IN ANOTHER WORLD

Gill's resonant voice carried through the clearing, commanding attention. "No, my dear. There is a matter far more pressing than rest."

Ella tilted her head, her emerald eyes narrowing with curiosity. "And what could be so urgent that it outweighs their need for a little rest?"

Gill's expression softened, but the gravity of his words lingered in the air. "They have another companion. He has been poisoned."

With measured movements, Gill opened the void within his chest. The air shimmered faintly as he reached inside and gently withdrew Dr. Ren. He laid the unconscious figure carefully on the soft moss. The scene was harrowing: Ren's skin had turned an unnatural shade of blue, his breaths shallow and labored, each gasp accompanied by a rattling cough.

Rema's composure crumbled as tears streamed freely down her cheeks. Beside her, Sou's fists clenched tightly, his anguish evident. Dr. Ren was not merely their mentor in the field of research; he was their guide, protector, and surrogate father. For six long years, he had nurtured their knowledge, shaping them into who they were today. The thought of losing him was unbearable.

Ella gasped softly, her delicate hands rising to her mouth. "Oh, my! Is this the work of Keckly's venom? Such a cruel toxin. How extraordinary that he has lasted this long—it's a testament to his will."

Rema fell to her knees, her voice thick with desperation. "Miss Ella, I beg you! Save him! We'll do whatever you ask—anything!"

Sou nodded emphatically. "Even if it means serving as your servants forever, we'll do it. Please, just save him. He's like a father to us."

Ella's lips curved into a gentle smile, maternal and reassuring. "Oh, my sweet children, your devotion is truly touching. Rest assured, he will be saved. My leaves contain the antidote to Keckly's poison. He will recover." She turned to Gill, her gaze softening further. "Honey, you've brought remarkable humans into our care this time."

Gill regarded the young pair thoughtfully, his usual skepticism giving way to quiet admiration. "Indeed. I've long thought of humans as selfish and treacherous, willing to abandon their own in times of peril. But these two have shown me otherwise."

Ella closed her eyes and extended her hands, summoning a soft golden aura that enveloped her. From this radiant glow, a single golden leaf materialized, drifting gracefully into Gill's outstretched palm. He crushed the leaf gently, its essence releasing a luminous droplet of liquid.

Kneeling beside Ren, Gill allowed the droplet to fall onto the man's lips. As it touched, it vanished, absorbed instantly into his skin. The transformation was immediate and profound. The unnatural blue hue faded, giving way to a healthy complexion. Ren's breathing steadied, his chest rising and falling in a rhythm of newfound ease.

Rema gasped, clutching Sou's arm in astonishment. "Sou, look! Dr. Ren… he's recovering!"

Sou exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, his voice trembling with relief. "Thank the stars. He's safe."

Ren stirred, his eyelids fluttering open. Confusion clouded his gaze as he struggled to take in his surroundings.

"Where… am I?" His voice was hoarse. "Why does my body feel like it's been trampled by a herd of beasts?"

Sou crossed his arms, his tone laced with mock indignation. "Your body aches? That's rich coming from the man I carried all day!"

Rema sniffled, wiping her tears as a wry smile tugged at her lips. "Honestly, Doctor, you've been nothing but trouble this entire time."

Still disoriented, Ren frowned. "What are you talking about? Where is this place? Are we home?"

Sou rolled his eyes. "Not even close. We're still stuck here."

Rema shook her head and gestured at him to rise. "So stop lying there like some pampered princess and get up already."

Ella's melodic laughter rang through the clearing, light and airy. "Oh my, how amusing! Moments ago, you were weeping for his life, and now you scold him as though he were a misbehaving child. Humans truly are intriguing."

Both Rema and Sou flushed, their earlier emotions catching up to them in the form of sheepish embarrassment.

Ren's gaze finally settled on Ella, his expression shifting to one of alarm. "What… what is that? And it's speaking!"

Rema turned to him sharply, her tone biting. "Doctor! Show some respect!"

Ella raised a brow, her amusement tinged with mild indignation. "How rude. No one has ever dared to call me a 'thing.'"

Sou scrambled to apologize, his words tumbling out in a rush. "Miss Ella, please don't mind him! He's just… an idiot. Truly."

Ella turned to Gill with an exaggerated pout. "Honey, don't tell me you find me frightful as well."

Gill placed a hand over his heart, his voice solemn yet tender. "My dear, you wound me. You are the very definition of beauty. However…" He hesitated, a hint of humor glinting in his eyes. "Perhaps your current form might appear a bit… intimidating to them."

Ella sighed dramatically but smiled nonetheless. "Oh, I see. My apologies. Let me rectify that."

Closing her eyes, she summoned a radiant golden light that enveloped her entire being. When it subsided, she stood transformed. Her new appearance was breathtaking: the form of a young woman in her twenties, her beauty striking and regal. While her shimmering scales and pointed ears betrayed her otherworldly origins, they only added to her ethereal allure.

Rema stared in awe. "Miss Ella… you're magnificent!"

Ella inclined her head graciously. "Thank you, my dear. Now, I believe it's time for all of you to take a restorative bath. It will soothe your wearied bodies and ease your troubled minds. You've endured enough for one day."

The group exchanged glances, their gratitude evident in their softened expressions. For the first time since their ordeal began, a fragile hope blossomed within their hearts.