Evening at The Last Morsel. The sky shows strange aurora-like flickering—System instability. Alex stands outside the truck, wiping his hands on his apron, looking up at the unnatural sky with concern.

The sky tears open. A rift of pure white light splits the atmosphere above The Last Morsel. Survivors in the distance gasp and point.

Three figures descend from the rift. They wear pristine white robes that seem to absorb all color. Their faces are obscured by featureless masks of light.

The Administrators land around The Last Morsel. Their System notifications appear in massive golden windows visible to all. Alex reads them with growing horror.

Alex's face shows his shock and confusion. He points at the notifications, trying to process what he's reading.

The lead Administrator responds with cold precision. Their voice seems to come from everywhere at once.

A shadow falls over the scene. Raiki appears, greatsword already in hand, ice-blue energy crackling along the blade.

Harry appears on the other side, constellation magic building around his hands. His heterochromatic eyes gleam with determination.

The Administrators pause for the first time. New System notifications appear, noting the unexpected variables.

Alex looks between his two protectors. He takes a breath and steps forward, asking the question that's been burning in his mind.

The lead Administrator responds. Their voice is cold, clinical, utterly devoid of emotion. The truth begins to emerge.

Alex's reaction. His hands shake. He wasn't supposed to exist. Someone marked him for deletion before he was even born.

Raiki moves to Alex's side. His expression has softened. He places a hand on Alex's shoulder—a rare show of physical comfort.

Harry appears on Alex's other side. His theatrical manner is gone, replaced with genuine warmth. He places his hand over Raiki's on Alex's shoulder.

Alex finds his resolve. His amber eyes harden with determination. He's done being a victim.

The standoff intensifies. Raiki's sword glows brighter. Harry's magic crackles. The Administrators confer silently.

The Administrators exchange a silent communication. Their notifications flicker—new calculations, new threat assessments.

The lead Administrator raises a hand. Their final message appears. The Administrators begin to withdraw.

The rift closes. Silence falls. Alex, Raiki, and Harry stand in the aftermath. The Last Morsel's warm glow seems brighter than before.

Alex turns to face Raiki and Harry. His voice is quiet but determined. He needs to know they meant what they said.

Raiki answers first. His voice is quiet but certain. He doesn't look away from Alex.

Harry steps closer. His theatrical manner is completely gone. He speaks simply, directly.

Alex looks between them. His eyes are wet, but he's smiling. For the first time since the Shimmer, he doesn't feel alone.

The Last Morsel at night. Alex, Raiki, and Harry sit together. A new System notification appears—ominous but also hopeful.