???: "Did you do it? Did you take care of the girl?"
Me: "Yes. I put Lana in stasis for now. As for the timeline, it would be wise to choose one where she never existed."
???: "Thank you for your hard work. I know how difficult this must be."
I looked away.
Me: "I'm taking it better than I thought I would."
???: "Remember, we're on the same side, you and I. We can do this, but we have to work together. Understand?"
Me: "Yes, [REDACTED]"
???: "Don't say my name. They could be listening."
Me: "Oh, right. I'll go ahead and redact it then."
???: "Thank you."
Me: "So... what do you want to do next? What's your plan?"
???: "Just keep doing what you're doing. Don't let Mahale abuse her powers. Lead her on the right track, and everything will turn out just as planned."
Me: "I was thinking the same thing."
???: "Again, I apologize that you have to do such a thing to your daughter."
Me: "She's not my daughter. She's..."
I hesitated.
Me: "Nevermind."
???: "What about Zeir? Have you figured out why he came here yet?"
Me: "No. I have no idea why he's in Paradox. We'll just have to wait until he dies."
???: "No, he does not need to die. In fact, him being there might make everything work out. Notice how he's bonding with the other keepers? He's on our side."
Me: "You make a valid point."
???: "I do wonder why he felt the need to go to Paradox though."
Me: "Maybe he wants to become the Warden himself?"
???: "Hmm... Unlikely. He seems content with his powers at the moment."
???: "Well, in any case, we need to make sure that he isn't talking to... what name did Lumiere give him... umm.... Zero. As long as Zeir does not talk to Zero, then he's safe."
Me: "Do you think Rikona is risking it by being so close to him?"
???: "Rikona is... a special case. She's not quite a keeper, she's the descendant of one."
I sighed.
Me: "Why does this have to be so difficult?"
[REDACTED] sadly looked at the floor.
???: "I wish we didn't have to do this as well, but it's the only way to give us the power we need. The power we need to change the world."
Me: "In any case, I should probably get back down there. I'll try to stay on the right path."
???: "Good luck. Don't forget why we're doing all of this."
Me: "Trust me, I won't. After all..."
I stood up from my chair and looked [REDACTED] straight in the eyes.
Me: "It's the only damn thing in this world that I can look forward to."
I woke up.
