---
Aiko's Perspective
The morning light bled through the curtains, but Aiko barely noticed it. Her fingers curled tightly around the hem of her sleeves as she sat across from Yuki in the quiet room. He hadn't spoken since she entered.
She could feel it in the air—the tension, the void residue clinging to him like smoke.
"Yuki," she said softly, breaking the silence. "I need to tell you what I saw."
His eyes lifted to meet hers. For a moment, they were unreadable—void and storm behind calm lids.
"I saw you in the void," Aiko continued. "Not just your power. You. A version of you I didn't recognize."
Yuki tilted his head. "What do you mean?"
"You weren't lost," she said. "You ruled it. The void bent around you like it was your birthright. You didn't just control it… you embraced it. But there was something else."
She hesitated.
"There was someone standing beside you. A fox-like silhouette, tall, wrapped in flames. His face was hidden, but he whispered your name. Not in warning… but with pride."
Yuki's hands clenched. "So I was right. He's not just a hallucination."
Aiko nodded. "No. He's real. And he wants you to reach him."
Yuki stood, his aura flaring softly—enough to make the air feel heavier.
"And if I do?"
"I don't know," Aiko said honestly. "But I think… it'll change everything."
---
Ren's Perspective
Far from the house, Ren stood on the highest peak of the forest, eyes closed. He could feel the stir in the wind. Mythic energy was gathering—slowly, but surely.
"Soon," he whispered.
He opened his eyes. A flicker of movement caught his attention near the base of the cliff.
A new presence.
He vanished instantly, reappearing behind a cloaked figure who stood barefoot on the rocks.
The figure didn't flinch.
"You're early," Ren said coldly. "This isn't your time."
The figure chuckled beneath the hood. "Time is fragile. Just like masks."
Ren's eyes narrowed. "He's not ready for you yet."
"No," the figure said. "But he will be."
And in a blink—he vanished.
Ren turned back to the forest, jaw tight.
It's starting… faster than expected.
---
Yuki's Perspective
That night, he sat again outside under the stars.
Himari approached silently, stopping beside him.
"You're troubled," she said.
Yuki didn't look at her. "I think I saw who I really am."
She nodded. "Did it scare you?"
"…No," he said after a pause. "It made me feel like I've been lying to myself."
She glanced at him. "Then maybe it's time to stop lying."
He turned to her. "Do you think I'll lose control?"
Himari met his gaze, her tone calm but sharp. "Only if you keep fearing what you are."
---
End of Chapter 31
"If you're enjoying the ride, don't forget to leave a power stone or a comment—it really helps this grow!"