The great hall of the Vrasnian palace was quiet except for the faint echo of footsteps and the hum of the ever-present night outside. The purple moonlight poured in through the tall windows, casting the stone floor in a ghostly glow.
Kazimir's voice broke the silence—calm, measured, but carrying that weight that made the air feel heavier.
"Neve," he said, turning just enough to meet her eyes. "Mind telling me what happened out there?"
Neve hesitated, her throat tight. "…I didn't know it would go that far. I didn't mean for it to escalate—it's my fault."
Kazimir studied her, his expression unreadable. "Oh… the same thing between Gendai and Riah all over again. Let me guess—Gendai fought the instinct to kill, didn't hold back… and nearly turned this country into a casualty of her wrath."
Neve's voice dropped to almost a whisper. "…Yes." She swallowed. "I'm sorry."
Kazimir exhaled slowly, the sound more like disappointment than anger. "As much respect as I have for you as a leader… that's your flaw. You let things escalate too far. Curiosity first, consequences second." His gaze drifted briefly to the towering Vrasnian banners. "The survivors here—after the corruption swept through—used everything they had just to keep breathing. They don't want fear anymore. They're trying to rebuild a world that feels safe." His voice hardened. "Do not… disturb… that peace."
Neve's eyes narrowed, her voice cutting sharp through the tension. "Yeah? Well… nobody told you to become a terrorist to Earth."
The room froze.
Jessie's eyes widened. "Neve…" she said softly, warning in her tone.
Kazimir didn't move. Didn't blink. The stillness was more dangerous than if he had shouted.
"That's taking it too far," Jessie stepped forward, hand out. "Just listen—this world isn't like Earth—"
Neve shoved her hand away. "No. He shouldn't be one to talk about peace when he's done worse. You want to lecture me on responsibility?" Her voice rose, trembling with frustration. "You traumatized an entire world back in Capriha. You talk about protecting people when you've been catastrophe itself."
Riah stepped in, her voice firm. "Enough. There's no need—"
"Don't you start," Neve snapped, turning to her. "Or are you just going to be his yes-man forever? Even when you know I'm right?"
Riah's eyes narrowed.
"He's a hypocrite," Neve went on. "Destroyed Capriha. Caused disasters across the globe. Killed… millions. And now he sits here, spouting words about peace like he's some savior. He is catastrophe."
Jessie reacted fast, grabbing Neve and clamping a hand over her mouth. "That's enough!" she hissed, pulling her back.
Riah's stare didn't waver. "…If he's such a catastrophe, why are you still following him? You could've stayed in Capriha—where it's 'safer' from the monster you claim he is."
Kazimir finally spoke, his tone cool but cutting through the room like a blade. "And for that reason… is why I'll never return to Earth. When that world needs me most, I won't be there." His gaze shifted toward the statue of Karah, the faint glow of its stone features reflecting in his eyes. "Vrasnia is my only concern now. This… is where I belong."
Without waiting for a reply, he turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing until the doors closed behind him.
No one moved. The silence was oppressive.
Tyrone, Lihanna, Kamaki, Raijin, and Felicia stood stiff, uncertain whether to speak. Jessie released Neve but kept her eyes on the floor.
Riah turned to Neve, her voice low but cutting. "You… showed your true colors today. I always saw you as light—someone everyone could respect. But now? You're someone who's willing to twist the knife, even here. Earth is safe for now… but the day will come when it needs him again." She stepped closer, her pale white flames faintly sparking at her fingertips. "And when that day comes… you'll regret wishing away the very catastrophe you condemn."
Without another word, Riah turned and walked out, her footsteps fading into the same purple-lit silence.