. He found himself lying on the ground, disoriented. The figure

ated in a bored tone as if he had been

nspired. "What happened?" he inquired

iar situation. "You fainted, for about an hour now," he

l upon the ring adoring his finger, and a rush of recollection flooded his mind. A furrow formed on his fore

ead, my friend. How can you 'die' when you're already dead?

se, he felt completely normal. "Nothing unusual so far," he re

to his feet. "Good. Follow me," he orde

Where are we headed?" he asked, his eagerness to

o collide with him as if he had run into an immovable wall. "Ah, sorry!"

e you're going. Also, look ahead," he directed, po

d at the mysterious phenomenon. "What is that?" h

ty. "After you wore the ring, it appeared. I decided to investigate, and it

help but ask, "The mortal world? Does th

in if it's entirely safe. However, given that you're wearing the ring, it should b

spect of returning to the mortal world was too tempting to ignore. "Is th

quivocal. "Nope," he replied,

o his fate. 'No pain, no gain,' he told himse

king on a more serious tone. "Before you step ins

play his part. "Please, go ahead," he urged, cur

ident. We can maintain our existence by performing our duty. If we don't, we fade away, bit by bit, until we van

ht have a chance to extend my existence," the sweeper continued. "The more I clear away the

supposed to do that? You don't mean I have to die again to return here and c