Huraha is the boundary between the Ringworm and outer space.

  It lies exactly at the centre of the Ringworm. This place is inhabited by the Quils — the protectors of the Ringworm. To the Quils, everything appears violet.

  They have no tongues, yet they learned to communicate beyond sound.

  Long ago, they created a game — a game that led to the deaths of their own kind.

  The game was called High Hijack.

  HIM exhaled slowly and said, “You should play. There is someone you have forgotten.”

  Neil replied calmly, “There is no one left with us except AI. And he died — because he never lived.”

  HIM’s voice dropped, almost suppressed. “He was artificial in your galaxy, not ours. He can be revived.”

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  Neil’s breath paused. “And about the game,” HIM continued, “you will have to enter the castle without your body.” “You must merge with the castle itself — by offering your blood to its floor.”

  Neil rubbed his nose lightly. “Do you mean… AI can return if I play this game?” “Not one,” HIM said. “But three.”

  Neil stepped forward and stood at the first stair of the castle. Using the nail of his finger, he pierced the nerves of his arm.

  Blood dripped onto the cold white floor. Suddenly, his mind shattered. His thoughts collapsed into whispers. “I was the one…” After a few seconds, consciousness returned. Neil felt weightless.

  He turned — and saw his own body lying beside him.

  He had succeeded. He had merged with the castle. HIM smirked.

  “Welcome to my world. Now only you and I can communicate. No interruptions.” “For now, you are at the beginning of the castle. Your goal is simple — find me in this form.” “Don’t worry,” HIM added, sounding almost old, “this state will not slow you down.” “Good luck.”

  Neil moved forward without hesitation.

  His only thought was to reach HIM — and save his friends. As he walked, something changed. His vision sharpened.

  His eyes transformed — like X-rays. Walls became transparent. Structures dissolved. And then Neil saw it.

  A human body. Lying on the floor. Eating.