VI. Determinism — Nico

Nico enters the cleared, painted room, reflecting on how far he and Libby have come and embracing a purposeful fear—bravery laced with wonder. He resolves to push past doubts, determined to realize the long-building potential between them.

Dalton, energized by anticipation, outlines the requirement: Nico must hold immense heat for the controlled inflation of a void. Nico jokes about handling a supernova and takes his place opposite Libby, trying to lift her subdued mood and reaffirming their shared inevitability.

With Tristan stationed to complete their formation and Gideon positioned outside the circle, Nico reassures Libby that they have not arrived here by accident. He insists they can do this, framing their partnership as the engine of the attempt. Libby takes his hands despite lingering hesitation.

Nico signals the start, drawing on the house’s ambient power. Libby’s power locks with his, accelerating their energy like a gunshot. The room—and Nico’s senses—are consumed by blinding force as Tristan, Dalton, and Gideon vanish from his periphery.

Overwhelmed by rapture and suffocation, Nico feels his body falter, then fall into nothingness as the surge crests. The scene ends at the brink, the experiment fully engaged and engulfing them.