"…Holy shit," he muttered, half-laughing. "You're telling me you've been through this before? That's why you're so far ahead?"
I gave a small nod. "Yeah."
Noel was still staring at me, his grin flickering, his brows furrowed deep in confusion.
"Wait… wait, hold on." He waved his hands slightly, as if trying to catch up. "You're telling me you were sent back? Like… why? Who? How?"
I leaned back slightly, staring up at the sky for a breath, feeling the weight of old memories settle on me.
"It wasn't by choice," I said quietly. "I died, Noel. On the last floor—the very last layer of the Labyrinth. We fought everything we could, but it wasn't enough. Not even close."
Noel's face went pale, the flicker of lightning along his arms dimming.
"I watched everyone fall," I went on, my voice low, steady. "One by one. You… you didn't make it far that time. You never even reached Gethos. You got caught in an early-floor collapse because we split up, and—" I clenched my fists for a moment, before forcing myself to exhale.
"But when I died," I continued, "something happened. Three gods… or beings that felt like gods—they caught me. Pulled me in. Said they'd been watching, waiting for someone who'd push all the way to the end. And they gave me one chance."
I met Noel's gaze.
"One chance to live again. To go back, to do it all over, but with the knowledge of what's coming."
Noel sat there, jaw tight, his hands pressed flat against the table.
"So you…" he began slowly, shaking his head, "…you remember everything? From before?"
I nodded. "Everything."
"And that's why you're clearing the floors so fast… why you're ahead of everyone…" His voice trailed off, eyes narrowing slightly. "That's why you're Blank."
"Yeah."
For a moment, neither of us spoke.
Then Noel gave a low, rough laugh, rubbing both hands over his face. "Holy hell, man. This is… I mean, if it were anyone else, I'd call them insane. But you…" He looked up at me, a faint, shaky grin forming. "You're Blank. You've cleared five floors solo. Who the hell am I to argue with that?"
I gave a faint smile, the corner of my mouth twitching upward. "I know it's a lot. You don't have to believe every detail, Noel. Just trust me when I say: the tenth floor is where everything changes. And with Gethos backing you now, you'll make it way further than you did before."
Noel sat back, exhaling slowly, his grin settling into something steadier.
"Well, damn," he muttered, shaking his head again. "Looks like I don't have much choice, huh? I mean, if you're right… then this is our chance to finish it, yeah?"
I gave him a slow, confident nod.
"Yeah. This time, we clear it all."
Noel leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, his eyes sharp now, the flicker of excitement back in his face.
"Alright, Nile," he said, voice low, "if you're serious about this, then tell me — what's the plan? What are we doing next? Are we forming a team? Are we scouting the floors ahead? Should we be gathering people now, or…?"
I raised a hand calmly, stopping him mid-ramble.
"Not yet, Noel," I said, steady and firm. "You don't need to worry about any of that right now."
He blinked. "Huh? But—"
I gave him a small, confident smile. "Listen. You've already made your pact with Gethos, right? That's good — that's really good. But right now, your job isn't to rush into the Rift with me. Your job is to get stronger. Focus on honing your skills, pushing your contract bond, mastering what you've been given. Because when I call you…"
I leaned in slightly, locking eyes with him.
"…you'll need to be ready."
Noel's grin twitched, eyes wide, the weight of my words hitting him hard. "You're serious."
"I am." I nodded. "I'll clear the next set of floors solo — that's what I've always done. But when we hit the tenth floor… when that moment comes, no one can handle it alone. Not even me. That's when I'll need you, Noel. And I need you to be sharp, fast, and deadly when that time arrives."
Noel sat back, running a hand through his hair again, tension turning into focused determination. "Alright, alright… you're putting a lot on me here, man."
I gave him a half-smile. "I wouldn't, if I didn't know you could handle it. You have Gethos this time. That already changes everything."
He gave a small laugh, shaking his head. "Yeah… last time, huh? You said I didn't even get that far before."
"Yeah." I nodded quietly. "But this time, you will."
Noel's grin slowly widened again, lightning crackling faintly along his fingertips.
"Alright, Nile," he said, holding out his fist toward me. "You go clear the way. I'll train up and be ready when you call."
I reached out and bumped my fist against his.
"That's the deal."
Noel grinned wide, leaning forward on the table again, sparks flickering faintly up his arms as he asked, "So… what now? Are you heading back into the Labyrinth after we're done here, or what?"
I let out a small laugh, swirling the last of my drink. "Yeah, Noel. I will."
He raised an eyebrow, a crooked grin on his face. "Seriously? Right after this?"
I smirked, leaning back in my chair. "Come on, man. Clearing the first to fifth floors — that's basically been my warm-up. This," I waved at the food between us, "is my little reward for being the so-called hero up to this point."
Noel barked out a laugh, shaking his head. "You're insane, Nile!'"
I grinned at him. "You know me."
He snorted, crossing his arms with a grin. "Yeah, I do. And honestly… it's good to have you back, man."
I gave him a mock-salute. "Well, you better get used to it, partner. Once we hit the tenth floor, it's your turn to step up."
Noel grinned, lightning flickering more sharply now. "Yeah, yeah. I'll be ready."