Level 25,201: Military Airport.

  Nullaria Intelligence and Exploration System Base (SIEN).

  Dante rested his hand against the cold glass of the massive window in the base’s makeshift bar. Night had already fallen over the meadow.

  Due to recent events — the fall of Mirko, Leader of Barracks C, and the discovery of the mastermind behind the underground network distributing Sunflower Seeds — the meeting with the high command had been suspended. Dante assumed the Commanders were too busy deciding how to punish him and ensuring no one took Mirko’s place.

  Unfortunately, cutting off the head of the snake did not stop distribution at the lower levels. Although it didn't seem like an urgent problem, today of all days, it would be. The vast majority of the soldiers would end up drugged… and murdered.

  Frustration and helplessness washed over him. He could do nothing: no one would believe him, and besides, he needed Lilith’s hell to break loose. It was the only way for Alan to awaken the true potential of his Shield rune and finally be dragged along to the Trial of the Fifth Terror. Dante needed that power to destroy Valour, the Fifth Terror of Nullaria.

  He took a deep breath. He took comfort in knowing that, at least, he would avoid the drug. In one of his many regressions, he had fallen under the influence of the Sunflower Seeds, losing consciousness. And he had been horribly killed by… Her.

  He slowly withdrew his hand from the glass as the darkness swallowed the unchanging field of sunflowers.

  — Lilith... — he murmured with a lump in his throat —. The moment has finally arrived. Damn it... I hope there are no unfortunate variants in this regression.

  — Dante! — Stefan shouted for him to join the large table.

  The bar was a collage of items recovered from different levels of Nullaria: improvised tables, a karaoke stage, and spirits that, though they had slightly different flavours or colours, allowed them to simulate the life they once led on Earth.

  Dante approached slowly. At the table were Alan, Virellian with Kar’Nix on his shoulder, and the four survivors of the Trial of the Sixth Terror: Harold, Stefan, Katrina, and Ahmed.

  Dante observed them for a moment. In his last regression, Lilith had slaughtered them all after they fell under the effects of the Sunflower Seeds. He didn't truly care whether they lived or died, but the reality was they possessed useful runes: Gravity, Bombs, Sand, and Exchange. These could ensure his own survival and tilt the scales in the coming trial. The battle against the Fifth Terror would be the most terrible of all.

  Bealuna stepped onto the stage with enthusiasm. She cleared her throat to get everyone’s attention. At that exact moment, a waiter left two plates: one with chips and another with a mix of dried fruits and nuts.

  Dante tensed up.

  Among the nuts were Sunflower Seeds, already peeled. Some resentful member of Barracks C had placed them there to get rid of the evidence before being caught. He never found out who put them on the plates, but he didn't care either, as all of this had to happen… for a greater good.

  But this time, he made a different choice. He surprised himself as he approached the table and quickly took the plate of seeds, moving away to prevent the four of them from falling under the drug’s effect.

  Thanks to their mental connection, Kar’Nix noticed something strange in Dante’s behaviour and turned discreetly in his form as an orb with eyes and a beak to watch him closely.

  — Waiter! Where are our drinks? — Ahmed shouted, usually the quietest one.

  Stefan, the group's muscle, smiled happily, pointing to the other side where the drinks had already arrived. Dante slipped away quietly to dispose of the plate. He ignored the stage… until Bealuna raised her voice.

  — The next song is special — she announced —. It is dedicated to someone very important to me. To Dante Montenegro.

  A spotlight hit him suddenly. Startled, he hid the plate behind his back as a sea of gazes fell upon him and Bealuna began to sing.

  — Is there something between them? — Harold asked in a low voice.

  Katrina responded with a mischievous smile.

  — Perhaps.

  Virellian frowned as his Compass rune tattoo glowed on his arm, pointing him towards the exit. At the same time, Stefan offered a glass to Alan.

  — No, thanks — he replied —. These drinks… they are too chemical. They get you drunk far too fast.

  — It’s not for novices, it requires stamina — Stefan mocked, drinking it in one go.

  Without anyone noticing, Ahmed took a plate of nuts from a neighbouring table and tossed a handful into his mouth. When Harold tried to do the same, Kar’Nix pretended to fall onto the plate, blocking him.

  — Oops… sorry — the raven said, without moving.

  The confusion was general. On the stage, Bealuna closed her eyes and sang the chorus with a trembling voice:

  "So close… yet so far. As if you knew everything about me… And I could barely even touch you."

  Despite having lived through it before, Dante felt his soul break. He knew she was confessing her love between the lines, feeling his distance.

  I know it hurts you, but this is how it must be, he thought, everything must be born anew... little by little.

  Applause and cheers erupted. Bealuna smiled upon seeing a faint smile form on Dante’s face.

  At that same moment, in the depths of the base’s laboratories, Captain Ronko supervised as scientists injected a black liquid into the capsule containing Lilith. Her face twisted in pain, but she did not scream.

  — Impressive… — Ronko whispered.

  One of the scientists approached nervously.

  — The absorption is complete. Her body incorporates one of Nullaria’s most potent poisons at an abnormal speed. The regeneration… is almost immediate.

  Ronko smiled with satisfaction.

  — Continue observing her. I will return in an hour before administering the larger dose.

  Back at the bar, Alan saw Virellian leaving, following his compass with concern, and decided to go after him. Dante watched them from the corner of his eye. That had never happened in his previous regressions. Panic gripped him, and he followed them immediately.

  Bealuna, disappointed to see Dante leave so abruptly, decided to follow them as well, just as Katrina approached to congratulate her on the passion of her singing. They moved together towards the bar exit.

  Stefan and Harold laughed at Ahmed, who had his head on the table. They thought he was drunk, but his pupils were dilated to the maximum: the ecstasy of the seed had claimed him, and not just him; many others around them were the same.

  Kar’Nix, now in his raven form, watched the scene with unease and flew towards the exit.

  Virellian continued walking, following his Compass rune through a massive recreation room. Arcade machines lit up, table football, pool tables, ping pong, pinballs, dice, and cards filled the atmosphere with lights and sounds.

  Soon, his rune finished guiding him to a dark, empty room with a neon sign that read “ARCADE”.

  — That is the room through which we arrived at the base — Alan explained, catching up —. Why did you come here?

  — My rune is guiding me towards the exit... I don't understand it — Virellian muttered, completely confused.

  Dante arrived, feigning calm, though his heart hammered against his ribs due to the temporal variant.

  — They were very clever to bring all of this from the Infinite Arcade level for their own entertainment — Dante commented as an excuse, while casting a quick glance at the empty room with the glowing sign.

  A notification popped up in his retina with the item description:

  If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  [Glowing sign with the word “ARCADE” — Blessed Relic]

  Grants the possibility of transporting to the reception of Level 7: Infinite Arcade from any point.

  You only need to touch the sign to activate it.

  — That sign is the Blessed Relic that Battalion D found in the Infinite Arcade — Alan explained, noticing Dante looking at it —. It is our portal to Level 7. It also allowed us to bring many things from that level to this one.

  Bealuna and Katrina arrived in time to hear the explanation while Kar’Nix perched on Dante’s shoulder. Alan continued:

  — We used the “Battle City” arcade machine to enter the base from Level 7, and this sign to leave it and return to the Level 7 reception.

  Virellian asked, confused:

  — But how did you know the “Battle City” machine would bring you to the SIEN base?

  — The Leader of Pavilion B, Ryan, found the arcade by chance. He was promoted because of it. But I think he just started playing out of boredom… and upon reaching level 7 of the video game, he was transported specifically to this dark room. That’s how it was discovered — Alan explained —. Later, when the Battalion D he belonged to found the Blessed Relic — he pointed to the ARCADE sign — the commanders decided to place it in this very room. And that is how this empty room became our portal to and from Level 7.

  — So you were part of Battalion D? — Virellian asked.

  Alan lowered his gaze.

  — Yes… My Shield rune is useless. They told me it depends on my perception, and mine is very low. That tragic day my battalion disappeared… they needed someone to clean the toilets. They sent me. That’s why I survived. If I had gone with them to the Omega Level… I would be dead. Afterward, they transferred me to Barracks C. They said it was a waste of resources to keep me in Barracks D all by myself.

  An uncomfortable silence enveloped the group. Kar’Nix broke the tension with sarcasm:

  — In short… you’re a lucky useless brat.

  Alan hung his head even lower.

  — I-I suppose…

  Bealuna shot Kar’Nix a death glare.

  — What?! — the raven replied indifferently —. Someone had to say it. Besides, let me tell you that your rune's power doesn't come directly from your perception, but from your own courage… But that doesn't change the fact that you’re still a useless kid with no courage and no perception.

  — Will you shut your beak! — Bealuna shouted, defending an Alan who was already on the verge of tears.

  Before the tension could dissipate, Ryan, the Leader of Barracks B, appeared with his two thugs, placing his hand on Alan’s shoulder.

  — Hello, piggy. Are you trying to ride the coattails of others to move up barracks? — Ryan sneered with a cruel smile.

  TJ and Luke, the two thugs from Barracks B, surrounded him like two hounds.

  — Leader Ryan, I-It’s not like that, sir — Alan tried to explain, his voice cracking —. I’m just… giving the guests an extra tour of the recreation area.

  But Ryan didn't even look at him. He stepped forward with a smug smile towards Bealuna.

  — Uhhhhh… Hello, gorgeous. I am Ryan, Leader of Barracks B. I know you’re staying in Barracks A, but if you need any kind of help — he said, leaning into an exaggerated bow — don't hesitate to find me. And these are Luke and TJ, my barracks mates… and partners in adventure.

  Bealuna looked at him with a raised eyebrow and a half-smile loaded with irony.

  — Thank you, "Leader". I’ll keep that in mind — she replied with feigned politeness, before turning back to Alan —. Can we continue with the tour?

  Ryan tensed instantly, annoyed by the indifference.

  — We know this base much better than this fatty — he snapped, pointing at Alan —. I’d be happy to give you a more… private tour.

  Luke and TJ let out a vulgar chuckle behind him.

  — Commander Nastacia has already given them the official tour, sir — Alan said, trying to remain calm —. I was only showing them how some of the game machines work. I don't think any extra tour is necessary.

  Dante stepped forward with a firm but serene tone.

  — Alan has done an excellent job. We were just about to go and rest as it has been a very long day. Right?

  Ryan glared at him.

  Suddenly, a metallic hum filled the air, followed by the deep and authoritative voice of Commander Volkov coming through the loudspeakers:

  — Attention to all barracks leaders and commanders! Report immediately to meeting room number 4. I repeat: barracks leaders, room 4, as a matter of urgency.

  Ryan stayed silent for a second, processing the order. Alan looked at him with a certain relief, silently celebrating that he had to leave.

  Ryan noticed. He took a step towards him, furious.

  — This isn't over, piggy — he whispered with hatred, before shoving him with both hands.

  Alan fell backward with force. TJ gave him a light kick in the leg as he walked away, and Luke feigned a punch before letting out a laugh and leaving.

  Bealuna rushed to help Alan up.

  — Idiots! — she screamed at the retreating men —. What is your damn problem?!

  Alan brushed off his clothes with resignation.

  — Don't worry. I’m used to it — he said in a low voice, avoiding her eyes.

  Dante knelt beside him and spoke with sincerity:

  — Just as Kar’Nix told you, your Shield rune does not feed on your perception, Alan… It grows stronger with your courage. And today, you just took that first step.

  Alan looked at him, confused. He didn't quite believe it. Insecurity still wrapped around him.

  Dante, on the other hand, knew perfectly well that Alan was a key piece. He had seen it in more than one regression: if Alan did not perform an act of genuine courage, he would not be summoned to the Trial of the Fifth Terror, and without the help of his rune, things could become very complicated in that confrontation.

  At that moment, they saw several people running through the corridors. Something serious had happened.

  — What’s going on? — Bealuna asked, looking around.

  Dante frowned. A figure in a white lab coat he recognised immediately ran past them, visibly agitated.

  — That man is surely heading to the laboratory — Alan whispered, recognising the markings on the scientist’s coat.

  — It moved forward... — Dante whispered, horrified —. All of this was supposed to happen tomorrow, not tonight.

  Kar’Nix, perched on his shoulder, clicked his beak with enthusiasm.

  — If you want, I volunteer to follow him. I’ve always liked poking my beak into things that smell like a disaster.

  But before he could take flight, Dante spoke firmly in his mind:

  — Get inside that scientist’s body immediately. Use mental dominance. I want to see everything the high command is hiding through your eyes.

  Kar’Nix darted down the corridor. Thanks to the Mystic Bond Pact, Dante would see what he saw. Dante already knew the horrors of the Lilith Project, but every timeline brought new variables. A single deviation could unleash a catastrophe.

  He then ordered Alan to guide him to Barracks D at full speed. Taking Alan by surprise, the boy didn't question it and began to run while Dante followed. Dante turned to Virellian:

  — Take Bealuna, Katrina, and as many people as you can out of the base using that ARCADE sign NOW!

  Virellian watched him, bewildered, and then looked at his arm, wondering if his rune was truly guiding him towards the base exit, sensing an imminent threat.

  In the depths of the base’s laboratory, several scientists collapsed in awe. A majestic presence had manifested before them, enveloping the environment in an almost unbearable energy.

  Other researchers, arriving in a hurry due to the emergency call, stopped instantly, not daring to interrupt the moment. Among them walked the body possessed by Kar’Nix, blending into the crowd, observing the entity.

  There, in the middle of the laboratory, stood a being about three metres tall. A robe as white as light itself draped over its body without touching the floor. Wavy blonde hair framed a perfect, serene face of almost unreal beauty. Its golden aura illuminated the entire room with a supernatural warmth, and from its back emerged two enormous white wings, spread to their full span.

  The being smiled, a smile of such absolute perfection that it felt violent to the human senses.

  — Hello, my children. I am so proud of what you have achieved — it said, with a deep and enveloping voice that vibrated in their bones —. To create something so complex… with such basic elements found in Nullaria. It is fascinating to see how much effort you put into your own destruction.

  It turned with elegance towards a central cryogenic capsule containing Lilith. Her short white hair contrasted with her purple eyes, open but inert. Her skin, almost translucent, was traced with throbbing black veins that branched across her body, as if a foreign corruption inhabited her from within.

  The angel gently rested its palm on the glass, as if stroking a miracle or the edge of a scythe.

  — W-Who are you? — one of the scientists asked with a trembling voice, still on his knees.

  The being looked at him with a tenderness that did not reach its golden eyes.

  — My name is Justice — it said —. One of the Nine Virtues of Nullaria. Guardian of the Fourth Heaven. And I have come to deliver what rightfully belongs to you.

  Then, as if pronouncing a divine sentence, it injected power with its touch. The capsule trembled, glowed… and then exploded, causing the image of the angel to distort like a reflection in agitated water. The glass shattered with a dull explosion, sending shards flying in every direction. Where there was once a prisoner, now stood she.

  Lilith.

  Standing.

  Free.

  Motionless.

  Her bare feet touched the metal floor softly. The girl did not seem to breathe. Her eyes did not blink. But the intensity with which she stared at the group was that of a rabid beast trapped for too long. The sensors were bursting from the overload.

  And in the middle of the chaos, when the angel’s body had already vanished into light, its voice was heard once more. It was no longer majestic, but an inquisitorial whisper, cold and mocking:

  — Every action demands a reaction. You have sown chaos in the Great Balance of Nullaria; now, reap your natural order. Enjoy your harvest.

  The scientists looked up, confused, as if they expected that figure still to be floating above them. But no trace of the majestic angel remained. Only its voice, which gradually transformed into a distant laughter vibrating with a hidden delight.

  — We are watching you — it added, with absolute serenity that hid a cruel venom —. Do not disappoint us. Show us what you are capable of...

  Lilith was already standing before them. Around her, systems were failing. The glass groaned as the emergency lights flickered in a dying red. The alarms died under an invisible pressure.

  The silence that followed was the one that precedes a massacre. Kar’Nix felt an instinctive terror; he abandoned the scientist’s body without a second thought and fled through the ventilation ducts at top speed.

  And so the collapse began.

  Lilith

  Not with an alarm. But with a purple gaze loaded with hatred...

  Without warning, the air in the laboratory became dense. Three scientists were dragged by an invisible force, and their heads were smashed suddenly against the interior of the reinforced glass; the sound of bone snapping was dry, followed by the hiss of hot blood sliding down the glass. There was no time for screams.

  An unleashed mental force, savage and inhuman, roared everywhere. The bodies of the remaining researchers began to bend at impossible angles, as if invisible hands were twisting flesh and bone for pure amusement. The walls were stained a thick crimson as the laboratory turned into a silent slaughterhouse, where only the constant dripping of blood onto the cold metal could be heard.

  In the middle of the carnage, she remained impassive, surrounded by the remains of those who tried to chain her.

  Lilith has finally awakened. her.

  End of Chapter Twenty.

  Lilith stand free at last is a moment I’ve been building towards, but as we saw, her freedom comes with a terrible price.

  Justice should give you a glimpse into the true nature of the powers that rule Nullaria. They aren't just "villains," they are judges who find our struggles fascinating, almost like a game. It makes you wonder: if the being meant to represent "Justice" is this ruthless, what hope is there for someone like Alan or Bealuna?

  Lilith. Do you think he’s becoming too cold in his quest for survival, or is this the only way to win? I’m eager to hear your thoughts on Lilith’s brutal awakening and what you think Justice's next move will be.

  — Alberto Báez