Morning dawned with an eerie stillness, the sky clouded and gray, casting a dim light over Haruto’s room. He had barely slept, Igor’s words echoing in his mind, mingling with images of Mina’s desperate face, her pleas to the faceless audience in that twisted theater. The Dreamscape and the palace it held were now more than a frightening mystery—they were a clear, urgent danger. And Mina, his cousin, was trapped in the very heart of it.

  Just as Haruto began to prepare for school, a scream shattered the morning’s silence, piercing through the thin walls of his room. His blood ran cold as he recognized the voice—it was Chiharu.

  Without a second thought, Haruto bolted from his room, sprinting down the hallway toward Mina’s bedroom. He rounded the corner just as Chiharu emerged from the room, her face pale and stricken with horror.

  “Haruto!” she gasped, her voice trembling. “Mina… she’s… she’s not waking up!”

  Haruto pushed past her and into the room. Mina lay on her bed, her face peaceful, her breathing shallow and steady, yet unresponsive. Her eyes were closed, her body limp, as if she had simply slipped away into an unreachable place. He knelt by her side, reaching for her hand, but there was no reaction, no sign of life beyond the slow rise and fall of her chest.

  “She was fine last night,” Chiharu whispered, her voice filled with a desperation that cut through Haruto’s heart. “I checked on her before bed, and she was sleeping. But now…” She covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes wide and filled with fear. “Haruto, what’s happening to her?”

  Haruto forced himself to remain calm, though his mind was racing. He knew what had happened, knew why Mina was in this state. She had fallen victim to her own palace, trapped by the shadow of her insecurities, just as Igor had warned. But he couldn’t tell Chiharu that. He couldn’t begin to explain the other world, the Dreamscape, or the twisted version of herself that now held Mina captive.

  He swallowed hard, his voice quiet. “I… I don’t know,” he murmured, hating the lie but knowing it was necessary. “We should get her to the hospital.”

  Chiharu nodded, her hands shaking as she dialed emergency services. Haruto stayed by Mina’s side, his hand resting on hers, his mind racing with resolve. He knew what he needed to do. But first, he had to make sure that Mina received the care she needed, at least until he could find a way to enter the Dreamscape and face her palace head-on.

  At school, the news of Mina’s condition had already spread, whispers of another unexplained coma filling the hallways. Haruto kept his head down, avoiding eye contact, his mind focused on the mission ahead. But he didn’t go unnoticed for long.

  “Haruto!”

  He turned to see Nao and Shinji approaching, their faces etched with concern.

  “Hey,” Nao said softly, her voice filled with sympathy. “We heard about Mina… I’m so sorry. Are you okay?”

  Haruto looked at her, and for a moment, the weight of his grief and fear pressed down on him, threatening to break through his calm facade. But he forced himself to nod, to keep the mask in place. “I’m fine,” he replied quietly. “But… I need your help. Both of you.”

  Nao’s brow furrowed, worry flickering in her eyes. “Of course. Just tell us what you need.”

  Shinji scratched the back of his head, eyeing Haruto with a mixture of curiosity and confusion. “Uh, yeah, sure, man. Whatever you need.” He leaned in slightly, studying Haruto’s face. “But, uh… you look like you haven’t slept in days. Are you sure you’re alright?”

  Haruto took a deep breath, steeling himself. This was the moment. They deserved the truth, and he needed them to understand the gravity of what he was about to ask.

  “There’s… another world,” he began slowly, his voice low and serious. “It’s connected to this one, but it’s hidden. I call it the Dreamscape. It’s a place where people’s deepest fears, desires, and regrets take on a life of their own. And Mina…” He hesitated, meeting their gazes. “Mina’s trapped in it.”

  Shinji stared at him, his face scrunched in disbelief. “Another world? Like… some sort of dream place?” He let out a laugh, shaking his head. “Haruto, you gotta be kidding me. Are you even listening to yourself?”

  Nao shot him a sharp look, slapping his arm. “Shinji! This is serious. Just let him explain.”

  Shinji rubbed his arm, giving her an incredulous look. “I am listening, but come on, Nao! Another world? It sounds like he’s either sleep-deprived or… or…” He trailed off, shrugging. “Or on some kind of trip.”

  Haruto’s expression didn’t falter. He met Shinji’s gaze head-on, his voice steady. “I’m not joking. And I’m not crazy. I’ve been to the Dreamscape before. It’s real, and it’s dangerous. Mina’s there now, trapped in her own… her own version of reality. If I don’t get her out, she may never wake up.”

  Nao’s face softened, her skepticism melting away as she searched Haruto’s eyes. She seemed to sense the weight behind his words, the desperation he was barely keeping contained. Slowly, she nodded. “Okay. I believe you.”

  Shinji let out a groan, glancing between Haruto and Nao as if they had both lost their minds. “You’re both nuts, you know that?” he muttered, though there was a hint of reluctant acceptance in his tone.

  Nao gave him a pointed look, crossing her arms. “Don’t forget, Shinji—you owe me a favor. And I’m calling it in now. We’re helping Haruto, no matter how crazy this sounds.”

  Shinji let out a long, exaggerated sigh, throwing his hands up in defeat. “Fine, fine. If you say it’s real, Nao, I’ll go along with it. But if I wake up tomorrow in a straitjacket, I’m blaming both of you.”

  Haruto managed a faint smile, relief washing over him. He knew how absurd it sounded, but having them agree to help was the first step. He had seen their potential, the courage and loyalty that lingered beneath Shinji’s carefree facade and Nao’s guarded kindness. If anyone could help him bring Mina back, it was them.

  “Thank you,” Haruto said quietly, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. “This… means a lot. But I have to warn you, this isn’t just some fantasy. The Dreamscape is dangerous. There are things there—shadows of people’s darkest selves—that will do everything they can to stop us.”

  Nao nodded, her expression resolute. “We’re with you, Haruto. Just tell us what we need to do.”

  Shinji rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath, but a faint glimmer of determination had crept into his gaze. “Yeah, yeah, I’m in. Might as well do something interesting for once.” He smirked, crossing his arms. “Besides, if there’s some spooky other world, I’m not letting you guys face it alone. Who knows what kind of weird stuff’s lurking in there.”

  Haruto felt a sense of camaraderie, a strength that came from knowing he wasn’t alone in this fight. Together, they would face the darkness of the Dreamscape, navigate Mina’s palace, and confront her shadow. It was a daunting task, but with Nao and Shinji by his side, he felt a renewed confidence, a glimmer of hope that they could save her.

  “We’ll go at midnight,” Haruto said firmly, his voice steady. “That’s when the crystal opens the door. Meet me at my place tonight.”

  They exchanged solemn nods, a silent agreement passing between them. The school day continued, but Haruto’s mind was elsewhere, focused on the challenge that lay ahead. Time slipped by, each hour bringing him closer to the moment they would cross the threshold into the Dreamscape.

  When the final bell rang, Haruto watched as Nao and Shinji left with determined expressions. Tonight, they would face the Dreamscape together, braving the shadows and uncovering the truth that lay hidden within Mina’s palace. Haruto could only hope that their resolve—and their friendship—would be strong enough to see them through.

  As he walked home, he steeled himself, his heart and mind prepared for the journey that lay ahead. Whatever awaited them in that twisted world, he would face it without hesitation, for Mina’s sake, for her freedom, and for the bonds that bound them all together.

  As the clock crept closer to midnight, Haruto paced his room, his mind racing with anticipation and worry. The entire house was silent; Chiharu had gone to bed hours ago, unaware of the plan he was about to set into motion. His heart hammered as he waited, every sound outside his window making him glance over, tense with the weight of what lay ahead.

  Finally, a soft tapping at the window broke the silence. Haruto hurried over, sliding the window open to let Nao and Shinji climb inside. Shinji stumbled through with exaggerated caution, his face etched with a mixture of anxiety and frustration.

  “This is the worst idea we’ve ever had,” Shinji muttered, glancing around as if expecting someone to jump out and scold them at any moment. “Sneaking into your house at midnight to enter another world? We’re out of our minds.”

  Nao shot him an annoyed glare, nudging him aside as she climbed in after him. “Shut up, Shinji. We agreed to this, so if you’re going to whine, maybe you should’ve stayed home.”

  “Yeah, yeah,” Shinji grumbled, but the nervous glint in his eyes softened as he caught Haruto’s serious expression. “I’m just saying. I don’t wanna end up as a ghost story about three idiots who vanished in their pajamas.”

  Haruto managed a small, tense smile, but his focus remained on the crystal in his hand. Midnight was upon them. He took a steadying breath, then held the crystal against the mirror. The glass shimmered, the rippling surface warping and distorting until it seemed to open like a portal, revealing the same dark depths he had stepped through before.

  Shinji’s jaw dropped, and he stumbled back, his eyes wide. “Am I… dreaming?” He turned to Nao, his voice lowering in a flirtatious tone. “Nao, pinch me.”

  Nao sighed, rolling her eyes before slapping him across the face, the sound echoing through the room. Shinji blinked, rubbing his cheek, the shock quickly replaced by astonishment. “Okay, not dreaming.”

  Haruto couldn’t suppress a smirk, despite the tension. “Ready?” he asked, his voice calm but firm.

  Nao nodded, her expression resolute. “Let’s do this.”

  Shinji took a shaky breath but gave a nod of his own. “Lead the way, fearless leader.”

  One by one, they stepped through the mirror’s surface, the cool, electric sensation enveloping them as they crossed the boundary between reality and the Dreamscape.

  They emerged in the dim, eerie light of the theater, its long hallways and crimson velvet drapes looking as ominous as ever. Nao and Shinji glanced around, their expressions shifting from awe to unease as they took in the grandiose yet decayed surroundings.

  “So… this is it?” Shinji whispered, his voice echoing in the silence. “We’re really in another world?”

  Haruto nodded, scanning the space around them. “Yes, but something feels… different.”

  Just then, a voice echoed from somewhere deeper within the theater—a voice filled with pain, anger, and desperation.

  “No… stop it!” Mina’s voice rang out, followed by the mocking laughter of her shadow.

  The three of them froze, and Haruto’s eyes widened in recognition. Without a second thought, he broke into a sprint, leading Nao and Shinji down the twisting corridors toward the sound. They ran past countless posters of Mina, each one depicting her exaggerated smile and desperate gaze, reminding Haruto of the twisted mockery her shadow had created.

  At last, they arrived at the first auditorium, the stage illuminated by a single spotlight. There, in the center of the stage, was Mina’s shadow—a twisted version of her, with an exaggerated, mocking smile plastered on her face. She loomed over the real Mina, who lay crumpled on the ground, her face pale and filled with horror.

  “Look at you,” the shadow sneered, her voice dripping with contempt. “So desperate for approval, clinging to anyone who shows you the slightest bit of attention. Without their validation, you’re nothing. You’re worthless!”

  “That’s not true!” Mina’s voice was weak, barely above a whisper, but she forced herself to look up, defiance flickering in her gaze. “I… I don’t need anyone’s approval. I can stand on my own.”

  The shadow’s expression darkened, her eyes narrowing. “Really? Then why are you so afraid to admit it?” She raised her foot and kicked Mina, sending her sprawling across the stage.

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  Haruto started forward, but the shadow suddenly turned, her gaze flickering toward him. With a sneer, she grabbed Mina by the arm, pulling her up roughly. “Oh, you brought friends?” the shadow mocked, her voice laced with dark amusement. “Well, they’re too late to save you. You’re mine now.”

  Before any of them could react, the shadow darted offstage, dragging Mina with her into the darkness. Haruto cursed under his breath, racing forward, but a sudden, complete darkness fell over the theater as the power cut out, plunging them into an eerie silence.

  Seconds later, the lights flickered back on, dim and cold, casting strange shadows across the room. Haruto’s heart sank as he realized they were no longer alone—dark, twisted figures had materialized around them, shadows with hollow eyes and distorted forms, their twisted faces leering at the intruders.

  Nao and Shinji looked around, their faces pale as they took in the sight of the shadowy creatures closing in on them.

  “Haruto…” Nao whispered, her voice trembling.

  “Stand back,” Haruto ordered, stepping forward, his gaze locked on the shadows. He gripped the crystal in his hand, feeling its familiar warmth as he summoned his strength. “Persona!” he shouted, crushing the crystal.

  In an instant, Aries appeared behind him, the powerful spirit of his resolve blazing with dark energy. Haruto pointed toward one of the shadows, his voice firm. “Eiga!”

  Dark energy surged from Aries, coiling like tendrils toward the shadow. But as the attack struck, the creature absorbed the energy, seemingly unbothered by the assault. It let out a low, mocking laugh before lunging forward, slamming Haruto to the ground with a force that left him gasping for air.

  Nao and Shinji rushed to his side, panic flickering in their eyes.

  “Stay back!” Haruto wheezed, struggling to push himself up. But Shinji, ever defiant, grabbed a broken broomstick from the ground and charged at the nearest shadow with a wild yell.

  “Get away from him!” he shouted, swinging the broomstick with all his might.

  The shadow barely reacted, swatting Shinji aside with a single, effortless blow. He crashed against the floor, groaning in pain as he struggled to stand.

  The shadow sneered, its voice a chilling whisper. “Pathetic. Weaklings like you will be nothing more than dust.”

  Nao’s face hardened, her hands clenched into fists. She took a step forward, her eyes blazing with a fierce determination. “I won’t let you harm innocent people… or my friends!” Her voice was steady, filled with conviction as she glared at the shadow.

  Suddenly, she gasped, clutching her head as an intense pain pulsed through her skull. She dropped to her knees, her face contorted in agony as a voice echoed in her mind, deep and powerful.

  “Are you truly going to let this shadow win? Or will you stand and fight?”

  Nao’s breath came in ragged gasps, the voice resonating within her, stirring something deep and fierce in her heart. She felt a surge of strength, a power that was both foreign and familiar, filling her with the courage she had been missing.

  “Take my power,” the voice urged, filled with an ancient wisdom. “Accept it, and let it be the weapon that protects those you hold dear.”

  The pain in her head suddenly ceased, leaving her with a crystal in her hand, glowing with a vibrant, ethereal light. She looked down at it, her resolve solidifying as she clenched her fist around it.

  “Persona!” she screamed, crushing the crystal.

  A brilliant light erupted from her, and from within the glow emerged a figure—Aphrodite, a graceful yet powerful embodiment of Nao’s inner strength. The figure floated behind her, its eyes filled with a serene, unyielding determination.

  Nao stood, her eyes blazing with newfound power. She pointed at the shadow that had taunted them. “Bufu!” she commanded, her voice steady.

  Aphrodite raised her hands, summoning a wave of ice that surged toward the shadow. The freezing blast struck it with incredible force, and the creature let out a shriek of agony, its form cracking and weakening under the onslaught.

  “It’s weak to ice!” Haruto shouted, hope rekindling in his chest.

  Nao’s eyes narrowed, her focus intense. “Then I’ll finish this.” She lunged forward, summoning another wave of icy energy that crashed down on the shadow, shattering it into fragments that faded into the air, leaving only a cold silence in its wake.

  Shinji, still groaning from his fall, blinked up at her in disbelief. “Did… did that just happen?” he muttered, looking between Nao and the empty space where the shadow had stood.

  Nao extended a hand to help him up, a small, proud smile on her face. “Believe it, Shinji. We’ve got a fight to win.” She turned to Haruto, her expression resolute. “Let’s go save Mina.”

  Haruto, Nao, and Shinji sprinted down the dimly lit hallway, the heavy atmosphere of the theater pressing in around them. The walls seemed to close in tighter with each step, as if the twisted palace itself wanted to keep them from reaching Mina. The familiar posters of Mina’s anguished, desperate face lined the walls, her exaggerated smile and wide, pleading eyes adding to the suffocating feeling that wrapped around them like a shroud.

  As they reached the staircase leading to the locked door, Haruto skidded to a halt, his heart pounding in his chest. The door, which had been locked before, now hung slightly open, the metal lock shattered, pieces scattered across the floor. The shadow must have broken it, anticipating they’d follow.

  They stepped inside, and the scene before them was chilling. Mina’s shadow loomed over her, its features twisted and dark, an embodiment of her fears and insecurities. It sneered, circling Mina like a predator toying with its prey.

  “Admit it, you need them. You need everyone’s approval because, deep down, you know you’re nothing without it,” the shadow spat, each word dripping with malice.

  Mina shook her head, her voice wavering but defiant. “No… that’s not true. I don’t… I don’t need anyone’s approval!”

  The shadow’s eyes flashed with anger, its form swelling as if feeding off her denial. “Liar!” it shrieked, and with a vicious sweep of its arm, it flung Mina across the room, her body crashing into a stack of old wooden crates. The impact was brutal, and Mina let out a gasp of pain, struggling to push herself up.

  “Stop it!” she whispered, her voice barely audible, filled with exhaustion and fear. “Please… just stop.”

  The shadow laughed, advancing on her with cold, unrelenting cruelty. “Stop? Why should I stop? I’m only here because of you, Mina. I am you. Every ounce of need, every scrap of desperation—it's all yours. Just admit it.”

  Haruto couldn’t take it any longer. He stepped forward, fists clenched, his voice a low growl. “That’s enough!”

  Nao and Shinji moved beside him, their faces set with fierce determination. The shadow’s gaze flicked toward them, its sneer twisting into a look of irritation.

  “Interfering, are we?” the shadow muttered, grabbing hold of Mina’s wrist and pulling her up forcefully. “I suppose I’ll just have to take her elsewhere.” With a burst of dark energy, the shadow pulled Mina along, disappearing into the depths of the theater, its mocking laughter echoing in the silence.

  Before Haruto and the others could react, a fresh wave of shadows appeared, their hollow, distorted faces grinning as they closed in.

  “Not again,” Nao muttered, gripping her crystal as she glanced at Haruto. “Ready?”

  Haruto nodded, summoning Aries with a fierce resolve. “Let’s take them down.”

  Side by side, they charged into the horde of shadows, their Personas blazing with energy. Nao’s Aphrodite unleashed blasts of ice, freezing the creatures in their tracks, while Aries struck with dark energy, reducing the shadows to wisps of smoke. The two fought in perfect harmony, each attack synchronized, each movement fluid as they took down shadow after shadow, their combined strength overpowering the creatures.

  But just as the last shadow dissipated, the ground trembled, and a larger shadow emerged, towering over them, its body covered in jagged armor-like plates that gleamed with a dark, sinister energy. It let out a deep, guttural growl, its hollow eyes fixed on them with murderous intent.

  Haruto and Nao braced themselves, launching their attacks in unison. Aries surged forward, dark energy swirling around him as he struck the shadow with Eiga, while Aphrodite followed with a blast of ice. But the creature barely flinched, its armored exterior absorbing the attacks without a scratch.

  “Damn it,” Haruto muttered, gritting his teeth as the creature lumbered forward. With a single, brutal swipe, it sent both him and Nao sprawling across the floor, the impact knocking the breath out of them.

  The creature advanced, looming over them with a menacing grin, its claws gleaming as it prepared to strike. Haruto struggled to push himself up, his body aching, but he knew they were outmatched. Their attacks weren’t strong enough to break through its defenses.

  Just as the creature raised its arm to strike, a loud voice rang out from behind it.

  “Hey! Over here, ugly!” Shinji shouted, waving his arms as he stepped into the creature’s line of sight.

  The shadow froze, its attention shifting to Shinji, who stood defiantly, a determined gleam in his eyes. The creature let out a low growl and charged toward him, its heavy footsteps echoing through the room as it barreled forward.

  At the last second, Shinji dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the creature’s attack. He was breathing hard, but his face remained set with fierce resolve. “Come on,” he muttered under his breath. “You think that’s all you got?”

  The creature turned to face him, its hollow gaze narrowing as it seemed to sense something within him—a deep-seated grief, a wound that had yet to heal. It sneered, its voice a mocking whisper. “You think you’re strong, boy? You think you’re different? Pathetic. You can’t even save yourself… just like you couldn’t save your brother.”

  Shinji’s face went pale, his fists clenching as a flicker of pain flashed in his eyes. The creature’s words cut deep, ripping open old wounds, exposing the grief he had tried to bury.

  “I’ll make sure you meet him again,” the creature sneered, its voice laced with dark amusement. “In death.”

  The words struck Shinji like a blow, his body tensing as a familiar, throbbing pain pulsed through his head. He staggered, clutching his head as the world around him blurred, a deep, resonant voice echoing in his mind.

  “Are you really going to let this shadow decide your fate? Are you going to let it win, or will you stand and fight?”

  Shinji’s vision cleared, and in his hand, a crystal materialized, glowing with an intense, fiery light. He looked down at it, feeling a surge of strength, a power that felt raw and untamed, pulsing through him like a heartbeat.

  “Accept it,” the voice urged. “Embrace the power of those who stand in the darkness and refuse to be consumed. Call upon my name… Hades.”

  Shinji’s grip tightened around the crystal, his eyes blazing with determination. He crushed it in his hand, feeling the energy surge through him as he let out a defiant roar. “Persona!”

  In a flash of dark fire, a figure emerged behind him—a tall, shadowy form cloaked in black, with piercing, fiery eyes and a skeletal visage that radiated an unyielding strength. This was Hades, a reflection of Shinji’s resolve, his unbreakable spirit in the face of his grief and anger.

  Shinji pointed at the creature, his voice steady and filled with fury. “Headbutt!”

  Hades charged forward, his form shrouded in a dark, fiery aura as he slammed into the creature with brutal force. The impact shattered the shadow’s armored exterior, pieces of its shell crumbling to the ground as it let out a howl of pain.

  “Not so tough now, are you?” Shinji sneered, a fierce grin spreading across his face. He glanced back at Haruto and Nao, nodding in acknowledgment as he prepared for the final strike.

  With a roar, Shinji commanded Hades to unleash a flurry of attacks, each strike breaking through the creature’s defenses, weakening it with each blow. The shadow staggered, its body cracking under the relentless assault, until finally, Shinji raised his fist, his voice filled with raw emotion.

  “Eat this!” he shouted, as Hades delivered the final, crushing blow.

  The shadow shattered, its form disintegrating into wisps of smoke that faded into the air, leaving only silence in its wake. Shinji stood there, breathing heavily, his face flushed with the thrill of victory. Hades faded, leaving behind a faint glow as the room returned to its stillness.

  Nao hurried over to him, her face a mix of awe and relief. “Shinji… that was amazing.” She extended a hand to help him up, and he grinned, accepting it with a cocky smirk.

  “Yeah, well, don’t get too used to it,” he said, brushing off his shirt. “I’m still wrapping my head around this whole ‘Persona’ thing.”

  Haruto approached, nodding in appreciation. “Thanks, Shinji. We couldn’t have done that without you.”

  Shinji shrugged, though there was a faint gleam of pride in his eyes. “Hey, I’m not about to let some shadow jerk talk trash about me or my brother. Let’s just keep moving. Mina’s still out there, right?”

  Haruto nodded, his resolve renewed. Together, the three of them hurried down the dark hallway, their footsteps echoing as they pursued the twisted path that would lead them to Mina. With their new powers, they were stronger, ready to face whatever horrors lay ahead in the heart of the palace.

  The corridors of the twisted theater stretched endlessly before them, each turn and shadowed corner amplifying the sense of unease that lingered in the air. Haruto, Nao, and Shinji moved with caution, their eyes darting around as they pressed onward. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the occasional flicker of the dim lights overhead and the faint hum of the theater’s dark energy.

  But then, suddenly, a shrill scream echoed down the hallway, sharp and panicked, cutting through the silence like a knife. It wasn’t Mina’s voice, but the desperation in it was unmistakable.

  Nao’s eyes widened, her instinct kicking in. “We need to check that out,” she said, glancing at Haruto and Shinji.

  Shinji groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. “Screaming is never a good sign, Nao. People don’t just scream in these places for fun. We’re better off ignoring it and sticking to the plan.”

  Haruto frowned, feeling a tug of concern. “But what if someone’s in trouble? We should at least take a look.”

  Shinji sighed, throwing his hands up in defeat. “Fine. But if it’s a monster, I’m holding you both accountable.”

  The three followed the sound, rounding a corner until they spotted a large, dusty wooden box sitting in the middle of the hallway. The box was trembling violently, shaking as if something inside was struggling to escape. A muffled voice, high-pitched and frantic, echoed from within.

  “Hey! Somebody! Let me out! Please! It’s dark in here, and it smells like a sock factory! Help!”

  Shinji raised an eyebrow, eyeing the box suspiciously. “Right… so, who’s gonna be the brave one and open it?”

  When he turned around, he found that both Haruto and Nao had taken exaggerated steps back, clearly opting to stay as far from the box as possible. Haruto gave him an apologetic shrug, and Nao crossed her arms, offering a half-smile.

  Shinji rolled his eyes. “Oh, sure, let’s leave it to me. Thanks, guys.” He approached the box cautiously, his hand hovering over the latch. He took a deep breath, bracing himself, then quickly flipped the latch and opened the lid.

  The moment he lifted the lid, a small, furry blur shot out of the box and latched onto his face, wrapping its tiny arms around his head. Shinji stumbled back, yelling in panic as he tried to pull the creature off.

  “Get it off! Get it off!” he shouted, running in circles as he clawed at the creature clinging to his face. Haruto and Nao doubled over, laughter slipping out despite the situation.

  Eventually, Shinji managed to shake the creature loose, and it tumbled to the ground, rolling to a stop at their feet. Haruto and Nao stepped forward, peering down at the small figure, who was now brushing himself off with a dignified huff.

  The creature was a tiny monkey with a mischievous grin, its fur a striking mix of dark brown and silver, with bright, intelligent eyes that sparkled with curiosity. He crossed his tiny arms, looking up at them with a haughty expression.

  “Well, that was certainly not the rescue I was expecting,” the monkey said, his tone dripping with mock offense. “But I suppose I’ll take what I can get.”

  Shinji stared at him, blinking in shock. “Did… did that monkey just talk?”

  The monkey gave a dramatic sigh, rolling his eyes. “Oh, the humans and their shock at the smallest things. Yes, I talk. Name’s Maki. And if you hadn’t come along, I’d still be rotting in that box, thank you very much.” He shot a pointed look at Haruto, as if accusing him personally for his predicament.

  Haruto raised an eyebrow, surprised but intrigued. “Maki… why were you trapped in that box?”

  Maki crossed his tiny arms, giving Haruto a pointed look. “Well, let’s just say I was in the middle of… a mission. A very important one. One that just so happens to involve you, Haruto.”

  Nao tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. “Wait, how do you know Haruto? And what are you talking about?”

  Maki straightened, giving her a look that suggested he was far more knowledgeable than his small size would imply. “I know things. I know all about this theater, this palace, and the danger you’re all in. I’ve been keeping an eye on things around here for a while. You humans have a knack for attracting trouble, don’t you?”

  Shinji rubbed his temples, still trying to process the situation. “Okay, so you’re a talking monkey who was trapped in a box… and you know what’s happening here? Why should we believe you?”

  Maki scoffed, adjusting the fur on his shoulder with a tiny paw. “Believe what you want, but if you ignore me, you’re likely to end up as nothing more than a snack for the shadows. This place—this palace—feeds on insecurity and denial, and it will do everything in its power to keep Mina here.”

  Haruto’s eyes narrowed, his suspicion fading into determination. “So you know about Mina. Can you help us find her?”

  Maki gave him a sly grin. “Ah, now we’re getting somewhere. Yes, I know where she is. I know all the little twists and turns of this place.” He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “But first, you’ll need to trust me, because I’m your only hope of getting through this mess alive.”

  Nao glanced at Haruto, her eyes flickering with uncertainty, but after a moment, she nodded, her trust in Haruto clear. “If he’s got information, I say we take it. We don’t have time to second-guess.”

  Shinji sighed, crossing his arms. “Fine, but if you try anything weird, Maki, I’m tossing you back in that box.”

  Maki rolled his eyes, a playful smirk on his face. “Understood, Captain Tough Guy. Now, if you’re ready to save your friend, follow me.” He turned, scampering down the hallway with surprising speed, his small form weaving through the shadows as if he’d traveled these paths a thousand times.

  Haruto and the others followed, moving quickly as Maki led them deeper into the theater. The air grew colder, and the atmosphere darkened, an oppressive weight pressing down on them as they ventured further into the heart of the palace.

  Eventually, they reached a large, ornate door covered in intricate carvings, its surface gleaming with a dark, otherworldly glow. Maki stopped, gesturing to it with a flourish.

  “Through here,” he said, his voice unusually serious. “But be warned—what lies beyond this door is the core of the palace, the place where Mina’s shadow is strongest. If you want to save her, you’ll have to confront the very worst of what she fears and denies.”

  Haruto glanced at Nao and Shinji, their faces tense but resolute. He took a deep breath, steeling himself. “We’re ready.”

  Maki gave a nod, his usual mischievous expression softening. “Then let’s go, hero. Time to see what you’re really made of.”