[After Effect] (II)

Ruby's POV:

In this iteration, everything appeared to be in its proper place, just like the previous one. As Gustang ventured into the building, I feared that he would meet his demise once again. However, I was determined to alter his fate and successfully save him, leading him to safety. Meanwhile, the Thurars made their way towards the hideout where they mercilessly slaughtered innocent lives. But something felt different this time around. As I ascended to the third floor to rescue Gustang, I noticed that he had already taken down most of the assailants and was now charging towards the rooftop with a fervent expression, prepared for any outcome.

As I sought answers from Nyx, the Greek goddess of the night and my contractor, I asked her what was happening and why this particular turn of events felt so different. Nyx, who is believed to be the daughter of Chaos and mother of various other deities, including Hypnos, Thanatos, and the three Fates, has dominion over the stars and nocturnal creatures.

She is a beautiful woman with dark wings and is both a powerful and feared deity, with even the likes of Zeus said to be wary of her. Throughout my journey, Nyx has been my constant companion, and her presence has helped alleviate my loneliness.

[Indeed, there are many differences this time around,] Nyx replied. [ puny human is no longer weak. I sense a strange, powerful divine energy emanating from him. Moreover, the source of his contract appears to be from a different pantheon than mine.]

"I doubt it's from the Egyptian or Roman pantheon," I replied, mulling over Nyx's words. "You've always been able to identify their deities, just like you did with Liam and Gerick."

[That's correct,] Nyx agreed. [But there are many other pantheons out there, and we cannot rule out the possibility of it being from one of them. Regardless, it appears that his contractor is someone powerful and holds a great deal of influence over his destiny.]

"What should we do, Nyx? How do we prepare for something like this?"

Nyx suddenly interrupted me before issuing a warning. "Ruby, get as far away from this building as possible."

I felt a jolt of fear run through me at the urgency in her tone. "What's going on, Nyx? Why do I need to leave?"

[There's danger coming, Ruby. I sense a great power approaching, and it's not something you can face head-on. You need to get out of here and stay safe.]

I didn't hesitate, I opened the [shadow gate], teleporting to a three building far.

The atmosphere was heavy with tension as a hush descended over the area. I braced myself for the worst, my heart beating faster with every passing moment. This sudden silence was unnerving, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something dangerous was about to happen.

But nothing for about ten seconds…

"What is going to happen for example-"

As I turned my gaze towards the window after asking Nyx, something caught my attention in the periphery of my vision. The sudden stillness and eerie feeling made me uneasy, and as I looked outside, I realized that the three buildings I had escaped from were no longer standing.

They had been reduced to rubble in an instant, with clouds of dust filling the air. In the distance, I could see a figure suspended in mid-air, seemingly gesturing with their palm, as if they had caused the destruction. The unfortunate Thurars who were inside the buildings were now trapped and crushed beneath the debris.

Suddenly, the figure I had seen gesturing in mid-air fell to the ground with a heavy thud. It was Gustang, and upon impact, he lost consciousness.

[That's going to happen,]

Despite my usual instinct to rush to Gustang's side through a Shadow Gate, I found myself walking slowly down the stairs instead, feeling a sense of disbelief and shock. As I stepped outside, I saw that a total of six buildings had been flattened, which was vastly different from any of the other iterations I had experienced.

The sheer magnitude of the event made me question whether it was worth regressing and starting over again. As I approached Gustang, I noticed that he had regained consciousness but seemed disoriented, much like myself. He was muttering to himself, adding to the surreal and unsettling nature of the situation.

Despite all of this…

"It seems like there's something you need to tell me," I asked him trying to lighten the situation

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To my surprise, I noticed that Gustang was moving freely within my Shadow Pocket, which was not the norm for non-Darkness users.

Typically, they would remain still until I opened the Shadow Gate again, allowing time to flow normally. As Gustang did not possess basic knowledge of the Darkness, it left me with only one hypothesis: he must have some special ability or power that allowed him to move within my Shadow Pocket without any assistance.

It occurred to me that Gustang must have a powerful and perhaps foolish contractor to make a contract with a Starless at this time. However, considering what I had just witnessed from him.

"Augh… Fine, Although, to be honest, I despise having to explain even the simplest things to others." he grumbled in a tone that hinted at a threat.

"It's a shame, really. You know I'm not known for my patience, right?"

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Gustang's POV:

I must admit, I lied to her once more. I recited a well-prepared script given to me by Brook. He had informed me that her contractor, Nyx, was one of the most powerful Beyonders and that she was astute and sagacious. I knew I couldn't make up something on the spot, but thankfully Brook is an exceptional scriptwriter. Even I believed the lie I was telling.

I informed her that I recently formed a contract with a Beyonder named Selene. In Greek mythology, Selene was a significant figure associated with the moon.

She was the daughter of Hyperion and Theia, and the sister of Helios and Eos. Selene would ride her silver chariot, drawn by winged horses, across the sky each night.

She fell in love with the mortal Endymion and would visit him each night while he slept. Selene was worshipped in ancient Greece and Rome and was associated with fertility and childbirth.

With Selene's support, I can wander freely through the night and, most importantly, the shadow pocket of the darkness users. As a result, she believes that I am a light user.

Interestingly, my statement was not entirely false, as I am indeed a light user myself, although only at a basic level for the time being.

To back up my claim, I demonstrated a few of my abilities, such as lighting up my fingertip and firing a beam of light, akin to a Kamehameha. She appeared to accept my explanation, but I could sense some lingering doubt in her.

While I was explaining myself, Brook informed me that in the fifth chapter of my ability, I would gain the power to use the [Shadow Gate] by myself.

"Oh, that's great. Why didn't you mention this earlier?" She asked in a nonchalant tone.

"I was a little hesitant to bring it up earlier because I didn't fully understand it myself," I replied in an innocent manner.

However, I plan on revealing the truth about my abilities someday when the time is right. For now, I'll keep it to myself,

Despite the circumstances, I found myself enjoying our conversation in that dingy, dark place. It struck me as ironic how we both lied to each other yet acted as if we believed each other.

We kept up the charade, convincing ourselves that our lies were the truth. It was a strange experience, wasn't it?

As we wrapped up our conversation, she opened the [Shadow Gate] and added, "By the way, time flows differently here compared to the outside world, in case you weren't aware."

"Oh, wow. I had no idea time flowed differently here. That's really interesting," I exclaimed, surprised by her revelation. "I thought we had only been here for an hour or so, but now my understanding of our abilities and the concept of time has been changed and enhanced. It's truly remarkable," I exaggerated.

"You don't have to keep up the facade,"

"Oops, my apologies,"

Perhaps the gate felt more fluid and easier this time due to the transition from a space with a different time flow speed than during your previous experience passing by it.

As we left the shadow pocket, we were greeted by a peaceful scene - a mystical healer tending to wounded warriors, and a clear sky without any Thurars in sight.

Had the Thurars been defeated? I couldn't be sure, but what mattered most to me was checking on the twins I had saved.

As I scanned the area, my gaze landed on a familiar face - Zagreus. He was embracing and comforting the children who had lost their mother.

It seemed that he had a special talent for consoling orphans.