[ ...The Realm of Stories. Susato's eyes go wide. She knows, because of course she knows. She saw the darkness up close, danced with it, and calling it out into the open when Kazuma was desperate to hide it (from her) was a new level of difficult she never thought she could overcome. It isn't surprising to her at all that Ryunosuke would have figured things out the same way she did, but without knowing for sure... without knowing if he'd even remember any of this when he woke up, she couldn't say. ]

...I know. [ The frustration builds within her. The tears make it harder to see, but as she keeps yanking on the chains, a bright red glow tells her she has finally achieved flame. ] I know. I wasn't there, either, and I will always hate myself for that.

But we're here now, and I have to believe that counts.

[ Her voice shakes. Her vision is blurry, but she is focusing intently, the flame flickering blue against the chains. Finally, it snaps, falling to the ground with a loud metallic clang, echoing in the darkness. ]

So, will you please... please, come out of there already?