The air grew heavier as Ruthless Aiden and Cold Aiden approached the heart of the ruined city. The streets twisted unnaturally, buildings leaning like they were watching, waiting.

Ruthless grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Feels good, huh? Finally getting close to that bastard."

Cold Aiden, ever calm, scanned the surroundings. "Stay focused. He’ll sense us the moment we step forward."

Suddenly, the air trembled — and there he was.

Towering, his black mask cracked with glowing red veins. That spiral symbol pulsed on his forehead like a heartbeat. His voice was low, twisted. "I was wondering when you’d come… or should I say — when I would come."

Ruthless Aiden growled. "Shut up. You’re no Aiden. You’re just a mistake."

Lucian chuckled darkly. "A mistake? I’m the truest version… the one who accepted the truth."

Cold Aiden’s eyes narrowed. "We’re not here for your philosophy. Let’s test if you bleed."

Without another word, Ruthless launched himself forward, fist igniting in dark crimson energy. Lucian didn’t even flinch — instead, his hand moved so fast, it felt like the world skipped a second.

BOOM.

Ruthless flew back, smashing through two crumbling buildings. Cold Aiden didn’t wait — he moved with precision, throwing sharp energy spears straight at Lucian’s core. Lucian laughed and flicked them away like dust.

"Pathetic," Lucian hissed. "You came here thinking strength would save you?"

Suddenly, multiple shadow versions of Aiden emerged from the ground — black, hollow copies with glowing red eyes.

Ruthless groaned from the rubble, wiping blood from his mouth. "Okay… that was kinda hot. Not gonna lie."

Cold Aiden sighed. "Focus."

The shadows attacked, swarming like ants. Ruthless grinned, charging back in. "Now THIS is fun!"

Meanwhile, miles away, Silent Aiden and Broken Aiden crept through the ghost city, searching for the core.

"Think the others can handle it?" Broken Aiden whispered.

Silent Aiden nodded. "They have to. We have our own job."

Broken smirked. "Never thought I’d be sneaking around like this. Feels like we’re in some heist movie."

"Stay quiet."

Suddenly, they felt it — a pulse, like a heartbeat deep within the earth.

"There," Silent Aiden pointed.

In front of them stood a floating crystal — glowing red, pulsing with power. The Core.

Broken Aiden sighed. "Damn. That’s ugly."

Silent Aiden unsheathed his blade. "We break that — or none of us leave."

 Cut to: Emily and Coward Aiden

Emily peeked from their hiding spot. "I hate waiting."

Coward Aiden hugged his knees. "Me too… but… I think… I think I don’t wanna run anymore."

Emily blinked. "Huh?"

Coward Aiden looked at her, eyes trembling but honest. "I… I wanna protect someone. For once."

Emily smiled faintly. "Then stay alive, okay?"

He nodded. "Promise."

Back to the fight

Ruthless Aiden was covered in scratches but grinning wildly. "Come on! Is that all you got?!"

Lucian snarled. "You don’t understand. This is MY world."

He raised his hand — the sky cracked open, red lightning tearing through the air.

Cold Aiden’s eyes widened. "Now!"

They weren’t here to win — just to stall.

"STARFALL!" Cold Aiden yelled — their signal.

Silent Aiden heard it. "Time to end this."

Broken Aiden smirked. "Let’s break the heart of this hell."

They charged toward the Core.