The aftermath of the brutal fight hangs heavily in the air, the silence broken only by the shallow breaths of the small girl before me. Her wide eyes, still filled with shock and fear, dart over the scene of violence—the fallen bodies of the attackers, the remains of the monstrous serpent. She looks terrified, shaken to her core. I take a slow, cautious step toward her, intending to apologize.

"I'm sorry you had to see all that—" I begin, but before I can finish, she suddenly rushes toward me and wraps her arms tightly around my waist. Her embrace catches me off guard, the strength of her grip surprising for her size. She clings to me, trembling.

Apollo, ever watchful, approaches. "Ryu, are you unharmed?" it asks, its tone devoid of the emotional weight in the air but still carrying a hint of concern.

I nod, gently placing a hand on the girl's head as she steps back, her grip loosening. I crouch down to her eye level, offering a reassuring smile despite the intensity of the moment. "Did I scare you?" I ask, my voice soft and calm. She shakes her head, though I can see a lingering fear in her eyes, tempered now with something else—relief, perhaps.

Her small hands still tremble slightly, and I wonder if it's my appearance that unsettles her. "Is it my face? My hood, maybe?" I ask, realizing that the shadows cast by my cloak might make me seem even more intimidating.

She nods timidly, her eyes briefly flicking to the dark fabric of my hood. I smile gently, reaching up to pull it back, revealing my face. Her eyes widen with curiosity, and slowly, the fear melts away, replaced by a small, shy smile.

I pull a clean cloth from my bag of holdings, dampen it with water from my pouch, and gently begin to wipe away the dirt and tears from her face. "Let's clean you up a bit first," I say softly. "What's your name?"

"Nikko," she whispers, her voice barely audible.

I return her smile. "That's a very pretty name, Nikko," I say warmly. Her ears twitch slightly, and I notice her tail swishing back and forth. It's a small sign of comfort, and I can't help but feel a twinge of hope that she's calming down. "What are your names?" she asks, her curiosity starting to outweigh her fear.

"My name is Ryu," I tell her. "And this is Apollo." I gesture to my ever-present companion.

Apollo steps forward, but I notice her tail stills and her eyes widen in unease. I place a gentle hand on her shoulder. "He's my friend, I promise," I assure her, though her gaze shifts toward the fallen bodies behind us, a reminder of the betrayal I had just endured.

"I trust him," I continue, my voice steady. "Them, I didn't. But I promise you, Nikko, Apollo won't hurt you." She looks up at me, searching my eyes, and after a moment, she nods slowly. Her tail begins to move again, and her body relaxes just a bit.

Her gaze shifts back to me, and she tilts her head slightly. "Ryu... that means dragon," she says quietly, as though testing the word on her tongue.

I raise an eyebrow in surprise. "It does?" I ask, genuinely curious. I had never really thought much about the name my master had given me. It was just a name to me, a symbol of the past I carried.

Nikko nods, her ears twitching again. "In my tongue, it means dragon," she explains, her tail swishing more energetically now. I pause, the realization settling over me. Had my master known the meaning when he gave me that name? I wonder if there's more significance to it than I ever realized.

Nikko turns her attention to Apollo, her nose twitching as she sniffs the air slightly. "You have a strange scent," she remarks, her brows furrowing in confusion. "You don't smell like a human."

I chuckle softly. "Do you have a good sense of smell?" I ask.

She nods. "Beast folk can smell very well. But Apollo... he doesn't smell like a human. Or like an orc, or an elf, or beast folk. Is he some kind of monster?"

I glance at Apollo, and then back to Nikko, her innocent curiosity piquing a smile from me. "Apollo, would you remove your helmet?" I ask.

Apollo looks at me, then at Nikko, and after a brief pause, complies. The metallic clicks echo in the chamber as the helmet comes off, revealing its cold, emotionless metal face. Nikko stares in awe, not fear, her eyes wide with wonder. Her tail wags faster now, and her cat-like ears twitch with excitement.

"What are you?" she asks, her voice filled with awe.

"Apollo is an artificial metal being," I explain, hoping to simplify it for her.

"A modified ST-series military strategic analysis and tactics droid," Apollo corrects me in its monotone voice.

Nikko looks confused, and I smile gently. "It means Apollo is really smart. It helps me in battle, makes plans, and is also my companion. It's here to protect me, and now you too."

Nikko's eyes never leave Apollo as she takes it all in, clearly fascinated. Her fear has completely evaporated now, replaced by pure curiosity and amazement.

But as I look at her, a gnawing guilt begins to well up inside me. The images of the other children, the ones I couldn't save, flash through my mind. Their lifeless bodies haunt me. I take a breath and force myself to speak. "I'm sorry I didn't get to your friends in time," I say quietly, my voice heavy with remorse.

Nikko looks up at me, her eyes softening. Without a word, she steps forward and hugs me again, her small arms wrapping tightly around me. "I'd be dead too if it weren't for you," she whispers, her voice filled with gratitude.

A lump forms in my throat, and I return the hug gently. As we break apart, I notice something else—the heavy metal collar around her neck.

"What is this?" I ask softly, reaching out to touch the cold steel.

Her expression darkens, and she lowers her head. "It's an obedience collar," she says, her voice barely a whisper. "With it on, I can't disobey or escape from my master."

I stare at the collar for a long moment, anger bubbling beneath my calm exterior. To enslave a child, to shackle her like this—it's unforgivable. I suppress my rage, focusing on her.

I place my hands on the cold metal collar around Nikko's neck, examining it closely. The runes etched into the steel pulse faintly with magical energy. "Who put this on you?" I ask, my voice soft but firm.

Nikko hesitates for a moment before pointing towards Wallace's lifeless body. "He did. It's enchanted with a powerful spell. Only the one who cast it can remove it," she whispers, her voice tinged with fear.

I look over at Wallace's still form, my expression hardening. "Let's see about that," I say, determination filling my tone.

Closing my eyes, I concentrate on the collar, recalling the spell-breaking technique I'd learned from Eldrin's book. My fingers trace the intricate runes, feeling the magical energy that flows through them. The spell is strong, but I can sense its structure, its origin. Slowly, I channel the Force through my hands, visualizing the spell as threads of energy woven together. One by one, I begin to unravel them, dismantling the enchantment from within.

Sweat beads on my forehead as the pressure of the task builds, but I push through, focusing my energy on breaking the spell's core. Finally, with a surge of power, the enchantment shatters. The collar cracks and falls from Nikko's neck, landing on the ground with a dull thud.

Nikko's eyes widen in astonishment. "You... you broke it," she stammers, her small hands instinctively touching her now-freed neck.

I smile gently at her. "You're free now."

Tears well up in her eyes, and before I can react, she throws her arms around me, hugging me tightly. "Thank you, thank you so much," she whispers over and over, her voice trembling with emotion.

I return the hug, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. "You're safe now," I assure her, my voice soft. "How about we get out of here and find you a nice, warm meal? How does that sound?"

Nikko nods eagerly, her smile brightening with each passing moment. I pull my hood back over my head, the shadowy void concealing my face once more, while Apollo retrieves its sword and shield after donning its helmet. Together, we step out of the chambers, with Apollo following closely behind. A renewed sense of purpose surges through me.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

In my haste to rescue Nikko earlier, I hadn't activated the map charter on my gauntlet, too focused on pursuing Wallace and his accomplices. The maze of twisting corridors and stretching halls offered little in the way of navigation, but Nikko's sharp sense of smell led the way. She warned us of lurking monsters around corners before we even heard them, allowing Apollo to dispatch them swiftly. As we retraced our steps, we gathered the purple crystals we had ignored earlier, including the large one from the slain serpent.

To speed things up, I lift Nikko onto my shoulders. Her small hands cling to my head as she giggles, all traces of her earlier fear gone. It's remarkable how quickly her demeanor has shifted—where once she trembled at the sight of danger, she now rides high with confidence, her laughter mingling with the soft sound of our footsteps.

As we move through the dungeon's dimly lit halls, memories of my own childhood as a slave flood my mind. The weight of the collar I had once worn presses against my thoughts, a constant reminder of the chains I had broken free from. The pain, the helplessness... I can see it mirrored in Nikko's eyes. I make a silent vow to myself that she will never have to endure such torment again.

Apollo leads the way, cutting through any creatures that cross our path with methodical precision. The echoes of battle fade as quickly as they start, replaced by the calm silence of empty corridors. Nikko's guidance is invaluable—her keen sense of smell and sharp instincts map the dungeon like she's lived in it her whole life. Every threat is sniffed out before we even see it, her ability proving itself time and time again.

By the time we reach the entrance of the dungeon and step back into the town of Curville, the sun is already dipping below the horizon. The warm glow of sunset bathes the town in golden light, but the bustling streets remain as lively as ever. Adventurers, merchants, and townsfolk fill the air with the clamor of voices, the clinking of armor, and the hum of daily life. The vibrant stalls lining the streets display an array of shimmering weapons and intricate magical trinkets, their colors illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns.

I glance down at Nikko, still perched on my shoulders, her tail swaying contentedly. The weight of the world feels a little lighter, for now.

As we walk through the town, the curious stares of the townsfolk follow us. Their eyes linger on Nikko, who sits proudly on my shoulders, her ears twitching with excitement. There's admiration in their glances, though some carry hints of curiosity. I'm determined to keep her safe now, no matter what.

We decide to avoid the main inn and the guild hall. Both places are too crowded, and with Apollo and I being the only ones to return from the dungeon alive, it could raise unwanted questions. We'll explain ourselves in the morning, but for now, we seek a quieter, more secluded inn.

After asking around, we find a small inn on the far edge of town called "The Whispering Pines." The building has a worn yet charming feel to it, its ivy-covered stone walls and wooden beams giving it a peaceful, old-world charm. Flowers bloom in window boxes, adding splashes of color to the otherwise simple exterior.

As we step inside, we're greeted by an elderly woman with a warm smile. "Welcome to The Whispering Pines," she says softly. "I'm Edith." Her silver hair is neatly pinned back, and her eyes, though wrinkled with age, sparkle with kindness. She wears a simple but clean dress, giving her an air of homely grace.

Nikko, however, cowers behind me at the sight of Edith. Her small hands clutch at my cloak as she hides her face. Edith notices and approaches slowly, her smile gentle and reassuring. "And who is this little one?" she asks, her tone filled with tenderness.

"This is Nikko," I reply, my voice quiet but steady. "We... found her in the dungeon."

Edith gasps softly and kneels down, her tone as warm as ever. "Oh, you poor thing. You must have been through so much." Her eyes are full of compassion as she speaks, but Nikko clings tightly to my leg, clearly unsure of this new presence.

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"I know it's late," I begin, "but would it be possible for you to help clean her up?"

Edith's smile remains kind. "Of course, but it seems she doesn't want to leave your side, does she?" She chuckles softly. "How about this—why don't you wait right outside the washroom? I'll take good care of her."

Nikko looks up at me, seeking reassurance. I crouch down and place a hand on her shoulder. "I'll be right here, I promise," I say gently.

Reluctantly, she lets go of my hand and takes Edith's. They head toward the back, and Apollo and I wait near the door. Not long after, they return, and I almost don't recognize Nikko. She's now wearing a pristine white dress, embroidered with delicate flowers along the hem. Her hair is brushed until it shines, her cat ears perked up, and her tail swishes with contentment. Her face, now clean, reveals smooth skin and bright, lively eyes.

"These clothes belonged to my daughter when she was Nikko's age," Edith explains with a proud smile. "They're much nicer than what she had before."

Nikko's face lights up with joy, and she twirls a little in her new dress. "How much for the clothes and your help?" I ask, already reaching for my coin pouch.

Edith waves a hand dismissively. "Oh, don't worry about that. I've been meaning to give those away for years. It's my pleasure."

Just then, Nikko's stomach growls loudly, and Edith chuckles warmly. "Sounds like someone's hungry," she teases, earning an eager nod from Nikko.

Edith guides us to a cozy dining room where a large fireplace crackles warmly. The wooden furniture, though simple and rustic, is sturdy and welcoming. The room is adorned with tapestries and paintings of peaceful landscapes, adding to the homely atmosphere.

Edith disappears into the back for a moment before returning with a young woman who carries a large pot of stew, along with bowls and bread. "This is my daughter, Mary," Edith introduces, her voice filled with pride.

Mary smiles as she sets the table. Her auburn hair is tied back in a neat braid, and her hazel eyes reflect the same kindness as her mother's. "It's nice to meet you all," she says, her voice soft but welcoming.

Edith returns, placing a small cauldron in the center of the table, steam rising from it, filling the room with the mouth-watering aroma of meat and vegetables. She carefully ladles the hearty stew into bowls, setting the first one before Nikko. The warmth from the stew seems to fill the room with an even deeper sense of comfort.

Nikko stares down at the bowl, then looks up at me with wide, hesitant eyes. "Am I allowed to eat all this?" she asks timidly, her voice small and unsure.

I nod gently. "Yes, Nikko, you can eat as much as you want."

Her eyes light up immediately, and without hesitation, she begins to dig in with the enthusiasm of someone who hasn't had a proper meal in far too long. The stew is rich and hearty, filled with tender chunks of meat, potatoes, carrots, and peas, all simmered in a savory broth that smells heavenly. Each bite she takes seems to fill her with warmth and joy, and I watch her with a mix of relief and sadness, reminded of my time on Kessel. I must've looked just like her once—starving, desperate for a simple comfort like food.

"She must have been through so much," Mary says softly, watching Nikko eat with tender eyes. I can hear the compassion in her voice, and it stirs something deep within me. The girl has been through unimaginable hardship, but in this moment, she's just a child enjoying a meal, finally safe.

Edith offers Apollo and me a bowl of the stew. Apollo, however, politely declines. "I am tired and would prefer to rest," it says, its voice calm and precise as ever. "Would you mind showing me to an available room?"

Mary nods and leads Apollo upstairs, leaving me and Nikko alone at the table. I serve myself some of the stew, and after taking a bite, I can't help but exclaim, "This stew is incredible!"

Edith chuckles, her warm smile lighting up her face. "Thank you, dear. I've been making it for many years. It's an old family recipe."

She offers me a glass of wine, which I accept gratefully. The wine is smooth, with a richness that complements the stew perfectly. I take another bite, savoring the flavors that seem to chase away the weariness of the day. For a brief moment, I allow myself to relax, letting the warmth of the inn and the meal wash over me.

As I finish my bowl of stew, I notice Nikko has fallen asleep at the table, her little form curled up peacefully. Her face is relaxed, free of the fear and worry she had earlier, and I can't help but feel a deep sense of responsibility for her now.

I thank Edith for everything she has done. "You've been more kind than I can express. Thank you for all of this."

"Of course," she replies, her voice full of warmth and understanding. "I'm just glad I could help."

I glance down at Nikko's sleeping form and then ask, "Could you show me to the room my companion is staying in?"

Edith hesitates for a moment, her eyes filled with concern. "The room is rather small. Perhaps it would be more comfortable for you and Nikko to have your own room?"

I shake my head gently. "One room is fine. We'll manage."

She nods, her expression softening. "I understand. Follow me, dear." She leads the way upstairs, and I follow quietly, carrying the sleeping Nikko in my arms, her soft breaths the only sound in the comforting quiet of the inn.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

Nikko makes soft, sleeping noises, her small form warm against me. After Edith shows us the room, she wishes us a good night and heads back downstairs. I step into the small, cozy space, taking in the simplicity of it. The room is modest but comfortable, with a neatly made bed, a desk, a wooden chair, and a dresser. A single window offers a view of the dungeon and the bustling city below, where lights twinkle like distant stars.

Apollo stands by the window, gazing out over the city. As I gently lay Nikko down on the bed, drawing the sheets over her, she stirs slightly, letting out a soft sigh before settling into a peaceful sleep.

I join Apollo by the window, cracking it open slightly to let in the cool night air. Pulling out my pipe, I ignite it with a small flame from my fingertip and take a deep puff, letting the smoke drift lazily into the night.

"How are you feeling?" Apollo asks, turning its head towards me.

I glance over at it. "About what? You mean about Nikko?"

"No," Apollo clarifies, "about the betrayal."

I exhale deeply, watching the smoke dissipate into the sky. "It stung, but I was prepared for it. I knew something felt off from the start. What surprised me was how far they'd go—kidnapping and enslaving children just to lure me in."

Apollo nods, its gaze shifting to Nikko, who sleeps soundly, her small face peaceful for the first time since I found her.

"What about her?" Apollo asks after a moment. "What do we do with her?"

"I don't know," I admit, watching the rise and fall of Nikko's chest.

"Perhaps we should take her to an orphanage," Apollo suggests.

"Maybe," I reply, though my voice lacks conviction.

"She has gotten attached to you," Apollo observes. "If we leave her at an orphanage, she may feel abandoned."

"Probably," I say quietly, "and I've grown attached to her too." I pause, the memories of my own past weighing on me. "I was a slave at her age, just like her. Maybe that's why I feel this connection. I couldn't save the others, but I can protect her."

I glance down at my gauntlet, and with a wave of my hand, the device hums to life. "DP-7, can you hear me?" I speak softly into the communicator. After a brief pause, a series of enthusiastic beeps fill the air, and a small smile tugs at my lips.

"Hey, DP-7," I say, listening to its relieved chimes. "Yes, we're alright. I need you to bring the speeder bike to our location, but keep it hidden. I'm sending the coordinates now."

After transmitting the location, DP-7 confirms with more beeps, letting me know it will take two days to reach us. I relay this to Apollo, who nods, turning its attention back to the city and dungeon below.

The room is quiet, save for the occasional creak of the wooden floorboards and the faint murmur of the wind outside. For the first time in days, I feel a small sense of peace—though it's fleeting. Nikko is safe for now, but the weight of what she's endured clings to her, even in sleep.

As the night wears on, I sense her stirring beside me, her small form trembling under the blankets. She jerks awake, her eyes wide with fear, as if still caught in the grips of her nightmare.

"Nikko," I whisper gently, crouching beside her bed. "It's alright. You're safe."

She blinks rapidly, her panicked gaze slowly focusing on me. Without a word, she lunges into my arms, clinging to me with desperate strength. I can feel her heart racing, her body shaking as if she's still fighting off the terrors that haunt her.

"It's okay," I murmur, wrapping my arms around her, holding her close. "You're in a safe place now. No one will hurt you here."

Her grip tightens around me, and I sit with her in the quiet room, letting her feel the safety of my presence. The memories of my own nightmares, the same terror I had once known, stir within me, but I push them aside. Nikko needs this—needs me to be strong for her. I could feel the desperation in her touch—as if she believed that if she let go, all of this would disappear, and she would be thrust back into the nightmare. I held her close, feeling her tremble against me, her breathing ragged and uneven. She had been through hell, and even here, in the safety of the inn, she couldn't shake the fear that clung to her.

"Ryu?" Her voice trembles as she peers up at me from beneath the blanket, her wide eyes searching mine with uncertainty. "Why did those bad men have to die?"

Her question lingers in the air, a quiet plea for understanding. For a moment, I'm at a loss. She's seen death before, more than any child should ever witness, but this time feels different. It's no longer just something that happens—she's beginning to search for meaning, to make sense of a world that's been so unforgiving to her.

I take a deep breath, pulling her closer to me, my hand resting gently on her head. "Sometimes," I begin, my voice low and steady, "there are people who choose to hurt others, people who don't care about the pain they cause. And when that happens, the only way to protect the people we care about... is to stop them. Even if it means..." My words trail off as I wrestle with how to explain such a cruel truth to someone so young and innocent.

Nikko's ears twitch, her tail curling up close to her small frame. "Like you stopped them?" she asks, her voice fragile but searching.

I nod slowly. "Yes, like I stopped them."

She falls silent for a moment, her little face deep in thought, processing my words. "But... they're gone now. And the others... the ones in the dungeon... they didn't come with us."

Her words strike hard. The memory of the other children, their lifeless bodies still fresh in my mind, sends a wave of guilt through me. I had tried so desperately to save them. I did everything I could—but it hadn't been enough.

"I know, Nikko," I whisper, brushing a lock of hair away from her face. "I'm sorry. Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we can't save everyone."

Her small hand reaches up, clutching the fabric of my shirt, her fingers trembling. "I don't want to lose you," she whispers, her voice breaking as tears well in her eyes.

My heart aches as I wrap my arms around her tighter, holding her close. "You won't lose me, I promise," my voice firm.

She clings to me as though she's afraid I might disappear if she lets go. Slowly, her body begins to relax, the fear that had gripped her releasing its hold. But even as her breathing steadies, she still holds on, refusing to let me go.

As the weight of the moment settles over us, I realize she's not ready to be alone, not tonight. Without hesitation, I lie down beside her, letting her snuggle into my chest. Her small body presses against mine, and though the closeness feels unfamiliar, I don't push her away. She needs this—needs to feel safe.

Her trembling eases as she burrows deeper into my arms, her warmth seeping into me. The soft flicker of the lantern casts a warm glow over her, and as I watch her drift into sleep, I find myself torn. I've never been used to this kind of closeness, to having someone rely on me so deeply. But here she is, trusting me with everything she has left.

"Ryu?" Her voice is barely a whisper now, soft and hesitant, as she nestles her head against my chest.

I tighten my hold on her, a fierce protectiveness swelling within me. "I'm here, Nikko. I'll always be here," I whisper back, my voice gentle but resolute.

She shifts slightly in my arms, her small form finally relaxing completely. The trembling subsides, and a soft, contented purr escapes her lips. It's such a small sound, but it fills the room with an unexpected warmth, soothing the lingering shadows of fear.

As I hold her, the reality of it all sinks in. Nikko isn't just some child I saved. She's part of my life now—my family. The thought brings with it an unfamiliar sense of purpose, something I hadn't expected. I glance down at her peaceful face, her breathing steady as she sleeps soundly in my arms.

And in that moment, as I hold Nikko close, I realize that I'm not just protecting her. She's giving me something in return. A purpose. A reason to keep fighting.

Nikko clings to me as she sleeps, her small body pressing against mine, the soft purrs escaping her lips filling the quiet room. Her tail, still curled around my arm, occasionally twitches, and I can feel her steady, gentle breaths. The tension that once gripped her fragile form has melted away, leaving her relaxed and calm, her face serene.

I watch her, taking in the innocence of her slumber. There's something deeply comforting in the way she's nestled into me, trusting me without hesitation. But that very trust gnaws at me. How could she know the dangers that lie ahead? How could she understand the risks of staying with someone like me?

A child—so young, so fragile. How could I drag her into the life I live, with its constant battles, betrayals, and the looming shadows of enemies from this world?

She doesn't belong in my world.

I feel a knot tighten in my chest. The realization hits hard: I should leave her behind. I should take her to an orphanage, someplace safe where she can grow without the threat of death hanging over her. It's the logical choice—the smart choice.

And yet...

A part of me refuses to let go. The same part that pulled her from that dungeon, that carried her on my shoulders through the corridors of death. The part that, despite knowing the risks, wants to protect her. Keep her close. Give her a chance at something better than what she's had so far.

But what if I can't protect her? What if I fail her, just like I failed before?

The decision nags at me, pulling me in two directions. Which would be best for her? Do I take her with me, knowing the life I lead could destroy her? Or do I drop her off, leave her to a life where she'll never see me again?

I let out a sigh, my chest tight with indecision, and lean fully back onto the bed. My eyes drift to the ceiling, its wooden beams barely visible in the dim light of the room.

"Apollo?" I call out softly, my voice breaking the silence.

It turns its head from the window, its photoreceptors glowing faintly in the dark as it regards me.

"What would you do?" I ask, my voice heavier than I expected.

Apollo tilts its head slightly, considering the question. For a moment, there's only the soft hum of its processing systems, and then, in its calm, analytical voice, it responds. "I do not have emotions, Ryu, but I have observed the choices beings make when faced with such dilemmas."

I turn my head to look at it, curious. "And what have you observed?"

Apollo pauses again, as if searching for the right words. "There are two types of decisions in this situation: the logical and the emotional. Logically, removing Nikko from your care ensures her safety. It would remove her from the dangers you face and place her in an environment where she could grow without the threats of your enemies."

I nod slowly, feeling the weight of those words, even though I know them to be true.

"But," Apollo continues, and there's a shift in its tone, "emotionally, I have observed that attachment often defies logic. Nikko has already grown attached to you. Leaving her in an orphanage would sever that bond and could instill a sense of abandonment in her. Such experiences, especially at a young age, can shape a being's development in unpredictable ways."

I blink, surprised at its insight. "So you think taking her with me is the better option?"

"I did not say that," Apollo replies, tilting its head again. "I am stating that emotional decisions carry their own consequences. By keeping Nikko with you, you risk her becoming a target. But by leaving her behind, you risk her feeling abandoned. The question is not which choice is safer or easier, Ryu. It is which consequence you are willing to live with."

The words sink in, heavy and clear. I feel the weight of the decision pressing down on me even harder now. There's no easy answer, no path without sacrifice.

I glance back at Nikko, her face peaceful as she sleeps, and the thought of leaving her behind twists something deep inside me.

"Which consequence can I live with," I murmur, almost to myself. The answer isn't clear, not yet. But Apollo's words leave me pondering, more deeply than I expected.

Silence fills the room again, except for Nikko's soft breathing and the gentle hum of Apollo's systems. I close my eyes, trying to let the decision settle, but the truth is, I'm still torn.

And I don't know which choice is right.