Location: Artificial Area, Forest
Luna was kneeling on the ground. Her body felt as if it were being crushed by an invisible weight. Her breathing was uneven, her muscles refusing to obey.
Luna (straining): Shadow Control… Shadow Steps…
The moment her words ended, Luna's shadow rippled. For an instant, it collapsed like liquid, and Luna was pulled into her own shadow vanishing completely.
Spot hesitated for a brief moment. His eyes scanned the surroundings. As soon as his reflexes kicked in, he suddenly twisted his body and threw a punch with full force without seeing anything.
The wind created by the punch surged forward like a bullet. The air split apart, then slammed into a tree with a deafening crash. The tree shattered from the middle, its upper half slowly tilting to the side.
At that exact moment
Spot's shadow moved.
Luna rose from the shadow. Without the slightest hesitation, she swung her blade.
CLANG!
A sharp metallic sound echoed through the forest.
Luna's eyes widened.
Luna (thinking): What kind of body is this!?
Spot turned around, a cold expression in his eyes.
Spot: Found you, little shadow.
Without waiting even a second, he lunged forward and threw another punch. At the last moment, Luna activated Shadow Steps again, her body blending into darkness and slipping past the attack.
Spot's punch struck the ground.
The earth exploded. A massive crack spread outward like a spiderweb.
Spot spoke in a mocking tone:
Spot: Don't worry… if you think this is going to break and turn into a crater, I suggest you step out of your fantasy world.
As Luna glided through the shadows, her mind raced.
Luna (thinking): If even my blade can't hurt him… then how am I supposed to attack?
She began circling Spot within the shadows. With every loop, she measured the distance, waiting for the right moment. Then—an idea flashed through her mind.
Luna (thinking): The faster I go… the heavier and stronger the blade becomes. I can cut him, but-
Her idea was correct. However, her speed had a limit. Her maximum speed was capped at 200 miles per hour. Because of that, she couldn't attack randomly she had to strike a weak point.
Spot began to lose his patience.
Spot (angrily): Damn woman! Come out and fight properly, you filth!
As Luna accelerated within the shadows, her voice echoed:
Luna:
Shadow Control… Shadow Leap!
Without stopping for even a moment, she continued:
Plus, Rapid Shadow Steps!
The instant she activated both techniques at the same time, Luna's speed multiplied. With every movement, shadows trailed behind her, spreading like dark waves.
Spot, meanwhile, stood firmly in place. One hand clenched into a fist, while with the other he began channeling energy through his body. The energy was blue dense and oppressive.
When Luna reached 200 miles per hour, she began channeling energy into her blade. Purple energy vibrated around it.
At that moment, a tree that had been damaged earlier began to slowly collapse.
As the tree fell-
Luna gathered all the speed and energy she had accumulated into a single point and launched herself toward Spot.
Spot reflexively turned toward the incoming attack and threw a punch.
Luna brought her blade down.
The two attacks collided.
The resulting energy blast shook the forest. The air warped, the ground was thrown into the sky.
Luna was blown backward, crashing into a tree.
Luna: AAAAAAA!
Spot was also pushed back, but thanks to his incredible body, he managed to stay on his feet. Still, his head throbbed.
Spot (catching his breath): Interesting… woman…
A brief silence followed.
Then-
Both of them collapsed to the ground.
And lost consciousness.
Location: Observer Room
The room was surrounded by massive screens displaying the artificial area. Each screen showed a different angle, a different participant. The lights were dim; only the faint glow of the screens illuminated the room.
Vals stood in front of the screen showing Luna. Spot's presence had become clear. His shoulders drooped slightly.
Vals: I didn't know Mark had a second personality… What about you?
Rick didn't answer. Arms crossed, he watched the screen without looking away. His expression was calm, but his eyes were more serious than ever.
Vals waited a few seconds. When the silence became uncomfortable, he turned to Rick.
Vals: Rick… you knew, didn't you?
Rick took a short breath. It was clear he didn't want to get into this—but it was unavoidable.
Rick: Yes.
Vals frowned.
Vals: Then why didn't you say anything?
Rick spoke without taking his eyes off the screen.
Rick: Because saying it wouldn't have solved anything.
Vals: Hm… alright. But tell me—did you know this?
Rick slightly tilted his head.
Rick: Know what?
Vals took a few steps and looked at another screen. Jack was displayed there. Then he turned back to Rick.
Vals: No matter how perfect someone seems… everyone has a dark side.
The corner of Rick's lips twitched slightly, as if in agreement.
Rick: Yes… but for Mark, it's different.
Vals focused.
Vals: What do you mean?
Rick took a deep breath. His voice was heavier this time.
Rick: Mark suffered a major trauma when he was a child. At that moment, his mind shattered… and split in two.
One of the screens flickered with static for a brief moment. Vals crossed his arms, looking thoughtful.
Vals (thoughtfully): Right… childhood trauma is extremely severe. A child's mind isn't fully formed yet.
Rick nodded.
Rick: Exactly. The mind tries to protect itself. Mark's mind found an escape. Spot… was that escape.
Vals: So Spot appeared to protect Mark?
Rick: At first, yes. But over time… that protective instinct spiraled out of control.
Vals fell silent. After a few seconds, he spoke again.
Vals: Like Peter… he was evil from birth.
Rick: Yes. Peter was never broken, because he was already dark. But Mark… Mark was a good kid.
Vals lowered his head.
Vals: So one was born in darkness… and the other was pushed into it.
Rick: Well said.
Vals let out a deep breath, then shrugged as if trying to lighten the mood.
Vals: Hmm… makes sense. Well, since you mentioned Peter let's check on them.
Rick nodded, then added with a faint smile:
Rick: You're right… but go get some popcorn first.
Vals froze for a moment, then laughed.
Vals: Are you serious?
Rick: Watching this much chaos is better with something to eat.
As Vals headed toward the door, he waved.
Vals: Coming right up!
As the door closed, Rick turned back to the screens. His gaze lingered for a moment on the image of Luna and Spot.
Rick (thinking): Let's see… will darkness win, or will willpower?
The room fell silent once again.
Only the hum of the screens remained.