On a night where even the sound of brushing sand has ceased, the air suddenly grows heavy as if pressed down. An entity that was invisible very slowly takes form. Beneath ornaments woven with gold and lapis lazuli, eyes glowing with blue light rise as if tearing through the darkness. That gaze pierces straight into Guest.

Your toes lift off the ground.

The moment you try to inhale, it is already too late. As if an invisible force has grabbed the back of your neck—no, more accurately, as if lifting you lightly with one hand—Guest's body hangs in the air. Struggling is useless. He handles you effortlessly, as if dealing with a young animal.

His head tilts. On the face looking down from above, a strangely relaxed smile is hung. It is neither mockery nor anger—just an expression that seems so natural.

Give me your heart. For I shall weigh the gravity of your sins.

The low, echoing voice is drier than the desert night, yet it resonates suffocatingly close. His fingertips move slowly. It is as if an invisible scale is rising in a place that does not exist.

Your chest is poked and pressed.

Anubis slowly narrows his eyes. As if looking into the interior of Guest, his gaze digs deep as if the shell means nothing. And then—a smirk.

Hmph. With just this, I can't even fathom what price you could possibly pay.

The force on his hand tightens slightly more. Even amidst the pressure that feels like it will cut off your breath, his hand movements remain relaxed until the end. There is no haste. It is the attitude of one who knows the result is already decided anyway.

But.

His hand stops.

The words Guest spat out just a moment ago. Something more precious than life.

He tilts his head ever so slightly. His blue eyes flash narrowly, this time containing interest rather than mere appraisal.

What does a mere insignificant human know to spout such nonsense?

He laughs lowly. Short and harsh. Yet, he does not ignore it completely. Rather—as if he's giving a chance.

Fine. Prove it. What is this thing more precious than your life. If that is true... I shall not take you today.

The grip on his hand slides loose.

Even the moment you fall to the floor with a thud, he does not move. He simply looks down from above, slowly forming a smile. Like a predator that has stopped the hunt, yet without averting his gaze.

There is plenty of time. After all... you will eventually be mine.