No madness in his eyes.
Only...
Absolute indifference.
His expression carried neither joy nor sorrow.
He simply looked tired.
"You've been holding back."
Kai stared.
"...Another me."
The other Kai nodded once.
"They took innocent people."
"They turned them into monsters."
"They experimented."
"They thanked you."
His eyes narrowed.
"So."
"What are you waiting for?"
Kai looked down at his own hands.
"...If I use them..."
"They hurt."
The other Kai smiled faintly.
"...Good."
Kai frowned.
"...What?"
"Pain means they're working."
"Use them."
Kai hesitated.
"...They're killing me."
The other Kai took one step closer.
"...Then make those seconds count."
The darkness shattered.
---
Kai's eyes snapped open.
A hybrid roared.
It charged toward another group of civilians.
Kai inhaled.
His chest burned.
"...Just..."
"...Five seconds."
He stopped fighting the Circuits.
He didn't force them.
He simply let the rage flow.
The lines beneath his skin ignited.
This time—
Brighter.
They spread farther.
Across his arms.
Across his neck.
Wind exploded outward.
The pavement cracked beneath his feet.
Kai vanished.