When the smoke cleared—
Only one creature remained.
It stepped forward slowly.
Tall.
Humanoid.
Perfectly still.
Unlike the other curses, its body looked almost human.
Black veins spread across its pale skin.
Its eyes glowed faint red.
The same red as Kael's pulse.
Virel frowned.
"…Impossible."
The creature tilted its head.
"You're surprised?"
Its voice sounded eerily calm.
"You should know by now."
It pointed at Kael.
"We cannot be erased."
Kael forced himself up.
"Who… are you?"
The creature smiled slightly.
"I am what remains when hatred lives too long."
It took another step forward.
"My name…"
Pause.
"…is Noctis."
Virel's expression darkened instantly.
"Everyone evacuate the district," he muttered into his communicator.
Kael blinked.
"Wait—why?"
Virel's voice was tense now.
"Because if Noctis is here…"
He looked at Kael.
"…then the prophecy has already begun."
Kael frowned.
"What prophecy?"
Noctis answered.
"The one where you become…"
The creature's smile widened.
"…the End of Humanity."