I emerged from the valley. The mist cleared, and the view opened up. The afternoon sunlight was blinding.
Koyoi took a deep breath. He had made it through the Nameless Valley. He was alive.
"... We’re out."
The voice of the Shrine God spoke from within.
"... Thank goodness."
Then, the voice of the Vacant Lot God.
The drawstring pouch grew warm against his chest. Even the gods were breathing a sigh of relief.
Koyoi began to walk down the path—the road to the Second Boundary. It was still far, but he knew the direction. He just had to take it one step at a time.
"Koyoi."
A voice called out from up ahead. It was a familiar voice. One that spoke the name he had only shared once before during his journey.
Koyoi looked up. Shiori was standing there.
"Shiori... ?"
Koyoi’s voice cracked in surprise. He couldn't believe it. This was the world beyond the Border—a place severed from everyday life. How could she be here? How could she have traveled all the way from Kirihara Town?
"But how..."
Shiori looked tired, but she was smiling.
"I’m so glad."
She stepped closer. "You’re safe. You actually made it through the valley."
"... Why? Why are you here?"
Koyoi almost recoiled. Was she real? Or was this an illusion conjured by the Nameless Valley?
"I came to get you."
Shiori stood before him. She felt solidly real. She cast a shadow on the ground. She wasn't a phantom.
"I was waiting for you to cross the valley."
Koyoi was speechless. The sense of unease wouldn't fade, yet there she was. She had come for him. He wasn't alone.
"... Thank you."
His voice trembled. "... Thank you for coming."
"Of course I came," Shiori said with a small laugh. "Let’s go together. To the Second Boundary."
She held out her hand. Koyoi couldn't bring himself to take it immediately.
Was this person truly an ally? She was supposed to be a "recorder," just like the Observers. And he still didn't understand how she had reached this place.
He gently stroked the pouch, sensing the gods.
"... What do you think?" he asked the gods silently.
"... I don't know," the Shrine God whispered.
"... But I don't feel any malice," the Vacant Lot God added.
The gods were cautious, but they weren't rejecting her. Koyoi looked into Shiori’s eyes. They held the same quiet, slightly sorrowful tint he had seen back in Kirihara Town.
Perhaps he had reached his limit, walking all this way alone. He wanted someone to lean on.
"... Okay."
Koyoi gave a small nod and took her hand. It was undeniably the warmth of a human being.
"... I'll go."
The two of them walked the path together. Shiori led the way, and Koyoi followed.
"How was the valley?" Shiori asked.
"... It was scary," Koyoi answered honestly. "... My name felt like it was melting. I felt like I was going to forget who I was."
"But you made it."
"... Yeah. I didn't give my name away."
"Good job."
Shiori looked back and smiled. "I knew you could do it."
The pouch felt warm. The gods were calm. Being with Shiori brought a sense of peace.
"Is the Second Boundary close?"
"Just a bit further. We should arrive before the day is out."
"... Good."
Koyoi felt the tension leave his body. Almost there. Soon, he could finally deliver the Shrine God and the Vacant Lot God to safety.
Sunset began to stain the sky crimson. The light illuminated the road.
That was when it happened. The pouch suddenly went ice-cold.
"Ah—"
Koyoi stopped in his tracks. His chest felt frozen.
"... They're here."
The Shrine God's voice was shaking.
"... An Observer."
An Observer. Shiori stopped, too. The color drained from her face.
"... Koyoi."
Shiori’s voice turned low and urgent. "... Run."
"What?"
"Run! Right now!"
The moment Shiori screamed, a light appeared further down the road. A white light was pulsing. One. Two. Three... They were multiplying.
"Measurement target confirmed."
A voice rang out. It was inorganic. Mechanical.
"Commencing Fixation."
The Observers were closing in. The lights pulsed as they drew nearer. Three... no, four of them.
Koyoi couldn't move. His legs were shaking so violently they wouldn't listen. The pouch was frigid.
"... Run." The Shrine God's voice. "... Koyoi, run!" The Vacant Lot God's voice.
He knew he had to run. But his feet were rooted to the spot.
"Koyoi!"
Shiori screamed again and positioned herself in front of him.
"Run, now!"
"But what about you?!"
"Don't worry about me!" Shiori’s eyes locked onto Koyoi’s with fierce intensity. "You're the one who has to deliver them, right? The gods?"
The light was right there. The Observer's voice echoed again.
"Target identified. Executing Fixation."
"Run, Koyoi!"
Koyoi took a step back, but he couldn't bring himself to leave her behind.
"No, Shiori, come with me—"
"There's no time!"
The light surged toward Shiori.
Shiori’s body was engulfed in the glow. A white, cold light.
"Ugh..."
A choked sound escaped her throat. Her body began to stop moving. Her limbs hardened and stiffened.
"Shiori!" Koyoi cried out. "Shiori, no!"
He reached out to save her.
"... Don't." Shiori’s voice was faint and raspy. "... Don't... touch me... You'll be... Fixed, too..."
Shiori’s body was becoming transparent. Her silhouette blurred. Her voice drifted away.
"... Koyoi." Shiori squeezed out her final bit of strength. "... Run... Deliver them... the gods..."
Tears streamed down Koyoi’s cheeks.
"Shiori, wait! Wait!"
"... It's okay..." Her voice was almost gone. "... I won't... disappear... I'm just being... Fixed..."
Shiori’s eyes were fixed on him. Kind eyes. Sad eyes.
"... Goodbye." Her lips moved. "... Goodbye, Koyoi."
Shiori’s body was completely Fixed. She didn't move. She didn't speak. She remained there like a stone statue.
"Shiori..."
Koyoi’s knees buckled.
"... Run!" The Shrine God's voice rang out. "... If you don't run now, you'll be caught, too."
The Observers' light was turning toward him. One, then two.
"Tracking target. Continuing Fixation."
"... RUN!" The Vacant Lot God screamed.
Koyoi ran. He ran through his tears. He didn't dare look back. He was leaving Shiori behind, Fixed in place.
His feet tripped over themselves. His vision was blurred by grief. Still, he ran.
"... I'm sorry," he whispered as he sprinted. "... I'm so sorry, Shiori."
Behind him, the lights of the Observers gave chase. The pulsing grew closer, but he kept running. Shiori told him to run. She told him to deliver them.
So he ran. He ran and he cried.
"Goodbye, Koyoi."
Shiori’s final words continued to echo in the depths of his mind.