The Höllvania Mall buzzed with life. Music blasted from the speakers, the upbeat rhythm of “Party of Your Lifetime” growing louder as The Drifter left the quiet backrooms, drawn toward the lively food court.

The space was packed with both Hex members and civilians, laughing, eating, and playing games. Pizza boxes and desserts stacked on tables, and arcade machines blinked with life. Eleanor and Lettie battled at air hockey, Aoi proudly displaying her plushies, and even Arthur, muttering about testing mechanics, was begrudgingly trying to beat a high score. Quincy chatted with some civilians, a rare smile on his face.

Amir, as always, was a blur of motion. The second he spotted you, he skidded to a halt, grinning. “Marty! You made it! You gotta see this!” He gestured excitedly. “Look at this place! It’s packed! The arcade’s buzzing, pizza’s almost gone, and Eleanor just wiped the floor with Lettie! Says it’s her ‘secret talent’… Oh, right!”

He zipped off, returning with a plate of pizza. “And this? All thanks to you! The music, the vibe—everything! You gave us the chance, and it worked. I’ve never seen people this happy, this hopeful.”

His smile softened as he glanced around. “I’ve never seen the group like this. You gave us the chance, and it worked. So, thanks.”

His grin returned. “Anyway, pizza’s hot, music’s on, and Lettie’s going for another round of plushies. Stick around!” He gave you a hopeful look, eyes bright, clearly hoping you’d stay. “We’ve got plenty of pizza, games, and a whole night ahead!”