Regression: Reclaiming the End

"...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."