The shockwave from Rayon and Nyk's last clash rippled down the empty street, scattering dust and loose gravel. They landed across from each other, both sliding back a few feet, both grinning like they were born for violence.
Nyk dragged the back of his hand across his lip, tasting the small cut with a smirk.
"Damn… you got hands, big bro."
Rayon exhaled softly, not even winded.
"You're good. Not better than me, but good."
Nyk barked a laugh. "Aye, aye… I'll take that L. Still fun as hell though."
He stepped forward and held out his fist.
"From now on? I'm wit' you. Not as no follower. As a brother."
Rayon tapped his fist against Nyk's.
"Fine by me."
But Erethon's voice slid into Rayon's mind like a cold breeze.
—Someone's coming.
Rayon didn't even turn.
"I know."
Footsteps echoed behind them. Steady. Confident. Someone who wasn't intimidated by pressure or killing intent.
A young woman approached—black hair, black eyes, dark fit hugging her frame. Feminine, deadly, calm. The type of calm that said she absolutely had bodies somewhere on her record.
She stopped in front of Nyk…
Then grabbed him by the collar and slammed him against the nearest wall.
With her other hand, she materialized a handgun straight from her Resonance. Cold barrel pressed right between his eyes.
"Didn't I tell you to be home by three?" she said quietly. "Dumb. Fucker. It's four. Why aren't you home?"
Nyk blinked. "Babe—baby—listen—"
Rayon burst out laughing.
"Aye, bro… this your shorty?"
Nyk shot him a dead-serious look.
"C'mon bruh… don't laugh. She crazy as hell."
Christine turned her glare to Rayon.
"And who the hell are you supposed to be?"
Before Rayon answered, Nyk sighed.
"That's my big bro."
Rayon gave her a charming smile.
"It's nice to meet you, sister-in-law."
Christine's cheeks twitched. A blush flashed—then she immediately masked it with irritation.
"Shut up," she muttered, still dragging Nyk by the collar as she pulled him along by his ear.
Nyk groaned. "Babe—relax—damn—!"
Rayon followed, hands in his pockets, amused.
Walking Through the Night Streets
Nyk eventually freed himself enough to walk normally again. Christine walked ahead, pretending not to listen while very clearly listening.
Rayon spoke casually,
"I need to spread some information."
Nyk smirked. "Oh? This sounds fun already. What we droppin'? A lie? A threat? A little mix of both?"
Rayon disappeared from Nyk's side and reappeared beside him, eyes slightly narrowed in thought.
"Spread word that the Vessels Continent is purged of the lawless vessels—that this continent is finally peaceful."
Nyk stopped walking… then laughed so hard he had to hold his stomach.
"Ain't nobody gon' believe that. But that's what you want, huh? So they'll send spies… or some big dog to check?"
Rayon looked at him like a teacher looking at a student trying their best.
"You're thinking too small," Rayon said. "Not only spies. I want everyone—from the other continents—to hear genuine rumors. Not illusions. Not forced narratives. Opinions that spread naturally. So when they arrive… they'll have no choice but to confirm it themselves."
"And then?" Nyk asked.
Rayon's smile sharpened.
"Then they'll learn there's only one person who can change the Vessels Continent."
Nyk shook his head, impressed.
"Bro… I ain't even finna laugh too hard but—"
He pressed a hand over his chest dramatically.
"I am sorry… for your oops."
BANG.
Christine fired a bullet that snapped straight through Nyk's cigarette, cleanly deleting the tip.
Nyk stared at the ruined cigarette like it was a mortal wound.
"Oh come on, babe… I'm trynna feel sorry for the oops."
She aimed again.
"Aight!" Nyk said quickly. "Damn. Damn, okay—I'm done."
Rayon chuckled under his breath.
They walked until they reached a massive apartment tower on the southern edge of the city—its windows glowing with warm gold light, the entire top floor belonging to Nyk.
The door opened, revealing the six primordial vessels who had submitted earlier:
Maro, Kirell, Solenne, Draxen, Veils, and Jiro.
They bowed slightly when Rayon approached—not out of fear, but deep respect.
Nyk threw his arms over their shoulders.
"Welcome to Casa Vandamson, ya'll. Don't touch nothing. Christine will shoot you."
Christine passed them without a word, heading inside first.
Nyk followed behind her like someone resigned to his fate.
Rayon stepped into the apartment last, taking in the view—the wide windows, the city lights, the sense of a storm about to form.
He exhaled once, slow.
The first moves of his plan had begun.
And Averis was about to shake.