… Sylvia rested her head on someone’s arm in her dream, finding it warm and firm, just right as a pillow. But it wasn’t enough, so she moved closer, burying her face against his chest. Concerned she might be too forward, she felt reassured when he pulled her closer, wrapping his arm around her.5

Warmth filled her heart. The ground beneath her was soft, like grass, as flowers bloomed around her and butterflies and bees danced in the air. Everything was beautiful, as though the whole world were hers.0

Yet, a lingering doubt caused a dull ache in her heart. He seemed to sense it, pulling her closer and whispering reassurances. Sylvia smiled, feeling a deep sense of peace in his embrace. She was no longer alone, no longer burdened by the weight of loneliness or sorrow, now that he was with her…0

Sylvia’s eyes opened slowly to the sight of the ceiling in the artificial shelter she had made.0

Scrub, scrub—0

She touched her eyes, her fingertips coming away wet with tears.0

“... Ah.”0

The dream had been so blissful that it left her feeling empty. The emotions she had tried so hard to suppress surged within her, and the voice of someone refusing to let her ruin her life echoed in her mind once more.0

Sylvia pressed her hands against her face, her breathing becoming erratic as panic began to overwhelm her. She shook for a moment before reaching into her pocket, pulling out a vial, and quickly swallowing the pill inside.4

“Sigh...”0

The overwhelming panic receded almost instantly, allowing her breathing to even out as she slowly regained her composure.1

Whooosh…0

She then began to break down the space she had formed with Primary Colors. As the hues slowly dissolved, the scene around her came into focus, revealing several people who had gathered nearby.0

Epherene smirked and said, “Sylvia. I figured it was you.”0

She stood nearby with Karixel and another woman.0

Sylvia gave a slight nod and replied, “Foolish Epherene. You actually managed to pass.”0

"Hmph....0