It stopped a few steps away.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
The city remained silent around them, reflections holding their positions as if waiting.
Then the other Ludwig spoke, voice identical, but lacking the weight Ludwig had grown used to carrying behind his own.
"This place doesn't care how strong you are," he said, tone even, almost observational. "You already read that, didn't you?"
Ludwig tilted his head slightly, studying him.
"I figured as much," he replied. "Doesn't seem like the kind of floor that lets you solve things by hitting them."
"That would have been too easy," the copy said.
A brief pause followed, not awkward, but measured, like both were taking stock of the other.
Ludwig's gaze lingered for a moment longer than necessary. There was no distortion here. No inconsistency. This wasn't like the reflections scattered across the city.
This one was… precise. Meant to be. And on purpose.
