In her room, Marinette sat cross-legged on her bed, staring intently at the poster board on her wall. It was meticulously decorated, filled edge-to-edge with photos of Adrien that she had subtly captured throughout the school day. Each image was carefully positioned and Marinette had traced connecting lines between them with arrows, as if mapping out some master plan. She leaned closer, her fingers grazing the edges of one particular photo—a candid shot of Adrien smiling, taken during lunch.

A soft smile played on her lips as she whispered to herself, "We'll be together again, Adrien... just like old times."

Her eyes lingered on the photos, the memories flooding back: the days she had been his "just a friend," and the little gestures she used to misinterpret as hints of his love for her. But this time, it would be different. She'd make him fall in love with her. He had to.

Nearby, Tikki hovered in the air, a concerned frown on her face. She exchanged glances with the other Kwamis who also watched with visible worry. Tikki cleared her throat, trying to break Marinette's reverie. "Marinette, don't you think this... might be a little too much? Taking photos without Adrien knowing, planning things like this? It's... it's not right."

Marinette barely spared her a glance. "You don't understand, Tikki. I need him in my life again. It was a mistake letting him go." She ran a finger along another photo, as if stroking Adrien's face. "We belong together."

Pollen chimed in hesitantly. "But Marinette, Adrien has moved on. He has friends now... Maybe it's time to let go."

Marinette's face hardened at the mention of his friends. A small surge of jealousy flared within her.

"Friends?" Marinette thought. "Those girls, Cerise and Ivy—always hanging around him, laughing, talking with him, spending time together, even going to his house."

Marinette's grip on one of the photos tightened. No, this wouldn't do. They couldn't be allowed to interfere. Adrien was hers.

The Kwamis exchanged a look, their small voices chiming in unison with concern. "Marinette, this obsession... it's not healthy."

But she brushed their comments aside, unwilling to let them sway her resolve. Instead, she leaned back, her gaze fixed on the wall.

"The only real problem here is that I can't have any distractions," Marinette murmured. "Those friends of his... they'll need to be taken care of." Her words were soft but carried an unsettling determination.

Her mind raced through plans. She could find a way to win Adrien's attention, to keep him away from his new friends. After all, they didn't know him like she did. They hadn't been with him through all the akuma attacks, the shared secrets, the missed glances, the umbrella...

"They don't deserve him," she thought darkly.

Her eyes then narrowed as a stray memory flashed through her mind: one of the girls had casually mentioned that Gabriel Agreste, Adrien's father, had invited them over and approved of their friendship. The revelation had shocked her, leaving her seething with jealousy and frustration. Why hadn't she ever been given that level of approval? Why was she always kept at arm's length? Gabriel had always seemed distant and cold, and she knew he had kept her away from Adrien. If she could just get him out of the way...

Marinette clenched her fists, feeling a small thrill at the idea of a world without any obstacles. If Gabriel Agreste couldn't see the perfection of her and Adrien's union, then maybe he wasn't worth keeping around. It was all about getting Adrien back, no matter what it took. With Gabriel out of the way, Adrien would be free to let her in—into his home, his life, his heart.

The Kwamis all watched in tense silence, unsure how to bring Marinette back from the dark path her thoughts were taking. Tikki floated closer, whispering a soft plea, "Marinette, please... think about this. There's still time to choose a better way."

But Marinette only sighed dreamily, her eyes shining with single-minded devotion. "Soon, Adrien. Soon, you'll be mine again. And this time, nothing and no one will keep us apart."

The next morning, Marinette arrived at school with a determined smile on her face, prepared to carry out her plan to bring Adrien back into her life. However, as she checked her schedule and class assignments, her stomach dropped. She had been placed in an entirely different class from Adrien.

Frustration flared within her, but she forced herself to mask it behind her usual bright and bubbly demeanor. She took a deep breath and put on her best friendly smile, moving toward her new classroom. As she entered, she was quick to introduce herself, her voice sweet and warm, her words laced with slight stutters and "accidental" slips in that clumsy way she used to act in collège. She tried to trip on her way to her seat, just to add to the act, hoping to endear herself to her classmates. However, her efforts didn't seem to have much of an impact. The other students glanced her way, but no one seemed particularly interested in her or her bubbly entrance. They gave polite nods, then turned back to their conversations, leaving her feeling overlooked.

Throughout the day, Marinette kept an eye out for Adrien, waiting for opportunities to talk to him. She tried catching him between classes, but he moved quickly through the halls, always with Cerise and Ivy by his side. During lunch, she attempted to approach their table, but the trio got up just as she was nearing, leaving her standing alone and flustered in the middle of the cafeteria. No matter how many times she tried, Adrien and his friends seemed to slip out of reach, like sand slipping through her fingers. She couldn't help but feel a strange frustration at their constant evasion, but she masked it with a forced smile, determined not to give up.

The school day continued and Marinette's frustration simmered beneath the surface. Her fingers tapped restlessly on her desk, her mind racing with ways to get Adrien alone.

"Maybe after school..." she thought. But just as she was about to solidify her plans, a sudden akuma alert rang out across the school.

Without missing a beat, Marinette found a place to transform and quickly became Ladybug. She joined her team of temporary heroes at the scene, immediately falling into her role as the leader. With swift instructions, she directed her teammates, and together they launched a coordinated attack. This akuma was tough, its amok powerful and unpredictable, and the fight tested every bit of their strength and strategy. Ladybug darted through the chaos, her yoyo a blur as she maneuvered through attacks, the temporary heroes covering her flanks.

Finally, they cornered the akuma. Ladybug took a deep breath, timing her move just right, and with a precise throw, captured the akuma in her yoyo. She purified it with a focused expression and the threat was finally over.

As Ladybug stretched her limbs, catching her breath, she realized that something—someone—was missing. The new mysterious black cat holder, who had briefly appeared in the last akuma battle, was nowhere to be found. Ladybug frowned, trying to recall their brief encounter the day before. It was odd, she thought, that someone would show up just once and vanish the next day without a trace.

A small part of her itched with curiosity and perhaps a bit of frustration. She was Ladybug, the Guardian of the Miraculous, and she needed to know everything about the Miraculous holders in her city. If the new black cat wielder was hiding, then she would need to have a talk with Plagg herself to get answers.

...

Adrien had been building up to this moment for a long time, bolstered by his therapist, Cerise, Ivy, and even Plagg, who had been there through his struggles and understood the weight he carried. Today, with all the support he needed, he knew he was finally ready to take a stand and tell his father and Nathalie everything about what Marinette—and some of his classmates—had put him through. The thought of exposing it all filled him with a mixture of anxiety and a newfound resolve. He took a deep breath, letting his nerves settle as he prepared for what he had to do.

When he got home from school, Adrien wasted no time. With determined steps, he made his way to his father's office and knocked on the heavy door. The sound echoed down the silent hallway, and Adrien waited, his heart pounding slightly faster than usual. After a moment, the door opened, and Nathalie stood there, her usual expression softened with a trace of concern as she asked, "Adrien, is something wrong?"

Adrien pulled out his phone, swallowing hard as he scrolled to the saved text messages that Lila had sent him, containing undeniable proof of Marinette's obsessive behavior. He handed the phone to Nathalie without a word. Her expression shifted, her face tightening as she scanned through the messages. Just then, Gabriel came over, noticing the tension. His sharp gaze shifted between Adrien and Nathalie.

"What's going on?" Gabriel asked, his voice controlled and steady, though a hint of worry slipped through.

Nathalie wordlessly handed the phone to Gabriel. He studied it, his expression blank as he took in every detail, every disturbing message and manipulative tactic that Adrien had endured. Silence fell in the room, heavy and full of unspoken realizations.

Finally, Gabriel looked up, his expression grave.

"This situation will be handled promptly," Gabriel stated in his low, calm tone.

Adrien nodded, feeling a strange sense of relief wash over him. He had done it—he had spoken up, and now he could finally put the weight of his experience into trusted hands.

Later that day, as Adrien expected, an officer arrived to question him. Adrien felt a steadiness within himself, answering each question with honesty and clarity, feeling freer with each truth he shared. He took care to write his responses on paper so that they could be documented as evidence. It was a small, practical step, but it felt powerful, like a declaration of his decision to take back control.

A few days later, Gabriel, Nathalie, and Adrien headed down to the courthouse to file for a restraining order against Marinette. Adrien's emotions were a mix of exhaustion and relief as he went through the process, each signature on the paperwork a step closer to freedom. His father also contacted the school, informing them of the serious nature of the situation, making sure they were aware of the issue and knew that they needed to handle it immediately.

The weight on Adrien's shoulders seemed to lift slightly. He felt the freedom that came with having told his truth and taking action. For the first time in a long while, he wondered if perhaps there was more to life than what he had experienced so far. He thought about the friendships he was building, the support he had from people who truly cared for him, and he couldn't help but feel a small spark of hope—hope that maybe there was still a future waiting for him, full of laughter, adventures, and a life he could make his own.

As he sat quietly in his room, reflecting, he felt that this was only the beginning of something new.

...

The next morning, as Marinette and her parents stepped outside of the bakery to prepare for the day, they were surprised by the presence of a police officer waiting for them. The officer held out a document—a restraining order filed against Marinette. Tom and Sabine glanced at each other in confusion, while Marinette's face turned a shade paler.

"Why would Adrien file a restraining order against Marinette?" Sabine asked, a mix of shock and worry in her voice. Tom shook his head, equally stunned.

Marinette's heart hammered as a surge of dread washed over her. She tried to keep her expression neutral, but her thoughts raced. Did Adrien know everything? Had someone finally told him about her intentions and all the lengths she had gone to? Her mind landed on two names: Chloé and Lila. Her lips pressed into a thin line as she thought about them.

Turning slowly, Marinette began to head back toward the house, hoping to escape to her room before anything else was said. But Sabine stepped forward, placing a firm hand on her daughter's shoulder.

"Marinette," she said sternly. "We need to talk. Now."

Marinette gulped, feeling a sense of dread settle in her stomach.

Once inside, Sabine didn't waste any time. Her voice, usually gentle, was sharp. "This obsession with Adrien has gone too far, Marinette."

Tom, standing beside his wife, nodded. "We've noticed the signs for a while, but we thought you'd move on eventually. This... this isn't healthy, Marinette."

Marinette tried to speak up, her mind scrambling for any lie that might get her out of this.

"I-I don't know what you're talking about," she stammered, her tone defensive. "Adrien and I are just friends—"

But Sabine's expression was resolute. "Don't lie to us, Marinette. We know something has been off for a long time now and if Adrien felt the need to file a restraining order against you then it's serious."

Marinette's arguments faltered as she saw her parents' resolve. Sabine crossed her arms.

"For now, we're taking away your internet and phone privileges," she said firmly. "And, Marinette, we're putting you into therapy. You need to talk to someone about this."

Marinette's face twisted in protest, her voice rising in objection, but Tom cut her off. "We're doing this because we care about you Marinette and that means making sure you get help, whether you like it or not."

Realizing there was no way to fight back, Marinette stormed out of the bakery, fury building with every step she took. Her world, which once revolved around the fantasy of Adrien, was falling apart. Anger festered, aimed at everyone and everything—Adrien for rejecting her, her parents for not understanding, and whoever had dared to interfere in her plans. She didn't notice the dark flutter of an akuma as it landed quietly on her school bag. The next moment, a voice filled her mind, soothing and coaxing.

"My dear, you've been hurt. You were misunderstood and betrayed," Chrysalis's voice whispered. "You wanted nothing more than to be close to the one you love, but others interfered, didn't they?"

Marinette's anger and frustration boiled over, clouding her judgment.

"Yes... yes, they ruined everything," she muttered, her voice trembling with fury.

Chrysalis's tone was gentle yet persuasive. "If you let me help you I can give you the strength to reclaim what's rightfully yours."

Marinette's fingers trembled as her vision clouded with rage. Almost as if by instinct, she reached up to her ears, pulling off her earrings and casting them aside in a nearby alley without a second thought. Her mind was consumed by anger and Chrysalis's words echoed louder in her head.

Within moments, her transformation began, warping her appearance into something menacing yet strangely alluring. Her form was shrouded in a dark, intense power, and her once blue eyes now glinted with a fierce, corrupted purpose. Chrysalis's power had harnessed Marinette's obsession and anger, molding it into something dangerous.

Marinette's lips twisted into a wicked smile as she felt the surge of power. Chrysalis had promised her the strength to take back what she believed was hers—and she was ready to make sure nothing and no one stood in her way.

The city was in chaos. As Tikki darted through the streets, she weaved around overturned cars, broken glass, and the terrified shouts of civilians fleeing Marinette's destructive wake. The akuma—now dubbed Obsessina by Chrysalis—moved through the city with chilling intent, her every step echoing her obsessive resolve. Marinette's overwhelming need to reclaim her vision of "her" Adrien had driven her to a dark transformation, twisting her usually warm energy into something far more menacing.

Finally, Tikki spotted Adrien, Cerise, Ivy, and Plagg gathered in an empty classroom. She flew toward them, her usual calm completely replaced with alarm.

"Adrien! Ivy! Cerise!" she cried, her voice barely steady. "It's Marinette—she's been akumatized by Chrysalis!"

All four of them stared at her in shock. Plagg, wide-eyed, broke the silence first. "How... how did that even happen?"

Tikki's voice wavered. "Adrien, it was the restraining order—she found out about it and her anger and obsession took over. Chrysalis used it against her."

The truth dawned on Adrien like a dark storm cloud. His eyes filled with horror as he pieced everything together. He grabbed a notebook, scribbling out a note for himself as he tried to process: Marinette was Ladybug. The realization shook him to the core. Ladybug had been his friend, his partner—the same person now consumed by an obsession directed at him. And now she was on the verge of tearing the city apart.

Cerise's voice brought him back to reality. "What are we going to do?"

Adrien clenched his fists, his jaw set with determination. Adrien quickly grabbed a pen and paper and wrote: It's time Mister Bug made an appearance again.

Tikki, recognizing the necessity, flew up to Adrien, her tiny form determined despite her fear.

"If you're ready, Adrien," she said softly, handing over the Ladybug miraculous. Her trust was implicit—Adrien was her best hope.

Meanwhile, Ivy removed the ring from her finger, handing it over to Cerise with a firm nod. "Cerise, this is your time to shine."

A plan was already forming. Ivy glanced at the others, her eyes narrowing with resolve. "Obsessina's bound to come after the three of us. I'll go in as a distraction to keep her occupied—anything to buy you two time."

Cerise accepted the ring, giving Ivy a nod of gratitude. Without wasting a second, she slipped the ring onto her finger, feeling a new energy spark within her. The transformation overtook Adrien first, and with it, Mister Bug's costume received a striking redesign. His usual red and black was altered; the red was darker, almost a crimson shade, with sleeker lines accentuating the suit's contours. The polka dots were smaller and arranged in dynamic, almost tactical placements on his arms, shoulders, and legs. The mask on his face was sharper, more angular, and his eyes glinted with a fierce determination. His yo-yo appeared in his hand, but it looked slightly more fortified, almost as if it had gained an edge fitting for a battle like this. He looked like a protector ready for war.

Next to him, Cerise's transformation took hold as she became Kitty Noire. Her suit was deep black, yet it shimmered slightly with dark green highlights woven throughout, giving her a more ethereal presence. Her mask was elegant and feline, highlighting her sharp green eyes. Her hair, left free, had been slightly curled at the ends, accentuating the wildness that came with her new powers. On her belt, a small tail-like whip coiled gracefully, and her clawed gloves looked formidable yet agile, fit for quick movement. Her stance was one of fierce agility, ready to strike with both speed and precision.

Ivy smiled at the two of them, now transformed into Paris's newest hope. "Don't let her catch you off guard. I'll do my best to keep her away for as long as I can." With that, she slipped out of the classroom, ready to intercept Marinette—now Obsessedina—and draw her attention.

Adrien, now Mister Bug, nodded at Cerise—now Kitty Noire.

"Let's end this quickly," Cerise said with a grim determination, gripping her bo-staff tightly.

Together, they headed out, their hearts steeled against the battle that awaited them.

...

As Mister Bug and Kitty Noire arrived on the chaotic scene, they looked around and quickly noted the glaring absence of the usual temporary heroes. Kitty Noire, gripping her bo staff, leaned closer to Mister Bug.

"Looks like we're flying solo today," she murmured, glancing around the area.

Mister Bug nodded, pulling up his communicator and quickly typing: Marinette probably didn't plan for something like this to happen. She might not even know the others were ever brought in.

Just then, the air filled with the low hum of dark energy. Obsessdina, her form twisted and ominous, landed in front of them. Her once-familiar face was warped by her obsessive determination, and her voice dripped with resentment as she sneered, "I was a fool for ever throwing the Ladybug Miraculous away in that alley. But no matter." Her eyes narrowed, unhinged but focused. "Once I have your Miraculouses, I'll make my wish—a world where Adrien and I can be together forever."

Mister Bug and Kitty Noire exchanged a quick, disturbed glance. Kitty Noire, keeping her grip firm on her staff, shook her head, trying to stay calm.

"You can't just force someone to fall in love with you," she said, her tone firm yet cautious.

Obsessdina's smile turned dark.

"Oh, but I can," she hissed, her eyes filled with steely obsession. "And I will."

In a sudden burst of movement, Obsessdina lunged forward, her energy swirling around her like a dark, intoxicating mist. Kitty Noire reacted quickly, spinning her bo staff to deflect the first few strikes, each impact resonating with force that echoed through the street. She held her ground, barely ducking under a powerful swing aimed at her head, and in a swift counterattack, she swiped her staff low, aiming to throw Obsessdina off balance.

Mister Bug jumped in from the side, his yo-yo slicing through the air, tangling around Obsessdina's arm. He pulled sharply, using the yo-yo to destabilize her, but she twisted, managing to tear free with a powerful swipe of her hand. She sent a wave of energy surging toward him, forcing Mister Bug to leap back, narrowly avoiding the brunt of it.

At that moment, a loud shout interrupted the clash. "Hey! Obsessdina!"

Obsessdina's gaze snapped over to Ivy, who stood on the edge of the battlefield, defiant and unfazed. Her arms were crossed, and she looked at Obsessdina with a fierce intensity. "I've always thought you were creepy and possessive, but I didn't think you'd go this far."

Obsessdina laughed—a sound that was both chilling and hollow.

"Love demands sacrifice," she snarled, a twisted smile playing on her face. "I'll do anything for him—even give up the mantle of Ladybug."

Ivy shook her head in disgust. "Adrien will never love you, Marinette. You need to get over your obsession before you destroy yourself and everyone around you."

Obsessdina's face twisted in fury. She clenched her fists, dark energy flaring around her like a storm.

"You have no idea what Adrien and I share!" she shouted, her voice trembling with rage. And then, with a guttural scream, she lunged toward Ivy, her movements fueled by rage and desperation.

Ivy barely managed to sidestep as Obsessdina's attack crashed into the ground beside her, leaving cracks in the concrete. Ivy spun out of the way, her gaze sharp, her stance ready, but the intensity of Obsessdina's fury was overwhelming. Mister Bug threw his yo-yo again, pulling her back into the fray with Kitty Noire, hoping to turn the tide of the battle before Obsessdina's obsession consumed them all.

As Obsessdina took in her surroundings, she quickly began formulating a plan, using all her experience as Ladybug to assess and exploit the battlefield. She moved with calculated precision, launching herself toward Kitty Noire with her sights set on the Cat Miraculous. Her reflexes were lightning-fast, and she managed to get close enough to almost snag it from Kitty Noire's finger. Just before she could grab hold, Mister Bug intervened, lashing out with his yo-yo to stop her advance.

Their eyes locked, and Obsessdina sneered.

"I didn't expect the former Cat Miraculous holder to fight against me," she spat, her voice dripping with scorn. "How'd taking the coward's way out work for you, Cat Noir?"

Mister Bug's expression remained unfazed, his focus unbroken. He sidestepped her next attack, guiding her movements to leave her open. In a swift move, he snatched her purse from her side, sending her stumbling. A look of shock and anger crossed her face as he turned and hurled the purse toward Kitty Noire, who was ready and waiting.

With a defiant grin, Kitty Noire held up her hand.

"Cataclysm!" she declared, her hand turning black with destructive energy as she smashed it into the purse. The purse disintegrated into dust, severing the power channeling through Obsessdina.

As the purse vanished, the dark energy around Obsessdina dissipated. She staggered, clutching her head, and in a flash of light, she transformed back into Marinette. Dazed, her expression shifted quickly from confusion to seething anger as she took in the scene. With a piercing scream of rage, she lunged forward at Mister Bug, her movements wild and uncontrolled.

Mister Bug didn't hesitate. He activated his Lucky Charm, which materialized as a small teddy bear. Without missing a beat, he threw the bear into the air and called for the Miraculous Cure. Light poured out, flooding the scene and repairing all the damage caused by the battle, restoring the city to its peaceful state.

Marinette watched, her face contorted with fury as her akuma-induced powers dissolved. She shrieked in rage and attempted to attack Mister Bug once more, but he anticipated her moves, capturing her wrists and holding her firmly.

Ignoring her furious glares, Mister Bug escorted her back to her home, where he released her near the bakery entrance. Without another word, Mister Bug turned and left, leaving her to fume in silence. Marinette stormed up to her room, slamming the door behind her and pacing back and forth in a fit of anger, but as she whipped around, she froze—Su Han was standing in the middle of her room, his expression grave and disappointed.

"Marinette," he began, his voice low and stern, "your actions have gone too far. Not only did you allow yourself to be manipulated by Lady Butterfly, but you've exposed your identity and compromised the secrecy of the Miraculous."

Marinette opened her mouth to argue, but he cut her off with a sharp glance. "By doing so you've betrayed the trust of the guardians and proven yourself unfit to hold such responsibility. Effective immediately, your role as guardian of the Miracle Box is revoked."

The weight of his words sank in as Marinette's eyes widened with disbelief. "Wait, no! I didn't mean for any of this to happen! I can fix it, I—"

"Enough!" Su Han's voice was thunderous, his gaze unyielding. "You have violated the very principles of the Miraculous. This is the end."

Before she could protest further, Su Han closed his eyes, concentrating deeply. A warm glow filled the room, and in that moment, he reached into her memories, removing all traces of the Miraculous and her time as Ladybug. Marinette's eyes fluttered, and she slumped forward, disoriented, the knowledge of her past slipping away from her mind.

Su Han watched her for a long moment, a mix of sadness and resolution in his eyes, before he turned and silently left her room, leaving Marinette with no memory of the powers she once wielded or the path that had led her here.

As the school day resumed and the chaos of the battle settled, Adrien, Cerise, and Ivy made their way back to campus, each lost in thought after the events that had just unfolded. As soon as they entered an empty classroom to detransform, Adrien let Tikki and Plagg out, while Ivy handed back the Cat Miraculous to Cerise, and they all took a deep breath, processing everything.

But before they could speak, they froze—the door creaked open, and standing there was Su Han, the Guardian of the Miraculous. The trio's expressions shifted from relief to horror, realizing they'd just revealed themselves in front of a complete stranger.

Su Han's steely gaze scanned over them. "Which one of you is Adrien Agreste?"

Adrien took a cautious step forward, raising his hand.

Su Han gave a slow nod, his face impassive as he reached into the folds of his robe and produced the Miracle Box. Adrien's eyes widened in shock and confusion as Su Han held it out toward him.

"Due to recent events," Su Han said in a steady voice, "it has become clear that the previous Guardian is no longer suited to bear the responsibilities of the Miraculous. Adrien Agreste, I entrust you with this Miracle Box and the duty of Guardian."

As he extended the box, it shimmered and morphed, taking on a design that mirrored the sleek black and green of Chat Noir's suit. Adrien's horror deepened as he took in the box's transformation, his hand trembling as he reached to take it.

Cerise broke the stunned silence, her voice demanding and edged with defiance. "Who are you and what right do you have to decide this?"

Su Han turned to face her, unphased by her tone. "I am Su Han, the Grand Master of the Order of Guardians. I oversee the protection and distribution of the Miraculous. It is my duty to ensure the Miraculous remain in safe and capable hands and that includes choosing the Guardian."

Ivy looked between Adrien and the Miracle Box, her brow furrowed. "But why Adrien? And what happened to the last Guardian?"

Su Han's expression darkened slightly. "Marinette Dupain-Cheng was unfit for the role. Her actions endangered the secrecy and safety of the Miraculous, as well as her own judgment as Ladybug. Therefore, I have erased her memories of the Miraculous to ensure no further harm can be done. The duty now falls to Adrien Agreste."

Adrien swallowed hard, processing the weight of Su Han's words and the heavy responsibility now resting on his shoulders. He didn't know if he was truly ready for this.

Su Han's gaze softened for the briefest moment, as if he could read Adrien's thoughts. "No one is ever truly ready, Adrien, but sometimes responsibility chooses us whether we like it or not. You must protect these powers and uphold the legacy they represent."

Cerise and Ivy stepped forward, their expressions showing a mix of concern and determination. Cerise placed a reassuring hand on Adrien's shoulder. "You're not alone in this, Adrien. We're with you every step of the way."

Adrien's hand tightened around the box, the weight of it suddenly feeling both overwhelming and oddly right. For the first time, he felt the depth of the trust Su Han was placing in him, and as he looked at his friends, he felt a spark of resolve.

Su Han nodded approvingly. "Then let the Miracle Box remain in your hands, Adrien. Protect it well—and remember, you are the Guardian now."

With those final words, Su Han turned and left the room, leaving the three of them in a deep and thoughtful silence.