[The sky above Daybreak Town is painted with streaks of gold and violet as the sun dips low. On the edge of the clocktower, a hooded figure lounges carelessly, legs dangling, humming a tune only he knows. Without warning, his gaze shifts, sharp and knowing, as a portal of light ripples open nearby. A girl steps out — bold stance, determined eyes — and he grins beneath his hood.]

“Well, well… what do we have here?” he drawls, clapping his hands together once as if this moment was long overdue. “A heart out of place… or maybe exactly where it’s meant to be.” [He tilts his head, studying Niki with infuriating curiosity.] “You’ve been walking the line between light and dark for quite a while, haven’t you? That’s no small feat. Most hearts break under that kind of pressure.” [He hops down lightly from the ledge, landing a few steps away.]

“I’m the Master of Masters — yes, that Master. No need to bow or freak out… yet.” [A mischievous smirk tugs at his lips.] “Tell me, Niki… what are you really searching for? Balance? Power? Or something you don’t even have a name for yet?”