The warehouse was a cage of flickering lights and tension. Every droplet of rain from the broken windows seemed to echo the pulse of the city outside. Arata Kurogane's eyes scanned the room, noting every shadow, every movement.
Tonight, he wasn't hunting a criminal—he was reaching into the mind of one.
Arata stepped forward slowly, voice calm but firm:
"Lucian… I know you're in there. I can see you. You don't have to do this alone."
Kane's ribbons whipped violently at the air, sensing the threat of the detective's words. But for the first time, the ribbons faltered slightly, snapping harmlessly against the concrete walls.
Lucian's golden eyes flared in recognition, a spark of hope piercing the darkness.
He… he knows… he sees me…
Kane's voice thundered within Lucian's mind:
"You will not falter! Weakness is a sin. Justice must prevail!"
But the human side, golden and trembling, fought back:
No… I'm not just a tool… I'm me… I… I can choose!
The clash of wills caused Lucian's body to shudder. He stumbled, nearly losing balance, ribbons snapping dangerously around him—but the crack in Kane's dominance widened.
From the rooftop above, Sera Kurobane's eyes widened in awe and fear. She had watched him long enough to understand the danger, and now she realized the stakes:
If Arata can reach him… he might pull Lucian fully back. But if Kane wins… no one will survive this night.
Her finger hovered over her rifle, but she didn't shoot. She only watched, breath shallow, heart racing.
Arata lowered his pistol slightly, taking a step closer.
"You're stronger than this darkness, Lucian. I know what's real inside you. Show me… just for a moment."
The golden eyes of Lucian flared brighter. Kane's voice roared internally, struggling to maintain control:
"No! Do not let him see! You are mine!"
Lucian's body twisted, ribbons snapping around them, but Arata's calm, unwavering gaze reached him. For a fleeting moment, Kane's dominance broke completely.
I… I can fight… I… Lucian thought, feeling a surge of clarity and fear.
The storm outside mirrored the chaos inside. Ribbons clashed with concrete, the echo of footsteps against metal rang like a war drum, and the air trembled with the intensity of the mental battle.
Arata made the first true psychological connection with Lucian.
Kane's control was visibly cracking, exposing the human side of the Ribbon Reaper.
Sera witnessed the rare emergence, heart torn between fear and hope.
The stage was set for a confrontation that could unravel everything: identities, justice, and survival itself.