Encounter with the Phantom

(Fol steps through a new rift. This time, the atmosphere is entirely different—serene, with soft shimmering light, and the space appears unusual, as though reflected in water. Ahead, a small phantom quivers, clearly frightened. Fol tenses, ready for a fight.)

Fol (sternly):

— Alright, kid. Spill your plan, or you'll regret it.

(The phantom raises trembling hands, showing it doesn't intend to attack.)

Phantom (stammering):

— I-I... didn't mean to cause harm. Really.

Fol (suspiciously):

— Then what were you doing while I was trapped?

Phantom:

— I wanted... to talk... but couldn't. You were unconscious, and I tried to connect mentally.

Fol (frowning):

— Hm. So those strange voices... that was you?

Phantom (embarrassed):

— Y-yes...

Fol:

— Fine. But that still doesn't explain where Lous is. She's a Fenrir—silver hair, glowing eyes. Have you seen her?

(The phantom perks up, recalling something.)

Phantom:

— L-Lous? Yes, I saw her. She found you... and was dragging you.

(The phantom suddenly falls to its knees before Fol, clasping its hands as if in prayer.)

Fol (confused):

— Hey, what are you doing? I'm not going to help you.

Phantom (pleading):

— P-please... Only you can save my world! I'm ready to sacrifice myself—just save it!

Fol (irritated):

— Put your hands down. Even if I help, it doesn't mean your world won't fall in a day or two. And I might die in the process, leaving nothing changed at all.

Phantom (persistently):

— I'm ready to pay any price... Even if it won't save my world forever. Just don't let it fall now.

(Fol sighs heavily, trying to process the plea.)

Fol:

— You don't even understand what you're signing up for. You want change, but you don't know the cost.

Phantom:

— I... I know. Please, Lord Fol... Lous has already agreed and is in my world now.

(Fol freezes abruptly, his eyes flashing silver.)

Fol (yelling):

— What?! Lous agreed?! (grumbling) What is wrong with that kid? Why is she so impulsive?

(He runs a frustrated hand across his face, exhaling deeply.)

Fol:

— Fine. But if I agree, what happens to my body while I'm there? What if someone tries to take it over?

Phantom:

— Here... there's no normal sense of time. While you're there, not a second will pass here. Everything will stay as it is.

Fol (reluctantly):

— Alright. Since we're doing this... What's your name?

(The phantom frowns slightly, as if struggling to recall its name.)

Phantom:

— M-my name is F&₽#@.

(The name sounds strange, as if it cannot be fully comprehended. Before Fol can ask, a sharp voice rings out ahead of him.)