The very instant my feet crossed the threshold of the torii gate, the surreal vision receded like a fading tide. The freezing mist vanished, and warm sunlight washed over my face. I collapsed onto the ground, only to realize I was back on the lush, green grass of my campsite, with dawn fully broken. At that exact moment, survival brought a wave of sudden realization—she never meant to harm me; she had risked everything to lead a lost mortal soul out of that devouring ocean of spider lilies. A rush of ecstasy, tangled with deep guilt and gratitude, surged through me. I whirled around in a heartbeat, eager to call out my thanks. But the sight before me choked the words right in my throat. She remained on the other side of the gate, trapped in that dead realm of lightning and crimson. Countless ghastly skeletal hands were clawing at her body, violently dragging her down into the abyss. Yet, she didn't fight back. Standing amidst the darkness with ink-black tears streaming down, she wore the most beautiful, tender smile I had ever seen, gently waving her hand to say her final goodbye.