Author's Note: Do Not Unlock Yet. Chapter Is Still Under Construction.
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They dismantled their barricade and carefully stepped outside.
Darkness still blanketed everything—but it was thinner now. Like pre-dawn gray.
The air felt heavier.
And then—
Victor froze.
Two figures stood ahead on the slope.
Silhouetted.
Armed.
One held what looked like a long blade resting against their shoulder.
The other gripped something resembling a spear—or maybe a rifle modified with organic growth.
They were human-shaped.
But in the Veilwood Playground, that meant nothing.
Victor slowly shifted his stance, subtly positioning himself between Aria and them.
The two figures didn't move at first.
Then one of them tilted their head slightly.
Watching.
Waiting.
Victor's Void Emperor senses flared faintly.
They were alive.
Breathing.
Real.
Not illusions.
Aria's voice was low. "Do you think they're like us?"
Victor didn't answer immediately.
Because in this place—
