[A Few Hours Later]

I sat alone, in a confined space.

It felt very similar to a detention center, but considering the situation, I couldn’t complain too much about anything.

These people were well within their rights.

According to what Ciel had explained to me, after we both confirmed that our realities were indeed different from each other, they weren’t the Nether Cult.

Their true identity was the ‘Outgroup’—popularly known as Outers.

They were indeed perceived to be the enemies of this world and its factions, but for good reason. I had no cause to think they were evil, and after confirming that my reality was different from theirs, Ciel decided to show more courtesy.

At this point, I was mooching off them.

‘I’m confused and in a strange place. I need them more than they need me.’

Besides, they could kill me at any moment. I was at their mercy, so it was better to cooperate.

‘But, wow… this feels unreal.’

Aether did tell me about the nigh-infinite branches connected to the stem and then the Root. I never knew I would be crossing branches anytime soon.

‘Is this what Legris is after? He must have done this with [The World].’

That meant he was up to no good!

If he got rid of me, he must have gotten rid of the others that would prove to be threats to him. Neron and Kuzon were a definite.

‘If they’re out of our reality, then what happens next? Who’ll be able to stop Legris?’

I had faith in my friends, but I couldn’t put them in such obvious danger—especially where Legris was concerned.

I knew about Neron’s history with him and how dangerous he was. We still didn’t know his goals, making the threat he posed much more dangerous.

‘I need to get back… and fast!’

>CREAK