Nox opened his eyes, back in the apartment, but something was off.


    The walls of his apartment were stark white, untouched by grime.


    Golden sunbeams spilled through the windows, bathing the room in a warmth he hadn’t felt in years.


    He stood up with out hesitation - not feeling tired or exhausted for once.


    Walking towards the familiar window he noticed something.


    outside the City – Coreline – looked clean and polished he was so high above not even the smog could reach him anymore.


    The once-familiar chaos of his belongings was gone—everything was perfectly organized, eerily neat.


    He looked back where he woke up, on the bed, the mask sat upright, glowing faintly, its lights flickering Green and blue as if it were watching him.


    Looking around he noticed the room reeked of wealth and control, yet discomfort crawled down his spine.


    A voice cut through the silence. Zee.


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    Coming from the window. Nox''s glance rushed over the city space outing, he pulled the window open in search for the familiar sheet roof outside.


    Instead— The golden sunlight began to dissolve, replaced by thick black mist, swirling and devouring the light.


    A void erupted beyond the window, stretching into nothingness swallowing the light.


    Across the void, Zee stood on the edge of a crumbling building, her figure flickering like a broken hologram.


    Her voice twisted, distorted, almost accusatory.


    “N-N-o-x-x-x... You promised-d-d you’d fix-x-x this-s-s. What did you get m-e-e into? “


    Nox froze, his stomach twisting before shouting.


    “ I don’t know what you mean.”


    “I—I’m sorry.” His voice cracked with regret.


    The void widened, and the building Zee stood on began to collapse, piece by piece.


    Her form flickered— Then vanished into the abyss.


    Behind him— A heavy breath.


    Familiar, deep.


    it was Chet.


    Nox spun around, his pulse spiking. Chet stood in the doorway; his face obscured by shadows. “Why’d you leave me there?” His deep, resonant voice echoed. “You used me as a tool, didn’t you?”


    “ Chet, hear me out! I was gonna—" BANG. Chet slammed the golden metal door shut, the impact deafening. Nox was alone.


    A distant barking.


    Faint at first.


    Then closer.


    Sharp, loud and urgent.


    Relentless. Millio’s voice broke through the noise— Frantic.


    Panicked.” No! It wasn’t me! I didn’t do it—" His plea was cut off— By a blood-curdling scream. Nox stiffened, his breath hitching.


    Then— A whisper.


    Right in his ear thousands of times over and over again—it came of the mask, now glowing in a dangerous red watching his every move. “No more running, Nox. You already know what must be done.” The floor cracked beneath him.


    Then— It collapsed. Nox was falling.


    Below him— Zee, Chet, Millio.


    Staring up at him.


    Their faces blank.


    Unreadable. Nox tried to call out.


    Tried to reach for them.


    But his voice was gone.


    His hands— Falling apart.


    Dissolving into static.


    The void rushed up to meet him— Then— Gasping.


    Heart pounding. Nox jolted upright.