Nicole couldn't comprehend it all, but she knew one thing for certain.

Roscoe had rescued her.

Perhaps the parasite hadn't entirely consumed Roscoe's mind and perhaps he feigned obedience. This notion ignited a flicker of hope within Nicole. If they could unite, their chances of escape would be better.

Returning to the tree she had ascended earlier, Nicole embarked on the arduous climb upward.

Recalling Roscoe's whispered instruction to urge her to go back, Nicole pondered its significance. The mention of another pill from Emerie hinted at her safety until the impending ceremony in three days.

As for the pill's efficacy, Nicole assumed she had already consumed two doses. A third seemed inconsequential. If it indeed proved to be some pills with effects equivalent to those elixirs, perhaps Austin wouldn't have to endure his affliction. A remedy might be on the horizon.

Yet, despite her improved condition, Nicole remained wary of allowing Austin to digest the pill without uncovering its content and side effects first. She resolved to seek proper medical attention upon escape to verify the effects.

Struggling upward, Nicole reached for the door. A sudden gust caused her legs to tremble and a scarlet serpent whizzed past her ear.

The guard serpent woke up and assailed her for moving forward.

In a heartbeat, Nicole darted back to her initial spot, narrowly evading the serpent's reach. Upon reentering the marked area, the serpent surprisingly stopped its attack.

In the faint glow, Nicole spotted a fine dusting of sulfur on the ground, a substance the serpent seemed to dread. This realization eased her nerves. The supposed sorcery was merely a facade meant to evoke fear and reverence.

With newfound confidence, Nicole understood the urgency of sealing the door before Emerie returned and uncovered her little trip out.

The serpent, now awake, wouldn't succumb to slumber again anytime soon. Nicole deliberated briefly before gathering a handful of the sulfur powder, poised for action.

Time crawled as Nicole prepared. Finally, seizing her chance, she dashed toward the door. The serpent, witnessing her departure from the marked area, hissed and lunged at her.

Nicole hurled the sulfur powder, causing the serpent to slump to the ground, incapacitated.

Swiftly, Nicole shut the door, deftly sliding the latch back into place with a makeshift tool.

Returning to her designated spot, she observed the weakened serpent, its feeble glare now seeming more like a bluff, akin to its master's demeanor. She was no longer afraid.

As anticipated, Emerie reappeared, her keen eyes immediately detecting the serpent's plight. The serpent, pitiful and subdued, writhed weakly up Emerie's arm, emitting feeble hisses as if pleading for aid.

Emerie's gaze turned icy as she confronted Nicole. “What have you done to it?"

Nicole feigned innocence, her voice trembling in an act of fear. “I... I didn't do anything. It attacked me while I was stretching. I've been confined for three days, barely able to move. I don't know why it acted this way..."