The sun was rising on the horizon, casting a soft golden light along the path. Carla and Ikku were already on their way to Hypsen's house, while Yumé and Kenny continued their training with Zeno. Once they arrived, Ikku glanced at Carla."Want to go first?" he asked, his voice confident."Why not?" Carla replied with a smile. "I'm sure I'll get it right this time."Without hesitation, she put on the headset and lay down on the bed, her breathing slowing as she quickly slipped into a deep sleep. Hypsen observed carefully before turning his gaze to Ikku."She seems to be doing much better," he said with a hint of satisfaction."Yeah," Ikku answered, his voice filled with determination. "This time, we're going to make it."Minutes passed in a near-tangible silence. Then, slowly, Carla woke up. She carefully removed the headset and sat on the edge of the bed. Ikku leaned in toward her, concern in his eyes."So? How did it go?" he asked, his heart pounding.Carla slowly raised her thumb, a triumphant smile lighting up her face."It's done!" she exclaimed.Hypsen nodded, visibly impressed. "Well done. You've made tremendous progress in just 24 hours."He then turned to Ikku, smirking. "Your turn now."Ikku straightened up, his expression resolute. "Alright, let's do this."He put on the headset and lay down on the bed, closing his eyes and focusing on calming his breathing. Soon, he dove deep into his own mind. When he opened his eyes again, he was in that endless white void, stretching out in every direction. Sitting on the ground in front of him, with his back turned, was his father, frozen in eternal silence.Ikku smirked. "Still here, huh?" he muttered, almost amused.His father's reply came quickly, dripping with disdain. "Still as dumb as ever," he snapped."The first time, I got too worked up," Ikku said. "But talking with Carla, I realized something... You're not even worth the energy. Still," he added with a faint smile, "I do owe you some credit. Without you, I wouldn't have made it this far."His father spat his words like venom. "Tch, I already told you—stop pretending you're someone important, you little brat!"Ikku sighed, exasperated. "Yeah, yeah, whatever." He turned his back on his father, clearly tired of the endless confrontation."Get out of here already!" his father shouted, his voice like a whip.Without looking back, Ikku replied, "Believe me, I'm trying. But for some reason, I can't."A bitter laugh escaped his father's throat. "Tch, failing even at getting rid of me? Typical."Annoyed, Ikku spun around. "Can you shut up for once?! Even in my own mind, you're unbearable!"His father laughed coldly and cruelly. "Then stop thinking about me and leave me alone!"At that moment, Ikku woke up abruptly. He sat up on the bed, breathing heavily, looking slightly shaken. Hypsen observed him silently before speaking."Looks like it didn't work," he said calmly.Ikku buried his face in his hands, frustrated. "I don't get it... Why can't I do this?"Carla approached him gently, concern in her eyes. "What happened, Ikku?" she asked softly.Still agitated, Ikku clenched his fists. "I told my father I didn't need him anymore, but... he's still there, with that same hateful look." He sighed in frustration.Carla studied him intently, her worry evident. "Ikku... why do you want to forget him?"Ikku raised his head, his nerves on edge. "I've already told you, Carla. That man has done nothing but ruin my life!"Carla hesitated for a moment before whispering, "Are you... sure?"His brow furrowed in surprise. "What do you mean?"Carla took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. "Maybe... there's something you're refusing to admit. That's what I realized after Zéburo died. To move forward, I had to stop lying to myself."Her words echoed in Ikku's mind. He lowered his gaze, visibly troubled. "Something I'm refusing to admit... lying to myself," he repeated, his tone dark and almost sad.A heavy silence filled the room. Ikku, lost in thought, replayed memories of his life: moments with his family, long stretches of loneliness, and the grueling trials of Nexus. Suddenly, he raised his head, a spark of understanding in his eyes."Thank you, Carla," he said quietly. "I think I get it now." He turned to Hypsen, his resolve renewed. "Let's go again, professor."Hypsen nodded approvingly. Ikku put the headset back on with determination, ready to dive into his mind once more.When he reentered his inner world, his father was there again."Don't you ever get tired of coming back?" his father sneered sarcastically."I do," Ikku replied calmly."For once, we agree," his father said cruelly.Ikku lowered his head slightly before replying softly, "No, you don't get it. I'm tired of lying to myself... You must be tired of it too, right? ...Dad."His father's face twisted in shock. "What the hell are you talking about, you little brat? Can't admit you can't forget me, huh?!" he yelled.Ikku nodded, an eerie calm in his expression. "I know. But it's because... at least when I stayed away, you couldn't hurt me anymore."His father froze, momentarily caught off guard."I've always wondered why you hated me so much," Ikku continued. "But now I know. You don't hate me... You hate yourself."His words hung in the air, his father staring at him, stunned."I can't forget you because... I never wanted to," Ikku admitted. "I remember hearing you mumble to yourself that night I left, but I pretended not to. I get it now... You must've gone through so much pain.""SHUT UP!" his father roared, rushing forward to punch him. "Stop acting like you know everything!"Ikku didn't flinch. He simply lowered his arms, looking at his father with compassion. As his father drew near, Ikku whispered, "You're right, I'm not strong. I'm still your little boy."The punch landed squarely on Ikku's face, but he didn't fight back. Instead, he wrapped his arms around his father gently."I won't lie to myself anymore, Dad. It's over. My life hasn't been easy, but I never lacked anything... thanks to you. In the end, my first hero... was you. Whatever you couldn't tell me back then... I'm ready to hear it now."His father stood frozen in his arms, his fists still raised. Slowly, tears began to fall from his eyes."I'm... sorry for everything, Ikku... I love you so much.""I love you too, Dad," Ikku replied, finally at peace. "Next time, tell me your story... without holding anything back."His father slowly faded away, leaving Ikku alone in his mind.Ikku woke up slowly, his face calm, a single tear rolling down his cheek. Carla, who had been watching him, smiled warmly."Well?" she asked.Ikku returned her smile, giving a thumbs-up. "It's done."Hypsen, who had also been observing, nodded in approval. "Well done, kids. You're ready now."