Fwish!
Sam pushed open the gray gate that led into [Purgatory].
A chilling wind poured out immediately, brushing against his skin like frozen smoke.
The air itself felt alive; cold, heavy, and suffocating.
[Heaven] had rejected him.
[Hell] had rejected him too.
And now, standing before the place that existed between both; the realm where souls were judged; Sam finally stepped forward.
This was the last option.
It was either he went through or stayed trapped here forever, waiting in a place that refused to let him die but would never let him live.
He had no other choice.
'Also... I have a feeling the two monarchs are inside,' Sam thought.
[You have a... neutral feeling about this.]
'Heh. A new one yet again.'
Sam took a steady breath, gripping his sword tighter.
Then, without hesitating, he pushed the gate fully open and stepped inside.
The instant he crossed through, the gate slammed shut behind him.
A hollow sound echoed in the mist.
