Mike stepped out of the dark chamber.
His footsteps echoed faintly through the empty corridor as he walked forward… until he stopped at a quiet corner.
Silence.
For a few seconds, he just stood there.
Then—
"THAMM—!"
His fist slammed into the wall, cracking it instantly.
"…those bastards…"
"…they think everything is so easy…"
"…they don't know… what it feels like…"
He slowly raised his head.
A cold fury burned deep inside his black eyes.
After a moment, he exhaled sharply and lowered his hand.
"…you're still here…"
"…Alya."
Behind him stood a girl.
Her deep blue hair flowed like a calm ocean…
and her eyes—cold, unreadable.
Leaning against the wall, Alya smiled faintly.
"Looks like… you've been holding a lot inside."
Mike slowly turned, his gaze locking onto hers.
"…you don't know…"
"…what it feels like when…
you stop believing in yourself."
He turned and began to walk away.
Then—
Alya's voice came from behind, light… yet piercing.
"Yeah… maybe I don't know that pain…"
"…but Mike—"
"…if I give you a chance to remove your curse…
will you ignore it?"
Mike's steps froze.
Completely still.
For a moment, he didn't move at all.
Then, without turning—
"…is that true?"
Alya didn't answer.
She simply walked past him.
"Not here."
"Let's talk somewhere better."
Mike remained silent…
and followed her.
They stopped in front of a private room inside the Adventure Organization.
Alya pushed the door open.
The room was completely sealed.
No windows.
No light from outside.
Just one door…
And inside—
Two chairs facing each other.
Alya sat down on one of them and gestured calmly.
"Sit."
Mike closed the door behind him and took the opposite seat.
"…what were you saying…"
"…about my curse?"
His voice was low… strained.
In his eyes—
a restless desperation flickered.
Alya straightened slightly.
"Jinke Mountains."
"…an isolated region where ancient curse energy is believed to originate."
"…if there's any answer to your curse… you'll find it there."
Mike's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…and what do you want in return?"
Alya smiled softly.
"Nothing."
Mike leaned forward, his gaze sharpening.
"Alya Fellos…"
"…you helping me for free?"
"…that doesn't sound like you."
For a brief moment—
The smile on Alya's face disappeared.
Her gentle tone faded.
"I want you to join me."
"…in the attack on Blossom Castle."
Silence filled the room.
"…five years from now…"
"…there will be another war."
Mike leaned back in his chair.
"…you still haven't forgotten that place?"
Alya lowered her gaze slightly.
Her voice carried quiet pain.
"I never will."
"…last time…"
"…we lost everything there."
Her fingers tightened slightly.
"Not just people… Mike."
"…we lost our future."
The room fell into a heavy silence.
Mike stood up slowly.
He walked toward the door.
"If what you said… is true…"
"…then I'll help you."
His hand reached for the door—
Then paused.
"…if I go there…"
"…this time, nothing will be left."
Alya's lips curved faintly again.
"…we'll see."
Mike was about to open the door—
But—
Alya spoke once more, her tone soft… almost playful.
"…don't you think…"
"…that guy felt a little different?"
Mike's hand froze.
"…what was his name again…"
Alya's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…Medusa?"