Advent: Explorers of Boundaries

Chapter 42: * ̸̷D̷O̷O̶O̶M̶ ⏁ צ מ Σ ☋ Ə░

As Alex wandered through the enchanting flower paradise atop Sky Peak, the beauty of the landscape momentarily lifted his spirits. The vibrant greens and colorful blooms created a mesmerizing scene that filled him with a sense of tranquility.

Amidst his appreciation for the surroundings, a familiar voice called out to him, drawing his attention. Alex turned to see Elton, and to his surprise, Elton seemed genuinely happy to see him.

"Alex, my dude! Am I glad to see you!" Elton's excitement was palpable as he warmly greeted Alex.

Alex couldn't contain his joy, his face lighting up with a smile. "Seriously? Are you not mad at me anymore, Elton?"

Elton's expression softened, a smile playing on his lips. "Of course not, Alex!We're best friends!"

A wave of relief washed over Alex as he embraced Elton's friendship once again. Their bond felt stronger than ever in that moment.

Just then, Guildmaster Altaria, Farfetch'd, and Team Light arrived, their expressions filled with warmth and sincerity. With big smiles, they cheered for Alex and offered their apologies for not believing in him earlier. It was a moment of reconciliation and renewed faith in each other.

As the gentle wind swept through the flower paradise, Alex couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with happiness. He looked at Elton, Guildmaster Altaria, Farfetch'd, and Team Light with a mixture of joy and nostalgia.

"I've missed you all," Alex admitted, his voice filled with longing. "I promise to be a better individual from now on."

Despite the bittersweet emotions, Alex's heart swelled with warmth as he reached into his bag and pulled out his last bit of food. It was a simple gesture, but it meant everything to him.

"I want you all to have this," Alex said, offering the food to his friends. "Thank you for believing in me and for being there for me."

The rest of the group smiled gratefully, touched by Alex's kindness. They accepted the food, knowing it was a symbol of Alex's newfound determination and the bond they shared.

As they enjoyed the food and camaraderie, Alex's attention was drawn to something peculiar happening in the surroundings. The flowerbed beneath them began to sway and move erratically, almost as if it had a mind of its own. Alex watched in confusion, but before he could say anything, the movement returned to normal as if nothing had happened.

Elton and the others, engrossed in their conversation, assured Alex that everything was fine and emphasized how much they valued him at the guild. Yet, amidst their reassurances, Alex noticed something unsettling. For a brief moment, Elton's cheerful voice took on a deep, menacing tone, sending shivers down Alex's spine. It was so quick and unexpected that Alex questioned if it had happened at all.

The eerie shift in Elton's voice lingered in Alex's mind, casting a shadow of doubt and unease over the otherwise pleasant gathering.

Alex brushed off the strange moment and immersed himself in the happy vibe of being reunited with his friends. Laughter and chatter filled the air as they enjoyed the meal together.

However, as Alex relaxed, a sudden shift caught his attention. For a split second, the serene flower paradise transformed into a horrific scene. The vibrant green landscape morphed into a grotesque sight, with the sky replaced by a blood-red hue and clouds wildly distorting as if they were in pain.

Shocked, Alex rubbed his eyes, trying to dispel the horrifying image. When he looked again, everything had returned to its peaceful state, leaving him bewildered and unsettled.

As Elton and Guildmaster Altaria inquired about Alex's sudden distress, Alex struggled to find words. However, their concern turned eerie as their voices seemed to distort, taking on a horrifying tone.