Ryn hadn't even realized when he stopped breathing. He only remembered when his chest promptly reminded that he needed air to survive.

But he quickly realized something, this was not the Kato he just talked to a few minutes ago.

This one stood a half-step behind the others, shoulders slightly hunched, fingers clasped together like he wasn't sure what to do with them. His eyes flicked toward Aria when she spoke, then away again, like he was afraid of holding attention for too long.

He didn't speak.

When Mazin laughed, Kato flinched just a little—barely noticeable, but Ryn saw it. When Aria tugged him forward by the sleeve, he followed without protest, quiet as a shadow.

Ryn felt a chill crawl up his spine.

That's… not right.

The Kato Ryn knew sat across cathedral benches and spoke calmly, ethereal and fleeting.

This boy looked like he'd apologized for taking up space.

Ryn's gaze stayed locked on him as the four of them gathered together. Memories brushed against his mind, not of his own but of Nico's.

Days spent together, countless times falling over and getting back up.

They really were inseparable.

Aria was the first to speak, as usual.

She was sitting cross-legged on the stone floor, palms resting on her knees.

She held her hands out in front of her, palms up.

At first, nothing happened.

Then warmth gathered. The air around her fingers shimmered faintly, then condensed and became a ball of radiant light.

Ryn—Nico—felt it in his chest. A familiar pressure, not unlike Essence, but gentler. As if the world itself was leaning closer.

Aria smiled at it, then let the warmth fade.

"Well," she said lightly, "it feels like the gods gave me a chance to help."

Mazin's expression darkened instantly.

"Aria, you're too naive."

Aria blinked. "What?"

"The gods didn't give you anything," Mazin said. "It's ours, our bodies adapted on its own. It's not some power the gods gave."

"That doesn't change what it's for," she replied, unfazed. "People are sick. Hurt. Scared. If I can make that better, even a little—"

"That doesn't mean you owe them," Mazin cut in.

"I never said I did."

"I know," Mazin said quickly. Then he paused, jaw tightening. "That's what worries me."

Ryn felt Nico's memories stir—the first time Aria had healed someone. The shock and gratitude of the people, word had spread like wildfire.

Kato hesitated, eyes flicking away before he forced himself to continue.

"If she can help people, they'll find her eventually. Whether she hides it or not. At least this way…she can feel helpful."

"They'll notice eventually," Mazin continued. "People always do. And when they do, they'll stop seeing you as… you."

Aria looked back up at him. "As what?"

"As Aria," Mazin said. "Not as something useful."

Ryn watched him closely.

Aria looked between them, then smiled again. "I'll be careful," she promised. "I won't overdo it."

Mazin laughed once, sharp and humorless. "That's what everyone says."

He stood abruptly. "I'm going out for fresh air. Nico, you're coming with me."

Ryn hesitated, eyes still on Aria as the warmth flickered faintly around her hands once more.

Then he nodded and followed Mazin toward the door.

As he walked, more questions popped up in his head than answers.

Why was the future Kato showing him this?

And why in Nico's body?

Ryn pondered in his head for a while, but decided that thinking more would do more wrong than good.

They didn't speak for a while after leaving the orphanage.

The city opened up as they descended.

Stone corridors widened into open terraces where people moved steadily about their work. Lanterns glowed softly from alcoves carved into the mountain walls, casting long shadows that shifted as the day went on.

Mazin led the way, yet his steps felt unsure. They were mostly wandering aimlessly.

They stopped near a half-collapsed storage platform where several adults were struggling to lift a fallen crate.

Mazin sighed before rolling his shoulders.

He stepped forward and placed both hands against the wood.

Ryn saw it clearly. Yellow light flared from his hand as he placed them underneath the base of the crates.

Mazin's jaw tightened as he pushed.

A low grinding sound rose as the fallen crates eased just enough for the others to pull them free.

"—There we go!"

A pair of hands steadied the crate. Someone laughed in relief.

"Aw, thanks, Mazin," one of the men said, wiping sweat from his brow. "Really helped us out."

"Yeah," another added. "Good timing."

Mazin gave a short nod. "No problem."

He stepped back immediately, rubbing his palms against his pants like he was trying to rid himself of the feeling.

Ryn watched the exchange carefully.

They knew him.

Which meant this wasn't new.

As they walked away, Ryn noticed Mazin flexing his fingers, his gaze lingering on the platform longer than necessary.

"You know… for telling Aria off—" Ryn started.

"Yeah, yeah. I know," Mazin cut in, not looking at him. "Sounds stupid coming from me."

He let out a quiet breath.

"I'm just a bit stronger than others."

Mazin shook his head, voice tightening despite himself.

"She can actually fix people."

He glanced back toward the city below, where Aria had already disappeared into the crowd.

"If I could do that," he said quietly, "I wouldn't stop either."

Mazin shoved his hands into his pockets and started walking again.

"I just don't want her thinking she has to be everything," he added after a moment. "To, you know… just be herself."

They didn't get far before Mazin slowed.

A sharp whistle echoed down the terrace.

Mazin winced. "Tch."

Ryn followed his gaze.

At the far end of the walkway stood one of the city attendants. He gave a short wave along with some other hand sign at Mazin.

"Chief wants to see you," the man called. His eyes flicked briefly to Ryn. "Both of you."

Mazin exhaled through his nose. "Figures."

The chief's chambers sat deeper within the mountain, where the stone corridors widened and the air felt heavier. Less natural light reached here, yet it was bright all the same from the lanterns.

They stepped inside.

The man waiting for them looked… comfortable.

He sat behind a broad stone desk, fingers drumming idly against its surface. In front of him were a plate of fresh grapes and alongside were two women, probably his escorts, feeding him a variety of fruits.

Ryn's eyes narrowed.

This? Is the Chief?

"Kato's already here," the chief said casually, nodding toward the side of the room.

Ryn's gaze snapped sideways.

Kato stood near the wall, posture straight, hands folded in front of him. He looked smaller here, out of place.

He glanced up when they entered, eyes flicking briefly to Mazin, then to Ryn, before settling back down again.

"Food stocks are running low," the chief continued, leaning back in his chair.

Mazin's jaw tightened.

"So?" he asked.

The chief smiled thinly. "So we need more."

"You and a few others will head out," the chief went on, tone almost bored. "Scavenge and hunt what you can."

"And if I don't?" he asked.

The chief shrugged, entirely unconcerned. "That's up to you."

He plucked another grape, chewing slowly before continuing.

"But the people your friend's been helping?" he added lightly. "They'll be the first to feel it."

Silence stretched.

"They won't last long without supplies," the chief finished. "So… I'd recommend you get moving."

Mazin's hand curled slowly at his side.

His fingers clenched until the knuckles whitened.

Then he exhaled once, sharp and controlled, and turned toward the exit.

"…Fine," he said.

The chief didn't bother responding.

Ryn followed Mazin out of the chamber, the stone doors grinding shut behind them. The noise echoed down the corridor longer than it should have.

They didn't speak at first.

Ryn slowed.

His breath caught as he stared ahead, at the faint glow seeping through the archway carved into the mountainside.

Beyond it lay the open air.

Beyond it lay the Evernight.

His heart slammed against his ribs.

Outside?

Ryn's feet refused to move.

"This is a mistake," he blurted.

Mazin halted a few steps ahead and turned back, brows knitting together. "What?"

"We can't just go out there," Ryn said quickly. "You don't understand—"

Mazin stared at him for a moment, then frowned. "What are you talking about?"

Ryn swallowed. His mind raced, scrambling for the right words, the right excuse.

"The Evernight," he said. "If we stay out too long—"

Mazin blinked.

Then his expression shifted—not to fear, but confusion.

"…Did you forget?" Mazin asked.

He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "We can endure it longer than the others."

Ryn froze.

Mazin gestured vaguely toward his chest. "Whatever that sickness is, it doesn't hit us the same. Never has."

He shrugged, like it was a known fact. Like it didn't deserve a second thought.

"We'll be fine," Mazin said. "We always are."

Was this what Kato was talking about? How some adapted to the sickness…

Along with that power from both Aria and Mazin. Could it really be?

Ryn glanced at his own hands, at the faint dissonance he felt between Nico's body and his own awareness.

So this group…they were the first.

A slow breath left him.

"…Right," Ryn said.

"We won't stay out long." Mazin nodded once, already turning away.

"Let's get going."

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