Eternal introduced himself as Daido Katsumi, though he admitted freely: "I come from a world that no longer exists." His words carried weight, a pain Ren couldn't quite grasp.
He explained that the collapse of Rider Worlds had scattered fragments of heroes and villains alike. Somehow, the Lost Driver had carried him into this new Rider World. At first, he intended to walk it alone, but when he saw Nyara fighting, he knew—his path wasn't over yet.
"You remind me of someone," Daido said one evening as they walked along the rooftops. "Someone who also fought alone… until it broke her."
Ren glanced at him. "And what happened to her?"
Daido's eyes softened, if only slightly. "She became my family."
From then on, Eternal fought beside her. His cold precision and raw strength balanced her agile fury and instinct. Together, they pushed back against the Feraloids, saving more lives than Ren ever could alone. Citizens who once whispered of a "Phantom Cat" now began speaking of a "Moon and Flame" duo—two Riders who guarded Nocturne from the shadows.
---
But the Bestia Order would not allow this bond to grow unchecked.
In the chamber of the Beast King's idol, Lord Veyra snarled.
"Two Riders… impossible. The balance must not be disturbed. If they unite, our resurrection will fail."
Cobraxis bowed low. "Then allow me to poison their bond. Break the trust between the Cat and the Deadman… and they will destroy each other."
Veyra's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Do it."
---
And so, Ren's new friendship would soon face its greatest trial.