Katai and Johan intensely stare down each other, neither of them even attempting to muster up a sentence, until suddenly, Katai asks, "Johan... Just what are you doing?""I'm doing what's right, of course.""There's nothing right about resurrecting a dead person and then changing the world to fit whatever fantasy you have in your head.""I'm using your father's stupid ambition to do something noble, why can't you see that?!""You can't just force change onto people!""Oh, but you can do that in your little fantasy game, huh?!""...That's completely different.""Your father's device is going to fail. Our Plan B was to steal your device from you and use that to transform the world.""How long have you been planning this for?""Don't ask questions you already know the answer to. I don't need to explain myself any further." Johan turns and starts to walk towards the exit. Katai quickly steps towards him and puts a hand on his shoulder, causing Johan to aggressively pivot to Katai. "Wait! Whatever you do, don't activate that device! It's Vakora you want, right?""Yeah.""Then... What are you doing?" Suddenly, Katai's arms are held and his entire body is restrained by multiple armoured gunmen. "What the-""I'm activating the device, and taking Vakora from right under your noses.""What do you mean?"Don't play dumb, I know you've got some kind of plan. You wouldn't have waltzed into his building so casually if you didn't. I'm gonna force Aiko and Keiko to play their hand and 'rescue' you."Katai gives Johan a blank stare. Johan eyebrows furrow as he looks into Katai's eyes. "Take him away," he orders, continuing to stare at Katai with a mildly disturbed expression.~ A Few Hours Earlier, at Katai's Workshop ~Aiko hands a small cube to Katai, its surface etched with ominous red markings. "Here, take this."Katai inspects the cube, turning it over in his hands. "And this is...?""It's a kill cube," Aiko explains. "They were sold to the public a few years ago, but after non-stop backlash and violent incidents, it was restricted to military use only.""And why am I holding one?"Aiko smirks. "A stalker tried to mess with my holo-phone and kidnap me once. What he didn't know was that I'm trained in just about every fighting style there is. I kicked his ass, and when he tried to activate the cube, I caught it before it could go off."Katai chuckles. "Of course you did.""Anyway," Aiko continues, getting serious. "To make things easier, throw this at the ground as hard as you can. Make sure your father's device is within fifty meters when it hits. It'll shut down everything for a few minutes, long enough for us to open a gate and grab what we need. Hopefully, by then, you'll have your father distracted so he won't see it coming."Katai nods, gripping the cube a little tighter. "...Got it."~ Present, Inside a Cell at Yuuhi HQ ~Katai sighs, rolling the kill cube between his fingers. "Should've seen this coming... but why didn't he take any of my gear?" He glances around the small cell before pulling out his holo-phone. Without hesitation, he dials Aiko.Aiko's face appears on the screen as she leans closer to Keiko. "It's Katai," she whispers. Keiko turns to her, eyes widening. "What's going on?""Aiko, you hear me?" Katai asks, his voice low."Yeah, what's up?""You'll have to grab the device earlier than planned.""What? Why?" Aiko's expression hardens."I'm using the kill cube now," Katai replies, scanning the room. "They've locked me up. The only way out is to cut the power. I'm near the roof, so if I use it here, it should knock out the device too."Aiko pauses, exchanging a look with Keiko. "If you say so... Keiko, are you ready?"Keiko taps rapidly on a keyboard, glancing back. "I've got the device's location through Katai's signal. It'll take a bit longer for the gate to stabilize, though. Katai, be careful—Johan might try to jump through the gate!"Katai grips the cube tighter. "I'll handle Johan. Just be ready. On my count."Both Aiko and Keiko give quick nods, their hands hovering over their controls."One... two... three!"Katai slams the kill cube into the ground. Instantly, everything in a 100-meter radius goes dead. The entire area trembles as power surges out, sending everyone stumbling. Then—complete darkness.Inside the dim corridor, Johan suddenly halts, his eyes narrowing at the flickering ceiling lights. He clenches his jaw, muttering, "Finally..." without breaking his stride, he spins around and takes off at a sprint, heading straight for the containment room.Meanwhile, Katai pries open the cell door, cautiously stepping into the darkened hall. His arms spread wide, feeling his way as he murmurs, "If he saw this coming, I've got to be careful..."Suddenly, the lights flicker back to life, revealing the corridor ahead—and Johan, standing at the other end, his eyes locked on Katai."Thanks for being predictable," Johan says, a smirk tugging at his lips as he moves forward. "I don't even want to know where you got a kill cube, but we have emergency power for situations like this."Katai matches Johan's smirk with one of his own. "If you really wanted to get rid of me, you'd have to kill me.""For once, we agree," Johan replies coldly.Katai's grin vanishes. "Wait, what—?"Before he can react, Johan lunges at him, his fist cocked back. Katai barely sidesteps, watching Johan stumble forward."Johan!" Katai calls out, his voice steady. "I'm not going to fight you.""Shut up!" Johan snarls, turning on his heel, eyes wild with rage."Can we just stop and talk for a moment?" Katai pleads, but Johan doesn't respond. Instead, he spins around, aiming another punch at Katai. This time, Katai catches Johan's fist, holding it firmly."Johan, you can't beat me in a fight," Katai says, locking eyes with him. "Just stop."Johan remains silent, his face cold. Suddenly, he loosens his fist and grabs Katai's arm, pulling him forward before driving his knee into Katai's gut. Katai grimaces, stumbling back in pain. Johan doesn't let up, launching a flurry of punches—lefts and rights—hammering Katai's face. A final blow sends Katai reeling backwards, creating space between them."Take me seriously, idiot," Johan snaps."You think I'm supposed to just fight my best friend like it's nothing?" Katai wipes his lip, checking for blood. His eyes harden. "We've been through everything together, even before you met my father! Are you seriously going down this path?""This is the right path," Johan retorts coldly. "Our friendship is a small sacrifice in the grand scheme of things."Katai's eyes widen, disbelief etched on his face. "And Aiko? You ruined things with her, too! Why?""Because this involves both of you!""She'll never forgive you for this, Johan!""I don't care!" Johan yells, his voice strained.Katai's expression softens, filled with pity. He exhales deeply, his stance shifting into a ready position. "There's no helping it then," he says, resigned.Johan squares up as well, the tension thick in the air. For a moment, they stare each other down before charging forward. Johan throws a fist aimed at Katai's gut, but Katai is quicker. His punch connects cleanly with Johan's face, sending him crashing into the wall. Johan slumps to the ground, blood trickling from his nose."Damn it..." Katai mutters, looking at the blood on his fist. He walks over to Johan, who remains seated, his face a mix of anger and contemplation."Johan, if our friendship ever meant anything to you, you won't try to stop me," Katai says softly before turning and sprinting down the corridor.Johan sits there in silence, blood dripping onto his shirt. After a long pause, he raises his hand, activating a holographic control panel. His fingers hover briefly before he taps "Voice message.""Katai has escaped his cell," Johan's voice is calm but tense. "If you see him, detain him... by any means necessary."He ends the recording and sighs as he slowly pulls himself up, wiping the blood from his face.After a few minutes, Katai sprints up the stairwell, finally bursting onto the roof. He immediately notices Kian surrounded by a handful of researchers, all focused on a massive, beacon-like device at the centre of the roof. The platform it rests on rises above a small flight of stairs, littered with countless cables and holographic screens that flicker with activity. Kian finishes a conversation with the researchers and turns to find Katai staring in awe. "Kai?!"Katai takes a moment to collect his thoughts. "I'm guessing you didn't expect this... But there's nothing you can do now.""You're my son. I understand that I can't stop you unless I kill you, but you're far too valuable to lose."Katai's expression twists with disgust. "It sickens me that you even considered that.""With Genesis, I could simply create another son," Kian replies coolly. "Maybe one who wouldn't abandon his father.""Keep telling yourself that..." Katai snaps, marching toward Kian. Suddenly, he halts, eyes widening as he notices a gate beginning to form beneath the device. Confused, Kian spins around."What? What's happening?!" He faces Katai again, realization dawning. "Is this you? I thought the kill cube was your last resort! Unless...""Great timing!" Katai exclaims, moving to dash forward, but Kian steps in his path, blocking him with arms outstretched."Wait! Is your device doing this? Where's your assistant hiding?" Kian demands."Somewhere you'll never find them," Katai replies, his voice steady. "Now get out of my way, Dad.""No!" Kian stands firm."If you don't stop that device, it'll be transported and destroyed," Katai warns, growing impatient."Then I won't go down without a fight," Kian retorts, his tone unwavering.Katai raises an eyebrow, confused. "What are you talking about?"Kian glances aside while keeping Katai in his sights, then shouts, "START IT!" The researchers exchange uncertain looks. One hesitantly speaks up, "Now? We're not finished prepping!""Can't you see the urgency? Start the device!" Kian's voice thunders, his desperation clear. Hesitant but obedient, the researchers abandon their final preparations and begin the launch sequence."No! Stop! You have no idea what you're doing!" Katai yells, shoving past Kian as he charges toward them. Suddenly, he skids to a halt as a bullet whistles by, narrowly missing him."That's enough," Johan declares coldly, pistol raised. A squad of guards fans out behind him, weapons drawn and trained on Katai."Put your hands up," Johan orders, his voice like ice.Katai grits his teeth, eyes darting between Johan and the device. "Johan, this is insane—""Put your damn arms up!" Johan shouts, stepping closer, his gun unwavering.Katai raises an eyebrow, keeping his tone calm despite the threat. "You're not actually going to shoot me, are you?"Johan's eyes narrow, his voice dripping with cold menace. "Make one wrong move, and maybe I will.""Johan, listen. Put the gun down. If you keep this up, that device and everything you've been working for will be destroyed."Johan's grip tightens, his finger inching toward the trigger. "Get up on the platform."Katai exhales sharply, frustration flashing across his face. "You have to—"A gunshot shatters the air, echoing off the walls as Johan fires a round into the ceiling. "I said, get up on the platform!" His voice is sharp, eyes burning with a mix of anger and desperation.Reluctantly, Katai complies, his steps slow and deliberate. Johan signals to the guards, who lower their weapons but stay on alert. Keeping the pistol trained on Katai, Johan follows him onto the platform, his stance rigid."Turn around," Johan orders, voice low and dangerous. "Face me."Katai turns slowly, raising his hands and locking eyes with Johan. His voice, when he speaks, is measured. "What now?""Tell me where Aiko and your assistant are hiding." Johan's gun doesn't waver, his tone brooding."They're inside a house. I don't know exactly where," Katai responds, his expression serious.Johan's eyes bore into Katai, searching for any hint of deception. "Are you lying to me?" His tone drops, threatening.Katai's gaze hardens. "How could I lie to you when you've got a gun to my head?" His voice carries a quiet defiance, unshaken by the danger.Johan's eyes flicker, studying Katai's face. There's a beat of silence before he mutters, "That look... you're telling the truth." But instead of lowering the gun, Johan presses the barrel against Katai's forehead, his breath slow and heavy. "You've got two options. Call off your assistant—or die where you stand."Katai breathes deeply, his tense posture loosening as he meets Johan's gaze. "It doesn't matter if I die. I've already done what I came to do."For a moment, the air between them is thick with tension. Johan, conflicted, hesitates."So that's your answer..." Johan mutters, a slight frown creasing his face. He glances over at Kian, standing in the distance. "I'm about to kill your son. Any objections?"Kian locks eyes with Katai, but his face remains impassive, devoid of emotion. He doesn't say a word. After a brief pause, he looks away."I'll take that as a no. How unfortunate—"In that fleeting moment, Katai seizes his chance. He smacks Johan's hand aside, sending the gun spinning into the air. Before Johan can react, Katai catches it mid-fall and swiftly shoves Johan to the ground, pinning him with the barrel aimed squarely at his chest.The guards react immediately, training their weapons on Katai. "Shoot me," Katai warns, his voice steely, "and everything falls apart. I'm one of the few who can stop what's happening to this world right now."Johan glares up at him, anger and confusion flashing in his eyes. "What the hell are you talking about? I'm the one who's going to fix everything!"Katai shakes his head, his voice low but filled with conviction. "This device has done more damage than any of you realize. Destroying it is the only way forward.""No!" Johan snaps, his voice cracking with desperation. "We can still fix this! We're close, I know we are—""Fix it?!" Katai interrupts, his voice rising. "You couldn't even handle moving my mother's internal organs in your last experiment! What makes you think you can fix the world? What kind of delusional god complex do you have?!"Johan's face twists with fury. "And what makes you any better?! You're just going to run off to Vakora, aren't you? Hide away while everything burns?"Katai's eyes narrow, his grip tightening on the gun. "I'm going to use Vakora to change the world—step by step.""Bullshit!" Johan spits, venom in his words. "You wanted to play god! Remember how that ended? What if that abomination you created finds its way back here?"Katai hesitates for a split second. "With enough time—""Time?" Johan sneers, slowly rising to his feet. "Time? That's all I ever hear from you! 'With enough time!' When will you stop hiding behind it and realize you were given this intelligence for a reason?""I know what I need to do," Katai replies, his voice quieter now, more restrained. "If you'd just let me prove myself—""Prove it now!" Johan steps forward, challenging him.Katai's eyes widen slightly. "What?""Shoot me," Johan taunts, his voice cold and cutting. "You said it yourself—you're here to fix the world, step by step. Start with me. Get rid of me and your pathetic father. Take that first step."Katai's hands tremble slightly as he grips the gun, his breath catching in his throat. "I... I'm not a murderer."Johan smirks, taking a slow step backwards, arms spread wide in mock surrender. "That's what I thought. You can't shoot me. You can't shoot anyone. You'll never do what has to be done.""Killing you isn't what's right," Katai whispers, his voice thick with frustration, yet resolute."We'll see about that!" Johan sneers, quickly vaulting over the platform's railings and plunging into the swirling gate around the device."Dammit!" Katai stomps the ground in frustration before pulling out his holo-phone and sprinting for cover. "Aiko! He went in!" His voice is tense, urgent.Aiko picks up instantly, her breath quick. "That took longer than expected! What happened?!""I'll explain later! Right now, I need to get out of here!" Katai ducks behind a wall as the guards surround Kian. One of them, gun in hand, looks to Kian for orders. "Sir, should we shoot him?"Kian stands there, seemingly dazed, lost in thought. "Sir...? Sir!" The guard's voice becomes more frantic. "SIR!"Finally snapping out of it, Kian stammers, "J-Just chase him! Don't let him escape!" His voice quivers with uncertainty, but the guards waste no time, nodding sharply and bolting after Katai. Katai reaches the edge of the rooftop and gazes down at the sprawling city below, Tokyo's lights pulsing like an aurora. His heartbeat quickens. With slightly trembling hands, he pulls out the hoverboard module cube. "Life or death..." he whispers under his breath. Without a second thought, he activates the cube, and a sleek hoverboard materializes beneath him. Taking one deep breath, he leaps from the roof, plunging into the Tokyo skyline.Keiko spins around in her chair, facing Aiko. "Aiko! I'm going to have to warp you into Vakora!" she says urgently."Warp?" Aiko raises an eyebrow."Yeah, we can only open one gate at a time."Aiko nods, remembering. "Right, I forgot about that. Let's do it."She steps onto a small platform rigged with dozens of wires. Keiko taps rapidly on her keyboard, then grips the mouse, giving Aiko one last look. "Warping was how we used to get into Vakora, but it had bugs. If something feels off, tell me immediately.""Got it." Aiko gives a confident nod, but as soon as her body starts glowing blue and turning translucent, she barely has time to react. In an instant, she vanishes from the real world, reappearing in the surreal landscape of Vakora—just as Johan hurtles down through the sky beside her. Their eyes lock midair, the tension electric. Instinctively, both channel their mana, preparing for the inevitable showdown."Johan! Listen—" Aiko shouts, her voice carried by the wind as they plummet.Johan cuts her off, eyes hard. "Save it. I'm taking this back to the real world, and no amount of talking will stop me."Aiko's lips curl into a sly smile. "I was hoping you'd say that. Now I won't feel guilty when I knock you senseless.""Whatever," Johan growls, dismissive but focused.They fall like meteors, their impact with the ground creating twin craters in Vakora's rugged terrain. A massive cloud of dust erupts around them, shrouding the moment in silence. As the dust clears, they both rise from their craters, bruised but unfazed, staring each other down with steely resolve.Aiko squares her shoulders, her fists glowing with mana. "This is where it ends."Johan clenches his fists, his own power rippling around him. "No. This is where I win."The two stand poised for battle, the air thick with anticipation, knowing the outcome of this fight could change everything.