and how helpless I felt when he prepared his attack. If he were serious back then, I’m sure both Freya and I would have died without much effort.

  We need to get stronger. The words left my mind without me realising.

  Veyra stepped closer, her eyes locked with mine. She didn’t have to speak, and I could tell what she wanted to say, she definitely felt the same. No, if anything, she was more driven than me.

  “I… want …stronger.” The glitching effect on her voice entered my mind.