Days later, in a nameless city...
"GODDAMMIT! 'Bigger yet smaller'? 'Round yet square'? 'Colorful black'? 'Vibrant white'? SCREW YOU—HERE, YOU DRAW IT!"
A bald programmer slammed his keyboard at 2:30 AM—
Driven mad by client demands.
Then—a whisper:
"Join us. Slay the wicked. Topple the arrogant. Remake this broken world."
"Who's there?!"
He fell off his chair, searching frantically—
But the voice vanished.
Resuming work, his rage grew—until—
CRUNCH!
His fist shattered the keyboard.
The voice returned.
This time, he said yes.
And in that instant—he disappeared.
No trace remained.
(Unbeknownst to him, the 4th Divine Key had seen everything.)
Otto leaned back, sipping wine.
"Well. Can't blame him for turning Herrscher. Even a dog would rage-quit at these demands."
Hacking into the programmer's PC, Otto reviewed the client notes—
And immediately understood.
The Herrscher of Dominion had awakened.
That night, Otto cataloged every new Herrscher and their grudges—
Saving only those worth saving.
Meanwhile, Kiana's group arrived in the city.
"You need a break, Bronya. Right, Seele?"
"Mn. Here's the party checklist. Let's split up to save time."
Seele handed Kiana a list—
And soon, they went separate ways.
Spotting HOMU plushies, Kiana grinned.
Bronya'll love these!
After snapping selfies, she daydreamed of Bronya's envy—
While Seele slipped into her mindscape.
A black-red throne room. Scales of judgment.
"Other me... Kiana-oneechan is always sad about her other self. Do you know how to help?"
The girl lounging on the throne scoffed.
"Why ask me? I'm your bodyguard, not your therapist."
"But... you're like Sirin. I thought—"
"HAH! Comparing me to that brat?!"
"N-No! I mean how you exist! You protect me, she hurts Kiana-oneechan—you're good!"
"...Tch. No idea."
Seele's shoulders slumped.
"Other me..."
"Ugh. Just know I'm not leaving. Now scram."
"Come chat if you're lonely!"
Night fell—
And Seele found herself somewhere strange.
"Where... is this?"
Endless darkness. Railings over a bottomless abyss.
A voice chuckled.
"Scared already? Same as ever."
Seele relaxed. Other me is here.
"Do you know where we are?"
"How should I know? Explore yourself. I'll be here."
"Thank you..."
Though brusque, the words warmed her.
Venturing forth, Seele encountered identical figures—
Chanting madly:
"Bigger yet smaller! More yet less!"
Their demands made no sense—
Until a figure descended from above.
"Welcome... to the Dominion Theater."
"Who are you?!"
Seele tensed.
"We are us. Join us. That timid girl holds you back."
"BACK OFF! I'd NEVER join you! Let us go—or I'll rip you apart!"