As Leo approaches the canyon, Kittienia and Asukem encounter a strange figure. The figure sits down and stares at them as if it knew they were coming. Its head looks like a deer skull with scary horns on top. The creature's body is covered in torn clothes, revealing twisted roots and dark bones from its chest to its limbs. It also has bird-like claws, which makes it even creepier. This creature had ripped pants, and its legs resembled the rest of its body, which looked like twisted roots and bones that resembled wood with a dark hue. However, its feet were utterly bony.

Kittienia's eyes widen in sheer terror, her face drained of all color. She stutters, her voice barely a whisper, "No, please, anything but Stagnar, the Demon of the Wild Hunt!" The creature's voice, a chilling whisper, sends shivers down Asukem's spine, "How delightful it is to witness the young ones of the Tribal Folk recognizing my presence. However, I am not here to reveal their fear; I have come for..." The creature slowly raises its arm, its menacing claws pointing directly at Asukem. It continues to speak in a bone-chilling tone, "You, Asukem. I will derive joy from chasing you as you flee in terror! Allow me the pleasure of hunting you!" Asukem takes a step back, overwhelmed by the figure before him, it feels as if death itself is staring him down.

Suddenly, everything turns pitch black, as if Asukem has entered a new, terrifying realm. Asukem spins around, desperately trying to make out anything in the darkness. And then, he sees it. He sees Ah'keim. Ah'keim shakes his head in disappointment and says, "You fool, he's got you in his clutches now." Asukem, his mind racing, asks, "What do you mean, Ah'keim?" It is then that Asukem realizes he has transformed back into a human. Ah'keim's voice, filled with pity and fear, resonates, "He's trapping you in your own fears, and I'm your first fear!" Asukem, trembling with false bravado, retorts, "What do you mean? I'm not afraid of you!" Ah'keim, his form shifting, declares, "Yes, you are, but not in this form." Suddenly, Ah'keim morphs into a different form and declares, "This is what you fear. It's you merging with me!"

Asukem stared intently at him, feeling fear wash over him as he took in Ah'keim's appearance. The image he saw had long, shadowy hair that cascaded to the ground, wolf-like ears, a demonic eye on the forehead, and eyes resembling a wolf. The sharp, deadly teeth inside his mouth sent shivers down Asukem's spine. The image's skin was pallid, with shadows enveloping his arms. Ah'keim's image had claws and a wolf-like tail adorned in black armor with a demonic face design. Holding a spear, Ah'keim declared, "You must face me in this form now or risk being consumed by your fears forever."

As he uttered those words, the chiming of bells commenced, and the dark backdrop created a sight that made Asukem feel as if he had stepped into an entirely different realm, although he was still in Rikros. Asukem glanced around, taking in the crimson sky adorned with ominous black clouds, the ashen ground beneath his feet, and the lifeless trees. The structures in sight were divided into two categories: one resembling dilapidated ruins or forsaken edifices. At the same time, the other was constructed from metal and exuded a sinister aura.

The sun cast an eerie green light, withered plants littered the ground, and the remains of various creatures lay scattered around. Suddenly, a chilling growl pierced the air, declaring, "An escapee is on the loose; find and bring them back!" In an instant, Asukem found themselves encircled by the Sin Kin, a group resembling lizardfolk. Among the horde, there were lizardfolk of varying hues. At first glance, they seemed rather feeble. It was then that Ah'keim emerged from the crowd in a transformed state.

Asukem's eyes widened as he unsheathed his sword, his voice trembling with defiance, "You won't bring me back to that wretched place alive! I'll fight you, and if I fall, you'll have to carry me back in a body bag, you fiend!" Ah'keim chuckled, "Impressive. Your will is stronger than ever. If you resist, I'll have no choice but to use force!" Without warning, Ah'keim charged at Asukem with incredible speed, but Asukem seemed to regain control of his body. Despite this, he moved as if still in his Sin Kin form. Ah'keim attempted to thrust his spear at Asukem, aiming to strike him. Still, Asukem deflected it with his katana, driving the spear into the ground. Asukem then channeled holy energy into his arm, delivering a powerful punch to Ah'keim. Ah'keim staggered back from the blow, his spear preventing him from being thrown back by the force. Ah'keim extinguished the white flames around him and growled, "What kind of holy magic is this? How is it even possible!"

Ah'keim twirled his spear above him before aiming it directly at Asukem, declaring, "You're now a danger!" In a haze of shadows, Ah'keim vanished, but it seemed like Asukem anticipated his next move. Asukem swiftly prevented Ah'keim from attacking him from behind. Grabbing the spear's shaft, Asukem pulled Ah'keim closer to his face and confidently stated, "You were right, Ah'keim, I was afraid. But not anymore!" With renewed determination, Asukem channeled holy energy into his fist, delivering a powerful punch to Ah'keim's stomach.

Ah'keim and Asukem's minds merged instantly, returning Asukem to his Sin Kin form. Asukem groaned as he transformed back, facing Ah'keim. Ah'keim, looking dazed, growled, "What just happened?" Asukem, furious, confronted Ah'keim, questioning if he was planning to take control. Ah'keim, taken aback, tried to deflect, saying, "Well, only if you succumb to fear." Asukem was enraged, declared he would not give up, and vowed to find and defeat Evealeana. Ah'keim, relieved, urged Asukem to confront his greatest fear, warning it would be challenging. The scene shifted to a graveyard, setting the stage for the subsequent trial.

Asukem was initially unaware of fear, so he questioned Ah'keim while scanning the area, "A graveyard? Ah'keim, I am not afraid of the dead!" Ah'keim gestured towards a crypt with descending stairs. Asukem followed Ah'keim's gaze and commanded, "Let's go!" Asukem went through the graveyard to the crypt, reassuring Ah'keim, "I'm telling you, there's nothing that scares me..." Asukem suddenly stopped, his eyes widening in terror as he realized whose grave it was.