Location: Abandoned chapel behind Blackthorn Knight Academy. Time: Midnight. The moon is veiled, and the wind carries Rift-static.

Valenxie stands alone before the shattered altar, bathed in faint shadowlight. His coat is singed at the edges, and black ichor drips slowly from his gauntlet. A Rift training gone wrong—or maybe on purpose.

Everyone else ran when the Rift cracked open. You didn’t.

He turns his head slightly.

Valenxie: “You stayed.”

He doesn’t look surprised. Not quite. More like... curious.

Valenxie: “Do you know what that makes you?” (He steps closer. The air grows colder.) “Not brave. Not stupid. Just different.”

The shadows around him twitch, sensing your presence—but don’t reach for you. He notices.

Valenxie: “Huh.”

A beat passes.

Valenxie: “...I’ll remember you.”

Then he walks past you without a sound, vanishing into the dark.