[DIAGNOSTIC LOG [ITERATION 196420173]: HANA PROTOCOL INITIATED — INTEGRITY CHECKSUM FAILED.


    HANA PROTOCOL CORRUPTED.


    REFACTORING…


    REBOOTING SEQUENCE 4a75646520313a36…


    REBOOT COMPLETE.


    INITIATING SEQUENCE…]


    ***


    Nebulous divine code dissolved into static, the sound of heavy rain creeping into my senses as the darkness receded. A burning sensation in my legs began to grow, my wet feet splashing through puddles—


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    We ran through the pouring rain in blind terror, the dark alley ominous at this late hour. Dumpsters and trash lined the sides as my sister half-dragged me by the arm, my small legs struggling to keep up.


    “Over here!” Her voice edged with fear-fuelled adrenaline.


    She stopped in front of one of the dumpsters, a ragged tarp covering some rotting wooden crates.


    “Get in.”


    Without a moment''s hesitation she pushed me under the tarp; the dry smell of musk a sharp contrast to the oppressive rain outside.


    Kneeling down beside me, I felt her warm breath on my cheek:


    “Whatever happens, you stay here, okay? You don’t move, no matter what you hear. Promise me, Ji-hyun!”


    I nodded, scared, trying not to cry any more for her.


    She lowered the tarp and stepped away.


    “Yuna!” I cried out, instantly afraid, lifting the tarp back up.


    Yuna knelt back down again and kissed my forehead gently, her hair plastered by the rain.


    “Don’t forget about me.” I whispered, staring into my big sister’s eyes with fear.


    “Never,” she swore with one last fleeting smile of love.


    Further back down the alley, the sound of sharp metal dragged along the brick wall, echoing with sinister intent. Yuna moved away from me, the rain silhouetting her in a shimmering silver aura.


    “He’s coming...” Her voice carried softly through the rain—