Energy Unleashed

Aldo's House

Aldo's modest house sat in the heart of a lively Surabaya neighborhood, buzzing with the sound of morning activity. The living room was a cozy chaos—holographic gaming consoles stacked beside a worn couch, and sunlight streaming through a cracked window, illuminating tiny dust motes that danced in the air.

Wahyu sat on the couch, gripping his phone tightly as his eyes widened in disbelief. He read Indra's message twice before his jaw dropped.

Wahyu:

"Sumpah?! Andi bawa cewek dari portal?!"

("Really?! Andi brought a girl from the portal?!")

He leapt to his feet, pacing frantically.

Wahyu:

"Bukan Reika dari anime itu?! Kok bisa nyampe dunia kita?!"

("Isn't that Reika from the anime?! How'd she end up in our world?!")

Indra lay sprawled on the floor, scrolling through memes with zero urgency. He barely looked up.

Indra:

"Gak ngerti dah. Andi bilang ada portal di parkiran, terus tiba-tiba cewek ini nyungsep keluar, bonyok parah. Sekarang lagi di RSUD sama Andi."

("Idk. Andi said, a portal in the parking lot, and then this girl just face-planted out of it, totally wrecked. She's at the city hospital with Andi now.")

He stood up lazily and stretched.

Indra:

"Gua mau bikin roti bakar."

("I'm gonna make some toast.")

Aldo, who had been cleaning the coffee table with a rag, stopped mid-motion. His brows furrowed as he processed the words.

Aldo:

"Wait... Andi bawa cewek?"

("Wait a minute... Andi brought a girl?")

He set the rag down, arms crossing over his chest.

Aldo:

"Biasanya dia cuma ngerjain bisnis cafe. Gua aja ga pernah lihat dia deket sama cewek lain. Emang iya?"

("Usually, he just messes around with the cafe businesses. Like, I ain't ever seen him gettin' close to other chicks. Is that for real?")

Wahyu stopped pacing, his face lighting up with sudden excitement.

Wahyu:

"Hell nah! Gua mau lihat Andi ketemu Reika!"

("Hell nah! I want to see Andi meet Reika!")

He grabbed his jacket from the couch, already heading toward the door.

Wahyu:

"Gua ke RSUD sekarang!"

("I'm going to the hospital now!")

Indra poked his head out from the kitchen, a slice of toast between his teeth, smirking.

Indra:

"Paling nyawa lu bakal dicabut gara-gara liat sempak dia."

("At most, your life will be taken away because you saw her panties.")

Wahyu:

"Bukan gitu, tolol!"

(Not like that, idiot!)

Wahyu snapped, pointing at him, his face half irritated, half serious.

Wahyu:

"Gua kepo cuk! Andi ketemu Reika! Lagipula, kalo dia luka parah, Andi Minta tolong ke kita!."

("I'm curious, idiot! Andi met Reika! Besides, if he gets seriously injured, Andi will ask us for help!")

Indra rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the grin tugging at his lips. He stuffed the last bite of toast into his mouth and grabbed his jacket.

Indra:

"Ok, gue cabut juga. Bosen di rumah. Tapi kalo kita mokat gegara reaper cewek ini, Wahyu yang salah."

("Ok, I'll come too. I'm bored at home. But if we die because of this reaper girl, I'm blaming Wahyu.")

Wahyu:

"Gak akan! Gua punya problem solver!"

(Hell nah! I've got a problem solver!)

The trio burst out of Aldo's house, laughter and insults echoing through the morning streets as they squeezed onto Aldo's beat-up electric scooter—barely big enough for three. The engine whirred to life, sputtering like an old fan, and they sped off into the sunrise.

9:23 AM

Hospital Room – Morning Light

The quiet hum of hospital machinery filled the air, blending with the gentle rhythm of the morning breeze that slipped through the half-open blinds. Andi sat in the chair beside Reika's bed, his phone now tucked away after a short dive into Wikipedia about "Blaze Wizard." The faint glow of the city skyline reflected in his eyes, but his focus stayed on the girl before him—the reaper from another world.

Reika rested against the pillows, her hazel eyes calm but alert, like a predator pretending to sleep. Her bandaged leg was propped comfortably, and beside her, the fractured piece of her scythe-staff pulsed faintly with a dim red light—a reminder that she wasn't from this reality.

Andi shifted in his seat, breaking the silence with a hesitant warmth in his voice. He gestured toward the empty bowl on her tray, then leaned forward slightly, his tone careful but sincere.

Andi:

"Anata... taberu... ii? Oishii?"

("You... eat... good? Delicious?")

Reika's sharp gaze softened for the first time. She nodded slightly, her voice quiet but less cold than before.

Reika:

「...美味かった。」

"...Umakatta."

("...It was delicious.")

Her eyes flicked toward the bowl, then back at him.

Reika:

「この...食べ物、何だ？」

"Kono... tabemono, nan da?"

("This... food, what is it?")

Andi chuckled in relief. She was talking to him—not defensively, not suspiciously, just... talking.

Andi:

"Itu opor teluyam. Makanan khas Indonesia. Ada telur, santan... uh, coconut milk?"

("That's opor teluyam. Traditional Indonesian food. It's got eggs, coconut milk...")

He mimed stirring a pot and grinned at his own awkward explanation.

Andi:

"Anata... suki?"

("You... like?")

Reika's lips twitched, a faint smile threatening to surface.

Reika:

「...我の故郷にも、似た味があった。」

"...Ware no kokyou ni mo, nita aji ga atta."

("...My homeland had something with a similar taste.")

Her gaze wandered to the window, sunlight catching her red eyes. For a moment, something fragile flickered across her face—nostalgia, or perhaps homesickness—before she buried it under the stoic calm of a warrior.

Andi noticed. He leaned back, careful not to intrude, He tried again in Japanese, slow and clumsy but heartfelt.

Andi:

"Anata... kokyou... miss?"

("You... homeland... miss?")

He placed a hand on his pocket, then pointed toward the window—an awkward, wordless gesture of empathy.

Reika didn't answer. Her fingers brushed against the glowing fragment of her scythe, her expression unreadable. The silence stretched, but it wasn't uncomfortable—more like two strangers quietly acknowledging each other's pain.

Andi watched her, the corners of his lips curving into a faint smile.

" Lo bukan cuma karakter anime doang... lo tuh nyata, dan lo punya cerita sendiri gitu loh."

("You're not just a character from an anime... you're real, and you've got your own story.")

He breathed out, a still quiet, trying to figure things out, filled him.

"Gua ga tau apa yang lagi terjadi, tapi gua bakal bantu lu, Reika."

("I don't know what's going on, but I'm gonna help you, Reika.")

Reika turned her head slightly, her hazel eyes meeting his. She didn't understand the words, but she understood the tone—the honesty. Her gaze lingered for a moment longer before she looked away again.

A faint nod—barely noticeable—was her answer.

It wasn't trust. Not yet. But it was a start.

The quiet between Andi and Reika barely lasted a minute. The soft hum of the hospital monitor, the rhythmic flicker of the scythe fragment—everything felt momentarily peaceful.

You think this is peaceful?

BAM!

The door flew open with the force of a small explosion. The serenity shattered like glass.

Wahyu stumbled in with wild energy, his grin stretched ear to ear, striking a heroic anime pose as the fluorescent lights framed him dramatically.

Wahyu:

"こんにちは、レイカ姫！"

"KONNICHIBA, RE IKA HIME!"

("Good night, Reika!")

He Loud, confident, proud—completely unaware that the timing could not have been worse.

but-

THWACK!

Andi kicked it and landed squarely on Wahyu's groin. The proud grin vanished from Wahyu's face as his soul briefly left his body.

Wahyu:

"Bi... bijiku..."

("My... jewels...")

His voice rose into an unnatural squeak as he collapsed in slow motion to the sterile white floor, clutching himself in agony.

Reika's hazel eyes widened instantly, her reaper instincts flaring to life. Her hand shot to the glowing scythe fragment, power trembling in her palm—ready to strike. But when she saw Wahyu writhing on the ground like a defeated goblin, she paused. Confusion replaced alarm.

Andi glared at Wahyu, his voice dropping into a low growl.

Andi:

"Berisik Bangsat!"

("Shut up, bastard!")

He folded his arms, glaring down at Wahyu's pathetic heap on the floor, his patience already threadbare.

Behind him, the sound of laughter broke through—Indra, leaning against the doorframe, was wheezing so hard he could barely breathe.

Indra:

"AHAHAHA! Gua... gak... tahan, cuk!"

("AHAHAHA! I... can't... take it, bro!")

He doubled over, clutching his stomach, tears threatening to spill from his eyes.

Aldo finally stepped into the room, face blank, the eternal picture of calm irritation. He sighed, rubbing his temple like a weary teacher watching his students fail spectacularly.

Aldo:

"Oi, bangun. Jangan bikin malu di depan Reika."

("Oi, get up. Please don't embarrass us in front of Reika.")

His tone was flat, but his eyes carried the subtle glare of a man who had already accepted that peace was impossible whenever Wahyu existed.

Wahyu groaned on the floor in response, barely lifting a finger in protest.

Reika blinked, processing the chaos with visible disbelief. The people of this world were... strange. Very strange.

And for the first time since arriving, a small sound escaped her lips—

a soft, almost hidden chuckle.

A few minutes later, Wahyu sat on the floor, still wincing but trying to act composed.

Wahyu:

ごめんなさい、Andi and Reika.

("Sorry, Andi and Reika.")

He bowed stiffly, face red. "Because my mistake, cuy..." he muttered, grimacing.

Indra snorted from the wall.

Indra:

Dari kecil emang tolol sih.

("He's been kinda dumb since he was a kid, tbh.")

Andi sighed, his irritation melting into a tired smile. He glanced at Reika, who now seemed more curious than defensive.

Andi:

この友人を紹介させてください。

("kono yūjin o shōkai sasetekudasai.")

("Let me introduce my friends.")

He gestured to them.

Andi:

Ini Wahyu, Indra, sama Aldo. Kadang berisik, tapi orangnya baik. ("Sometimes noisy, but good guys.")

Reika's hazel eyes studied them.

Reika:

「レイカだよ。君たち...騒がしいんだから」

(re ikadayo . kuntachi ... sawagashī ndakara)

("It's Reika. You guys... are so noisy..")

Wahyu grinned weakly.

Wahyu:

Hehe, sori ya, Reika. Gue cuma excited aja gitu ketemu lo.

("Hehe, sorry 'bout that, Reika. I was just kinda stoked to see you, ya know?")

Indra smirked.

Indra:

Nggak usah nanya yang aneh-aneh deh, bre. Entar dia ngamuk, kelar idup lo.

("Don't ask weird stuff, dude. He'll get mad, and you're toast.")

Aldo stepped forward calmly.

Aldo:

「アンディがさ、君がひどい怪我してたって言ってたけど、もう大丈夫になったの？」

("Andi gasa , kimi ga hidoi kega shite tatte ittetakedo , mō daijōbu ni nattano?")

("Andi said you were badly injured, are you okay now?")

Reika hesitated, then nodded slightly.

Reika:

「...我は回復している。感謝する。」

(" ... waga wa kaifuku shiteiru . kansha suru . ")

("...I'm recovering. Thank you.")

Andi sighs faintly, watching the chaos turn into a quiet connection.

Andi muttered under his breath, eyes flicking toward the glowing scythe fragment.

Andi:

"Besok gua cari cara masukin ke dunia dia... gimana ya?"

("Tomorrow I'll find a way into her world... but how?")

Wahyu was still sitting on the floor, rubbing his sore groin, while Aldo and Indra stood near Reika's bed, talking to her in clumsy Japanese. Reika listened quietly—guarded, but not hostile anymore.

Andi leaned toward Wahyu.

Andi:

"Lu kan tau anime semua, ya kan? Reika di anime tuh kayak gimana sih? Gue baca Wiki, tapi sekarang dia udah beda banget."

("You know everything about anime, right? What's Reika like in the anime? I read the Wiki, but she's so different now.")

Wahyu perked up, eyes gleaming.

Wahyu:

"Reika Enjou di Kala Saga itu definisi Wizard of Blaze paling GG sih! Obsesi abis sama magic Explosion dari apa pun! Kek elemen air, dark, gempa, yang penting BOOM! Kelakuannya bocil banget—sok cool, ngomongnya ala samurai, plus: gemes. Tapi loyal banget sama party-nya, especially Reina Kagemori."

("Reika Enjou in Kala Saga is like, the ULTIMATE Wizard of Blaze, seriously! Totally obsessed with Explosion magic from anything! Like water, dark, earthquake elements, you name it, as long as it goes BOOM! Acts super childish—tries to be cool, talks like a samurai, and is kinda cute. But she's super loyal to her party, especially Reina Kagemori.")

He paused, glancing at the calm, almost solemn girl before them.

Wahyu:

"Tapi ya gitu deh... di sini dia nggak se-itu."

("But yeah, that's the thing... he's not all that into it/that way here.")

Andi's face fell as he explained to Wahyu. Wahyu realized Andi spoke truth after hearing Reika Enjou's name.

Andi:

"Gue kaga nemu updatetan apa-apa di internet. Kayaknya... dunia dia udah beda, deh?"

("I can't find any updates about them online. Looks like... they're in a different world now, huh?")

Wahyu leaned closer, curious now.

Wahyu:

"Aneh sih. Reika... kok bisa sampe di sini? お前の世界と全然違うのに、なんでまたスラバヤに落ちてきたの？"

(maji kayo , Reika ... nande koko ni iru nda ？omae no sekai to zenzen chigaunoni , nande mata surabaya ni ochitekitano ？)

("Strange. Reika... how did you end up here? This world's totally different—why Surabaya?")

Reika's eyes narrowed. She studied them for a long moment, then slowly reached under her hospital gown and pulled out a small, jagged purple stone. Its glow pulsed faintly.

Reika:

「この石...転移の力を持つ。」

(" kono ishi ... teni no chikara o motsu . ")

("This stone holds teleportation power.")

Her voice grew low.

「我は...追われていた。敵から逃れるため、これを使った。」

(" waga wa ... owareteita . teki kara nogareru tame , kore o tsukatta . ")

("I was being chased. To escape my enemies, I used it.")

The four boys leaned closer. The stone's eerie hum filled the air—and the scythe fragment on the table began to glow in rhythm with it, casting strange shadows across the room.

Andi lowered his voice, his gaze fixed on the faintly glowing stone in Reika's palm.

Andi:

"Itu... yang bawa kamu ke sini?"

("That's... what brought you here?")

He pulled out his phone, launching an AI scanning app. A holographic blue light shimmered over the stone as data scrolled rapidly: Unknown energy signature. Possible quantum displacement properties. His brow furrowed deeper with unease.

Wahyu leaned closer, curiosity taking over again.

Wahyu:

「石...どうやって使う？」

("Ishi... dou yatte tsukau?")

("The stone... how do you use it?")

He mimed holding the stone and opening an invisible portal.

Reika hesitated, her grip on the stone tightening. After a brief glance at Andi—whose steady gaze gave her quiet assurance—she answered in a calm, guarded tone.

Reika:

「この石は...特定の呪文で発動する。だが...我の力は今、弱っている。」("Kono ishi wa... tokutei no jumon de hatsudou suru. Daga... ware no chikara wa ima, yowatte iru.")

("This stone... activates through a specific spell. But... my power is weak right now.")

Her expression darkened.

Reika:

「そして...危険だ。敵が...まだ追ってくる可能性がある。」

("Soshite... kiken da. Teki ga... mada otte kuru kanousei ga aru.")

("And... it's dangerous. The enemy may still be chasing me.")

The group exchanged tense glances. Andi's AI app beeped again with a warning: Energy fluctuations detected. Recommend containment. He shut it off and pocketed the device.

Andi:

"Musuh dari dunia lain... dan sekarang lu di sini."

("Enemies from another world... and now you're here.")

He met her gaze, determination hardening his voice.

Andi:

"Whatever itu yang ngejar-ngejar lo, kita sikat abis bareng."

("Whatever's chasing you, we'll face it together.")

Reika's hazel eyes softened slightly, flickering with hesitant trust.

Andi reopened the scan, projecting the hologram above the stone. Lines of data filled the air—Quantum displacement matrix, Residual mana signature, and one highlighted phrase: Thunder-based energy conduit.

Andi:

"Thunder... energi petir."

("Thunder... lightning energy.")

He glanced at the others, eyes glinting with an idea.

Andi:

"Gua punya ide—Thunder Gloves."

("I've got an idea—Thunder Gloves.")

He mimed sparking electricity between his hands.

Andi:

"Oke, kalo energi petir dari batu ini bisa kita manfaatin, mungkin bisa jadi senjata... atau buat bantuin Reika, sih."

("Alright, so if we can harness the lightning energy from this stone, maybe it could become a weapon... or to help Reika, I guess.")

Reika's hazel eyes narrowed, her tone a mix of caution and curiosity.

Reika:

「雷の力...危険だ。石のエネルギーは不安定だ。」

("Rai no chikara... kiken da. Ishi no enerugii wa fuantei da.")

("The power of thunder... is dangerous. The stone's energy is unstable.")

Andi nodded, understanding her warning. He leaned closer, his tone calm but resolute.

Andi: "レイカ、マジで気楽にして。許可なしに触ったりしないから、全然大丈夫だって"

("re ika , majide kiraku ni shite . kyoka nashi ni sawat tari shinaikara , zenzen daijōbu datte .")

("Reika, seriously take it easy.. I won't touch you without your permission, so it's okay..")

The soft glow from the stone reflected in both their eyes—one cautious, one determined—as the air in the room seemed to hum with unseen potential.

Andi's tone softened, his gaze steady as he pointed to the glowing stone in Reika's hand.

Andi:

「わかってるよ、めぐみん。しかし...この雷エネルギーを使用することのリスクは何でしょうか?この石は安全ですか？それともあなたのために？」("Wakatteru yo, Reika. Shikashi... kono kaminari enerugī o shiyō suru koto no risuku wa nanideshou ka? Kono ishi wa anzendesu ka? Soretomo anata no tame ni?")

("I get it, Reika. But... what's the risk of using this thunder energy? Is it safe for the stone? Or for you?")

Reika hesitated, her eyes darting between Andi and the stone. She exhaled slowly, her voice even but heavy with caution.

Reika:

「雷のエネルギーは強力だが、制御が難しい。我の魔力が弱っている今、誤れば石は壊れる...あるいは我を傷つける。」

("Rai no enerugii wa kyouryoku daga, seigyo ga muzukashii. Ware no maryoku ga yowatte iru ima, ayamareba ishi wa kowareru... arui wa ware o kizu tsukeru.")

("The thunder energy is powerful, but difficult to control. With my magic weakened, a single mistake could destroy the stone... or injure me.")

She lowered her gaze, her tone deepening.

「さらに...石を使うと、敵に我の位置が知られる可能性がある。」

("Sara ni... ishi o tsukau to, teki ni ware no ichi ga shirareru kanousei ga aru.") ("Furthermore... using the stone could reveal my location to my enemies.")

The group fell silent, uneasy glances passing between them. Andi nodded slowly, his mind spinning with possibilities but his resolve unbroken.

Andi:

"Gua ngerti risikonya. でも...この石を借りてもいいですか？"

("Risuku wa shōchi shiteruyo. Demo... kono ishi o karite mo īdesu ka?")

("I understand the risks. But... can I borrow the stone?")

Reika's hazel eyes fixed on him, sharp and searching for any sign of deceit. What she found instead was sincerity — raw and determined. After a moment's pause, she extended her hand, the stone resting on her palm. Her fingers lingered slightly before letting go.

Reika:

「なぜ...この石を借りたい？」

("Naze... kono ishi o karitai?")

("Why... do you want to borrow this stone?")

Andi closed his hand around the stone, feeling its pulse — warm, alive, almost breathing. His eyes met hers, filled with quiet fire.

Andi:

"Buat nyelametin dunia lu, Reika."

("To save your world, Reika.")

He added softly, his Japanese rough but resolute:

「あなたの世界...助ける。」

("Anata no sekai... tasukeru.")

("Your world... I'll save.")

The room suddenly froze.

Wahyu stared, face empty. He couldn't believe the grinning fool before him.

Wahyu:

"Goks... Serius amat dah."

("Damn... Dead serious.")

Indra smiled, a hint of wonder peeking through his calm face.

Indra:

"Jadi, lu beneran mau main isekai, bro?"

("So, you really gonna play isekai, bro?")

Aldo crossed his arms, a small smile playing on his lips.

Aldo:

"Let him cook, guys."

Reika's stare lingered on Andi, her hazel eyes trembling for the first time — not from fear, but from something unfamiliar: trust.

Reika:

「...理解不能だが、貴様の目は嘘をついていない。」

("...Rikai funou daga, kisama no me wa uso o tsuite inai.")

("...I cannot comprehend it, but your eyes do not lie.")

Andi slipped the stone carefully into his pocket, its faint glow flickering against the fabric. He turned toward the door, his voice calm but certain.

Andi:

"Gue cabut ke apartemen bentaran ya. Ada something yang harus gue ambil nih."

("I'm gonna dip to my apartment real quick. Gotta grab something.")

He glanced back at her with a reassuring nod.

"Lu istirahat dulu. Kita urus ini bareng."

("You rest for now. We'll handle this together.")

He walked down the dark hospital hall. The teleport stone on his chest buzzed softly. Behind him, the room was quiet. Everyone looked unsure. Reika stared at the closed door, hearing Andi's promise in her head.

Andi's Apartment

Andi looked in a messy box, throwing away old tech. He found black gloves with wires—his own invention from a late night. He held the teleport stone. His eyes showed he was ready.

Andi:

"Nah, ketemu! Project Gloves, versi 1.0."

("Alright, found it! Project Gloves, version 1.0.")

He inspects the nodes, then glances at the stone.

Andi:

"Kalau teori gue bener, kayaknya ini bisa buat nyalurin energi petir dari batu itu deh."

("If my theory's right, I think this could channel lightning energy from that rock, ya know?")

He slips on the gloves, flexing his fingers as circuitry hums to life. A holographic interface projects from the wristbands, displaying a startup sequence. A synthetic voice chimes crisply.

System: Thunder System Online. Calibration initiated. Please stand by.

Andi takes a deep breath, excitement coursing through him. The gloves sync with his movements, lightweight and precise. He holds the teleportation stone near the gloves, its purple glow intensifying.

Andi:

"Oke, uji coba dimulai."

("Alright, let's kick off the test run.")

Test Attempts:

Attempt 1: He clenches the stone in his fist. Gloves spark faintly, but nothing happens.

Andi: "Dih kecil amat." ("Ugh, it's so tiny.")

Attempt 3: A small bolt of purple lightning arcs between his fingers, scorching the floor.

Andi: "Cuk, untung aja!" ("Man, I'm lucky!")

Attempt 6: Gloves hum louder; a faint portal-like shimmer appears, then collapses instantly.

Andi: "ANJIR DIKIT LAGI!" ("OMG, SO CLOSE!")

Attempt 10: He takes a deep breath, focuses intently. The gloves glow with crackling purple electricity. A jagged portal tears open, swirling violet and black energy, identical to the parking lot portal. Wind ruffles his hair; static hums in the air.

Andi: (panting) "Goks... beneran berhasil nih!" ("Crazy... it actually worked!")

He watches the portal carefully, recalling Reika's warning about enemies. He clenches his fist; the gloves power down, and the portal collapses with a soft pop. Sweat drips from his brow. He sets the stone down, its glow dimming, and grabs his phone to update the "Surabaya Squad" group chat.

Group Chat: "Circle golden kw"

Andi: "Gua bisa!" ("I did it!")

Wahyu: "Sumpah?! Lu beneran buka portal?!" ("No way?! You really opened a portal?!")

Andi: "Yaudah, kita mending ngumpul di mana nih?" ("Alright, where should we meet?")

Aldo: "Di rumah gua aja, lebih aman." ("At my place. It's safer.")

Andi chuckles at the replies but grows serious as he pockets the stone and gloves. He glances at the scorched spot on the floor—a reminder of the raw power he's handling. His resolve hardens; he's stepping into something far bigger than himself.

Andi:

"Oke deh... hari ini aku ngegas abis."

("Alright... I'm going full throttle today.")

He grabs his sweater, securing the gloves and stone in a pouch, and strides toward the elevator, determined. The camera follows, capturing his purposeful steps.

Nusantara International Hospital

Reika rests in her hospital bed, hazel eyes distant, staring at Surabaya's gleaming skyline. Wahyu, Indra, and Aldo have stepped out for drinks, leaving her alone. The scythe fragment pulses faintly, syncing with her uneven breaths. The quiet presses on her, stirring memories she'd tried to bury.

Her eyes flutter, her vision blurring as a wave of memories crashes over her. The hospital room dissolves, replaced by a haunting flashback: a chaotic, burning city bathed in fiery light. Shadows of enemies and allies, screams and explosions, flicker across her mind. The pulse of the scythe-staff fragment echoes each heartbeat, pulling her deeper into the past she thought she'd left behind.

Reika's fingers tighten around the fragment. Her hazel eyes glint with a mixture of fear, anger, and determination—reminders of the battles she's fought and the reason she fled to this world.

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