His brief outburst leaves an imprint on my mind. That pain was not like anything I’ve ever felt before. He gripped at my core and I was unable to do anything to alleviate it. I suspect that those who can perform such an attack are few and I hope to never suffer from it again.

‘Can he do this anytime he wants…?’

Soulweaver’s grin grows even wider, his face now radiating a large smile. I am unsure which of his personalities is talking to me

“HAHAHA! So, what now kid? Do I let you go?”

I meet his eyes.

“...Yes, that should be your next course of action.”

“I guess it should be!”

The smile plastered on his face refuses to leave. His appearance might cause others to simply see this as an innocent child having a wonderful time. Not that there would be anyone around here who could make that mistake. After all, this place only consists of me, Soulweaver and his avatars.

Soulweaver’s joyful mood persists as he speaks to himself. From what I gather, he discusses what to do with me with his other selves. Because I can only hear a single part of the conversation, it is difficult to know if my chances are good. At times, it seems as though they are on the verge of reaching a conclusion judging from the boy’s continuous nods and look of agreement. But then, the discussion flares up once more, leaving me no choice but to wait and hope for the best. Finally, Soulweaver ends his conversation and directs his gaze back to me.

“What’s your name?”

His question strikes me as bizarre.

“...I told you it’s Ald-”

“Your full name”

I give him the name I go by.

“Alden… Thorne”

“How ordinary, I’d have expected some major [enlightened] family or something of the sort, boring!”

His lack of awe at my name is of no concern to me. It is the name my mother bore, as such, there is no greater happiness for me than to bear it as well. I was born with a different surname, but I had it changed after my mother’s death. I could see no reason to keep it. Why should I carry the name of some person whom I’ve never met instead of the one who shed blood, sweat and tears for my sake? Her surname of Thorne is much more fitting than my father’s. Soulweaver continues his berating.

“Are you sure your surname is simply ‘Thorne’? That is so unbelievably lackluster. You reminded me of someone, but I suppose it’s only a coincidence.”

His smile which had been rather innocent so far morphs into a sadistic grin filled with greed. He plunges a finger in his mouth and bites through his kid.

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“Do you want to take mine?! We could become family!!”

With a nervous, but a stern expression, I reply.

“I’ll have to decline…”

His composure re-surfaces, the innocent smile returns.

“Oh well, it was worth a try!”

‘Can you just let me go!!’

As if imitating Ivana, he replies without me even having spoken out loud. I doubt he can read my thoughts, my facial expression may have given away my intent.

“Tonight was quite fun, Alden… Thorne, the most fun I’ve had in a very long time to be honest. Though I’m quite angry that you’ve found such an infuriating loophole in our agreement, I’ll give you whatever you want, free of charge, as a reward… Tell me, what is it you desire?”

His prior amusement disappears. The atmosphere does not turn dark, but rather serious. Clearly, Soulweaver means what he is currently saying. Perhaps this is another test. I would normally need to think carefully about his offer to obtain the best outcome possible, but there is only one thing I want.

“Just… I just want to go home…”

“...You’ve witnessed my power, a reward from a being such as me is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Are you certain that is what you desire?”

There is no need to hesitate. Nothing he can offer me will surpass the warmth of my bed and the sight of those I love. Plus, I firmly believe that there is no such thing as ‘free’ in this world.

“My decision is made.”

Soulweaver lets out a soft chuckle.

“You remind me of that man more and more…”

‘Why does he keep compar-”

Before I can finish my thought, Soulweaver places his index finger on my forehead and utters a single word.

“Sleep.”

The world turns dark. When I regain my senses, I am laying down on the cold hard concrete near the edge of the forest. I have finally returned to the outskirts of civilization. My surroundings are unfamiliar, there are a few buildings surrounding me, but there seems to be no sign of human life in my vicinity. Thankfully, I still have the military grade bodysuit given to me by Sebastian. I ask it a question.

“S.O.N.G. where am I?”

“Pinpointing your location - You are currently in the Aetheria district near the Bramblewood great forest. Your latitude is-”

“Can you call me a ride?”

“Apologies, no modes of private or public transportation are available in your area. Would you like me to emit a distress signal?”

“No, it’s fine. Just set an itinerary to my house. 445 Maplewood Avenue, Evergreen district.”

“Itinerary established. Estimated duration of travel on foot. 2 days, 4 hours, 55 minutes.”

‘That’s going to be a long walk, I should probably catch a ride when they’re available’

There are many things to think about as I make my way back home, but they can wait. While my body is nearly unscathed, my mind is in disarray. This encounter put tremendous pressure on it. There was not a single moment where I was not afraid for my life. I don't even know how I was able to endure the mental strain for so long. For now, I decide to not think about Soulweaver, or anyone, at least until I get home. I will use this stroll as some ‘me’ time. I’ll enjoy the scenery, and I might even stop by a restaurant to grab some food on the way. These two days will be spent relaxing. I turn off my communicator, to truly embody the ‘me’ time and depart.

As I walk, the sun rises, the night of terror is finally coming to an end. My path is illuminated with more beautiful rays of light upon each passing minute. I eventually reach something that is what I believe to be the heart of the Aetheria district. My assumption is made based on the density of the crowd. It is currently the middle of the day, people are prancing about, going on about their day. They’re not much different from the people I see in the Evergreen district. The only difference would be the scenery, this district seems to be a lot more green. Plant life is everywhere in Aetheria. It makes sense when realizing that it is the home of the Bramblewood great forest. Its size is truly a wonder of nature, it accounts for nearly ⅓ of the Aetheria district’s surface area and brings in lots of tourists. At least in the open sections of it, some are closed to the public for wildlife preservation and safety reasons.

While observing the diverse array of fauna present even in the most populated region of this district, I pass by a restaurant. An aroma which makes my stomach grumble is exuded from it. My mouth salivates at the smell and I feel the hunger surging.

‘I could definitely do some pasta right now…’

Listening to my body, I step into the lobby. Thankfully, as it is still rather early into the morning, the place is relatively empty. There are a few individuals seated, but many other tables are open. I patiently wait for a waiter to greet me. Ten minutes pass, then fifteen, then twenty. At least 5 different waiters pass straight by me without even allowing me a glance. I am on the verge of stopping one of them to gain their attention, when a young couple passes right by me and is immediately given a table by the staff.

‘Is this some sort of couples only restaurant?’

This situation is weird. I observe my surroundings, to confirm or disprove my theory about this place being reserved to couples, when my gaze arrives upon a mirror. What I see there is- Well, I see nothing. I have no reflection. Realization dawns upon me.

‘My camouflage has been active this whole time!!’