[Start of Audio and Visual Recording]

  Location: Beside the lake within the main cavern. Status: Stationary, observation mode. Analysis of Organic Unit "Hong Min": Vital signs—respiration and heart rate—are stable within the "deep hibernation state" range. A large amount of protein and calories has been consumed, leading to this prolonged state of rest to recharge the body's energy. 12% of my analytical capacity is directed toward monitoring his immediate surroundings.

  [Alert: Threat Update] A change in the distance of "Threat-03" has been registered. Current distance: 4.8 meters. Previous distance: 10 meters. Status: Close, but form remains undefined. Still within the acceptable range for passive monitoring. Priority remains the protection of "Hong Min."

  [Anomalous Data Logged] New footprints have been detected on the damp soil near the lake's edge. The prints do not match our records (Hong Min, myself) or the records of encountered entities. Analysis of the consumed "Cavern Elk's" origin has failed. Data is insufficient to determine its origin or how it arrived in this closed ecosystem.

  Executing secondary task: maintenance of the "Ash Blade." 99.8% of the black organic residue from the entity "Arda" has been removed. The blade is in optimal condition.

  [End of Passive Observation Period] "Hong Min's" vital signs began to change. Increase in respiration rate, involuntary muscle movement. Then the sounds began. A series of disjointed mutters indicating the end of the hibernation period.

  He awoke and began speaking incomprehensibly as usual, then pointed to the palace. A new objective has been identified: return to the palace.

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  The path to the palace was both familiar and unsettling. We once again crossed the silent city's streets with their short buildings, passing the stone pillars that still pulsed with their faint blue light. Everything was as we had left it. Finally, we reached the dead garden surrounding the palace base, its charred trees still stretching their hands toward the dark cavern ceiling.

  We reached the main entrance. Following orders, Hong Min stepped forward and used the metal disc.

  Upon contact between the disc and the stone arch, a massive energy field was detected. Temporary disruption of external sensors for 0.7 seconds. Spatial coordinates have been recalibrated. We are now inside.

  Hong Min asked, "Are there any new dangers?"

  I performed a comprehensive scan of the area. "Initial scan is negative. No hostile threats have been registered."

  Current space: Central hall. Dimensions: 50 meters by 70 meters, with an estimated height of 40 meters. Contents: A central black marble staircase leading to an unseen upper level. A right corridor and a left corridor extending beyond the current sensor range of 100 meters.

  Hong Min chose the right corridor. I began to follow him. [Analytical Note]: "Hong Min's" behavior has changed after the "hibernation state." He is exhibiting higher signs of "determination." This may be a side effect of his renewed physical energy.

  After 200 meters of advancement, the topographical data of the corridor has not changed. Walls, floor, lighting are identical. Probability of a spatial loop: 78%. A gradual increase in the intensity of "Hong Min's" voice has been registered, as he began talking to himself more loudly. Analysis: an indicator of increasing psychological stress in the organic unit.

  Suddenly, Hong Min stopped. "I'm sick of this!" he yelled. It was an unexpected action that deviated from the optimal path of movement. He headed toward one of the many side doors in the corridor and opened it violently.

  Upon opening the door, the same energy fluctuation occurred.

  Sensors shut down and reactivated.

  Location: The central hall. The same staircase. The same two corridors.

  [Alert: Logical Paradox] Current spatial data matches previously recorded data by 100%. A direct path of movement has resulted in returning to the starting point. This is impossible.

  Re-analyzing... Failure. Re-analyzing... Failure.

  How did we return here?

  [End of Recording]