"S-stop spewing that bullshit, you motherfucker—!" Epherene shouted.0

For the first time in her life, a curse she had never spoken blasted from Epherene’s lips, ringing out like thunder and shaking the entire house. The walls trembled, and with a furious stomp, Epherene drove her foot into the ground.0

“You son of a bitch—argh!”0

Wood Steel gripped the back of her neck and commanded, "Be still."0

“Let me go! Let me go!” Epherene shouted, thrashing like a fish pulled from water.0

"This is your dream. If you stumble, you alone will face the consequences," Wood Steel said, his grip steady as he restrained her.0

“... Why are you…!”0

"Remember what you’ve learned so far. How long will you continue to remain so immature?"0

The words felt as if they had come directly from Deculein himself, and because of that, Epherene found herself calming, though only slightly, before locking her burning eyes on Decalane. 0

Decalane smiled and said, “... Child, the day will come when you understand. Your destiny was sealed at the very moment you were conceived—”0

At that moment, the metal fragments scattered by Wood Steel began to resonate, forming a barrier that disrupted the connection between air and matter. As a result, it silenced the world entirely, cutting off the transmission of sound.0

Decalane shook his head with intentional slowness and moved his lips, though no sound escaped. Epherene followed the slight movements of his mouth, straining to piece together his muted words.0

— In this world, you stand alone. Place your trust only in yourself.0

And with that, Decalane faded into nothingness.0

... The mansion’s room now blanketed in stillness, Epherene sat on the edge of the bed, struggling to catch her breath.0

"What the hell was up with that freak…?" Epherene muttered, her brow furrowing in displeasure. "Stupid creep, dirtbag, bonehead."0

Epherene chewed on her lip, glanced up at Wood Steel, and added, "If...0