Nyx paced restlessly in her dimly lit dorm, the soft glow of her halo casting faint shadows against the wall littered with strings, pictures, and crude sketches of the Chroma. At the center of it all was Yume. The dream still haunted her—Yume standing in the ruins of Kivotos, alive, stronger, and wielding something terrifying.

How? How was she alive? And more importantly, why did she have a scythe—just like her?

Her fingers twitched as she traced a red string leading from Yume's image to another: Shiroko Terror. The only other Terror she knew. If Yume was a Terror now, it meant one thing—there were more of them.

She had to find Shiroko.

---

Abydos District was a graveyard of crumbling buildings and forgotten memories, the remnants of a place long abandoned. As Nyx treaded carefully through the ruins, she felt something—a presence, watching her from the darkened corridors of the collapsed structures.

Then, the cold touch of steel pressed against the back of her head.

"What is Annihilation doing here?"

The voice was familiar, sharp and laced with suspicion. Shiroko Terror.

Nyx exhaled, slowly raising her hands. "Not here to fight. I need answers."

Shiroko hesitated before lowering the rifle, stepping into the moonlight. Her figure was shadowed, her gaze piercing. "Answers about what?"

Nyx turned to face her. "Yume. I saw her in a dream, but it felt real. She's alive, Shiroko. And she’s... different."

Shiroko’s expression darkened. "She just left a timeline. One that she destroyed. If you've seen her, it means she's moving between them. Stopping her is impossible."

Nyx clenched her fists. "Then we make it possible."

Shiroko scoffed, crossing her arms. "Even I couldn't land a real hit on her. What makes you think you can?"

Nyx hesitated before slowly reaching out her hand. In an instant, the scythe materialized within her grip, its blackened edge gleaming in the dim light.

Shiroko's eyes narrowed. "So it’s true. You're a Terror too."

Nyx inhaled sharply. "I haven’t had contact with Chroma. I haven’t... lost it. But if Yume has a scythe like mine, then I’ll have to fight her in close combat. The others can try to help, but long-range weapons won’t work. Not when she can cut through metal."

Shiroko was silent for a moment before nodding. "Guns and melee don’t mix well. This city is full of gunfighters. You, though... you might stand a chance. But we’ll need someone else."

Nyx sighed, already knowing what she meant. "Seia."

Shiroko nodded. "She’s Salvation. If anyone can help, it’s her."

Nyx groaned. "She’s too busy acting clingy. No way she’d even listen long enough to activate her Salvation form."

Shiroko smirked. "There’s always a chance."

---

Seia’s dorm was neat but filled with plush cushions and dim lighting, a space designed for comfort rather than battle. As soon as the door opened, Nyx barely had time to react before Seia’s arms wrapped around her tightly, pressing her close.

"Nyx! You’re okay!" Seia’s voice was warm, her embrace suffocating. "You didn’t visit me yesterday. I was worried!"

Nyx awkwardly patted her back. "I’m fine, really. I just... needed to talk."

Seia reluctantly pulled back, eyes filled with curiosity. "Talk about what?"

Nyx stepped aside, revealing Shiroko Terror leaning against the hallway wall, arms crossed.

Seia’s playful expression immediately vanished, replaced with wariness. "Ainbus? What are you doing here?"

Nyx exhaled. "It’s about a dream. About Yume."

Seia frowned, gesturing for them to enter. As they sat down, Nyx recounted everything—the dream, Yume’s presence, the scythe, the destruction of another timeline.

When she finally finished, she looked at Seia expectantly. "We need your help."

Seia’s answer was immediate. "No."

Nyx blinked. "What?"

Seia smiled, pulling Nyx closer again. "I’d rather stay here and cuddle. Why fight when we can just relax?"

Shiroko’s voice cut through the air like a knife. "How long do you think Nyx is going to be alive? It’s not forever."

Seia’s grip loosened. Her eyes flickered with hesitation.

Shiroko continued. "Death is possible. And I’ve seen it happen with my own eyes."

Seia remained silent, staring at the floor. The air grew thick with tension as realization settled in.

Yume was real. And if they didn’t act, she would destroy everything.

Seia clenched her fists, closing her eyes for a moment before looking up.

"Fine. I’ll help."