Grand

"This was the secret history we inhabited."

At that moment, Gilan heard the Director's voice.

He turned his head and, to his astonishment, discovered that the scene around him had changed at some unknown point.

It was no longer the boundless flower gardens of Mahaber in the Land of Gods.

Instead, he stood within a vast, luxurious theater.

The surroundings were dim. Thousands upon thousands of leather seats lay empty, with only the Director—dressed in a white astronaut suit and wearing a round helmet—seated in the middle of the very first row.

As though the entire theater had opened for Them alone.

"I returned to the past and set Alice's death in motion, thus bringing about all subsequent developments."

The Director spoke to Themself.

Their calm, muffled voice came from beneath the helmet and echoed through the theater.

"My dear friend, this was the only solution you offered. Only in this way could we escape the fate of endlessly slaughtering one another."

"Unfortunately, I failed."

"In the end, I was still noticed by the laws of the world. The instant I returned to the normal timeline, I became the target of the three great art Hour-Gods. I could not wait until the day you crossed over..."

"?!"

Gilan stood where he was, staring at the Director seated among the audience, utterly baffled.

Thump!

Thump-thump-thump-thump!!

Just then.

A dull sound suddenly rang out in the silent theater.

Gilan abruptly turned to look.

Twelve red lights suddenly lit up above the enormous stage, their scarlet glow illuminating it.

The massive red curtains slowly drew apart to either side.

A spotlight shone down upon the center.

A man appeared.

He wore a black formal suit and a top hat, his long black hair falling to his waist.

His face was concealed in shadow,