chapter 9

Mirai PoV.

The first thing I noticed when I opened my eyes was the cold. It was unlike anything I had ever felt before—chilling, biting, like I was being held in place by some unseen force. I blinked, trying to make sense of the dim, unfamiliar surroundings. My breath came in shallow gasps as I realized I was no longer in the room from my dream.

I was sitting in a chair, my hands trembling as they rested on the armrests. The room was dark, save for the faint light coming from an odd, flickering source in the corner.

And then I saw her.

Standing in front of me was a figure—identical to me in every way. The same silver-blue hair, the same golden eyes. But there was something different about her, something... more playful in her expression. She was grinning at me like a cat about to pounce.

"Well, well," she said, her voice filled with amusement. "Look who's finally awake."

I couldn't breathe, my heart hammering in my chest. "You..." I whispered, my voice barely a rasp.

She tilted her head, the playful grin never leaving her lips. "I'm Urukieus Lunisainam," she said, her eyes gleaming with that unsettling, familiar glow. "But you can call me whatever you like... though I prefer Urukieus."

Her gaze flicked toward the revolver still in my hand, and she raised an eyebrow. "Did you really think it would be that easy, Mirai?" She let out a soft laugh. "Welcome to Surdez Roulette."

The words echoed in my mind like a drumbeat. Surdez Roulette?

Before I could respond, Urukieus continued, her voice playful but edged with a dangerous undertone. "Seven chambers, one bullet. Choose wisely. Because once the game starts, there's no going back."

I opened my mouth to speak, but the words didn't come.

And then, in that moment, I realized: I hadn't even made a choice yet.

A suffocating silence filled the dimly lit room. The weight of the revolver in my hand was heavier than it had any right to be. My fingers trembled against the cold metal as I stared at the girl before me—Urukieus Lunisainam, or whatever she truly was. She looked exactly like me, down to the silver-blue strands of hair that cascaded over her shoulders, down to the gleaming golden eyes that watched me with something between amusement and anticipation.

But there was one difference.

The horns.

Two curved blue dragon horns jutted out from her head, sleek and polished, giving her an almost regal appearance. I reached up instinctively, running my fingers over my own head—and there they were. My own set of horns.

I sucked in a breath. "What... What is this?"

Urukieus smirked, leaning against the wall with an easy grace. "You're catching on, aren't you? This is more than just a dream, Mirai." Her eyes glowed with an eerie light as she gestured toward the gun in my grip. "We have a game to play, remember?"

I swallowed hard, my throat dry. "Surdez Roulette." The name left my lips like an omen, something dark and inescapable.

She clapped her hands together. "That's right! A special game, just for us." She sauntered forward, circling me like a predator, her fingers tracing lazily along the back of my chair. "Seven chambers, one bullet. We take turns pulling the trigger. And the rules are simple—"

She leaned in close, her breath ghosting against my ear.

"—the first one to hesitate loses."

A shiver ran down my spine. "Losers die?" I asked, though I already had a feeling the answer wasn't that simple.

Urukieus laughed. "Die? No, no, Mirai. This isn't about something as boring as death." She stepped back, tilting her head with an almost childlike curiosity. "You lose? I take over. That's all."

I clenched my jaw, gripping the gun tighter. "You take over… my body?"

She grinned, sharp and taunting. "Ding ding ding! And you? Well…" She made a dramatic gesture, sweeping her arm through the air like she was erasing something. "You? You just fade away. Like a bad dream no one remembers."

I felt my stomach drop. "That's—"

"Unfair?" she interrupted, sighing as she rested a hand on her hip. "Mirai, Mirai, Mirai… When has fate ever been fair?" She extended a hand, palm up, like she was offering me a deal. "But hey, you could just give up right now."

I stiffened.

"Just hand me the gun, let me in, and you can go to sleep forever."

I didn't move.

Urukieus' smirk widened. "Oh? You're hesitating already?"

I exhaled sharply, glaring at her. "No. I just… I just don't understand why."

"Why?" She blinked, then let out a giggle, covering her mouth like I'd said something hilarious. "Why? Oh, Mirai, you're adorable. Why do you think?"

She bent down, lowering herself until our faces were inches apart.

"Because you created me."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut.

Created… her?

She tapped my forehead lightly with her finger. "Every doubt. Every fear. Every question you've ever had about yourself. That's me. I'm all the parts of you that you don't want to admit exist."

I opened my mouth to argue, but the words died before they could form.

"You feel it, don't you?" she whispered, tilting her head. "That little whisper in the back of your mind, the one that makes you wonder if you're really the same person you used to be. If the Mirai who lived before… is still here."

My grip on the revolver tightened.

"You think about it all the time, don't you?" she continued, her voice light and teasing, but her gaze sharp. "That doubt, that fear... That maybe, just maybe, you're not the one in control."

I couldn't respond.

She giggled again, pulling away and twirling in place like this was all some fun little game. "So~ what'll it be?" She held out her hand. "Are you going to play?"

I looked at the revolver.

Cold. Heavy.

My pulse pounded in my ears.

Urukieus watched me expectantly, her golden eyes shimmering with excitement.

"Or are you going to lose?"

I took a breath. My fingers steadied.

I raised the gun.

I pressed the barrel against my temple.

I pulled the trigger.

Click.

Nothing.

Urukieus grinned. "Looks like you're still here." She reached forward, taking the gun from my grasp with a slow, deliberate motion. "My turn."

She spun the revolver in her hand effortlessly, then placed the barrel against her forehead, her eyes never leaving mine.

She pulled the trigger.

Click.

The silence stretched between us.

Urukieus laughed softly, tapping the gun against her chin. "Interesting. Two empty chambers."

She turned the revolver, offering it back to me.

"Your move, Mirai."

I swallowed.

My fingers closed around the gun once more.

The weight of fate settled on my shoulders.

The game had only just begun.

The revolver felt heavier in my hands this time. My fingers curled around the grip, my pulse pounding in my ears as I stared at the chamber. Five bullets left. Five chances.

Urukieus watched me with an easy smirk, her golden eyes gleaming with amusement. She leaned forward, resting her chin on her hands as if she had all the time in the world. "Nervous, Mirai?"

I swallowed. "No."

She giggled, tilting her head. "Liar. Your hands are shaking."

I clenched my jaw. I could feel the tremors in my grip, the slight tremble of my fingers as I raised the revolver once more. The cold metal pressed against my temple, the weight of the moment crushing down on me.

I took a breath.

And pulled the trigger.

Click.

Air rushed out of my lungs, my body tense, my mind spinning. Still empty.

Urukieus whistled low. "Three empty chambers already? My, my, Mirai. Looks like luck's on your side today."

She reached out, plucking the revolver from my hands with a playful flick of her wrist. "Well, I guess it's my turn again."

With a dramatic flourish, she spun the chamber, letting the clicking sound echo through the room before pressing the barrel to her forehead.

She grinned.

And pulled the trigger.

Click.

Nothing.

Her laughter rang out, soft and lilting, as she twirled the revolver between her fingers before offering it back to me. "This is getting exciting, don't you think?"

I took the gun, my grip firm despite the unease crawling up my spine. Four empty chambers. Three left.

The odds were shifting.

Urukieus leaned in, resting her elbow on the chair's armrest, her chin propped up in her palm. "Tell me something, Mirai," she mused. "Are you afraid to lose?"

I didn't answer.

She chuckled. "You should be."

I raised the revolver once more. My breaths were measured, slow, trying to steady the rapid beating of my heart.

I pressed the barrel against my temple.

And pulled the trigger.

Click.

Silence.

Urukieus blinked. Then she burst into laughter.

"Five empty chambers?!" she gasped between giggles. "Oh, Mirai, you really are lucky!"

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

But that relief was short-lived.

Because now, there were only two chambers left.

And only one bullet.

Urukieus grinned as she took the revolver from my hands. "Well, well, well. That means it's a fifty-fifty chance now, doesn't it?"

She spun the revolver lazily, humming a tune as she let the barrel come to rest against her forehead.

Her golden eyes met mine.

"Shall we see who fate favors, Mirai?"

And then—

She pulled the trigger.

The gunshot never came.

Click.

Silence.

For a moment, I couldn't move, couldn't breathe. My fingers dug into the armrests of the chair, my whole body locked in place as I processed what had just happened.

Urukieus was still there, still sitting across from me, the revolver held loosely in her grip. Her golden eyes gleamed with something between amusement and satisfaction as she tilted her head, her silver-blue hair cascading over her shoulder.

She let out a slow, playful whistle. "Six empty chambers… That means the last one's the real deal."

I swallowed hard. My throat was dry.

One bullet left.

One chamber.

One turn.

And it was mine.

Urukieus spun the revolver one last time, the motion slow, deliberate, almost reverent. Then, with an exaggerated flourish, she held it out to me. "Go on, Mirai," she purred, her voice lilting with a dangerous kind of excitement. "Take it."

My hands felt numb as I reached for the gun. The moment my fingers wrapped around the grip, the weight of it became unbearable. I could feel my pulse pounding in my ears, the cold steel pressing into my palm like a brand.

This was it.

No more second chances.

I lifted the revolver, my breath coming in shallow gasps.

Urukieus watched me, her expression unreadable now. "What will you do?" she asked softly, almost teasing. "Will you pull the trigger? Or will you hand it to me?"

I froze.

She laughed. "Oh? Did you really think this game was just about luck?" Her golden eyes narrowed, gleaming with something sharp and knowing. "No, Mirai. It was never about who the bullet would land on."

She leaned forward, her voice lowering to a whisper.

"It was about who had the resolve to finish it."

The realization hit me like a slap to the face.

This game wasn't just about playing. It was about choosing.

If I pulled the trigger and the bullet fired—I'd die.

If I handed the gun to Urukieus—I'd surrender.

Either way, I would lose.

Unless—

Unless I did something else.

I exhaled sharply, gripping the gun tighter. My gaze met hers, unflinching now. "You think you've already won, don't you?"

Urukieus raised an eyebrow. "Haven't I?"

I lifted the gun—

But instead of pressing it to my temple—

I aimed it directly at her.

Her eyes widened.

She hadn't expected that.

For the first time, her smirk faltered.

"You said it yourself," I whispered. "This isn't about luck. It's about choice."

I pulled back the hammer.

Urukieus' golden eyes flickered, her body tense—but she didn't move, didn't react.

She only smiled.

A slow, knowing smile.

"Interesting," she murmured. "Very interesting."

And then—

I pulled the trigger.

BANG.

The gunshot rang through the room, deafening, final.

But—

Urukieus didn't move.

She didn't flinch.

She didn't even bleed.

For a moment, I just stood there, my breath caught in my throat, the revolver still aimed at her. My hands were steady, but my mind was screaming—Did I miss? Did she dodge?

But no. I knew.

I hadn't missed.

I had aimed straight at her head.

And yet—

Urukieus simply grinned.

Slowly, she reached up, tapping her temple where the bullet should have hit. "Oh, Mirai…" she murmured, voice laced with amusement. "Did you really think a gun could kill me?"

I felt a chill run down my spine.

She took a step forward, her golden eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. "That was a good choice," she said, almost as if she was praising me. "Not the smartest one, but good. You've got more fight in you than I thought."

I tightened my grip on the revolver. "What the hell are you?"

Urukieus tilted her head. "What am I?" she echoed, before laughing softly. "Now, that's the real question, isn't it?"

Then, with no warning, she moved.

Too fast.

Before I could react, her hand shot out, gripping my wrist with an impossible strength. My fingers spasmed, the revolver slipping from my grasp and clattering onto the floor.

I sucked in a sharp breath as she loomed over me, her smirk widening. "You thought this game was about who dies, didn't you?" she murmured. "You thought if you pulled the trigger, it would all be over."

Her grip tightened.

"But Mirai…" She leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper. "You still don't understand, do you?"

The room around us seemed to shift, the shadows stretching, twisting.

Then, in one fluid motion, she released my wrist and—

shoved me backward.

I fell—

But not onto the ground.

I fell into nothingness.

The world around me shattered, breaking apart like glass, and a cold, suffocating darkness swallowed me whole.

I tried to scream, but no sound came out.

I reached for something—anything—but there was nothing to hold onto.

Urukieus' voice echoed in my mind, soft and mocking.

"You've made your move, Mirai. Now… it's my turn."

And then—

I woke up.

I gasped as my eyes shot open. My body jolted, drenched in cold sweat, my breath coming in ragged, uneven gulps. The sensation of falling lingered, like my soul had barely caught up with my body.

I blinked rapidly, trying to steady myself. The dim glow of lanterns flickered against the thick fabric of a large tent, casting long shadows across the space. The scent of earth, fabric, and faint traces of herbal tea filled the air.

I was back.

Somehow, I was back.

I turned my head, scanning my surroundings.

Beside me, my friends lay fast asleep on their bedrolls. Karna, Noah, Marie, Yuuka, Anneliese, Estelle, Beatrice, and Luciana—each of them breathing softly, their expressions peaceful, untouched by whatever horror I had just endured.

But…

Akrūra, Shigure, and Tsukiko were missing.

A flicker of unease stirred in my chest. Where are they? I thought. Did they wake up before me? Or…

I shook my head. Now wasn't the time to let my paranoia take over.

I swallowed hard, the weight of my dream still pressing down on me. Urukieus…

Who—what—was she?

And why did it feel like she wasn't just a dream?

I exhaled slowly, trying to calm the lingering tremors in my fingers. Sleep pulled at me again, exhaustion seeping into my bones like a heavy fog. I didn't want to close my eyes, didn't want to risk going back to that place.

But my body was weak.

And despite my best efforts, the darkness dragged me back down.

Luciana's POV

When I opened my eyes, I wasn't in the tent anymore.

I stood in the middle of a breathtaking garden, surrounded by roses, violets, lilies, and an endless sea of unfamiliar flowers. The sky above was painted in soft hues of pink and gold, as if the world itself was trapped in an eternal sunset. A gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming petals and freshly cut grass, wrapping me in a warm, dreamlike embrace.

It was… beautiful.

I stepped forward cautiously, my bare feet sinking slightly into the dewy grass. This place—it felt safe. It felt untouched by time.

And yet, deep inside me, something felt wrong.

I wasn't alone.

A few steps ahead, in the middle of a clearing, a girl stood waiting for me.

She had long, flowing dark purple hair, cascading in soft waves down her back. Her violet eyes gleamed with an unreadable expression, mirroring my own. She was dressed in an elegant deep-blue dress, adorned with silver patterns that shimmered under the golden sky. In her gloved hand, she held a saber—a beautifully crafted blade with intricate silver engravings along its length.

She was… me.

No.

Not quite.

She was something else.

Something more.

I hesitated. "...Who are you?"

The girl tilted her head slightly, a knowing smile curling on her lips.

For a moment, she simply studied me, as if deciding how to answer. Then, with graceful precision, she twirled the saber in her hand before planting it into the ground beside her.

"Luciana," she said smoothly, her voice carrying a certain melodic charm. "It's about time you arrived."

A cold shiver ran down my spine.

She knew my name.

I forced myself to stand tall, hiding the nervous tremble in my fingers. "You didn't answer my question."

The girl let out a soft, amused sigh. "No need to be so tense. I didn't bring you here for a fight."

She turned away slightly, gesturing towards a nearby white table set elegantly under the shade of a flowering tree. The table was adorned with porcelain teacups, silver trays of delicate pastries, and a steaming pot of tea that filled the air with a subtle, sweet aroma.

"Sit with me," she said, her voice laced with amusement. "Let's have a tea party."

I blinked. "...What?"

She glanced at me, a smirk dancing at the edges of her lips.

"It would be rude to keep your host waiting, wouldn't it?"

I stared at her for a long moment, my mind racing.

Who was she?

Why did she look exactly like me?

And why… why did it feel like she had been waiting for me?

I took a slow, hesitant step forward, my eyes never leaving hers.

Somehow, I knew that this was just the beginning.

A strange tension filled the air, thick and suffocating, as if the world itself was holding its breath. The soft clink of her teacup against the saucer echoed louder than it should have, each sound sharpening the unease creeping down my spine.

I wasn't sure what I feared more—the girl before me or the part of myself that recognized her.

And yet, despite the uncertainty, despite the looming unknown…

I couldn't turn back.

I didn't move.

I didn't speak.

I only watched as the girl who looked exactly like me—felt like me—took a slow sip of her tea, her violet eyes gleaming over the rim of the cup.

The wind stirred the petals around us, carrying the faint scent of roses. The garden was quiet, almost too perfect, too controlled.

I swallowed. "Who are you?"

The girl set her teacup down with a soft clink. She smiled, tilting her head slightly. "You already know, don't you?"

I clenched my fists. "No. I don't."

Her smile didn't falter. "Think harder."

I took a step forward. "Why do you look like me?"

She chuckled, resting her chin against her palm. "Because I am you, Luciana."

"No," I snapped, my patience thinning. "You're not."

She exhaled softly, as if amused by my frustration. "You're right," she admitted, finally standing up. The moment she did, the air around us shifted—something unseen but powerful crackled in the space between us.

"My name is Euronsion Valtikgieys," she said smoothly, her voice ringing in the stillness. "And I am the one who walks beside you, just as you walk beside me."

The name sent a strange, foreign sensation through my chest, like a memory just out of reach.

Euronsion's gaze softened slightly as she studied me. "You don't remember yet. But that's alright. Memories take time."

I forced myself to stand firm, ignoring the way my hands trembled. "What do you want from me?"

She didn't answer immediately. Instead, she reached for the saber planted in the ground beside her. The blade gleamed under the golden light as she lifted it effortlessly.

Then—she smiled.

"Let's find out, shall we?"

I barely had time to react before she moved.

Fast.

Too fast.

Her saber sliced through the air, the edge gleaming as it arced toward me. My body reacted before my mind did—I jumped back, barely dodging the strike as the blade cut through the space where I had stood just seconds ago.

Euronsion didn't stop.

She lunged again, her movements fluid, graceful, like she had been fighting her entire life. I barely managed to avoid the second strike, my heart hammering against my ribs.

I gritted my teeth. Damn it—

There was no time to think, no time to question.

I needed to fight back.

I shifted my stance, my instincts kicking in, and in the next instant—

A weapon appeared in my hand.

A saber.

Just like hers.

Euronsion's smile widened. "Good," she murmured. "Now, let's see what you're capable of."

She moved again, and this time—I met her strike head-on.

Our blades clashed, the sound of steel against steel ringing through the air. The force of the impact sent a sharp vibration through my arms, but I didn't falter. I pushed forward, forcing her back a step.

She grinned, eyes flashing. "Not bad."

I didn't answer. I couldn't. My body was already moving, my saber cutting through the air as I pressed the attack.

Strike.

Parry.

Dodge.

Euronsion countered every move effortlessly, as if she had already memorized my patterns.

But I wasn't going to let her win.

I lunged, my blade aiming straight for her—

Only for her to twist at the last second, slipping past my strike with terrifying ease.

Then—

She was behind me.

And before I could react—

Her blade was at my throat.

I froze.

Euronsion leaned in close, her breath warm against my skin. "You still hesitate," she whispered.

I clenched my jaw, my grip tightening around my saber.

She smiled. "Don't worry."

Then she pulled back, lowering her blade.

"This is only the beginning."

The golden sky above us darkened slightly, the garden's perfect serenity flickering at the edges.

I took a sharp breath, my heart still racing.

Euronsion's violet eyes locked onto mine. "We'll finish this next time, Luciana."

And then—

Everything shattered.

As I closed my eyes, darkness engulfed me, wrapping around my body like a suffocating shroud. The world around me faded, swallowed by an abyss so deep that even my thoughts felt distant. A cold, weightless sensation crept over my skin, pulling me further into the void.

Then, there was nothing.

Only silence. Only emptiness.

Beatrice PoV.

As I opened my eyes, I found myself standing in the middle of a vast library.

Towering bookshelves stretched endlessly in every direction, their wooden frames adorned with golden engravings. Thick, leather-bound tomes filled the shelves, some radiating a faint glow as if humming with power. Chandeliers hung from an unseen ceiling, their dim candlelight casting long, wavering shadows across the marble floor. A scent of aged parchment and ink lingered in the air, mingled with something… unfamiliar.

I took a slow step forward, my shoes tapping softly against the polished floor. Where am I?

A flicker of movement caught my eye.

At the far end of the room, standing beneath the light of a grand stained-glass window, was her.

She had light blonde hair, flowing softly past her shoulders, and deep blue eyes that mirrored my own. Dressed in an elegant white gown, she carried herself with an air of authority—yet her expression was anything but welcoming. Her arms were crossed, her gaze sharp, as if she had been waiting for me with great reluctance.

I swallowed hard. "Who… are you?"

The girl clicked her tongue, looking away with an annoyed huff. "Hmph. You should at least know my name before barging into my world," she muttered, as if this situation was my fault.

Her world?

I frowned. "What are you talking about?"

She sighed dramatically before flipping a lock of hair over her shoulder. "Honestly, I can't believe I'm stuck with someone like you." Then, finally, she met my gaze. "Listen well, because I hate repeating myself."

She placed a hand on her chest and straightened her posture.

"I am Elonfond Zacjicon. And this world—" She spread her arms wide, gesturing to the endless shelves of books around us. "—is the Imagined World."

I opened my mouth, then closed it again. None of this made sense.

Elonfond frowned at my silence, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. "W-what? You're just standing there like an idiot. At least say something!"

I blinked. "I—"

Before I could even process what was happening, the ground beneath us trembled.

A low hum resonated through the library, the bookshelves rattling as if responding to some unseen force. I stiffened as Elonfond lifted a hand, and in an instant, glowing blue sigils formed in the air around her.

Magic.

I barely had time to react before the air crackled with energy, the space between us thick with an unseen pressure.

She smirked, her blue eyes gleaming. "Let's see if you're worthy."

A surge of magic erupted from her fingertips, golden lightning arcing through the air as a barrage of spell circles formed around me.

She's attacking?!

Instinct screamed at me to move.

I turned on my heel and ran.

My feet pounded against the polished marble floor, the towering bookshelves around me becoming a blur as I dashed through the endless labyrinth of the library. Behind me, golden lightning crackled, tearing through the air as Elonfond Zacjicon unleashed another spell.

"Ignis Voltis!"

A bolt of blazing energy shot past me, barely missing my shoulder. The sheer heat of it sent shivers down my spine, even as I ducked behind a nearby shelf.

I pressed my back against the cold wood, my breath coming in sharp, uneven gasps. My mind raced. Why was she attacking me?!

Before I could recover, her voice rang out again—closer this time.

"Hmph. Running already?" Elonfond's tone was smug, but there was no real malice in it. "How disappointing."

I gritted my teeth. "You're trying to kill me!"

She sighed, exasperated. "Kill you? Don't be ridiculous. If I wanted you dead, you'd be nothing more than a pile of ashes by now."

Not exactly reassuring!

I peeked around the corner—just in time to see her lift her hand once more.

"Aqua Bind!"

Water surged from thin air, twisting like living chains as they shot toward me.

I barely had time to react. My instincts screamed, and I threw myself forward, rolling across the floor just as the water constricted around the space where I had been standing. The bindings snapped shut with a deafening crack, leaving the marble beneath them fractured.

If that had hit me…

I pushed myself to my feet, panting. "Stop this!"

Elonfond flicked her wrist, dismissing the leftover droplets of water. "You're so dramatic," she muttered. "I'm only testing you."

"Testing me?!" I shot her an incredulous look. "By trying to drown me?!"

She huffed, folding her arms. "Tch. If you can't even handle this, how are you supposed to handle what's ahead?"

I stiffened. "What's ahead?"

She hesitated. Just for a second.

Then, with an exaggerated sigh, she placed a hand on her hip. "...Forget it."

Before I could say anything else, she lifted her other hand, and the books around us trembled.

Oh no.

A massive tome lifted from the nearest shelf, its pages glowing faintly as it hovered beside her.

I took an instinctive step back. "W-wait, what are you—?"

She smirked.

Then—

The book slammed into my head.

Stars exploded in my vision. My balance wavered as I stumbled back, clutching my forehead. "Owww!! What was that for?!"

Elonfond rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "You talk too much."

"You just hit me with a book!"

"It's your own fault for running like an idiot," she muttered, though I noticed the slightest hint of pink dusting her cheeks. "Honestly, you're such a pain…"

I glared at her. "Then why did you—"

I didn't get to finish.

The world around me began to blur.

My body felt heavy, my vision swimming as an unnatural drowsiness seeped into my limbs. I staggered, the library shifting and warping around me.

"What…?" My voice came out weaker than I intended.

Elonfond exhaled, stepping closer. This time, her expression was softer—less guarded.

"This is enough for now," she murmured. "You're not ready yet."

My eyelids grew heavier. "Ready… for what…?"

She hesitated again, but then her lips pressed into a thin line. "...Just get stronger, idiot."

And with that—

Everything went dark.

For a brief moment, I felt weightless, like I was floating between dreams and reality. But just as quickly, something yanked me back.

A sharp thud brought me back to my senses.

"Ow—!" I yelped as a heavy object struck the top of my head, making me stumble forward. I barely managed to catch it before it hit the ground.

A… book?

I blinked, shaking off the lingering dizziness as I looked up.

Elonfond stood in front of me, arms crossed, looking as smug as ever. "Tch. You're still so slow."

I glared at her, rubbing my head. "Did you just throw a book at me?"

She scoffed, looking away with a faint pink dusting her cheeks. "I gave you a book. You should be grateful."

"It felt like you threw it!" I protested.

She ignored me. "Just read it after you wake up."

I frowned, turning the book over in my hands. The cover was old, bound in dark leather with golden inscriptions I didn't recognize. "What's in it?"

Elonfond huffed, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "What do you think? A bedtime story?" She shot me a sideways glance, a small smirk tugging at her lips.

Then—she muttered something under her breath.

I barely caught it.

"May the fool learn to walk before they try to run…"

Before I could ask what she meant, everything around me shattered like glass.

I gasped, as I opened my eyes, the cold stone walls of the basement were gone—replaced by the soft fabric of a tent, dimly lit by flickering lanterns.

As I looked around, I saw my friends—Estelle, Yuuka, Noah, Marie, Anneliese, Mirai, Luciana, and Karna—sleeping peacefully around me. But as my gaze swept the tent, a sinking feeling settled in my chest. Three of them were missing.

Akrūra, Shigure, and Tsukiko—nowhere to be found.

The tent's ceiling shifted gently, the dim lantern light casting flickering shadows across the fabric. My heart thudded in my chest, my breath unsteady as I pushed myself upright.

It took a moment for reality to settle back in.

I was back.

It was just a dream.

Or… was it?

Because in my lap—resting exactly where it had been in my dream—

Was the book.

My fingers trembled as I traced the golden engravings on the cover. It was real. She was real.

I swallowed, staring at the book in silence.

Then, a memory of Elonfond's smug expression flashed in my mind.

A bad feeling crept up my spine.

Slowly, cautiously, I opened the cover.

The first page had a single sentence written in clear, bold letters:

"Welcome, idiot."

I stared.

I flipped the page.

"Read this and maybe you'll be slightly less useless."

I twitched.

That… that tsundere!

Grinding my teeth, I shut the book with a thud and shoved it under my blanket.

I'll read it later.

Maybe.

For now, I just wanted to sleep. Maybe I'd dream of something more peaceful, like a nap on a beach—or better yet, a dream where no one tried to hit me with a book.

But before I could drift back into sleep, the tent flap rustled open, and Sister Halene stepped inside. Her sharp yet gentle eyes scanned the room before settling on me.

"Beatrice, you're awake," she said with relief. "How are you feeling?"

I blinked, still groggy. "Like I got hit by a book..."

Sister Halene raised an eyebrow but chose not to question it. Instead, she sighed and folded her arms. "You all were asleep for two days."

I froze.

"...Wait, what?"

My mind stalled for a moment.

Two days?

I glanced around at my still-sleeping friends, my heart skipping a beat. We were all out for that long? That wasn't normal. That couldn't be normal.

Sister Halene sighed, shaking her head. "We were starting to worry. None of you would wake up, no matter what we tried." Then, her expression softened. "Do you want some food? You must be starving."

At the mere mention of food, my stomach let out a loud, embarrassing growl.

Sister Halene gave me a knowing smile.

I cleared my throat, trying to maintain some dignity. "...Yes. Food would be nice."

Tsukiko PoV.

I woke up, or at least, it felt like waking up.

The cool night air kissed my skin as I opened my eyes to find myself lying on the soft grass of a vast, empty plain. The only light came from the distant stars above, sparkling like tiny diamonds scattered across a velvet sky. The wind whispered softly through the grass, a gentle hum that filled the silence.

Everything was still, peaceful, almost too peaceful.

I propped myself up on my elbows, staring up at the endless expanse of stars. The air smelled fresh, earthy—a stark contrast to the strange unease that curled in the pit of my stomach.

"Where am I?" I whispered, my voice swallowed by the vastness.

As if on cue, a soft voice broke through the stillness.

"Tsukiko."

My heart skipped a beat as I looked in the direction of the voice. There, standing just a few paces away, was a girl.

She had the same face as me. Same dark purple hair that reached down to her thighs. Same bright blue eyes with pink highlights. Even the same diamond-shaped pupils.

The only difference was the way she carried herself. Her expression was calm, but there was something unnervingly distant about her. Her clothes were simple yet elegant—a long, flowing white robe that shimmered faintly in the moonlight. A large scythe was slung over her shoulder, the blade gleaming in the soft glow of the stars.

I blinked, my breath catching in my throat. "Who… are you?" I whispered, my voice barely audible against the vast silence of the plain.

The girl smiled softly, though it lacked warmth. "My name is Sefiros Agrestia." Her voice was smooth, serene, but there was a sharp edge to it—an ancient, unfathomable presence behind her words.

She tilted her head slightly. "Come. Sit beside me."

My mind raced. Something about this moment felt wrong, but I found myself drawn to her, unable to look away. Without thinking, I stood up, taking slow, hesitant steps toward her.

Sefiros gestured to the ground beside her. "You're in a dimension called the Imagined World," she explained, her voice carrying a quiet weight. "A place where everything you see, everything you experience, is only an echo of what could be."

I stared at her, still trying to wrap my mind around what she was saying. "Imagined World?"

She nodded slowly, her eyes glimmering with some unspoken understanding. "Yes. This world is a manifestation of thoughts, dreams, and possibilities. Nothing here is truly real."

Her gaze softened for a moment. "But you, Tsukiko, are not just a mere person"

I swallowed, trying to comprehend her words. "What do you want from me?"

Sefiros let out a small sigh. "I don't want anything from you, Tsukiko. I am simply here to remind you of who you are , your place in this endless cycle. In time, you'll understand what I mean."

Before I could respond, she raised her hand, and the world around us seemed to shimmer, as if the air itself was bending. A bright light began to envelop us, surrounding us on all sides.

"Don't worry," Sefiros whispered as the light grew brighter, "This is just the beginning. But for now… it's time for you to wake up."

I tried to speak, tried to ask more questions, but the words wouldn't come. The light was too bright, blinding.

And then, just as suddenly as it began, everything went black.

Yuuka's POV

I blinked my eyes open, only to be greeted by a soft golden light that filtered through tall stained-glass windows. I was inside a grand church, the kind with high arches that reached toward the heavens. The smell of incense lingered in the air, and the faint sound of a soft, distant bell could be heard echoing from somewhere deep inside the stone structure.

The floor beneath me was cold and smooth, made of marble that gleamed in the light. But what truly caught my attention was the figure standing before me.

She had the same face as me. Same silver hair that cascaded down to her shoulders. Same red eyes that glimmered with an odd warmth, as if they were welcoming me. She wore a flowing white dress, simple yet radiant, and carried an air of serenity about her.

But there was one stark difference—I could feel it in the way she moved, in the cheerful energy she exuded. While my own demeanor tended to be quiet, reserved, this woman was… different.

She was smiling, a bright, open smile that seemed to fill the entire room with light.

"Well, look who finally decided to show up!" she said, her voice warm and cheerful. "I was beginning to think you weren't going to wake up at all!"

I furrowed my brow in confusion. "Who are you?"

She gave a dramatic, playful sigh. "Oh, right. How rude of me. You must be Yuuka, right?"

I nodded, still unable to speak, my mind struggling to grasp what was going on.

The woman tilted her head, as if examining me carefully. "I should have known. You look just like me!" She giggled, her laughter light and carefree. "I'm Ariokios Tudor! But you can just call me Ariokios or Ari, if you'd like!"

I stared at her, trying to process her words.

"Wait—you are me?" I asked, still dazed.

She grinned widely, clearly amused. "In a way, yes. But I'm the more fun version, if I may say so myself." She winks at me, and I blink in surprise, not expecting her to be so playful.

Ariokios took a few steps toward me, her white dress flowing gently with her movements. "This place is a church, Yuuka," she explained, her voice softening. "A place of peace and reflection. The Imagined World, where all of this is merely a reflection of what could be. But you already know that, don't you?"

I nodded slowly, still unsure of what she meant, but her presence was oddly calming.

"You know, you don't have to be so serious all the time," Ariokios added with a teasing grin. "Life's short—just enjoy it, okay?"

She gestured toward the pews around us, the high stone walls of the church stretching up toward the heavens above. It felt serene, like a dream in the purest sense.

"I can't stay for long," she said suddenly, her tone turning softer, "but I wanted to remind you of something important ."

I watched her carefully, trying to anticipate what she was about to say.

She open her mouth and said something in a language that I have never heard before even on earth.

"Læport, soþscipe, þa tocyme beþencan,

On beorhtnesse, mihtlicræ hæfð weaxan,

Þæt æfre in þystreþan,

Læport þu becymen."(Translation: Light, truth, follow the future, In light, strength grows, So that always in darkness, You may find the light.)

Her smile returned, warm and comforting.

"Now, it's time for you to wake up. This was just a little visit, a small reminder."

Ariokios took a step back, raising her hand. The church around us seemed to shimmer, like a mirage starting to dissolve.

"Don't worry," she said softly, "I'll be watching over you, even if you don't realize it."

Before I could respond, the light in the church grew blinding. The warmth of Ariokios' presence faded, and the world around me began to collapse into nothingness.

"Remember, Yuuka," her voice echoed, fading into the distance, "life is for living."

And then everything went black.

Shigure's POV

I slowly opened my eyes, and for a moment, I didn't know where I was. The air was cooler here, and everything around me was dim, like the twilight hour. I could feel soft grass beneath me, but there was a strange quietness, an emptiness that seemed to stretch on forever.

I sat up, glancing around. The sky was painted in hues of violet and gold, but the world felt… unreal. A soft breeze rustled the leaves of trees nearby, and yet, everything seemed too still, too perfect.

That's when I saw her.

Standing before me was a girl. She looked just like me—silver hair, blue eyes—but there was something else about her, something regal. She wore a blue dress adorned with golden accents, a delicate crown sitting atop her head. The dress shimmered slightly in the fading light, giving her an almost ethereal quality.

Her gaze was steady, and though her expression was calm, there was an unmistakable power in her presence.

"Who are you?" I asked before I could stop myself, feeling both confused and intrigued.

The girl smiled softly, almost as if she had been expecting me. She stepped closer, her movements graceful, almost too perfect. "I am Mary Tudor," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "And this world is a reflection of your inner thoughts, your dreams."

I blinked in disbelief. "What do you mean? Who are you to me?"

Her smile softened, and she tilted her head slightly. "I am a part of you, Shigure. A part of your past, a part of your future. You may not remember me, but I have always been there."

Her words felt heavy, like they carried a weight I couldn't quite grasp. My mind raced, trying to understand, but something in my chest told me that she was not just a reflection. She was real, in some way.

"You don't have to understand everything right now," she said, as if reading my thoughts. "But you will, in time."

Before I could respond, she raised a hand, her fingers glowing faintly with golden light. The air around us seemed to shimmer, the world becoming hazy and distorted.

"Rest, Shigure," she whispered, her voice like a lullaby. "You are not yet ready to face what lies ahead."

I felt a sudden drowsiness flood over me, my limbs growing heavy. I tried to stay awake, tried to focus, but my vision blurred. Mary's figure became more distant, her crown glimmering as everything around me started to fade.

The last thing I heard was her soft voice, "Sleep now, and when you wake, you will know what to do."

And then—everything went dark.

Noah's POV

I opened my eyes.

The first thing I noticed was the wind. A cool, gentle breeze rustled through the trees, carrying the scent of fresh grass and damp earth. The sky above was a deep shade of twilight blue, speckled with faint golden lights, almost like stars trapped between night and day.

I stood in the middle of a quiet clearing, surrounded by towering trees whose leaves shimmered faintly under the dim glow. Everything felt surreal, like a dream I wasn't meant to wake from.

And then, I heard footsteps.

I turned sharply.

Standing a few steps away was a boy.

He looked just like me—short silver hair, golden eyes, fox ears perched atop his head, and a fluffy silver tail swaying gently behind him. His expression was unreadable, calm yet piercing, as if he had already seen everything I had done before I even arrived.

He was dressed in a white yukata, simple yet elegant, the fabric flowing lightly as he took a slow step forward.

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

Then, he smiled.

"You finally made it," he said, his voice smooth, almost amused. "I was beginning to wonder how long you'd keep me waiting."

I frowned. "Who… are you?"

The boy tilted his head slightly, his golden eyes glinting under the soft light.

"My name is Warugias Erioon," he said simply. "And, whether you like it or not, I'm a part of you."

I tensed. "A part of me?"

Warugias chuckled, his fox ears twitching slightly. "You could say that. But let's not waste time on pointless questions." He took another step forward, hands tucked into his sleeves. "There's something you need to understand, and I don't have all night."

I narrowed my eyes. "Understand what?"

His smile faded slightly, replaced with something more serious. "That your existence isn't as simple as you think," he said. "That there are things buried deep within you—things you have yet to awaken to."

I felt my tail flick behind me, a sense of unease creeping into my chest. "What do you mean by that?"

Warugias let out a small sigh, then shrugged. "You'll figure it out. In time."

Before I could press him further, the world around us started to shift. The sky darkened, the trees around us fading into a blur. The wind howled, and suddenly, an overwhelming wave of exhaustion washed over me.

I staggered.

My vision swayed.

Warugias smirked. "Looks like our time is up."

I struggled to keep my eyes open. "Wait—!"

He stepped closer, lowering his voice to a whisper.

"Wake up, Noah."

And just like that—

Everything faded to black.

Karna's POV

I opened my eyes.

The air around me was thick with heat, the scent of burning embers lingering as if a great fire had once raged through this place. I stood in the middle of a vast, desolate land, the cracked ground beneath me glowing faintly with veins of molten lava. The sky above was a deep, fiery red, swirling with dark clouds that rumbled ominously.

And then, I saw him.

A boy stood a few feet ahead, facing me.

He had short, raven-black hair—just like mine. His piercing red eyes locked onto me with an intensity that sent a strange chill down my spine. His face, his features—they were identical to mine, but something about him felt different. He stood with an unshakable presence, like a warrior who had walked through countless battles and emerged untouched.

He tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable. Then, in a calm, steady voice, he spoke.

"So, you're finally here."

I narrowed my eyes. "Who are you?"

The boy smirked, crossing his arms over his chest. "My name is Agni Vainateya," he said. "And, whether you realize it or not, you and I are bound together."

Bound together?

I clenched my fists. "What are you talking about?"

Agni stepped forward, his gaze never leaving mine. "You don't understand yet, do you?" His voice was smooth, unwavering. "But you will. In time."

The ground beneath us trembled, cracks spreading further as heat surged through the air. A faint glow flickered around Agni, as if the very flames of this world were responding to his presence.

He sighed, shaking his head. "You're not ready to hear the full truth yet."

I took a step toward him, my instincts flaring. "Then tell me what you can."

Agni studied me for a long moment before letting out a low chuckle. "You're just as stubborn as I expected," he mused. "That's good. You'll need that strength soon enough."

Before I could demand more answers, the world around me started to dissolve. The molten cracks dimmed, the burning sky darkened, and an unbearable weight pulled at my consciousness.

I staggered, struggling to stay upright. "Wait—!"

Agni's red eyes gleamed through the fading world. "Wake up, Karna," he said, his voice firm. "We'll meet again soon."

And then—

Everything went black.

A sharp breath filled my lungs as my eyes snapped open.

The fiery land, the molten cracks, Agni Vainateya—gone. Replaced by the dim, familiar glow of lanterns hanging from the tent ceiling. The scent of burning embers was gone, replaced by the comforting aroma of warm food.

I blinked, adjusting to the light, my heart still pounding from the strange dream.

And then, my eyes landed on Beatrice.

She was sitting nearby, casually nibbling on a piece of bread, her legs swinging slightly as if she had not a single care in the world. Beside her stood Sister Helene, watching over her with a soft, patient smile.

For a moment, I just stared, my mind still caught between the dream and reality.

Then, as if sensing my gaze, Beatrice turned toward me.

She chewed slowly, swallowed, then tilted her head.

"Do you want some?" she asked, holding out a second piece of bread toward me.

I didn't answer right away.

Because at that moment, as I sat up and stared at the ordinary scene before me, one thought burned in my mind.

Was I the only one who had that dream?

Marie's POV

A strange warmth surrounded me, like sunlight filtering through a dense forest canopy. As I slowly opened my eyes, I found myself standing in an unfamiliar place—a grand open field stretching endlessly beneath a golden sky. The air smelled of fresh grass, and a soft breeze brushed against my skin, carrying a sense of peace.

But I wasn't alone.

A few steps ahead, a girl stood waiting.

She had short blonde hair, just like mine, and emerald-green eyes that gleamed under the sunlight. Her face… it was identical to mine. Yet, something about her presence was different. She carried herself with quiet confidence, a composed and commanding aura that made her feel almost unshakable.

She wore a white military-style coat, lined with silver patterns, and had a sword strapped to her waist. The way she stood, posture straight and unwavering, made it seem like she was always prepared for battle.

I swallowed hard, my heart pounding as I took a cautious step forward. "...Who are you?"

The girl studied me for a moment before speaking.

"My name is Aegis Wofhlan," she said calmly. Her voice was smooth, unwavering. "And you, Marie, have finally arrived."

I frowned. "Arrived where?"

Aegis gave a slight tilt of her head, almost as if she was debating how much to tell me. "A place called Imagined World. A world where possibilities take form. But that's not important right now."

I clenched my fists. "Then why am I here? Why do you look like me?"

Aegis sighed, crossing her arms. "You ask too many questions," she muttered. "Just know this—you and I are connected. You'll understand in time."

Before I could press further, the world around me shifted. The golden sky flickered, the soft warmth of the breeze fading as a sudden weight pressed down on me. My body swayed, exhaustion creeping into my limbs.

Aegis gave me one last unreadable look.

"You're not ready yet," she murmured. "Wake up, Marie."

And then—

Everything faded to black.

A gentle sound pulled me back to reality—the quiet murmur of voices.

My eyelids fluttered open, and I found myself staring at the fabric ceiling of a tent. The dim glow of lanterns illuminated the space, casting soft shadows along the walls. The scent of freshly baked bread filled the air.

I blinked, sitting up slightly. My heart was still racing from the dream, but before I could even process it, a familiar voice called out to me.

"Hey, you're awake," Karna said.

I turned my head and saw him sitting nearby with Beatrice, both of them eating bread.

Beatrice looked at me, then casually held out another piece.

"Do you want some?" she asked, chewing slowly.

I stared at them, my mind still caught between the dream and reality.

For a moment, I hesitated.

Then, slowly, I reached out and took the bread.

Anneliese's POV

A soft wind caressed my face as I opened my eyes.

I stood in the middle of a vast lake, yet I was not sinking. Beneath my feet, the water rippled like glass, reflecting the endless sky above. The horizon stretched endlessly, fading into a soft cerulean glow, as if the sky and water were one and the same. The air was crisp, cool, carrying the faint scent of rain.

It felt… serene. Yet at the same time, something about this place felt unreal.

Then, I saw her.

A girl stood in the distance, facing me.

Her long, flowing gray hair faded into a cerulean-blue at the tips, mirroring the colors of the water and sky. Her cerulean-blue eyes were calm, unreadable—like the still surface of the lake.

And she looked exactly like me.

I took a step forward, the water beneath me rippling but still holding my weight. My voice came out quieter than I expected.

"...Who are you?"

The girl blinked slowly, then smiled. It was a soft, knowing smile, as if she had been expecting me.

"My name is Liulios Verlseya," she said, her voice smooth like the flowing water around us. "And I have been waiting for you, Anneliese."

I frowned slightly. "Waiting… for me?"

Liulios gave a small nod, her gaze never leaving mine. "Yes. Because you and I are connected, whether you realize it yet or not."

Something about her presence sent a strange sensation through my chest. She wasn't hostile, nor did she carry the overwhelming presence of a ruler or a warrior. But she felt… steady. Unshakable. Like she had already seen everything that was to come.

I swallowed. "What do you mean by that?"

Liulios turned slightly, looking out toward the endless horizon. The reflection of the sky shimmered in her eyes. "There is much I could say," she murmured, "but words alone would not be enough."

She turned back to me, stepping forward until she was only a breath away.

"For now, you only need to remember one thing," she said softly.

I barely had time to react before the world around me rippled—as if reality itself was shifting. The sky, the lake, the very air trembled. A wave of dizziness washed over me, making my vision blur.

Liulios' voice was the last thing I heard before everything faded.

"Wake up, Anneliese."

And then—

Everything went dark.

I gasped, my eyes snapping open.

The soft glow of lanterns greeted me, the scent of warm food lingering in the air. My heart was still pounding from the dream, the words of Liulios echoing faintly in my mind.

I turned my head, taking in my surroundings.

Karna, Beatrice, and Marie sat nearby, eating bread, their conversation quiet.

Noticing my movement, Beatrice glanced at me and held out a piece.

"Do you want some too?" she asked casually as she took another bite of the bread.

I stared at her, my mind still caught between dream and reality.

For a brief moment, I hesitated.

Then, slowly, I took the bread.

Estelle's POV

I slowly opened my eyes, a dull ache in my head from the strange sensation I had just felt. The world around me was different, yet familiar. I found myself in a quiet, dimly lit room. The walls were made of stone, ancient but solid, lined with bookshelves filled with old tomes. A single candle flickered on a nearby table, casting soft shadows across the room.

I blinked, my mind still foggy.

A low murmur of voices caught my attention, and I turned my head.

Standing in front of me was a girl—someone who looked almost exactly like me. Her brown hair fell in soft waves, just like mine, and her brown eyes mirrored my own gaze, though there was a sense of something more, something ancient, behind them. The red glasses she wore perched delicately on the bridge of her nose, and she wore a simple yet elegant gown that seemed to blend with the dim light of the room.

Her expression was calm, but there was an air of quiet authority about her.

"Who are you?" I asked, my voice sounding foreign in this strange place.

The girl smiled softly, almost serenely. "My name is Elidies Vatrian," she said, her voice smooth and composed. "And I have been waiting for you, Estelle."

I narrowed my eyes. "Waiting for me?"

Elidies nodded, her gaze unwavering. "Yes. You and I are more connected than you realize. I am a part of you, just as you are a part of me."

Her words echoed in my mind, but before I could respond, I noticed something else—she wasn't eating bread like the others. Instead, she was holding a book in one hand, a scroll in the other. Her eyes were intently focused on the open page in front of her, and she seemed lost in thought.

I hesitated before stepping forward, my curiosity getting the best of me. "What are you reading?"

She lifted her gaze slowly, her expression softening as she met my eyes. "It's something I've been pondering for a while," Elidies explained, placing the scroll down. "There's so much to understand about the world we live in, Estelle. So much hidden beneath the surface."

I frowned, my brow furrowing in confusion. "Hidden? What do you mean?"

She gestured to the bookshelves that surrounded us. "There are truths, deep and ancient ones, buried within these pages. But they are not meant for just anyone to know. You must seek them out yourself."

My chest tightened. "Why me? Why are you telling me this?"

Elidies stood up, walking slowly over to the window. Her figure was framed by the soft glow of the candlelight as she looked out into the distance. "Because you have the potential to uncover those truths, Estelle. You were always meant to."

I swallowed, her words sinking in. "Potential...?"

She turned back to me, her eyes gleaming with quiet wisdom. "Yes. But remember—everything comes with a price. Knowledge is both a gift and a burden."

Before I could respond, the room seemed to shimmer around me. The candlelight flickered, and a sense of vertigo washed over me.

"Wait!" I tried to call out, but my voice was swallowed by the growing darkness.

Elidies' figure faded into the shadows, her calm expression the last thing I saw. "Wake up, Estelle."

And then—

I gasped, suddenly awake. My surroundings were unfamiliar—dim light, lanterns flickering softly.

I was back in the real world, and the quiet conversation around me was a comforting contrast to the dream I had just experienced. I turned to find Karna, Beatrice, and Marie nearby, chatting amongst themselves. They were discussing something in hushed tones.

Noticing my movement, Beatrice looked at me and raised an eyebrow. "You awake, Estelle?"

I nodded slowly, still feeling the weight of the dream on my mind.

"Do you want to join us?" Beatrice asked, offering a small smile.

I nodded again, this time more firmly, as I took a seat next to them. The dream of Elidies Vatrian lingered in my mind, but I pushed it aside for now. The present was here, and for the moment, that was all that mattered.

Akrūra's POV

I opened my eyes, the familiar world fading into something else—something surreal.

I stood on the edge of a vast green plain, the grass swaying gently in the wind. The scent of wildflowers filled the air, and the sky above stretched endlessly, clear with the soft glow of sunlight. But something was off.

The air felt too still, too quiet. No sounds except for the breeze, no signs of movement beyond the trees swaying in the distance.

And then, I saw him—or rather, it.

A figure stood a few paces ahead, facing me. The boy—or girl—was a perfect reflection of myself, except for the differences in his appearance. His hair was a golden-blonde, not silver like mine, and his eyes burned with an intense bright red, sharper than any emotion I'd ever known. He wore a military uniform, crisp and formal, the fabric a deep royal blue with gold detailing. A red royal cape draped from his shoulders, the edges gleaming as though they were woven with fire. Above his head, a black halo crown floated effortlessly, casting an aura of regal authority around him.

He seemed to exude arrogance, but there was also something oddly familiar about him.

I crossed my arms, eyeing him warily. "Who are you?" I asked, my voice sharp.

He stared at me for a moment, his red eyes narrowing. Then, with a huff, he spoke, his voice laced with annoyance.

"I am Rudra," he said, stepping forward. "And also I am a boy like you ."

I blinked in confusion and said . "But you look like m—"

Rudra rolled his eyes, interrupting me. "Yeah, yeah, I look like you. It's the curse of fate, I guess. Now, stop asking stupid questions."

I couldn't help the slight smirk that crossed my face. "You're an arrogant one, aren't you?"

Rudra scowled at me, clearly irritated by my tone. "Not arrogant. Just realistic. You, on the other hand, need to stop being so clueless."

His eyes flicked up toward the sky, and I followed his gaze.

A massive black hole hung above us, swirling with an ominous force. It seemed to pulse,like its almost alive

"What is that?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Rudra shrugged nonchalantly, his hands slipping into his pockets. "I don't know," he admitted, his tone surprisingly casual. "But it's something inside you. Something...even I can't quite grasp yet."

I frowned. "What do you mean, inside me?"

He glanced back at me, his expression hardening. "I don't know the details. But I can feel it too. And I think your friends—" He paused, looking down at the seven thrones arranged in a semi-circle near us, with a round iron table at the center. "—have something inside them as well."

I looked over at the thrones, each one empty except for one. My seat. Rudra settled onto one of the thrones, sitting with the same air of confidence that he wore like a second skin. The other thrones were adorned with statues of faceless figures, their forms seated stiffly as though waiting for something.

"Why am I here?" I asked, still trying to piece everything together.

Rudra smirked, leaning back in his seat. "Like I said, I don't know. It's not really my job to know everything. I just got caught up in this mess as you are ." He sighed, shaking his head. "But it's probably better that way. Overthinking will get us nowhere."

I couldn't argue with that logic.

As we sat in silence, the clear lake nearby reflected the snow-capped mountains in the distance, their peaks rising sharply against the horizon. The wind picked up again, rustling the trees, but even that felt out of place in this strange world.

Finally, Rudra glanced over at me again, his eyes still sharp but softer than before. "Don't worry about it too much," he said, his tone almost... reassuring. "Whatever this is, i'll figure it with out. Eventually."

Just as the strange feeling of confusion was beginning to settle, everything around us began to blur, the colors fading into darkness.

And then—

I woke up

I blinked, my vision still fuzzy as I tried to make sense of my surroundings. My hands were chained to a cold, stone wall, and the heavy weight of the chains tugged at my wrists. The room was dimly lit, the faint flickering of a torch casting eerie shadows on the walls.

To my left, Shigure and Tsukiko were also chained, both of them looking at me.

"Oh, you're awake," Shigure said, her voice steady but tinged with concern.

Tsukiko nodded slightly, her expression a mix of confusion and surprise. "Yeah, you've been out for a while."

I groaned, trying to shake off the remnants of the strange dream that still clung to my mind. "What… happened?" I muttered, my voice hoarse from disuse.

Then I stared at my chained hands, the cold metal biting into my skin as I tried to focus. My mind still felt clouded, the memories of the strange visions and dreams mixing with the reality of the present. "I don't remember how we got here..." I murmured.

Shigure's voice cut through my thoughts, firm and matter-of-fact. "The guards told me. The three of us… destroyed Drachenheim and killed many people."

I froze. The words hit me like a punch to the gut. Destroying Drachenheim? Us?

I could barely comprehend it.

But as I thought more about it, a chilling realization started to settle in. Whatever this was, the truth was far from what we had known. We were tangled in something far more dangerous.

And we were just beginning to understand the weight of it.

CONTINUE.