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"It's cold…"
My hands are trembling as I breathe heavily. Even with this stolen armor, my body is freezing. Mother and Grandfather come from a lineage of Ice Dragons—they're naturally immune to cold and ice. But me? I have none of that resistance.
I roam these snow-covered lands, scanning the horizon with my Dragon Senses. My yellow eyes shift, turning reptilian so I can see much farther.
"It should be around here," I murmur, peering into the distance. "There it is…!"
I press forward until I finally locate the Dimensional Rift. I had expected guards, but to my surprise, no one is waiting.
"So they only sent two? Or rather… that necromancer and some disposable fodder for him to turn into a zombie."
I glance back at the massive hole carved into the continent behind me. The Dimensional Labyrinth is an immense interdimensional structure burrowing straight into the planet's core.
Some say it formed because of secret experiments on Espers. An accident tore a crack in space, opening a black hole that devoured half the continent and gave birth to this ever-expanding labyrinth.
It grows larger every year. In two or three decades, they estimate the entire Antarctic continent will be gone. Fifty or sixty years later, the whole planet might get swallowed, becoming just one of the many fragmented parallel worlds trapped inside it.
"The world is going to end in a hundred years…"
It's a long time, roughly the span of a human life. Those of us who have survived this far know the end is inevitable. Nothing can stop it.
"In the secret ending, Mirai reset the world and restored it to how it would have been without the Dimensional Labyrinth… but is that even possible in real life? That was a game. This is reality."
I search for any reason to keep going. My eyes glow as the thought hits me, maybe my ability to regress in time is the key to saving everything.
"Maybe this power isn't just the whim of that monster. Perhaps it's my destiny, to prevent the end of all things."
Carrying that heavy sense of responsibility, I approach the Dimensional Rift. After making sure I'm truly alone, I remove my helmet and armor, letting them fall to the ground before stepping into the portal.
In an instant I'm inside an empty building. White walls surround me, covered in runic inscriptions, flanked by towers of steel and circuitry.
This is a Teleportation Array, designed to create a stable Dimensional Rift using Rift Stones while keeping the area sealed. If anything unauthorized tries to enter, the array slams the gate shut, preventing catastrophe… but abandoning whoever went through.
"I'm back. Close the gate."
I wave my hand. The array's A.I. obeys and seals the portal. Finally I can breathe. I'm home.
I walk to the door and unlock it with my handprint.
As the metallic door slides open, the vast underground laboratory comes into view. Robots and scientists pause their work the moment they notice me.
"Ah, young Prince Louis. Welcome back."
"Are you alright? You were gone for several hours."
Two of Father's colleagues' approach, Doctor Felicia, the woman with short blonde hair and green eyes, and Doctor Andre, the tall, bald Black man built like a tank.
"I'm fine."
I don't tell them what really happened, that it was a trap. I don't want another lecture from Father.
"As you can see…"
I let my Aura surge. Gray ashes drift off my body. They step back in awe at the dense concentration of Fantasium radiating from me.
Everyone here is an Esper, so my power doesn't threaten them.
"Incredible! So there really was a Resonance Heart!" Felicia exclaims. "But why were you so determined to go alone? Your father told us to stop you, but by the time we mobilized, you were already gone."
"All we could do was wait for your return," Andre adds. "We're not allowed inside the Dimensional Labyrinth without a pass."
"Or maybe you just didn't care whether I lived or died," I say bluntly.
They look surprised. I continue anyway.
"Don't worry. I don't hold grudges. I never expected anything from you. You're just Father's lapdogs."
Without waiting for a reply, I walk away, leaving them speechless.
"W-Wait, Prince Louis…!"
Too late. I'm already heading toward the castle. First I want to see Mother. If I'm lucky, I'll find Father too and show him the strength I've finally gained.
I use my handprint to access the Veil Protocol Initiative's Anomaly Investigation and Containment Zone Headquarters beneath Frostbane Kingdom's City District X. I descend to Floor 55, the containment zone made for Mother's rest.
In the pristine white halls I pass small Anomalies and Entities sealed in cages. Mother's pets greet me, a two-headed black dog, a small white snake, and a floating TV displaying a woman's face.
"Ah! Prince Louis! You're back! You seem different than before!"
Patricia, the TV Entity, speaks excitedly. She was found during the Dimensional Convergence inside an endless retail store full of sentient technology and tableware. She's the only friendly, harmless Entity from that place, named for her ability to store and project visual data.
"Hello, Patricia. It's been a while. Still contained, I see."
"Yes. Without an Agent to bond with me, your father prefers to keep me locked up, even though I'm the most harmless Entity ever!"
"How's my mother?"
"Ah… well, you can see for yourself."
I approach the glass wall. Beyond it stretches a pocket realm, a lush forest filled with colorful flowers and snow-capped mountains. At the center lies a cradle of ice and nature, where a beautiful woman with blue skin, white hair, golden horns, and white scales sleeps peacefully.
"Mother…"
I try to enter but the system denies me.
"What? So can I go anywhere except Mother's zone?! Let me in!"
I punch and kick the glass—only to be shocked by the defense system.
[FIRST WARNING! Please, Prince Louis, do not attempt to forcefully enter Containment Zone.]
Andromeda's robotic voice echoes from above.
"Andromeda, you know it's me. Why deny me access? I'm her son!"
[I am aware, Prince Louis. These are orders from Doctor Gustaf, your father.]
"Why would he stop me from seeing her?"
[He fears you might infect her with Fantasium Energy contaminated by other creatures. She has been fully quarantined in her pocket realm to maximize safety and slow her deterioration.]
I click my tongue and sit on the futon, staring at her from this side of the glass. She doesn't look large from here, but in her Dragonoid form she stands over four meters tall.
That's her smallest shape. Dragons from Yggdrasil can use "Polymorph" to shrink. Their true forms are titanic, dozens of kilometers, or shrink down to a few dozen meters.
I've seen Mother's true form twice. Each time I was speechless. Unlike other dragons, she's feathered, almost angelic.
I still remember when she fought that Kaiju-type Anomaly in City District Z. The thing was over four hundred meters tall. In her true form she towered nearly a kilometer high, casting a shadow over the entire city. She dragged it into the sea and tore it apart, saving everyone.
She's a hero. Always fighting for humanity, even though she's not human.
Without her, Frostbane Kingdom wouldn't exist. Millions would have died.
Benladra isn't just a guardian, she's a beloved Saintess. Her restorative magic can even heal cancer. Because of her, Frostbane became one of the last truly safe places on the shattered remnants of the American continent.
Yet some people hate her. They call her a threat, blame her for Fantasium contamination, even though she absorbs it, purifies the land, and creates havens for humans.
"Hello, Mother… Your son has awakened."
I speak softly, unsure if she can hear me. I close my eyes and press my hand to the glass with a heavy sigh.
"It was arduous. I think… I died three times. But I did it. I've grown up now. Hah… Hahahah…"
The laugh comes out bitter. Tears slide from my golden eyes. Then my face hardens.
"I'll avenge you. I'll make everyone pay for what they did to you… to us. Not a single bastard will go unpunished."
"I promise."
I turn away, giving her serene sleeping face one last look.
"Andromeda, where's my father?"
[Floor 101. He is conducting experiments. I advise against visiting him—]
"Shut up."
[…]
She goes quiet. I step into the elevator and descend to Floor 101.
I enter a vast containment zone that looks like a pocket dimension. There I see Father in combat.
He's fighting? Testing something on himself?
A tall, black-haired man stands motionless, unleashing invisible shockwaves of psychic energy. The arid wasteland around him trembles. Cracks spiderweb across the ground. The whole floor quakes.
This is Psychic power, born from the mutated minds of Espers. Unlike Sinners, Espers shape reality through thought alone. A single idea can become a weapon that kills effortlessly.
Father ranks as the sixth strongest Esper in the world.
He hates fighting and prefers science, but when he lets go, the beast inside him surfaces.
RUMBLE!
He's casually smoking a cigarette while directing waves of psychic force toward a figure hidden by smoke and shattered earth.
"I've got you."
He adjusts his glasses, raises his hand, and clenches his fist.
An explosion of invisible energy erupts, trapping the figure.
"…!"
I watched it, stunned. Despite everything I feel toward him, I have to respect that power. Power is everything, and Father has it.
"Ugh…! Nnngh!"
The figure emerges. Long black hair, red eyes, slender frame.
"Mirai?!"
I can't believe it. I thought I'd meet her at the Sinners Academy—not here.
Then William's memories flood back.
Mirai is one of the most dangerous Sinners alive. Contained since birth by the VPI after her first cry killed her parents and everyone in the hospital.
I've never seen her before, but her story was in the game. The player could choose male or female. William played both, but only chose female in his final run.
"So in this world, Mirai's a girl…"
To my horror, she sees Father as a father figure. She was raised by him and the other agents. In the game, I—Louis—went mad and tried to kill her. She killed me instead.
"HAAAAHHH!"
Mirai screams. Her aura explodes. Her eyes turn pitch black. Red tattoos like countless staring eyes spread across her skin.
Shadows and crimson flames swallow her. Her black hair becomes flowing red-black fire.
RUMBLE!
Her transformation shatters Father's psychic grip. He actually steps back.
"Alright, let's see how long you can maintain that form, Mirai."
"Yes, Doctor."
FLUOSH!
She becomes a meteor of red and black flame, hurtling toward him. Panic surges through me—I think she's going to kill him. I rush forward, only to be blocked by guards.
"Prince Louis?!"
"You're not supposed to be here!"
"Your father is training with… well, one of the Sinners."
"Move!" I roar, unleashing a cold wave of gray ash. They stumble back.
"I'm not the weakling I used to be!"
"Y-You awakened, my lord?!"
"He's strong…!"
"But not strong enough. Please, stop."
The three guards in mechanical armor raise a psychic dome to hold me.
"We're sorry, but you cannot intervene."
"If you're worried about your father, don't be."
"He'll be fine. This isn't the first time he's sparred with Mirai."
"Who is she?! Why was she hidden from me?! Why is she so close to my father?!"
I demand answers. I already know from William's memories—but I want to hear it from them.
They exchange nervous glances. I'm the prince. They have to obey.
"It's an order. Give me everything you have on her."
"Yes, my lord."
One of them sighs and projects a hologram from my smartwatch—secret files labeled "X-VI Delta"—Mirai.
I read her classification and history while watching her fight Father.
It's exactly what William remembered.
Born in the Yamato Empire. Her power awakened at birth. Her first cry decayed anyone who heard it. Black fog spread from her body, killing hundreds in the hospital and surrounding areas.
The zone was quarantined. VPI agents eventually restrained her and brought her here, to the deepest levels. Raising her was nearly impossible.
But machines and strong Espers like Father could approach her. Among all the agents assigned, Father spent the most time with her.
There are videos, playing with toys, laughing, hugging. Father even told her he loved her. She called him "papa."
"What kind of joke is this…"
I clench my teeth so hard I taste blood. My fist smashes the barrier. Bone cracks. Blood drips.
"Prince Louis!"
"Why did you do that?!"
"Silence!" I roar. "Why?! Why was she hidden from me?! Why did my father raise this monster without telling me or my mother?!"
"That's because…"
"Please calm down, Prince Louis…"
"Well, the reason's complicated…"
"That's not something you should ask them, Louis."
"…!"
I turn. Father stands behind me, face blank.
Just moments ago he was smiling while sparring with her.
Now I see it clearly.
He's more attached to her than to his own son.
"Is that so? Then tell me, Father."
"…"
I glare at Mirai. She looks away, nervous. She doesn't look like the bloodthirsty killer from my memories.
Could this Mirai be different? If she doesn't remember… No. Even then—I can't accept her.
My human kindness and my princely pride tear at each other. One part wants to forgive her, maybe even befriend her. The other wants revenge for stealing my father's love.
"I didn't want you to meet Mirai until the Academy began," Father says. "Yes, it's true. I've raised her since birth. She was dangerous… but I couldn't bring myself to eliminate her."
"You… Are you Louis?" Mirai asks, red eyes uncertain. "I've heard about you from papa—I mean, from Doctor."
"Papa?! Hahaha!"
I laugh at the absurdity of it all.
"To think you raised a daughter with more love than your own son! You damn bastard!"
"Louis, you're overreacting—You awakened a Spiral?! You're under its influence. Calm down."
"Calm down? I'm perfectly calm," I say, smiling coldly. "See? I'm fine."
"…Louis," Father sighs. "You shouldn't have awakened. Why did you do it?"
"What?! Why not?!"
"You know… about your illness…" He hesitates. "We shouldn't discuss this here."
"Illness?" I repeat.
"Since you were six… you've suffered from schizophrenia," Father says. "Awakening a Spiral of Madness will only worsen it."
My face goes blank. My golden eyes dim.
"What nonsense are you spouting?" I ask. "Are you making this up to avoid talking about her?"
"Louis, you've read the files. Have you been taking your medication?"
"I'm fine!" I snap. "Why do you treat me like a child?! I'm tired of this! I'm leaving."
I turn to go—
"You're such a useless son… I wish you were never born."
"…?!"
I freeze. I turn back.
"What did you say?! You wish I was never born?!"
"What? Louis, I didn't say anything…"
"…? I heard you!"
"Damn it. It's starting again. Andromeda, ensure he takes his medication."
I'm confused. I swear I heard him say it…
"Always causing drama. I wish you'd died in the Labyrinth."
"…?!"
I look at Father—he's talking to the guards.
He didn't say it.
"Useless garbage. You're not my son."
"Why don't you die already?"
"It's your fault your mother is like this!"
"I'll keep your father. I'll be his daughter now."
"I'm a better Sinner than you'll ever be!"
"What…? Who said that?!"
I look around wildly. Everyone is staring at me with concern.
"You!"
I lunge toward Mirai. She steps back, startled.
"What did you say?! You want my father? Fine! Take him! I don't care!"
"…? I didn't say anything."
"Wait! Louis! Come back!"
Father chases after me and knocks me unconscious with a pulse of psychic force before I can do more damage.
"Inject him with his medication and return him to his room," Father orders. "Mirai, I'm sorry you had to see that. I wanted you to meet him under better circumstances. I've been developing a device to help stabilize his mind."
"No, Doctor. It's fine," Mirai says softly. "I'm glad I met him… He's… um, quite handsome."
"You don't have to flatter him," Father replies. "He may be your prince, but he's my son. And you… you're like my daughter."
Unable to hear the rest, darkness takes me.
♢♢♢♢
Mirai watched Louis being carried away, sadness in her eyes.
"Will he be okay?"
"He'll be fine," Gustaf said. "But now that he's awakened the Spiral of Madness, I don't know if the device I created will be enough to stabilize him. Mirai... I know this is asking a lot, but once the Academy year begins, please look after him."
"Okay," Mirai nodded, her expression calm. "Don't worry, Doctor. I'll protect Louis."
"You don't have to protect him. Just make sure he's alright," Gustaf replied, glancing at a photo on his phone. It showed a younger Louis and his wife, smiling together. His usual stoicism cracked, and a single tear escaped. "I just want my son to be happy. He's suffered enough... and every day, I regret not being there for him more."
"And that's because of me, isn't it?" Mirai asked, tilting her head. "I... I know that."
Gustaf looked at her for a moment, then gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Well, enough about Louis. You've done well, Mirai. You can now control a tenth of your power without losing yourself. Keep practicing every day. Don't forget your medication and always wear the rings—they keep your power from overflowing."
"Okay, I understand," Mirai said, smiling faintly. "Can... can I hug you?"
Gustaf dropped his cigarette into the trash and opened his arms. Mirai stepped forward and embraced him, her smile softening.
"You're a good girl. I'm sure if Benladra were awake, she'd be proud of how far you've come."
"I'll do everything I can to help you and Louis find a cure."
"You don't have to do anything, Mirai."
"No... you raised me with love and care. It's time I repay that. This power—the one that once brought death—I want to use it to save ten times more lives."
"Hah... sounds like Helena's been rubbing off on you."
"I heard she's in District Y, fighting a Dimensional Rift Break. I wonder if I could ever join her? Maybe I could bring Louis."
"Not yet. One step at a time. The Academy is necessary for the public to accept Sinners. For now, you're dismissed. You can return to your room."
"Well, now that I can roam freely... can I go see how Louis is doing?"
"He hates you. Are you sure?"
"It's fine."
"Alright. But don't provoke him. His mind isn't always in the right place."
"I'm not so different. All of us Sinners... we have mental disorders or illnesses. It's part of the power we wield. Our curse."
"Yeah, I know. I'll be busy for a while. Have a good day, Mirai."
"Haha, okay."
Mirai giggled as she watched Gustaf gather his things and head to another floor. The man barely slept, surviving on coffee and cigarettes. Nearly seventy percent of his diet consisted of them. When hunger finally caught up with him, he'd eat a protein bar and drink a shake before returning to work.
"Preparations for the Sinners Academy are almost complete... I'll do everything I can to ensure Sinners are accepted by the world. They're humanity's only hope against the Dimensional Labyrinth."
Gustaf knew that Grievances of the highest level were beyond even the strongest Espers. Sinners—humans who had inherited the powers of Anomalies, Entities, and even Grievances—were the ultimate weapon.
It was simple.
Fight fire with fire.
But with so many global restrictions and prejudices, humanity struggled to accept Sinners as citizens, let alone heroes.
Gustaf's dream was to change that through the Sinners Academy—a place to train them, educate them, and show the world their worth.
Yet, beyond all that, Gustaf had a deeper reason.
His son.
Everything he did was for Louis—to give him a place where he could belong, surrounded by others like him. A place where he could understand himself, grow stronger, and finally be accepted.
Arriving at Floor 55, Gustaf sat down to eat a small lunch in front of his wife's containment chamber. He spoke softly, recounting the day's events.
"Louis... he's struggling, as always. But I know he'll pull through. He always does. Our son is a fighter. He inherited your dragon blood, after all."
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