Project Rebirth
The final log revealed it all.
Project Rebirth was Konran's attempt to digitize the human soul. To make players eternal within the network. No death. No aging. No escape.
Kenji was the prototype.
"Not anymore," Ren growled.
He activated the override.
To restore Kenji, Ren had to link his own consciousness.
WARNING: Dual Sync Risk: DEATH IN REAL LIFE IF CONNECTION FAILS.
He didn't hesitate.
"Do it."
The sync began.
As their minds linked, Ren saw everything—
Kenji's memories.
His pain.
The moment he was taken. Trapped.
The fear. The isolation.
"Ren?" Kenji whispered.
Ren reached out.
"I got you, bro."
The room exploded.
Ren's body dropped—but his mind stayed behind, inside the digital space Konran had built to contain Kenji.
He and Kenji stood inside a prison of white light.
Trapped.
Alone.
Together.
In the real world, Aiko's avatar surged with unstable power.
"I'll hold them back."
"You'll die!" Ren shouted.
She smiled.
"Maybe. But that's what friends do."
She charged the remaining Hunters.
Gone in a blaze.
Botan roared.
The silent shield-bearer unleashed everything he had.
One by one, he smashed the Hunters.
Until he, too, collapsed—protecting Ren's unconscious body.