Contents
IV. Nihilism — Reina
Overview
In Paris, Reina and Callum visit the Forum to confront Nothazai but instead find Parisa in control. Callum admits he once amplified a would-be assassin’s drive, likely dooming Dr. J. Araña. Parisa urges eliminating Libby to satisfy the archives’ debt, revealing fear and limits; Reina rejects her and leaves.
Summary
Reina and Callum traverse a sweltering Paris, scanning headlines for political pressure points. Nico texts about the coming experiment, which Reina ignores. A story about a university lab probe prompts Callum to connect the targeted professor, Dr. J. Araña, to the Atlas gala; he admits he drunkenly amplified her will to act, which likely pushed her into reckless crimes and a federal investigation.
They enter the Forum’s French office expecting to confront Nothazai, but a strangely entranced receptionist ushers them in. Instead of Nothazai, Parisa awaits in his office, casually revealing she has already pressured him to flee.
Parisa dismisses the cosmic-creation experiment as a bad idea and pivots to a demand: Libby must die to satisfy the archives’ unpaid sacrifice. She argues the ritual requires a righteous, consensual choice and claims Libby’s moral rigidity now endangers them all. Callum banters and threatens Tristan in passing; Reina challenges Parisa’s motives and authority.
Pressed on why she hasn’t killed Libby herself, Parisa insists intent matters and the cohort must align, but Reina discerns that Parisa is afraid of Libby and cannot do it. The power dynamic reverses: Reina refuses to be used, rejects Parisa’s plea, and departs with Callum, leaving Parisa silent and diminished.
Who Appears
- Reina MoriProtagonist on political sabotage tour; confronts Parisa, rejects killing Libby, asserts newfound control and independence.
- Callum NovaReina’s partner; admits drunkenly amplifying Dr. J. Araña’s drive; eats, quips, and supports leaving Parisa.
- Parisa KamaliOccupies the Forum office after driving off Nothazai; urges killing Libby; reveals fear and inability to act.
- Receptionist (Forum, Paris)Entranced guide who greets Reina and Callum and leads them to Parisa without question.
- NothazaiForum figure in Paris; flees after Parisa confronts him, absent when Reina and Callum arrive.
- Dr. J. ArañaAcademic under federal investigation; previously influenced by Callum’s magic to keep acting, triggering reckless outcomes.
- Charlie Baek-MaedaU.S. congressman Reina follows online; a hopeful, values-aligned political focal point for her influence.
- Libby RhodesTarget of Parisa’s proposed sacrifice; her moral inflexibility is framed as a threat; Reina refuses the plan.