Just as I was feeling puzzled, Vincent Swallow, Tammy Blade, and Old Eccentric all walked over to us. I lay on Old Ray's back, looking into the distance. Mr. Blackmask remained calm as ever, while the Stone Fiend crashed to the ground with a thunderous bang.
A huge cloud of dust billowed up, the rumbling sound echoing without end.
"Careful," Old Ray said. I quickly ducked my head as a fierce gust swept past. The dust cleared, and the massive Stone Fiend kept roaring, growing even more violent. The ground thundered like giant drums, the pounding never stopped as the Stone Fiend stomped and slammed its fists down.
"Looks like that thing got a bit smarter, huh? Hehe. Let Mr. Blackmask deal with it first. I'll go second—just need to hold out until morning."
I let out a surprised sound, looking at Vincent Swallow. The three of them walked past me, then quickly ran ahead. After a short distance, each found a tree, sat down, leaned against the trunk, and closed their eyes to sleep.
"Are you sure it's really okay?"
I pressed my hand to my forehead as sand and stones whipped toward us. Old Ray stood protectively in front of me.
"They're all very strong. They should be fine."
I made a small sound of acknowledgment, feeling tired myself. I lay on Old Ray’s back and looked ahead. In the swirling dust, Mr. Blackmask was blocking the Stone Fiend. Though I couldn't see him, I knew Mr. Blackmask was dodging inside.
"That was close," Old Ray muttered. I watched him, my eyes fixed on Mr. Blackmask.
"You can see him?"
Old Ray shook his head.
"Not seeing—listening," he replied, his dog-like ears twitching. All I could hear was the Stone Fiend pounding the ground, the booming echo relentless.
"What about you, Ethan? Do you still get confused by ghosts, or have trouble finding them?"
"Yeah, how did you know?"
I asked, and Old Ray got up and carried me into the forest. We crouched near some dense trees, and I slid off his back, poking my head out to keep watch on what was happening outside.
The fight was still raging. The Stone Fiend’s furious attacks had changed the landscape completely. I felt tired but forced myself to stay awake, staring at the dust ahead.
Earlier, I’d seen how powerful the Immortality Society’s members were—especially The Emerald Mask, who fought fiercely in those horror stories. But I felt Mr. Blackmask might be even stronger. After all, he’s survived in the Forest of Desire for over two hundred years.
"He’s incredible, that guy."
Old Ray continued, and I stared ahead. The Stone Fiend stopped moving, as if watching something. The dust settled, but I couldn’t spot Mr. Blackmask.