Neve stepped out of the palace gates without a word, the faint wind brushing her hair aside as her eyes searched the distant horizon.Tyrone, Lihanna, Felicia, and Raijin stood nearby, silent, each trying to read her expression but failing.
Felicia broke the stillness first, her voice heavy with fatigue.
"Things already happening in this group… no one gets along for too long."
Raijin smirked, leaning back against a stone column.
"I kinda agree with Neve's point though. Hearing him talk about world peace would throw anyone off."
Lihanna's tone sliced into the conversation like a blade.
"And just like Riah said—why are you following him then? Is it that you're afraid to be on that planet when the worst comes? Afraid you can't take it without him being there?"
Raijin's lip curled.
"Didn't you almost get your ass kicked by Gendai? You shouldn't be talking."
Lihanna didn't flinch. Her calm was unnerving.
"You're dodging my question. Just say it—you're a coward. You want to be near Kazimir to feel safe. Which doesn't add up, considering you believe he's a force of destruction. Kazimir was right—the Prismic Gathering are weak."
Tyrone stepped forward, his glare locking on Raijin.
"Watch your mouth."
Raijin's smirk deepened as he leaned closer, almost nose-to-nose.
"Look at you. Don't think just because you're getting some pussy you're some big shot, little man. You're a lil' boy to me. Punk ass."
Tyrone's hand shot up, gripping Raijin's collar with crushing force.
"The only punk here is you. I'm not following Kazimir for safety. Without him, a lot of us wouldn't even be here. Before? Nothing could stand to his level. But now… something happened—something that forced him to try. Sure, people died… but if he didn't step in, more would've died. Could you have made that call? Could you carry an entire world on your back? No—you've never felt that weight. So shut the fuck up. Without him, you wouldn't even be standing here. He protected your useless ass, even when you've done nothing but ride the fame of being in his squad, chasing women while you stay weak as shit. What have you done, Raijin? Not a damn thing! And now the truth's out—Kazimir is the Eye of Nullity. You know what that means… and you still chose to side with a sinner to protect you."
Jessie's hand touched Tyrone's arm.
"Please… Tyrone. You've said enough."
He exhaled sharply, eyes still locked on Raijin, before finally letting go.Kamaki chuckled from the side.
"Damn… you almost got your ass handed to you by Tyrone. Me? I wouldn't let anyone talk to me like that."
Felicia's voice cut through like a whip.
"Kamaki—quiet. Now isn't the time."
Kamaki held up his hands.
"Fine. Just trying to lighten the mood."
Far away, Gendai's eyes blinked open to an endless white ceiling. A single chair sat across from her bed, occupied by Vanessa, who watched her like a predator studying prey.
"Awake at last," Vanessa said, voice deceptively calm. "Tell me, what the hell were you thinking going berserk on Vrasnia's lands? Are you stupid? I've met succubi before, but you… you're different. You don't just seduce for power. You fixate. That's why Kazimir caught your eye, isn't it?"
Gendai's jaw tightened. "No. I've already achieved what I needed. I don't need him."
Vanessa's lips curled into a knowing smile."Oh really? Then why—back on Earth—when he was unconscious, did you cradle him in your lap instead of tending to the fight? Why stay by his side when you had the power to change the outcome? Your words aren't matching your actions."
Gendai's stare was hollow. Vanessa leaned forward, voice low."Just admit it—you desire him. But you can't accept the fact he'll never notice you. If you came here just to linger at his side hoping for scraps of attention, you're wasting your time. You'd be better off back on Earth."
Her tone darkened."You're lucky you're a guest of Kazimir. If it were up to me, I'd have killed every last one of you. The day he gives up on you, not a single one of you is leaving Vrasnia alive—except Riah and Jessie. They're Vrasnians. They belong here. Lihanna and Tyrone? Exception and Felicia as well since shes Riah apprentice but. Lihanna's blood runs with Vrasnian heritage. Tyrone? He's earned respect, shown interest in our legacy. The rest of you? Nothing but problems."
Gendai's voice rose into a shout. "You're sick! You're wicked!"
Vanessa chuckled darkly."Wicked? No. Kazimir's too nice, and you all exploit that. I've seen more than you could imagine. My role is to be what they won't—merciless. I don't want you to fear me, Gendai. I want you to understand me."
The chains on Gendai's wrists shattered under her strength as she rose, storming toward Vanessa.
Vanessa stood slowly, almost bored, before her fist shot forward—burying itself in Gendai's face with bone-cracking force. Blood sprayed, and Gendai crumpled to the floor.
She staggered back up, defiant."I don't care about your power—I'm not afraid of you!"
She lunged. Vanessa caught her punch mid-swing and—without hesitation—snapped her arm at the elbow. The crack was sharp, sickening. Gendai screamed, clutching the limp limb.
Vanessa didn't give her time to think. She flipped Gendai over, pinned her with a knee to the back, and began hammering her fist into her face. Each blow sent bursts of blood splattering the pristine floor. Gendai tried to shield herself, but her broken arm hung uselessly at her side.
"Stop! Please—stop!" she begged between sobs.
Vanessa's punches slowed, each one heavier than the last, pressing fear deep into Gendai's chest. Her body trembled uncontrollably. The sharp smell of urine hit the air—humiliation breaking her spirit.
Vanessa grabbed her by the hair, forcing her to look up. Her purple eyes were voids—no light, no warmth."Look at you. I thought you weren't afraid. Where's that fire now?"
Gendai shook violently, tears mixing with the blood on her face.
After seven minutes of relentless brutality, Vanessa finally stood, her fists dripping with crimson. She looked down at the shattered woman curled on the ground."Now you know your place. That's twice you've made this mistake. There won't be a third. You're free to leave."
Without another glance, Vanessa walked out, leaving Gendai broken, swollen, and sobbing in a pool of her own blood and shame.