"C-Can you tell me again why I'm doing this?" Yamcha asked his master.

"For sure! Training under a waterfall can symbolize many things but the main part of it is to overcome fear and meditation, embrace the fear of the unexpected and accept the coldness of the water, cleanse one's mind, body, and soul, and that we are one with nature, thus anything can happen in nature, you shall be a part of it"

Currently, Yamcha was training under the one and only waterfall that could be found in the environment of his time chamber, a golden-like energy of Hamon covering his body as he struggles to keep it up. What Melvin was making him do was to use the breathing technique against the water of the waterfall that was constantly falling and prevent it from falling either on the ground or against him like an invisible wall constantly repulsing the water from going any further than what was allowed to.

"Yeah I get that but did we really have to do this on Tuesday?!"

Yamcha exclaimed, his voice slightly muffled by the roaring sound of the waterfall. He tried his best to maintain the invisible barrier, but the relentless force of the falling water made it challenging, not just that but the environment of his time chamber on a Tuesday changed when compared to a Monday. Now the gravity was that of 40G and the air pressure was a quarter that of Earth, the temperature is currently at -60 °C but Melvin made sure that the water would not freeze over, and now he had to deal with strong thunderstorm clouds making hail the size of baseball balls fall like projectiles constantly onto him.

Melvin, Yamcha's training partner, and mentor, stood nearby, observing his progress with a critical eye. He responded with a calm yet authoritative tone, "Tuesday is as good a day as any, Yamcha. Training should not be limited by the day of the week. Remember, true strength comes from discipline and dedication."

Yamcha grumbled under his breath, realizing that Melvin had a point. There was no convenient time for training when it came to pushing oneself to the limits. With renewed determination, he focused on the task at hand, honing his concentration and synchronizing his breathing with the movements of the waterfall. As the golden energy of Hamon intensified around Yamcha's body, he felt a surge of power and a deep connection to the natural flow of energy around him. The water, once a formidable opponent, now seemed to bend to his will as he created an impenetrable barrier, preventing it from going beyond the designated boundary.

"W-Whoa…I-I can feel it! The control I have over this is increasing"

Through the demanding training, Yamcha understood that greatness required pushing beyond his comfort zone and embracing challenges head-on. Tuesday or any other day, it didn't matter anymore. He was determined to become stronger, and he would give his all, regardless of the day of the week.

"See?" Melvin said with a grin on his face "What did I tell you, it may hurt at the start but the more you practice the better the fruit of it will be"

Yamcha's eyes widened with excitement as he felt the surge of power coursing through his veins. The control he exerted over the Hamon energy was becoming more precise and refined with each passing moment. The once daunting challenge now seemed within his grasp.

He turned to Melvin, a mixture of astonishment and gratitude on his face. "You were right, Melvin! I can feel the progress. The pain and struggle are worth it for this incredible sensation of growth."

Melvin nodded, his grin widening. "I knew you had it in you, Yamcha. Training is all about pushing your limits and embracing the discomfort. It is through these challenges that we find our true potential."

Encouraged by his mentor's words, Yamcha's determination surged even further. He felt invigorated by the progress he had made and eager to continue pushing his boundaries. The pain and fatigue were mere stepping stones on his path to becoming stronger. With renewed focus, Yamcha submerged himself fully in the training, channeling his energy and concentration into maintaining the invisible barrier against the relentless waterfall. The golden aura around him intensified, reflecting his growing mastery of the technique.

Melvin watched with pride as Yamcha's progress and skill grew, inch by inch, as he pushed himself further "You're doing great, Yamcha. Remember, it's not just about physical control, but also mental fortitude. Embrace the discomfort and let it fuel your determination."

'Hmmm…I wonder how Puar is doing, perhaps he has already learned enough spells for now. Let's see'

Melvin closed his eyes, channeling a portion of his energy into creating a clone. As the clone materialized beside him, an exact replica of Melvin in appearance and mannerisms, he gave it a knowing look.

"Take a little detour, my friend," Melvin whispered to the clone. "Go and check on Puar inside the house. Let's see how his studies are progressing."

The clone nodded and, without a word, slipped out of the time chamber, its presence undetectable to anyone outside. Melvin knew that Puar had been diligently studying the book of spells, hoping to expand his magical abilities. As a mentor and friend, Melvin was curious to see the results of Puar's efforts. Meanwhile, inside the house, Puar sat at a desk, reading the book of spells from Harry Potter as he immersed himself in the world of magical knowledge. Day after day, he delved into the intricacies of the spells, devouring every bit of information he could find.

Just as Puar was about to dive into another chapter, the door creaked open, revealing the Melvin clone standing in the doorway. Puar looked up, momentarily surprised but quickly composed himself.

"Oh, hey there Melvin. What brings you here?" Puar asked with a smile, already used to him showing up like this.

The clone smiled, maintaining Melvin's calm and collected demeanor. "Just wanted to see how your studies are going, my friend and…wait is that the Thinking cap?"

"Oh yeah! While it doesn't increase one's intelligence it allows for a free flow of ideas so I thought it would be for good use to better understand some spells or maybe how to improve them" Puar said, with interest

"Your dedication is commendable, Puar" Melvin clone said with a smirk "It's evident that you've been putting in the effort. Maybe it's time for a new challenge don't you think?"

Puar's eyes sparkled with anticipation. He had been hoping for a new challenge to put his magical skills to the test. "I'm always up for a challenge, Melvin! What do you have in mind?"

"Eager aren't we? Well then let's see how long, because this one might be a bit more scary than the last one" Melvin smirked.

Puar though was not left disheartened "I'm much more confident and brave now, give me your best shot"

"My best shot for your current level you mean" Melvin felt that he was a bit too full of himself "Puar do you know what Liminal spaces are?"

Puar's ears perked up with curiosity. "Liminal spaces? I've heard the term before, but I'm not entirely sure what they are. Could you enlighten me, Melvin?"

Melvin leaned back, adjusting his glasses with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Liminal spaces are those transitional areas that exist between two different states or places. They often have an eerie or unsettling atmosphere, blurring the boundaries between what is familiar and what is unknown."

Puar's tail swayed with interest. "That does sound intriguing. So, what exactly is the challenge involving liminal spaces?"

Melvin chuckled, relishing the anticipation. "I want you to venture into a simulation of this liminal space I just made up and find a way to navigate through it and while these places can be disorienting and unpredictable, this one won't be too gigantic but you'll need to rely on your magical skills, instincts, and quick thinking to overcome any obstacles you encounter."

Puar's eyes narrowed, determination replacing any sign of fear. "I accept your challenge, Melvin. I'll do my best to explore the liminal space and prove myself."

Melvin nodded approvingly. "Good. Remember, Puar, be cautious and trust your instincts. These spaces can be quite unpredictable, and the line between reality and illusion can blur. But I have faith in your abilities."

Puar nodded back, ready to face the unknown. "Thank you for the opportunity, Melvin. I'll make sure to approach this challenge with both caution and courage."

"If you're so sure of yourself then show me then," Melvin said as he pointed his staff at the blue fur cat and it started to shine "The Back Room is not a safe place not even when its a simulation with a few adjustments"

With that said Puar is then encased in a magical field and quickly teleported.

*The Yellow Room*

.

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.

.

.

.

.

As he started taking a look around his new surroundings, it was when Puar noticed that he was currently in some sort of room, but not a room with four walls and a door; it resembled more of the back rooms of a retail outlet. The wallpaper adorning said walls was a mono-yellow colored one, and when looking upwards, there were electrical outlets, scattered across in an inconsistent manner as they were currently turned on, as the fluorescent lighting illuminated.

"Where I a-"

The moment Puar decided to take a step he quickly gets an annoying surprise as his feet make a small *splash* sound. That quickly irked him but it doesn't matter if he is going forward or back, it was the same. The floor was covered by a yellow carpet that seemed to be moist, lightly saturated by something that he couldn't determine as being water or something else. But one thing was clear, he didn't enjoy that.

"Ugh, Why is it wet? This is weird" Puar said as he started walking forward, the sound constantly being made as he kept stepping on the wet carpet "Good thing I have my shoes on"

The blue fur cat keeps on walking forward, exploring first, sometimes turning left or right to see if he could find anything while keeping close attention to any potential threat and doing it quietly. However, there was nothing, always the same empty yellow-segmented room, one after the other.

"This is weird, it's like nothing ever changes, there are also no windows in here"

To make matters more annoying, the fluorescent lighting of that place hums at a constant frequency, almost like the longer he walks around, left, right and so the buzzing gets notably louder and the light becomes more obtrusive, which was EXTRA bothersome to Puar since his senses were sharper as a cat. But there was also the fact that he didn't seem to be making any progress

"Uuugh…" Puar closes his ears for a moment "This is not working, I'm walking in circles"

But when he was about to stop walking and think of an alternative solution to his problem, the moment Puar turned right another time something new besides all the yellow walls on that liminal space appeared. He looked at what seemed to be a white plain looking door that stood out like a sore thumb amid the mono-yellow wallpaper.

"What's this? Oh, it's a door, but was it always here? Hmm…There is no way for sure to know what's inside but, it's better than walking around for who knows how long until I find anything else"

Taking the opportunity that was presented to him, the magic cat grabbed the doorknob with its paw and slowly proceeded to open the door, ready if anything would suddenly jump out to pounce on him, but contrary to what he believed, that didn't happen. Inside was what was instead a room, square in size and isolated with no other paths to proceed, the walls were thick and its wallpaper was colored in a unique tone of beige. It didn't have a lot of stuff inside either, the furniture was minimal at best, like a table and a chair at the center of it.

"Interesting, this room is almost empty but it's different from what I seem so far"

The blue fur cat sees that there is something on the table and decides to go check it out, when approaching he sees it's just a piece of paper, curious as to the contents of the paper Puar takes it and looks it over to see what was written.

Tiny, Shining holes in the sky.

Delicate, perfect emptiness.

Black, growing absences of life.

Cold, swarming death.

And we shall become them

Puar finishes reading but it's left in confusion, was this perhaps a poem? It was interesting but at the same time a bit morbid.

"Why was this here?" He said to no one but himself, scratching his head before putting the paper back in its place.

However, the feline suddenly felt a chill go down his spine like he wasn't alone anymore. Taking faith in his instincts he turns around and gasps in shock as in fact there was something else in there, which was surprising because he didn't hear anything, it was like it just teleported out of thin air.

"W-What the!"

Maybe it was because he read the paper or it was just there waiting to jump on him, but there it was in front of him. A faceless, humanoid creature similar with an entirely pale skin tone similar to a mannequin, Its body appeared to belong to that of a woman but only somewhat, it didn't wear any clothes or accessories. The texture of its body seemed to be similar to substances such as paper, clay, parchment, and wood, it also lacked hands, with its arms ending in stubs yet SOMEHOW It carried a red-brown blade attached to its right arm, which appears to be tipped with blood.

Which was slowly raising itself towards him…that wasn't a good sign.

"OH SNAP!"

With his quick feline movements. Especially when in danger. Puar quickly moved away from the range of the humanoid attack as it hit the ground with a loud crash. Knowing better than trying to pick up a conversation with something that was clearly trying to kill him, the blue fur cat decided to run away, opening the door and not even trying to close it and just running away from that place.

'What was that? A mannequin? Whatever it was, it looks so creepy'

But that was the smallest of his problems right now because out of nowhere Puar's vision became obscured by what seemed to be a thick fog as the walls and floor changed to a scintillating black and green texture which both just served to disorientate him, not knowing exactly where he was going.

"Huh?" Puar said confused before hitting his face against a wall "Ouch! What is going on? Where is this coming from?"

When standing back up he and looks around but thanks to what can only be described as a hallucination, it became too hard to know where exactly he was going, Puar was basically even more disorientating than before, unable to say for sure if he was going left, right or if he had run through the same spot more then once. What was even more annoying is that he wasn't allowed to transform or else he would have an easier time navigating this place by using an animal that has a sonar but that would make things too easy for him like Melvin said.

"Ouch!" Puar groaned in pain as he hit a wall, not even realizing he was walking towards one, holding on to his nose "Uuuhh, damn it when is this going to stop?"

As he felt annoyed by this turn of events, Puar's ears picked up on what seemed to be clanking metallic-like noises coming from behind him. Feeling a slight tinge of fear against the back of his neck, he ended up quickly getting up and looking back, seeing the same weird-looking creature that he was trying to get away from, slowly approaching him with its blade in hand, as Puar was literally against the wall, not knowing where to go with all this fog and hallucination induced effect.

"S-Stay away!"

Puar starts to panic and shakes a little, having a hard time thinking, but the creature either can't hear it, doesn't care, or enjoys the torment that is causing because the moment it gets closer to the cat it begins to raise its blade up, ready to slice him down. Fearing for his life and getting really annoyed at the constant fog, the hallucination, and the noisy clanking sound, his feelings burst out.

"I said to stay away! EVERTE STATUM!"

Puar shouted while raising his hand, as an orange glow takes place before an invisible force is shooted forward, hitting the doll-looking creature so hard it falls back several feet before hitting its back against one of the walls quite hard, as the moment its body made contact on the floor the fog and visual hallucination started to slowly disappear until Puar was back at seeing the yellow wallpaper. Now that his vision was not being disturbed nor his life at risk, the blue fur cat was regaining back his breath and footing, realizing slowly what was happening.

"Oh, man…d-did I kill him?" Puar thought, still shaking a bit as he used his first offensive spell, which was more effective than he imagined, but then again was that thing even alive to begin with?

Feeling curious but still on guard as he went through a scary moment not too long ago, Puar walks towards the fallen body of the mannequin creature.

"It doesn't seem to be moving for now" Puar sighs in relief "Geez what exactly was th-Wah!"

*The WareHouse*

When the cat wizard went to rest his back against one of the walls in that hall, he failed to realize that one of the said walls was lightly wiggling like some sort of illusion, and when his back touched it his whole body went inside of it, darkening his vision for a moment before light returned to him.

"Oww…What just happened?" Puar said before quickly getting back on his feet and looking around "Wait where I am? This is not the same place"

Puar then realized that he was no longer in the same place from before, long gone were the mono-yellow wallpaper halls that seemed to go on forever. Now he was in what appeared to be a massive warehouse with walls and floor made of concrete, but there was also some exposed rebar in certain areas and there were also dim fluorescent lights placed on the walls. There was also some low-hanging fog in the area which was not weird if you think about it, but the strange part was that there was no way the fog would have happened in a closed warehouse like this, it had no discernable source like it was just added from thin air.

"Looks like I am in a different place now, not sure how this happened, but if I know Melvin when it comes to these things, it won't change anything if I dont go forward"

Sighing to himself as he has to explore more, Puar starts walking around the new environment, seeing what it had to offer. For starters, the place seemed to be quite expansive as he had seen staircases and elevators but decided to not go check it out and just keep moving forward. On the floor, there were some puddles which were probably formed thanks to the fog which coalesces into condensation and made those puddles, but Puar keen nose told him that said water isn't safe for drinking…which he found it weird he was thinking that since he would not try and lick it off the floor.

Strangely enough, there seemed to be some crude paintings and drawings on the walls and sometimes the floor, but Puar couldn't really understand their origin or meaning, it all looked weird to him.

"Hmm?"

Puar then notices that a few wooden crates had shown up in his line of vision, and most of them were open already. Looking left and right, curiosity peaked and he went ahead to check out what was inside…slowly and ready in case anything was amiss. Inside though were a bunch of plastic bottles with clear liquid on them, seeming to be water, which made Puar realize just now how thirsty he really was.

"It looks like water but let's see if it really is"

Grabbing one of the bottles Puar removed the tap and took a quick sniff of its contents…which had a distinct, albeit faint, smell of vanilla and rose water.

"It doesn't seem to be poisonous," Puar said to himself before dropping a very small amount of water into his paw and beginning to lick it. It has a subtle taste of sweet, watery almond butter "Hey this tastes pretty good!"

Puar smiled in delight as he started to take big gulps from the bottle as a sensation of calmness and relaxation flowed through him, it tasted like something he would enjoy having every day.

But alas, this wasn't just a fun exploration to have, something was bound to happen and it did, for a moment the lights were turned off, and a few seconds later when it was once again turned on Puar noticed a few things

"Wait what? Hey I wasn't done with that"

The box he was looking at had disappeared and the others had changed place, the puddles had become bigger or smaller, and there was one in specific with a different color. The drawings in the walls changed too but there was one that had just words, painted in red rather than a drawing that said.

Spouting, Splashing, Soaking.

Innards, Ingest, Invoking.

Nailing, Never, Stops the Choking

"Seriously, what does that mean? I dont g-"

Puar then starts hearing what can only be described as the sound of someone choking, when turning around to see the source of said sound, it seems to come from the green-colored puddle of liquid on the floor, which proceeded to suddenly stretch up and a semi-solid humanoid shape. The creature was dark-green in color, various bits of its body appeared to be of a gel-like substance, while the rest was solid. It has a somewhat emaciated appearance, shown by its protruding rib cage and collar bones.

It lacked a face, save for a lipless, open mouth, which shows its long teeth. It has no legs or feet, and its torso simply extends downwards, ending in a rounded shape. Its right arm was a rounded stump at the wrist and the left one was held up as if to reach toward something or someone.

"Whoa!" Puar jumped backward, dodging the hand trying to grasp him "Another weird thing came out, I didn't even see it"

The gelatinous monster, while scary looking, was a bit slow, which in most cases would be enough to catch people off guard who are too busy being scared or admitting that what they are seeing is real. However, Puar felt his mind clear and more up for this situation than he thought, almost as if his worries had been washed away for now, and started thinking of a plan.

'Its body doesn't seem to be too solid and in case the same spell I used before harms it, there is the possibility of it regenerating back to shape'

The cat thought for a moment, roaming his mind for what spell he should use until one came to mind.

"I don't have time to feel fear or deal with beings like you! Take this, Ebublio!"

With his finger pointed at the creature a small blue light is shown before it is suddenly entrapped in a large bubble, big enough to surround its entire body. The slime monster seemed to be shocked that it was now trapped, it screamed and trashed around as much as it could but the bubble didn't pop.

"Yeah! How about that? You can't escape now can you?" Puar said, feeling proud of himself "That bubble aint gonna pop with that level of strength"

However, if there is anything he learned when living with his best friend Yamcha and Melvin's teachings was that arrogance gets you nowhere.

"I can't waste time gloating, more enemies may show up and I must conserve my mana, for now, I should look for a way out of here"

The creature thought didn't seem to stop instead its choking sound became louder as if it was calling for something and soon enough Puar could hear something from afar.

"Yeah, I'm not standing here to meet whoever is coming, see ya!" He said before running as fast as he could to try and find a way out.

As Puar sprinted through the dimly lit warehouse, he could hear the echoing footsteps drawing closer behind him. The sound of heavy boots hitting the concrete floor reverberated through the vast space, adding to the sense of urgency. Puar's heart raced as he navigated through the maze-like corridors, trying to find an exit.

The strange paintings on the walls seemed to shift and change as he passed by them, creating an eerie atmosphere. The air was thick with tension and a foreboding presence. Puar's acute senses alerted him to more puddles on the ground, but he knew better than to stop and investigate them this time. There was no telling what other surprises awaited him in this bizarre place. Turning a corner, Puar spotted a metal door at the end of the corridor. It appeared to be slightly ajar, offering a glimmer of hope. Without hesitation, Puar dashed towards it. As he approached, he noticed the door was adorned with symbols and markings, almost like a cryptic lock of some sort.

Puar quickly scanned the area, searching for a way to unlock the door and escape the pursuing footsteps. His eyes landed on a nearby control panel with buttons and switches. Taking a leap of faith, he pressed a sequence of symbols that seemed to align with the markings on the door. With a mechanical whir, the door began to slide open, revealing a narrow stairwell leading downwards. Without wasting a moment, Puar descended the stairs, hoping to find sanctuary or answers below. The stairs seemed never-ending, spiraling deeper into the unknown. The air grew colder as he descended further, and the sound of footsteps from above gradually faded away.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Puar reached the bottom of the stairs.

"Phew…man that was something, I think those were footsteps? Meh, that's not important anymore"

There was another door in front of him, this one made of wood and much easier to open this time around, Puar didn't say anything and simply opened up, getting inside a new place this time around, or so he thought because the place was poorly lit, and thanks to his cat eyes he could see good in the dark as it had only a few scattered light sources on the ceiling but he didn't want to depend on just that so he used another spell.

"Lumos!"

That spell was simple yet very useful as it created a light at the tip of your wand, or in this case the magical ring on his tail, to better see in the dark. The light was also fairly warm and it was a risk if anything flammable was around but that's a risk like all the others.

*Cave System*

"Hmm…this seems to be a cave, interesting"

Puar seemed to be in a large cave but he didn't know how big it was or how many paths it led, but he did see some jagged stalagmites and stalactites make linear progress super hard. Puar cautiously moved forward, his illuminated tail casting a warm glow that pierced through the darkness of the cave. As he navigated through the jagged stalagmites and stalactites, he took care not to accidentally brush against them, knowing their sharp edges could cause injury.

The cave seemed to stretch out before him, its depths shrouded in darkness beyond the range of his light. The air felt cool and damp, carrying with it a musty scent that hinted at the ancient nature of the cavern. Puar's sharp cat eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for any signs of movement or hidden passages.

As he continued deeper into the cave, he noticed that the ground beneath his paws felt uneven and rocky. Small pebbles and loose stones scattered the path, creating a potential hazard if he didn't watch his step. Puar proceeded with caution, his ears perked up, ready to catch any sounds that might indicate the presence of other creatures or dangers. While the cave presented a sense of mystery and intrigue, Puar couldn't help but feel a tinge of apprehension. The limited light sources hanging from the ceiling offered only a partial view of his surroundings, leaving much of the cave concealed in shadow. He wondered what secrets and challenges lay ahead and how he would navigate them safely.

Though that was just wishful thinking, soon enough his capable feline ears started to hear a weird clicking sound in his surroundings, not just that but he could also hear more than a few footsteps all at the same time.

'Danger!' He thought, as nothing from a dark cave like this could be a friend.

Turning around to the source of danger he illuminated the area and did not believe what he was seeing upwards.

"W-What is this?"

What the magical cat was seeing was a dark brown arthropod-like creature with a hard, shiny exoskeleton. Its body is similar to that of a centipede, while its face is more reminiscent of a spider's. Its body has four distinct segments, each with a pair of legs. The front-most segment has eight round, greenish eyes, and bears five sets of pincers

Puar's heart raced as he observed the strange creature before him. Its appearance was unlike anything he had encountered before, and its numerous pincers and eyes were its primary weapon. He knew he had stumbled upon an adversary that could be trouble.

Summoning his courage, Puar focused his attention on the creature. He tried to recall any knowledge or information he might have about such a creature, but its unique features eluded his memory. Nevertheless, he remained determined to protect himself and navigate this dangerous situation. The arthropod-like creature seemed equally intrigued by Puar's presence, its eyes fixated on him. Puar's illuminated tail casts a warm glow, revealing more details of the creature's formidable physique. Its exoskeleton gleamed in the light, emphasizing its strength and resilience.

As the clicking sounds grew louder, Puar realized that multiple creatures were emerging from the shadows, their many legs skittering across the cave floor. The situation had escalated, and Puar knew he had to act swiftly. Gathering his magical energy, Puar prepared to defend himself. He focused his mind and channeled his power through his ringed tail, ready to unleash a spell or technique that would give him an advantage in this encounter. Puar had to rely on his agility and quick thinking to outmaneuver the creatures and find a way to escape from the cave, or perhaps even overcome the menacing arthropods if necessary.

With a determined expression on his face, Puar prepared to face the imminent threat, his cat-like instincts guiding him through the impending danger.

"Locomotor Mortis!"

The spell that glowed purple that he used was one meant to stick the target's legs together, stopping someone from moving normally; he wasn't sure if that worked on enemies that had multiple legs though. Puar quickly cast the spell, aimed to immobilize the arthropod-like creatures by sticking their legs together. With each incantation, he focused his magical energy on a specific target, hoping to hinder their movement and gain an advantage.

The first creature's legs instantly fused together, causing it to stumble and lose its balance. Puar's spell seemed to have an effect, despite the creatures' multiple legs. Encouraged by his initial success, he swiftly targeted another one and then another, casting the spell with precision and speed.

As the creatures' movements became increasingly hindered, Puar saw an opportunity to take control of the situation. He relied on his agility and quick reflexes, using his feline instincts to dodge any potential attacks that managed to break through the effects of the spell. Puar knew he had to remain vigilant and focused to avoid the creatures' sharp pincers and retaliate when he found an opening. With each immobilized creature, the odds shifted in Puar's favor. The remaining creatures seemed disoriented by their brethren's incapacitation, and Puar capitalized on this moment of confusion. He swiftly maneuvered around them, using his nimble movements to his advantage. Puar aimed to disorient them further by creating distractions and exploiting their limited visibility in the dimly lit cave.

As he continued to navigate the cave and engage the arthropod-like creatures, Puar's determination burned bright. He knew that his success depended on quick thinking, precise spellcasting, and exploiting their weaknesses. With every immobilized enemy, he gained confidence and pressed on, determined to overcome the challenges that lay in his path. Puar's mind raced with strategies and possibilities, his cat-like reflexes honed in the face of danger. In the midst of the dark and treacherous cave, he fought with all his might, determined to emerge victorious.

*TRIP*

However, sometimes you're just unlucky as Puar was so focused on the spider/centipede hybrids he ended up tripping.

"Oh no!"

*The Hotel*

As Puar found himself falling through the rocky surface, he experienced a disorienting shift in his surroundings. Instead of the dark and treacherous cave, he now found himself in a luxurious hotel complex, complete with elegant lounges, grand ballrooms, and numerous amenities that catered to the wealthy.

"Ooowwn…hmm? Oh great, another chance, and this time it's a fancy one"

Despite the sudden transformation, Puar remained cautious. He had learned from his previous experiences that appearances could be deceiving, and he couldn't afford to let his guard down. The opulent surroundings of the hotel complex might have been designed to lure him into a false sense of security.

Puar took a moment to assess his surroundings. The grandeur and beauty of the place were undeniable, but he couldn't dismiss the possibility of hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface. The hallways, guest rooms, restaurants, gyms, and swimming pools all presented potential risks and challenges.

His feline instincts heightened, Puar trod carefully through the lavish corridors, his eyes scanning for any signs of unusual activity or potential threats. He knew that danger could lurk even in the most picturesque of settings. One thing that the place had that the other didn't, was music, a consistent jazz-like ambiance played throughout his walk that seemed to emanate from various sources, blending with the atmosphere of the hotel complex.

However Puar wasn't really enjoying the music, he didn't know if it was the song or the place itself but he started to feel weird. Like a creeping feeling of anxiety crawling on his back, the sensation of someone behind him, when in reality there is none, or thinking he saw a silhouette passing behind the colored curtains, almost like someone was stalking him.

Puar couldn't shake off the eerie feeling that enveloped him in the luxurious hotel complex. The unsettling ambiance, coupled with the strange music, intensified his unease. Every corner he turned and every step he took seemed to be accompanied by a lingering sense of being watched. Despite the absence of any concrete evidence of danger, Puar's instincts screamed at him to be cautious. He decided to trust his gut and proceed with extra vigilance. He moved silently, trying not to draw attention to himself while keeping a close eye on his surroundings.

As he walked down the corridors, Puar couldn't help but notice the occasional flicker of movement out of the corner of his eye. Shadows danced on the walls, and the sound of footsteps seemed to echo faintly in the distance. His imagination played tricks on him, making him question whether his mind was playing tricks or if there was something more sinister at play.

Trying to regain his composure, Puar reminded himself of his previous adventures and the importance of staying calm under pressure. He focused on his breathing and sharpened his senses, determined to uncover the truth behind this mysterious hotel complex. With every step, the feeling of being stalked intensified. Puar's heart raced, and his fur stood on end. He couldn't ignore the possibility that there might be someone or something lurking in the shadows, observing his every move.

"Calm down" Puar's magical ring on his tail shines as he uses another spell glowing yellow "Focus!"

This spell was one used to clear one's mind and improve mental concentration, as Puar realized that he wasn't feeling too well, almost as if something was doing that to him, so this was the best way to do so.

'Something isn't right, I feel sick. Something is causing this, but what? What is so out of place here that it might even be the cause?'

Now feeling better with his faculties in check, Puar looked around with great observational skills, until there was one item that seemed to be out of place in that hotel.

'Wait a moment this feels…odd'

Puar said as he looked at what seemed to be a wooden, life-sized puppet. His eyes are pure white with no irises or pupils, and his face usually bears a wide, toothy grin. For clothes, he was wearing a simple brown tunic with a brown belt, grey tights, and black shoes, and carrying a long, thin, silver blade that seemed more like a needle and had thin strings attached to his arms and back. Though his face bears a smile, it didn't feel very happy.

Puar's eyes narrowed as he stared at the unsettling puppet. Its eerie presence sent shivers down his spine, and he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of unease emanating from it. The strings attached to its limbs and back gave the impression of being controlled as if someone or something was manipulating it.

Approaching cautiously, Puar examined the puppet more closely. He noticed that the strings were intricately woven, almost like threads of a web.

"This is so creepy, why would anyone have something like that here?"

Puar turned around looking to the left "It almost feels like it's a-" Puar suddenly felt a jolt, his whiskers serving as a tuned sensory equipment to tell him something was wrong, making him quickly jump back and look at the statue again.

"Huh?"

To the untrained eye, the statue was in the same spot but he knew better, it had moved, a little but it did.

'It's alive…but it moved only when I wasn't watching'

Puar's curiosity turned to caution as he realized the puppet could move when he wasn't looking directly at it. This revelation sent a chill down his spine, and he couldn't help but wonder what kind of entity he was dealing with.

Keeping a safe distance, Puar decided to investigate further. He observed the puppet from different angles, trying to discern any other signs of movement. As he shifted his gaze, he noticed that each time he looked away and then back at the puppet, it appeared to be in a slightly different position.

"This is no ordinary puppet," Puar muttered to himself, his voice tinged with a mix of awe and apprehension. "It seems to have some sort of ability to move when it's not being observed directly. But who or what is controlling it?"

Puar's mind raced with possibilities. Could it be an enchanted object? A cursed artifact? Or perhaps a manifestation of dark magic? Regardless of its origin, he knew he had to exercise caution. He continued to analyze the puppet's movements, trying to discern any patterns or intentions behind its actions. He noted that the puppet's toothy grin remained fixed on its face, unmoving and unchanging, which only added to its eerie demeanor.

"Smiling, aren't we? Well...I GIVE YOU SOMETHING TO SMILE!"

Puat then kicked the doll with all his kicking might, making it fall on the ground before he pointed his tail at the puppet as the ring on it glowed grey.

"Fumos!"

The smell then created a defensive cloud of smoke from the wand that hindered visibility. If it could only move when it wasn't looking at it, then he would make sure he had a hard time seeing him then.

"See ya!"

As Puar made his escape, he could hear the puppet crashing to the ground, followed by a flurry of movement and the sound of the strings snapping. The cloud of smoke created by Puar's spell engulfed the area, further obstructing the puppet's vision.

Puar's heart raced as he sprinted away, his mind filled with a mix of relief and lingering unease. He knew he couldn't let his guard down just yet. The puppet had already demonstrated its ability to move and had shown an unsettling presence. He needed to find a safe place.

Unfortunately for him, he didn't know where it was safe, there were many rooms he could go to, and right now the one path in front of him was some empty doorways that show complete darkness in the maintenance halls.

"Why is it always dark? Ugh whatever, anything so I don't stay in the open too long"

Puar hesitated for a moment, contemplating his options. The darkness ahead seemed foreboding, but staying out in the open was not an ideal choice either. With a deep breath, he mustered his courage and cautiously stepped into the maintenance halls.

The darkness enveloped him, making it difficult to see more than a few steps ahead. Puar's whiskers twitched as he relied on his heightened senses to navigate through the dimly lit space. He moved slowly, feeling his way along the walls and carefully avoiding any potential obstacles.

As he ventured deeper into the maintenance halls, Puar's eyes adjusted to the darkness, allowing him to perceive faint outlines and shapes. The air was stale, and the silence was broken only by the distant sound of his own footsteps. The eerie atmosphere intensified his unease, but he pressed on, driven by the need to find a safe haven.

After what felt like an eternity of winding corridors, Puar stumbled upon a door that seemed slightly ajar.

"Let's open this," He said before pulling it apart with great effort before it opened, bringing it to a different area "Huh?" Before the door closed again hard when he went inside.

"Great," Puar said with a sigh, feeling tired.

*Dark Suburbs*

From the luxurious apartment complex with the creepy doll, to now a suburban area. The place seemed to be a winding network of paved asphalt roads and residential homes, resembling a modern suburban neighborhood. Natural sources of light could be seen but quite weak, he wasn't sure if he was still in the room because it seemed like he was outside at night time.

In addition to these hindrances in visibility, a thick, inky fog covers the area, shrouding its streets in darkness and impeding one's field of vision past a distance of approximately ten meters.

"I'm not afraid of the dark, I have dealt with it before and this won't change it," Puar said, clenching his fists hard as he used Lumos again to illuminate.

Puar took a moment to gather himself and assess the situation. The sudden transition from the maintenance halls to a suburban area caught him off guard, but he reminded himself to stay focused and alert. The combination of weak natural light and the dense fog created a challenging environment, but he had to keep moving. He cautiously stepped forward, his ears perked up and his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. Puar decided to stick to the streets, using the paved roads as a guide to navigate through the neighborhood. He moved silently, aware that any noise could potentially attract unwanted attention.

As he ventured deeper into the suburban area, Puar's acute senses became his guiding compass. He relied on his keen hearing and sense of smell to detect any subtle changes in the environment. The fog seemed to dampen sound, making it difficult to perceive distant noises, but Puar remained vigilant. He noticed the residential homes lining the streets, their windows covered in thick curtains, and their surroundings eerily quiet. Puar considered the possibility of seeking refuge in one of these houses, but he hesitated. The closed-off nature of the neighbourhood and the unsettling atmosphere made him cautious about the inhabitants.

Continuing his trek through the foggy suburban area, Puar kept his guard up, ready to react to any sudden movements or surprises. He knew that finding a safe haven was crucial, but he also understood the importance of maintaining his own safety.

With determination in his heart and a sense of unease lingering in the air, Puar pressed on, hoping to find a way out of this mysterious and unsettling place.

Pair that up with the rough wind and storms that started to pervade throughout the area making the overall climate now cold.

"Oh you gotta be kidding me"

As if the darkness, fog, and eerie atmosphere weren't enough, the weather took a turn for the worse. The wind picked up, howling through the suburban streets with chilling intensity. The once-subdued fog now swirled and twisted in response to the gusts, further obscuring Puar's vision and making it difficult to navigate.

The temperature plummeted rapidly, leaving Puar shivering in the biting cold. He wrapped his arms around himself, trying to conserve body heat as he pressed forward. The storm seemed to intensify with each passing moment, causing branches to creak and snap, adding an eerie soundtrack to the already unsettling environment.

Puar's fur stood on end, his senses heightened as he strained to detect any potential threats amidst the cacophony of the storm. The cold wind cut through him, making each step more challenging, but he refused to let it deter him.

"And I saw, from eyes that were not mine"

"W-What?" Puar started hearing a voice.

"And I felt, with a fear I could not reason"

"W-Who is there?"

Something wasn't right.

"They watch us, they invade us"

'I-I can't see where it's coming from' Puar started to breathe heavily.

"And keep us happy, committing treason"

Puar had gone through a few scary situations before but this one was not like the others.

To a King we didn't deserve and to a Son who waits weeping"

There was something instinctual inside of him that was telling him to run away and hide, and pray to not be found because whatever was there.

"That I knew, from knowledge gained while sleeping"

Was dangerous.

When it stopped talking, it then finally showed up, like an entity that only now decided to make itself present, Puar saw in the corner of his eyes, turning around as it was hiding in the bushes before finally showing itself. It could only be described as a floating, demonic, deer-like entity wearing a long black cloak. Its antlers were long, somewhat symmetrical, sharp, and spider-like, lacking the beam-and-tine structure typical of most deer. It has two eyes with white pupils and black scleras, and it lacks a lower jaw. It also has abnormally sharp and jagged teeth jutting down from the top jaw.

Puar's heart pounded in his chest as he stared in horror at the nightmarish entity that had materialized before him. The voice he had heard moments ago seemed to emanate from this demonic deer-like creature, intensifying the sense of unease and fear that gripped him.

Instinctively, Puar took a step back, his body trembling with a mix of adrenaline and terror. He could feel the weight of the creature's gaze upon him, its eyes piercing through the darkness with an otherworldly intensity. The jagged teeth protruding from its upper jaw sent shivers down Puar's spine, hinting at the malevolence that lurked within.

Fear threatened to overwhelm him, but Puar fought to maintain his composure. He knew he had to act quickly if he wanted to survive this encounter. His mind raced, searching for any possible means of escape or defense.

With a surge of determination, Puar made a split-second decision. He turned on his heels and sprinted away from the demonic entity, his instincts screaming at him to flee. The storm and the darkness added an extra layer of challenge to his escape, but he pushed himself to his physical limits, desperate to put as much distance as possible between himself and the terrifying creature.

Survival took precedence over understanding, and Puar knew he had to keep moving, to find a place where he could hide and regroup. The sound of his own rapid footsteps mixed with the howling wind as he darted through the suburban streets, his heart pounding in his ears. He couldn't shake off the feeling that the creature was still pursuing him, its malevolent presence lingering in the air.

"Huff…Huff" Puar suddenly stopped though as all the running took hold of him, he didn't know how far he had managed to make for him "D-Damn…Must…do spell"

Using the spell Focus once more, he could feel the fear slightly subduing but only by a small margin, the effect this time wasn't as great as the danger and influence this being gave out was bigger and he wasn't a pro at it just yet, but this would suffice for now.

'That thing must have a weakness, but what would it be?'

Puar started to think back on the nature of the environment he was in. It was dark, poorly lit, stormy, and spooky, a world always in the dark if you must. He recalled stories where darkness often held power over certain creatures, amplifying their abilities or granting them additional strength. But in this case, the darkness seemed to be the natural habitat of the demonic deer-like creature that pursued him.

'A warm light against darkness' Puar thought, thinking about a plan he wasn't sure would even work.

Unfortunately, he had no time to think about if it would work as the creature had returned, but came out from the floor like a ghost, showing that its body was either incorporeal or it was one of his skills.

Puar's heart skipped a beat as the demonic deer-like creature reappeared, seemingly unaffected by his attempts to escape. The creature's white devoid eyes bore into his soul, sending a chill down his spine. Desperation fueled his resolve as he clung to the idea of light against darkness. Summoning every ounce of concentration, Puar focused on manifesting a warm, radiant light. He visualized it as a brilliant sphere of golden energy, pulsating with a comforting glow. With a trembling hand, he channeled his magical abilities, weaving the threads of his power into the image in his mind.

As the creature took a threatening step forward, Puar unleashed his creation.

"Lumos Solem!"

This spell in particular wasn't one in the book that he had received but if magic was all about visualization and mana then there was no limit to what he could accomplish. The spell produced a blinding flash of sunlight and heat in the darkness. It illuminated the surroundings, dispelling the shadows and revealing the true form of the creature before him. To Puar's astonishment, the creature recoiled, its dark, twisted form seemingly repelled by the radiance. The light seemed to weaken its presence, causing it to fade away slightly as if it was losing strength in its proximity, when looking closely at the creature, Puar saw its cloak now open revealing it had no limbs, its body comprising from a set of human rib bones underneath which lies a host of screaming faces fading into the darkness.

Puar felt disgusted and appalled by seeing that "Looks like the tables have turned now, let's see how you like it when you're the one being hunted" He said, aiming his tail at the creature as it shone bright like the sun.

As Puar channeled his magic through his tail, the appendage transformed into a blinding beam of light. With a determined expression on his face, he took aim at the demonic deer-like creature and unleashed the radiant energy.

The beam of light pierced through the darkness, heading straight for the creature. As it connected, the creature let out a piercing screech, a sound that reverberated through the night. Puar could see the creature writhing in pain, its form flickering and distorting under the assault of the powerful light. Seizing the opportunity, Puar continued to concentrate his energy, intensifying the brightness and heat of the beam. The creature seemed to shrink and cower under the onslaught, its eerie cries growing weaker with each passing moment.

Driven by a newfound sense of confidence, Puar maintained his focus, pouring every ounce of his magical strength into the attack. The creature's form began to dissolve, disintegrating into fragments of darkness that dispersed into the night. Its presence faded, leaving only a lingering sense of malevolence in the air.

Puar stood there, panting and covered in sweat, his body trembling from the adrenaline and the strain of his magical exertion. He couldn't believe he had managed to repel the nightmarish creature that had hunted him. As the realization sank in, Puar took a moment to catch his breath and collect his thoughts. He knew he had to be cautious and remain vigilant, as there might be more dangers lurking in the darkness. But for now, he felt a sense of relief and accomplishment. He had faced his fear head-on and emerged victorious.

"I…I did it Yamcha…I got stronger"

As the sun began to rise, casting its gentle rays across the previously gloomy landscape, Puar couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of hope. The world seemed brighter, more alive as if the darkness that had shrouded it had been driven away. Puar knew that he had played a part in bringing about this change, and it filled him with a deep sense of satisfaction.

With a cautious yet determined spirit, Puar continued his journey through the now-illuminated streets. The once eerie and foreboding atmosphere had transformed into a serene and peaceful environment. It was as if the victory over the demonic creature had not only vanquished the immediate threat but also brought about a positive transformation in the world around him.

As he walked, Puar couldn't help but reflect on the experience and the lessons he had learned. He realised that fear could be conquered and that sometimes the greatest strength lies within oneself. He had discovered the power of his own magic and his ability to adapt and think on his feet, even in the face of overwhelming danger.

Puar also recognized the importance of finding light in the darkest of times. The warm radiance he had conjured had not only repelled the creature but had also served as a beacon of hope and protection. It was a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of light, a source of strength that can guide and protect.

"Ok that's enough for now"

A voice that came from the sky suddenly beams Puar's body like he was being abducted, but what happened after that was that the latter had been transported out of that place and back to his house, the feeling of the familiar place suddenly enveloped him.

"Huh? Is this a place that is meant to be similar to my home?" He wondered.

"No" Melvin who was there said so "This is your actual home"

Puar turned around to see him "Melvin! Is it really you?"

"Yeah, it is," Melvin smirked. "Geez man, I didn't expect you to go that hard in this challenge, where did all that come from?"

Puar smiled sheepishly, still feeling the remnants of adrenaline coursing through his veins. "I guess I surprised myself too, Melvin. When faced with danger, something inside me just clicked, and I tapped into a newfound source of strength and determination. I didn't want to be a helpless victim anymore, so I gave it everything I had."

Melvin nodded approvingly. "Well, whatever it was, it worked. You really showed that creature who's boss. You've come a long way, Puar."

Puar's expression turned thoughtful. "You know, Melvin, this experience taught me a valuable lesson. I've always been more of a supporting character, relying on others to protect me. But now I understand that I have my own power and potential. I don't want to be in the background anymore. I want to be someone who can make a difference and help my best friend"

Melvin nodded in approval and was happy for him "Well you heard him didn't you?" He said while looking over Puar's shoulder.

"Who are you talking to?" Puar said as he turned around and saw no one else but Yamcha "E-Eh?"

Yamcha looked at him with an expression of surprise like he had been watching all the time "Puar? …Is that how you feel?"

Puar blinked in astonishment, unable to believe that Yamcha had been listening to their conversation. He hadn't expected anyone else to be present, let alone Yamcha, his best friend.

"Yamcha!" Puar exclaimed, his voice filled with a mix of surprise and embarrassment. "I... Since when have you been there?"

"Oh he has been watching the whole time honestly" Melvin answered.

"What?!" Puar was shocked.

"Melvin told me that you have asked him for challenges just like he has been given me" Yamcha said looking at his long time friend "Why didn't you told me?"

Puar looked nervous "B-Because I knew that if I told you, then you would stop me saying it was too dangerous, which it is but so was it for you too"

Yamcha smiled warmly "Puar, you don't have to apologize. It's true I didn't want you to be in danger but when I saw you go through all that with so much determination, it showed me that you are not doing this half-heartedly. In fact, I'm glad I heard it. It means a lot to me that you want to become stronger and make a difference. We've been through so much together, and I've always admired your loyalty and support"

Puar's eyes glistened with gratitude "Thank you, Yamcha. Your words mean everything to me. With your friendship and support, I know I can achieve anything. Let's train together, face new challenges, and become the best versions of ourselves."

Yamcha nodded, his excitement evident. "Absolutely, Puar! We'll train together, push each other to new heights, and face whatever comes our way. I believe in you, my friend."

Puar felt a surge of confidence and determination, knowing that Yamcha was by his side. They had been through countless adventures together, and this was just another step in their journey.

'That cat sure has claws' Melvin thought with a smile.

Takibi who was just sleeping on the couch suddenly wakes up after rolling and falling "Bork?"

A\N: Attention friends, here are some things I wanted to say. For starters this challenge levels are from the Backrooms and not totally in order, while the entities are from the game Spooky mansion of jumpscare in which i wanted to mix to make it more interesting, some entities like the Deer one don't really have a weakness to light as the wiki doesnt mention it but since it's a creature of the night I wanted to use that to my advantage, if anything here about those franchises is wrong, keep in mind this is just a creative change and I hope it was enjoyable.