Ray didn't charge in headfirst.

They had guns.

Although his spatial portal could swallow anything, the moment he moved, the gate would close on its own. Reopening it was just a matter of thought—but what if, just what if, a bullet happened to fly his way at that exact moment?

The odds were slim, sure. But why take the risk?

Ray would act—but definitely at night.

Whether the fog would thicken again aside, darkness alone was enough. He could move in unseen, couldn't he?

The night was nature'