The peace didn't last.
One night, the air split open—a rift tearing through the sky above the new Academy.
From it stepped the mysterious woman from before, her presence colder this time.
> "Tarou," she said, "your existence is an error.
The world was never meant to stabilize with two of you merged."
He stood protectively before Yukino.
> "Then I'll break the laws of your universe again if I have to."
The woman raised her hand.
The ground trembled.
Dozens of crystalline warriors emerged, each bearing Tarou's face.
Yukino gasped.
> "Those are—"
"The failed me's," Tarou finished. "All the versions that couldn't save you."
He summoned his blade.
> "Stay behind me."