Hundreds of voices merged together, forming a hollow, inhuman echo.
"Why... why didn't you become one of us, Arthania?"
Even the air itself trembled from those madness-laden words.
"Arthania... Arthania... I waited for you, but you always refused."
The voices echoed again, growing steadier, while Arthania stood with cold calm before the crowd.
"...You were the last piece I wanted. So why... why... why?"
"Why did you refuse?... Why didn't you become one of us?... Why didn't you surrender yourself?"
It wasn't like a crowd speaking all at once — it was more like a defiled, corrupt entity speaking through the mouths of the masses.
It was terrifying... terrifying and crawling.
But Arthania remained standing, unmoved.
At the front, Rem extended her hand forward — toward Arthania — as if inviting her to take it.
"Let's start everything over... I'll let those strangers leave... but in return, become one of us. As it should have been."
