As the group stepped through the gates of Scionitia, the weather was charming, with birds singing and a pervasive sense of calm enveloping the area. Gimp flew overhead, surveying the landscape, while Elewa matched the group's pace, stopping now and then to collect essences of earth, air, and water for his ammunition. Kittienia kicked up dust along the trail, leaning forward with her arms extended back and hands clasped, accompanied by Kwitwaka beside her. At the forefront, Leo walked with a watchful demeanor, confidently moving forward with his axe resting on his shoulder. Meanwhile, Grant shared playful exchanges with Clair and Aquatina. However, Asukem felt an uneasy sensation, as if they were being observed, glancing back frequently in an attempt to spot their unseen follower.

The group journeyed through untamed rivers, serene open fields, and rolling highlands, traversing farmlands and rugged landscapes. Yet, Asukem frequently glanced over his shoulder. Clair noticed him looking back several times, her face reflecting her growing concern. As they pressed on, the path directed them toward mountains and challenging terrains. However, Asukem began to feel weary; he breathed heavily, and a shiver ran down his spine.

The group opted to take a break and light a campfire, but as they began preparing the food they had caught, Asukem suddenly felt nauseous. He chose to forgo eating and went to bed instead. This prompted growing concern among the others for Asukem's well-being. While he slept, he broke out in a cold sweat, which Clair noticed, intensifying her worry for him. They decided to extend their stay for another day, during which Asukem's condition worsened. Clair and Aquatina tended to him diligently. Once Asukem's fever subsided, he took a moment to compose himself before rising and apologizing for the delay.

As Asukem composed himself, the group continued along the mountain path. However, his mind became inundated with troubling questions that led him into a profound state of depression and despair. He wondered, "Is returning to humanity what I truly desire?", "How can I live without Isabella, my dear sister?", "What is the real reason behind my actions?", "Am I simply being selfish?", "How can I endanger my friends like this?", "Am I genuinely a good friend?", "How can I assist anyone without this power?" Asukem stared at his demonic arm, wrestling with these inner conflicts.

Asukem surveyed his companions, his doubts and fears causing him to turn against them. He pondered, "Are they truly here to assist me?" His eyes drifted to Gimp, who was soaring through the air, and he questioned Gimp's intentions, thinking, "How can I be sure he isn't leading me directly to Eveleana? He might have been deceiving me all along, making a fool of me." Asukem's gaze then fell on Grant, prompting him to wonder, "And what about him? He was a thief; he could just be pretending to be my friend to steal from me." His attention shifted to Leo, Kittienia, and Kwitwaka, as he reflected on their behavior, "I know Leo despises me, always fighting and challenging me. Kittienia might feel pity for me, but that cat follows them like a puppet; it probably doesn't even care for me."

Asukem's eyes were fixed on Aquatina as he pondered her motives. He thought to himself, "Why did I assist her and her people? They have excluded humans from their realm; she must be here to monitor me. She likely believes I am a true demon by now." His gaze shifted to Clair, and his heart shattered as tears welled up in his eyes. He wondered, "Does she genuinely love me, or is she still under Eveleana's influence? Have I foolishly given my heart to someone who doesn't care for me?" Frustration bubbled within him, and he muttered, "Damn it." It was then that he turned his attention to Elewa, questioning, "What was his reason for coming along? What purpose does he serve?" He looked at his friends and asked himself, "Are they truly my friends?"

In that instant, Ah'keim found himself positioned behind Asukem within the confines of his mental domain, casting a shadow over him as he prepared to unveil his strategy. With a wicked glimmer in his eyes, Ah'keim leaned closer, his voice dripping with malice as he spoke into Asukem's ear, "Longing to reclaim your humanity, seeking strength to safeguard, craving affection and camaraderie? This journey will only lead you to suffering and devastation. You are destined to fail, which is why you seek power. The actions you take against your friends stem from a desire to inflict pain; no one loves you, they all resent you. You are not a true friend; you intend to bring harm to all those around you."

Ah'keim's gaze glimmers with shadows and turmoil as a smirk spread across his lips. He continues, "You are destined to betray them, and deep down, you know it." He observes Asukem's glance toward Gimp, whispering, "You realize he is deceitful; he remains a servant of Eveleana. His concern for you is merely a facade, aimed at transforming you into one of Eveleana's minions." Ah'keim fixes his eyes on Asukem, who turns to Grant, stating, "A thief will always be a thief; keep your guard up, or you might find a blade in your back. All you can do is stand by as he walks away with your wealth and your partner." Ah'keim notes Asukem's fleeting look at Leo, Kittienia, and Kwitwaka, as he murmurs, "Remember, they are family; they stand united through everything. Leo despises you and constantly argues with you. Just consider how your sister feels, or even that panther."

Ah'keim observed intently as Asukem cast a glance at his companions. A sly smile crept across Ah'keim's face as Asukem's eyes fell on Clair, who remarked, "Asukem, do you truly believe she is free from Eveleana's influence? She is drawing you in, and her feelings for you are anything but love; in fact, she despises you. Just think about it—Isabella's death is on your hands. It's time to wake up, Asukem." Ah'keim then noted Asukem's gaze shift to Aquatina, "We both know she harbors no trust for you, right? She views you as a monster, a demon." Continuing to observe, Ah'keim saw Asukem turn his attention to Elewa, questioning, "Can you genuinely place your trust in someone who allowed their daughter to be taken and their people to suffer at the hands of machines?"