The group opted to take another break, but Asukem was the last to retire for the night. He had been growing increasingly withdrawn and anti-social, his behavior worsening significantly. As he drifted off to sleep, his insecurities invaded his dreams, twisting them into terrifying nightmares. In these dreams, he was surrounded by laughter and ridicule, and then Gimp appeared, mocking him with the words, "What a fool! You believed I was your friend!" Gimp's laughter echoed as he soared away. Asukem then found himself back in his hometown, only to witness Grant and Clair sharing an intimate moment. They noticed him in his dream, and Grant sneered, "All I ever wanted was your girl." Clair joined in the mockery, laughing as she said, "Did you really think I cared for you?" She shot him a disdainful look before they both walked away, still laughing.

The torment did not end there; it lingered in his thoughts. Leo, Kittienia, and their panther, Kwitwaka, approached him. Leo shot a furious glare, declaring, "Foolish demon, evil is evil, I've always despised you." Kittienia spat in his direction as they both walked away, laughing at his expense, with Kwitwaka trailing behind. Just then, Aquatina passed by, casting a glance his way and remarking, "I knew you were worthless. Thanks for aiding my people, but next time, stay out of my affairs, jerk!" Suddenly, Asukem heard the sound of drilling and humming machines. He turned to see Elewa, goggles perched on his eyes, laughing maniacally as he worked on Asukem's arm, which had transformed into a robotic appendage. Sparks and flames erupted as Elewa continued his task. 

Evealena approached, extending her hand and saying, "Look, Asukem, no one wants you, but I do. Let me take you away from all this." Asukem grasped her hand in his nightmare, but he jolted awake from the horrific vision. Gasping for breath, he surveyed the surroundings and noticed everyone else was asleep. He curled into a small ball, resting his forehead on his knees, his heart pounding in terror as sweat dripped down his brow.

Asukem remained alert until dawn arrived and the others began to stir. As each member of the group roused from sleep, Asukem shot them quick, suspicious glances from his kneeling position, making an effort to conceal his lack of trust in them.

Gimp took to the air, heading towards Asukem to greet him with a cheerful "good morning," attempting to perch on his shoulder. However, Asukem waved him away, prompting concerned glances from those around him. In response, Gimp felt a wave of emotion and flew over to Clair, who tried to soothe him. She then turned to Asukem and asked, "Asukem, what's wrong?" Asukem shot her a sharp look, concealing his irritation and anger as he replied, "I'm just tired; I had a bad dream and don't want to be bothered right now." He directed a fierce glare at Gimp, still trying to mask his lack of trust in them. Clair observed him with a mix of concern and worry, having never witnessed him behave this way before, but she chose to give him space, not wanting to provoke him further.

 Clair worked to soothe Gimp, reassuring him, "Just give him some time; he'll be back to his usual self soon." Gimp, with a quivering voice, replied, "Okay." The group allowed Asukem his space, including Leo. Even though Asukem was in a foul mood, they pressed on through the challenging mountain terrain. They encountered trouble with harpies and goblins, but the creatures were no match for them. Asukem unleashed his full strength, displaying a fierceness that was unusual for him. Leo attempted to intervene, urging Asukem to calm down, but Asukem snapped back, "They attacked us first; they brought this on themselves!" Leo looked at Asukem with worry, saying, "Whatever you're going through, Asukem, just deal with it." In response, Asukem leaned in closer, taunting, "What’s the matter, you overgrown furball? Want to throw down? I’ll take you on right here!" Leo was taken aback; he had never seen Asukem so intense about a fight. Asukem smacked his lips and rolled his eyes in frustration, declaring, "Yeah, I thought so you scary cat. Just sit down and be quiet!"

At that moment, it was clear to everyone that something was amiss, yet no one was willing to address it with him again. They simply pressed on along the mountain trail, allowing him his distance. Asukem lingered at the rear, maintaining his pace but refraining from engaging with anyone. His silence and the peculiar tension in the atmosphere left everyone feeling uneasy.

Amidst the tense atmosphere of the mountain pass, Evealeana observed the unfolding events with a sly grin. She remarked with a hint of malice, "Finally, Ah'keim is putting in some effort, that indolent jackal of shadows." Turning to a girl standing nearby, she issued a command, "We will soon have guests, and I expect them to be well attended." The human girl, devoid of emotion and resembling a marionette, replied, "Yes, my mistress." She bowed and departed, but not before Evealeana added, "Ensure their rooms are equipped with proper bedding and bathing supplies; I want them at their best before the main event." The girl stood still for a moment, then repeated in her soulless tone, "Yes, my mistress," before exiting and closing the door behind her. Evealeana settled into her throne made of skulls, tapping her fingers in boredom. As she began to trace patterns in the air, it was as if she were guiding Asukem and his companions directly to her. A giggle escaped her lips as she whistled, her excitement building at the thought of seeing Asukem again.

The girl who had been with Eveleana made her way back to the front desk. She noted the names of Asukem and his companions on the room keys, designating them to their respective rooms. Afterward, she visited each room, preparing them to ensure they appeared inviting and cozy.

The young woman, nearly in her twenties, had hair that was once a vibrant blonde but was now fading to white as it was styled in a bun. Dark circles framed her eyes, which appeared glazed with an eerie white sheen. Her complexion was ghostly pale, suggesting a depletion of vitality, leaving her almost skeletal. She donned a black dress accompanied by a flowing black veil, her feet bare, completing her somber appearance.