(From Yenoa’s Perspective)

Pitch black. I knew I’d been pulled into a dream—but how to wake? Darkness swallowed everything.

If this were a normal dream, awareness alone should free me.

Maybe this was one rare gift from that forbidden magic.

But why pure void? Dream magic draws souls into sweet dreams… so why drift in nothingness? No happiness left in the world? Or the magic’s shield?

I didn’t care. I only needed to find Xi and save her.

She couldn’t tell dream from reality. She’d sink deeper… until death took her.

I walked. And walked. Lost in endless dark.

Then—a flicker of light.

Brilliant. Vivid. A single beacon in the void.

Xi ignited hope in this dull world. Just as this light pierced the darkness, she lit my heart. She is the light of my life.

This had to be Xi’s dream.

I never believed in fate… but I’d cling to it now. Just let me find Xi…

…

Ah… So this truly was Xi’s dream.

I’ve finally found you…

But seeing you snuggled up with that damn Roland right after… it really hurt.

I don’t oppose your love. Honestly? A little envious.

“Hero saves the beauty”… such a yearned-for fantasy…

Yet Roland… utterly repulsive.

Xi, you’re pure and kind. But he gave you that illness. Let a filthy parasite infest you.

This sin demands reckoning—but if he dies, you’d shatter. So… let him live. For now.

But the dream-version? I can kill him freely. It’s just a dream.

…

Xi, shielding him won’t help. He *is* your sweet dream. Only his death wakes you.

…

Killing him… felt like nothing. Just a dream.

If anything? Like crushing an ant.

But now—we can leave.

…

Hm? The dream shifted. Why? Why aren’t we waking?

You’re… little Xi? So adorable!

Huh? I’m small too? Are we children again?

This feels like when I first arrived at the palace…

Xi, you’re still so warm, so understanding. Only you. *Only you* make me happy.

Xi…

I vowed:

As long as I breathe, not a single harm shall touch you. As long as I stand, no sorrow will reach you.

…

Time with you is my happiest memory. I’d trade my life to freeze this moment forever.

But I can’t be selfish anymore. I know—if we stay, I die. *You* die.

I won’t let you die.

Time to leave…

!!!

What?!

Why did the dream twist again? Why *here*?!

Mom… Dad? Still a dream!

Hah! Know I won’t die in sweet dreams? So you send a nightmare?

Memory flashes: soon, a cult leader bursts in. Mom and Dad slay him—but fall gravely wounded. Cultists swarm. Uncles, aunts—they sacrifice themselves for me. After teleporting me away… Mom and Dad self-destruct.

Since this nightmare aims to kill me… I’ll die here too.

Magic or not, cultists outnumber me.

Maybe fate demands my death. But Xi… where are you? Trapped here? In your own dream? Escaped?

No—! I sense Xi!

She’s *in* this nightmare! Still in the city—swarming with cultists!

What do I do?! Xi, please… stay safe!

Roland! If you can… save Xi *once more*!

I’ll forgive everything. Just… keep her safe.

Ah—the cult leader arrives.

Xi… I may never see you again.

The past me ran. But this is a dream. I *can* fight.

I watched helplessly as Mom, Dad, uncles, aunts died buying me time.

Now I have strength. They aren’t real—but I’ll protect them. Atone for my past weakness. Erase every trace of regret.

Just as I steeled myself to fight like they did—

—the door exploded inward. A figure I despised sent the cult leader flying with one strike.

Then… a familiar, beloved sight: little Silva, her voice sweet as honey:

“Big brother, you’re amazing! Oh! Found you at last, Yaya!”

Xi… I’m so glad you’re safe.

Roland…

Reluctantly… thank you.