The three of them walked along the rain-slicked mountain path. The Rubia I knew would’ve been sleeping soundly in such weather, tucked under warm white sheets. The windows would be tightly shut, and she'd clutch the blanket gently until the sun returned.0

Now, she braved the storm, descending a rugged mountain path with ease. Her steps carried the weight of one shouldering her own life, unstoppable by thunder or wind. It was the gait of someone who had stumbled countless times in the past.0

How proud I was. Though this was technically my first time seeing Rubia in this timeline, I couldn’t help but feel I’d contributed to that confident presence.0

I followed behind quietly. I’d visited Erast three times before. However, this was the second time I’d descended into the territory right after waking up. The first time was after clearing Rena’s scenario. Reunited with Rubia after a long time, I wanted to do anything for her. Thus, I descended the mountain to wipe out her uncle’s faction. And I did, only to be killed within a single day by elite phantoms lurking in the shadows.0

This time,...0