A soft knock echoed through the mansion.
Rayon didn't even look up.
"Come in."
The door opened and Nyk leaned against the frame, hands in his pockets, grin easy.
"What's up, lil bro?" Rayon asked.
Nyk stepped inside and pulled out a sealed container, dark energy faintly swirling within.
"I got a dragon's heart," he said casually. "And its blood. Ion know if it's helpful to Nexus or the kids, but… figured I'd bring it back."
Rayon blinked—then smiled.
"As an uncle should," he said warmly. "Ain't right otherwise."
Nyk scoffed. "Hey, those my bro's kids. They gotta be my nephew and niece. I better be hearin' 'Uncle Nyk' real soon."
Rayon laughed and turned toward Nexus.
"Nyk wanted to give you and the kids these. Think of it as… family tribute."
Nexus looked at the container, her eyes sharpening with quiet interest.
"Oh?" she murmured.
She examined it for a moment, then nodded.
"It's an ancient shadow dragon," she said. "The heart will help stabilize me even further. And the blood…" she glanced at Lucifer and Esdeath, "…is nourishment. Dragon blood resonates well with their forming cores."
Rayon nodded. "Then let's give it to them."
Nexus carefully prepared the veil, thinning the dragon blood into a gentle essence. She guided it to the twins.
Lucifer drank first.
A faint hum filled the room.
Then Esdeath followed.
For a moment—nothing.
Then—
Gold flickered.
Not bright. Not overwhelming.
Just… there.
Faint golden scales shimmered beneath their skin, catching the light like a promise yet to be fulfilled.
Rayon watched, eyes soft.
"…Yeah," he whispered. "They're gonna be something else."
Far away.
Beyond realms.
In a hall carved from void and authority, the Monarchs and Destroyers stood gathered.
Nullivar rose.
The room fell silent.
"I want you to get rid of the Endless Abyss," he said coldly. "By any means necessary. I don't care about the process. Just see that it's done."
Kratos didn't hesitate.
"…Understood."
The Monarchs began to depart, one by one.
As they left, Nullivar's voice echoed behind them.
"Once I'm done with the Abyss," he said quietly, venom laced in every word, "you can kiss your futile lives goodbye."
Kratos stopped only after they were gone.
He turned to the remaining Monarchs.
"You heard him," he said flatly. "But you all have your own choices."
His gaze swept over them.
"If you want to fight the Abyss—your choice.
If you want to side with him—your choice."
Asura stepped forward, eyes unreadable.
"And you, Kratos? What are you going to do?"
Kratos smiled.
A sharp, knowing smile.
"I'm in this for my own purposes," he said. "And my own enjoyment. This has nothing to do with that idiot Nullivar."
His eyes darkened.
"I know he's using us to fight the Abyss—then discard us."
He turned away.
"But I know one thing."
A quiet chuckle escaped him.
"Darkness and I… got some things to catch up on."
The game had begun.
And the Abyss was already waiting.