Inside the village, beneath a calm and silent street, Viviane walked peacefully back home.
Today had been a difficult day—the demand for potions and pills was increasing more and more.
In the sky, the moon dominated everything.
Its beautiful light illuminated every corner of the village, a light deeper than a mere reflection of sunlight—something with a will of its own.
Yet the moonlight seemed to conceal another, smaller moon, anchored to it by time itself, giving the night an even more breathtaking view.
As she walked, Viviane was lost in thought.
Above all, without a doubt, were Dante's words. She had felt relieved after he said he would no longer venture out recklessly.
Over the past few months, what had occupied much of her concern was precisely Dante's personality—always needing to prove himself, always placing himself in dangerous situations.
Like a marionette that longed to be free.
That still bothered her, even though she liked his personality overall.
Still, something drifted through her thoughts.
Dante could be less troublesome…
A small laugh escaped her lips.
That problematic side of him bothered her, but his other side was adorable.
— Well… you really should stop complaining…
A voice suddenly echoed, startling Viviane.
She knew that voice.
Yes—it was identical to her own. So similar it was unsettling.
Viviane stopped immediately and searched for the source of the voice, but there was no one on the street.
Even though it was night, it still wasn't the usual hour for people to withdraw from their activities.
However, it was the time when children went to sleep—the moment of greatest calm and solitude in the village.
— There's no need to be frightened… we've known each other for so long…
The voice spoke again, in a monotone tone, faintly sad—as if disappointed.
Viviane looked around once more, alarmed, and quickly asked:
— Who's there? Show yourself!
Her voice tried to sound normal, but that was impossible now.
— See me? But why? — the voice replied. — Isn't it enough for us to simply feel each other to talk?
Viviane didn't know how to respond.
Those words were not really questions.
They were verses.
Verses from a song she used to sing as a child.
The voice then recited:
> "You should stop complaining,
if we belong to you, what are you planning to do?
You already know me, there's no need to be afraid.
If you see me, oh Moon, it won't turn out well.
So why insist on seeing me,
if by feeling alone we can understand each other?"
Viviane felt her heart tighten.
The voice seemed to realize she had understood… and began to sing the missing parts.
> "If only the heart will remain,
then come and rescue me.
For my dream is to one day meet you again,
two hearts together, reaching for one another."
> "Do not be afraid, I will always love you.
And in neglect, perhaps even adore you.
Why don't I tell you my dreams again?
I still ask you—will you love me?"
> "Do you remember the heart that once reigned?
Our worlds may yet collide.
For faith is the only thing that will remain,
if it is our bonds that will be cut."
> "So I wait for you, to drown with me,
remembering deep in the heart,
that our bond was the best pair of all,
a love that might still endure."
> "So remember the night we celebrated,
for even the heavens wish to unite us.
Come with me to live our dream,
without fear, without mistakes, without hesitation."
> "Because love is a shell,
and only when warmed will it bear fruit.
That fruit is the dream I no longer wish to wait for.
So, one last time—shall we walk hand in hand?"
As the song faded, the space before Viviane began to waver.
It was as if an immense amount of wind was gathering in that very spot.
The area looked visibly unstable.
Not as if it would collapse—but as if it would open.
A black barrier rose around the distortion…
Then it collapsed, falling like a pool of water that quickly spread across the street before vanishing.
From it, something emerged.
Something bizarre.
Something dreadful.
Something that should not exist.
A profane existence, tied to the most ancient prophecy of death.
Viviane felt shock course through her body.
She had heard a horror story like this when she was a child.
Something known as… the Double Walker.
Standing before her was a perfect copy of herself.
The appearance was identical.
Only two differences stood out.
The alternative Viviane wore an orange, flower-patterned dress—the same dress Viviane loved most, given to her by her grandmother before she passed away.
And the other… was smiling.
A bizarre smile.
Inhuman.
There was nothing visibly wrong with her face—but that smile radiated pure falseness.
There was absolutely no emotion in it.
— Hello… me.
The alternative's voice echoed, sending a chill through Viviane.
— This… this isn't possible…
---
At the training field, Tyler silently examined several books.
He was completely focused on helping Dante succeed.
For that reason, he was analyzing passive techniques to refine Dante's use of lava, while also researching the Lotus of Crimson Effort and several other matters.
Helping Dante required immense research and relentless training.
But it had become essential.
Dante could not fail—no matter the cost.
If he fails… that would be a shame, wouldn't it?
Good thing you came to research how to help him…
As the voice echoed, Tyler instantly released his aura, trying to determine its source—but found nothing.
Then it revealed itself.
Standing before him was someone identical to him.
Not only in appearance—
cultivation, techniques… even their realm were exactly the same.
— I would like to talk…