Murphy stood before the gate of light, his gaze calm as he watched the multicolored streams flowing within it.
He didn't move.
Rodrick remained in his bowing posture, waiting for his lord to step inside.
But several seconds passed with no movement from behind him.
He cautiously raised his head, only to see Murphy looking at him.
"You go first."
Murphy's voice was flat, betraying no emotion.
Rodrick froze for a moment.
'Go first?'
He immediately nodded respectfully. "Yes, My Lord."
With that, Rodrick straightened up, took a deep breath, and walked toward the gate of light.
The instant his body touched the gate, it seemed to be pulled, twisted, and stretched by an unseen force. Like a drop of ink falling into clear water, he rapidly diffused and dissipated, ultimately merging completely into the flowing, multicolored light.
Murphy watched quietly. Only after Rodrick's figure had completely vanished did he step forward and follow.
...
