Last Shine

「His PoV」

Did you know?

Opening a jar of peanut butter with a peanut, could make you a torturer? It's like... hmm, serving chicken some hot wings, making them eat every last bite, and then turning those same chickens into more hot wings... until there's nothing left.

Crazy, right? Not like I've ever done that.

Sometimes, random thoughts like that just pop into my mind.

I actually love it... especially when a flicker of inspiration hits me, or when I sense something about to unfold. Like when the chickens get their food right in front of me, or when a world-ending scheme pops into my head while I'm in the bath.

Knowing things feels comforting, it means fewer unknowns to face in life.

Learning things feels amusing, since there are so many unknowns in life.

...Or maybe that's just how I see it.

'Ahh... I think I'm mumbling my minds away once again. My apologies, me.'

As I float in the middle of this vast ocean, I'm experiencing one of those unknowns again,

"A fine and real waterbed... there's just one more thing to make this perfect. Yeah… one Picasso painting and three glasses of sweet macaroni. Ahaha, my head is really getting weird. What the heck did I just say…?"

Sleeping on the ocean isn't exactly my hobby, no matter how beautiful the sea might be.

Still... there's something oddly soothing about letting my body drift, carried by the waves of this salty expanse. Just lying on my back, clothes still on, lost in a whirl of random thoughts as I float along the surface.

'It feels like... I was in the middle of something...'

But nothing lasts forever, we can change the future. As one pro jumper once said.

Time here flows exactly as how it should, and the sun still rises from the east.

Now, with noon in high and the sun at its peak, I can feel its scorching rays piercing my skin. The heat is blinding too. If only I didn't forget to bring a decent pair of UV glasses, then maybe...

"Ah, I'm mumbling my minds again."

'Now I remember... how long was it?'

Both side of my body slowly becoming numb.

Consequences after being faced with different temperature.

Sometimes, I switch between lying on my back and my front, just to keep things even. But staring down into that dark, endless abyss… yeah, not the best idea if you've got thalassophobia.

So, I try not to look for too long.

Stuck between gazing into the abyss below...

Or facing the blinding brilliance of the sun above.

Which one am I supposed to choose?

'I wonder how long this sun above my head will drown.'

Oh... now that it reminds me.

Sometimes, there're these sharp fins that occasionally emerge while I'm staring up at the sun. They obviously belong to some fish swimming around in the water. Carnivore, maybe? Not that I mind since these cute undersea creatures seem harmless to me.

Not so sure about other people, though.

I mean… they'd probably be scared to death, wouldn't they?

"Hmm~ Arknights... Arknights... how many events have I missed again? The daily sign-in streak is still intact, so I guess nothing's wrong as long as this goes well. Eey! Back off! Keep your distance, Megalodon sire!"

Memory from the past conflicted in my mind.

As a form of rejection, I shut my eyes again, trying to escape from reality.

This world, once nothing more than a fantasy and a fictional game, has now become a reality I can step into. A world whose stories and timeline are tied to the name Arknights. The one with that donkey-rabbit girl as Main Character.

When I first arrived here, I had a purpose.

But why does it feel like I've forgotten it?

Did I already fulfill that purpose?

Did I fail to complete it?

Or… am I still in the process of chasing it?

'...I can't remember it, huh.'

The almighty sun wouldn't even let me steal a wink of sleep for more than a few seconds.

Open, close, open again much like how humans blink. Maybe, just maybe, something will happen if I reach my hand up, like in those anime openings I used to watch back in the day.

Was it Naruto Shippuden – Opening 8 | Diver again? I reached my hand to the sun, hoping for something to miraculously happen. Maybe... there'll be limited 10x Pull Ticket falling out from up there.

'Iki wo shitakute koko wa kurushikute...'

Could it be… a cute girl falling from above?

Or maybe a glowing System screen popping up with that familiar DING sound?

Or perhaps a self-proclaimed god showing up and saying, 'Oops, my bad. I've killed you~'

Splashhh

"Despite how many Naruto's kind of world out there... there're any who remember their song..."

Nope, there's no one who can answers this damned soul wish for help. No blessing nor curse either. The sun still shining on its throne, while me being a half-human half-surfboard on the ocean.

And so, it's time to stop doing this kind of 'things'.

Introverted things, I mean.

"...What have I been waiting in this area anyway? Nobody came and I'm left alone as a fish bait. Ah, sorry Megalodon sire or mam, I left you out. Although you don't see me as a friend, your presence is really appreciated."

Finding nothing on the surface, I decided to dive again, this time into the deep unknown of the ocean. Not like I had much of a choice, either. I could die of boredom… or go completely insane from all the strange thoughts spinning around in my head.

And somehow....

This powerhouse from millions of years ago somehow follows me around.

"As long you don't think of me as delicacy."

If it wants to eat me, there're barely anything I could do to run from it.

Moreover, this giant shark... I think its body has been enhanced with Originium. There are visible signs of Oripathy on its scales and fins. So yeah... this megalodon is definitely stronger than your average one.

Oripathy huh... did I have one I wonder?

'...It's following me. Could this creature be a Seaborn? And since it's a shark... does it have any connection to Specter? Judging by its eyes... it seems intelligent too. I mean, it didn't try to eat me but let me swim ahead, like bait for bigger fish, right?

The sea in this world, I mean Terra is the same as the sea that I knew... somewhat.

Giant tentacled monsters, giant slugs that shoot stuff, annoying flying sea-bug things that make my hands go numb every time I grab one, and did I mention the coral-like amphibious monsters?

Yeah, a smart person wouldn't stick their head into that mouth-shaped hole.

I almost had to go bald just to escape its acid.

'Next is shark... and not a waifu one for that.'

The sea is just as dark and cold as always.

This part of Iberia really much like how it rumored.

During my time here, I've kept diving into the unknown depths, searching for any remnants of civilization. As for why I do it? Honestly… I'd say it's for my own entertainment. Deep-sea exploration has always been one of my dreams.

Something I've been deeply interested in.

'Hmm? Did I have something like that though?'

Memory from the past conflicted in my mind.

As for the equipment needed… I'm not exactly sure what most pro-divers would recommend.

'There's nothing here... Is this a trench zone? I can't see the bottom.'

Personally, I do just fine with my body and a casual outfit. Those tight diving suits with oxygen tanks and all that extra gear? Not really my thing. Rspecially in the sea, where water already limits most of my movement.

'Let's just mark it and move on. Going in there is basically asking to die.'

I manage well enough… as long as there's no emergency or sudden combat encounter.

'Oh? Hmm...? Where did that shark go?'

...

....

.....

After that, I kept moving from place to place through this unknown sea, with one lone Megalodon quietly trailing behind me, the same one as before. Turns out, that giant shark had disappeared for a while just to blend into the darkness of the ocean.

Watching me swimming here and there, with eyes of... I'm not really sure.

I don't really want to know what I look like from its perspective.

Do I look like a prey? A toy? A snack? Some floating trash? As long as there's still room for mediation, it should be fine. Because my heart REALLY skipped a beat when I saw that shark slowly swimming toward me from the darkness of the deep.

At the end of my little swim with Mr. Sharky—yes, it's a male, I saw it when he turned—there were no interesting remnants or undersea landmarks to be found. So, I swam back to the surface… with that massive guy still following me around.

"To think… not even a single small building to be found. I wonder if the other regions of Iberia are any different. And also, about those church of the deep... I wonder where they're hiding..."

I floated back up to the surface, not wanting to waste any more energy. To stay afloat, I lazily flapped my hands and kicked my legs. Which somehow… made the shark start nudging me from below.

'Eh?! What was that?!'

I stopped and stayed as still as possible.

While I was wasting time out on the ocean, that sharp fin emerged once again. It circled around me, rising and diving back into the sea. Naturally, I wasn't relaxed—who would be, when a giant, ancient-looking creature is lurking just beneath you?

Out of curiosity, I dove back underwater... only to find the shark in the middle of snack time.

'...You got that hungry bruh? It got bored of me maybe.'

What I saw wasn't anything fancy, but it was intense.

The shark was moving so fast it stirred the water beneath me, charging straight toward one of those coral-looking sea monsters. With its massive jaws, it tore through the creature's dome and shell-like paper.

Mr. Megalodon was feasting.

From up here, I think it's munching on one of those coral-like monsters.

About those things Coral-like Monsters, they have long, slimy tentacles used to lure prey, all while hiding inside shells as hard as concrete. Which means… their insides are probably similar to octopus' limbs.

There were quite a few of them gathered down there too.

Were they throwing a party? Mating season maybe?

Poor things.

All grouped up, having a good time… only to get absolutely crashed out by this massive shark.

'Should I become a tentacle specialist next time? Or a biologist? Scientist maybe? …Pft. Lame joke.'

Done watching all the spectacular performances under the sea, I swam to my left.

That's where the shore was supposed to be. I wasn't sure if night would fall by the time I got there, but considering how viciously that shark was still tearing into his meal… I figured now was the perfect time to leave.

I mean, it's not like I wanted to keep watching him eat anyway.

...

....

.....

Night was quickly approaching, and the sun had almost set—just as I expected—making it harder to see into the distance. But I didn't let it bother me. 'Just keep swimming,' I told myself, thinking of that one small blue fish, Dory, as I kept paddling through the water.

'Can't see very far... but luckily, the lights from that settlement are still on.'

Since I'm swimming backstroke, it's a bit hard to tell whether I'm still going in a straight line… or if I'm about to crash into something. If I want to see ahead, I have to twist around like a drill which also lets me catch glimpses of the scenery beneath the ocean.

'Hmm? Did I see something moved down there?'

In the world of Arknights—or Terra, as it's called—I guess there are quite a lot of characters that come from their own unique races.

For example, there are the Aegir, most of whom mostly come from Iberia; then Cautus, like Amiya's race; the Feline—whose appearance closely resembles that of cats; the Draco, a rare and ancient race much like dragons in traditional stories.

And of course, there are many more races beyond those.

Most of them also have their own unique traits and racial advantages. Though I don't really know all of them myself, since I didn't spend much time acting as a researcher in Rhodes Island—

...Huh? Eh?

'Researcher? What was I even doing back then...?'

Memory from the past conflicted in my mind.

Anyway, speaking of races, the one that's on my mind right now is the Feline. Since they're similar to cats, it's no surprise that they likely have nocturnal eyes. In other words, night vision.

How nice would it be to have night vision right now, I thought.

Of course, I don't have that kind of advantage, but through my own methods, I've could manage to gain something similar. Through a simple Spell—one I created and learned a long time ago.

It's just a simple body enhancement—or maybe an alteration method, I guess.

'Implementing bio-restructure: apply to self. Target—eyes. Embed night element for enhanced vision.'

"Proceed with further restructuring. Shift ambient light to achieve improved optical concealment."

Words began to form in my mind as I focused on each meaning, the Spell for my sight as well for my surrounding. And the moment I let go of that focus, I felt a drastic shift ripple through my body, right as the last word left my lips.

I blinked slowly and the view of the sea had changed.

Something around my body had also changed, it's a little invisible, I think.

"My eyes aren't used to it yet... I guess I'll have to wait a few seconds."

Once again becoming a half-human, half-surfboard hybrid, I waited patiently for my eyes to fully adapt. And once I felt comfortable, I started swimming again—padding through the waves and the calm ocean currents.

Though my modifications didn't grant me any long-range vision, the darkness that had once been hard to see through was now much clearer. There's also some kind of barrier, or illusion when I see around my arm.

Compared to the people of Terra, the spell I'm using would probably be considered a form of Arts as well. Not that it EXACTLY matched with them though. As instead of using Originium for energy source, I used my own life to weave my Spell.

"Owphah?! Salty..."

After getting smacked off course by a wave, I twisted around to face forward again. However, the closer I got to the shore, the more monsters started to appear in my view. Some even swimming towards the shore.

They were Seaborn.

I started paddling a little faster.

...

....

.....

By the time I reached the shore, I immediately made my way to the base I'd set up before heading into the sea. It wasn't much—just a small camping tent and a few basic survival tools.

I had picked a spot far from the eyes of the locals, since I didn't want anything stolen while I was swimming all afternoon. But now, I'm starting to think… this place might still be within one of their spawn points.

'Hmm… these are the same mobs from when I did the first stage.'

Just as I was about to grab my gear and make a quick escape, I changed my mind and ducked into hiding. The Seaborn had already arrived at my base.

They're throwing a party in my place, with lots of other sea monsters doing hippity-hoppity destroying my property. My tent got messed up, and those freaking monsters dancing celebrating its demise... probably.

I mean, they're just destroying anything in their path anyway.

"This should be easy enough for me to handle."

I started thinking about which Spell I should use next. But somewhere in the middle of that, I began to wonder... should I even be calling it a Spell? Would Artsbe more appropriate? I'm not sure.

Someone once told me that if I used a power not native to this world, I could become a target of the all-seeing eye. Someone definitely said that to me, but who was it again...?

I can't remember it.

"Focus for a moment..."

Most of the Spells I use are simple body modifications.

Still, choosing the right function at the right time is important.

As an ordinary human—with an ordinary mind and body—I can only handle three active Spells at once. If I try to go beyond that, I'll start feeling sluggish. Just call it as a Lethargy Debuff, as some would call it.

And right in the middle of my spell selection, there was this one guy—wriggling around right in front of me. Since the spell I used earlier didn't completely make me invisible, I guess this one managed to catch a glimpse of my presence.

Or maybe… I just blew my own cover because I'm incompetent.

'You found me? So, what're going to do?'

Reaching its tentacle to one side of my hand, I can feel its neuron activa—... umm its neuron destruction thing to spread into my body. It wasn't that hard to handle. Felt kind of like when your fingers go numb after gaming for too long.

The creature also clearly felt something touch it, and just like the rest of its kind, it followed pure instinct. It launched a barrage of tendrils in my direction, trying to immobilize me to the point where I'd need a wheelchair.

So, that's when I decided what spell I should use.

'Borrowing knowledge from archive, implementing delayed catharsis for opponent.'

A delayed internal chain explosion. Specific traits. Area-of-effect.

Finishing the incantation within my mind, I gently touched the Seaborn's tendrils once more, allowing the spell to complete itself as it flowed into the target's body.

When another set of tendrils came whipping at me from the side, I dodged and retreated toward a nearby cliff. One that thankfully, showed no signs of being glazed or swarmed by Seaborn.

Hiding behind the rock, I kept my eyes on their tracks again. The marked monster slowly turned in circles, clearly showing signs of confusion—like it had just been ding-dong ditched by me.

But that didn't last long.

The monster rejoined its group and just like the rest of its kind, started hippity-hoppity-ing all over my poor, ruined base. Despite being taller and bigger than a Terran, I guess the Seaborn don't have much going on in the way of individual thought.

Or… maybe it's a hivemind situation?

'...I hope you can got the peace you ever wanted.'

While calculating the radius and effect of the spell, I couldn't help but feel a bit of sympathy for the monster. There's always a chance that some of those Seaborn were once people of Terra around this area.

Someone I never knew… and who never knew a damn thing of me either.

"…Goodbye, Kevin. Dissolution."

SNAP

With a snap of my fingers, I felt a bit of my energy drain away. A glowing symbol flared to life across Kevin the Seaborn's body, and moments later... his form collapsed, dissolving into a gooey, shapeless mass.

And just as I'd planned, any other Seaborn that touched Kevin's remains were instantly hit by the same spell. Reduced to a twitching, tangible mess of neural destruction soup.

'I hope you got that peace you search for.'

Not wasting any more time, I dashed toward my tent, dodging any monsters still lingering around.

I grabbed my things, just one bag and a lantern that had clearly been violated by them, then quickly made my way toward a nearby settlement. It wasn't too far from here, so there's a good chance some of those Seaborn had already made their way there too.

"Uwaah, this lantern's completely slimed... hope I can still use it after cleaning."

Speaking of that settlement…

It was the same place featured in one of Arknights' Side Events. Was it Under Tides again? I kinda forgot the name… but not the scenes within. Some of them still linger in my memory, even after all this time.

That Orca was one of my favorite Operators too, which is probably why I still remember that event revolving around her. It was the event where Skadi disguised herself as a bard to investigate something going on around this area. 

"Hmm? Then… does that mean I've arrived at the exact same time the event is taking place? But why… why am I here at the exact moment this event is unfolding...?"

Then...

It didn't take long before I finally arrived at the place I mentioned.

It was a small village built near the coast, resembling a gloomy and isolated port town. Rows of houses lined the area—some clearly still inhabited, while others looked long abandoned.

There were barely any fish in sight, which was strange...

If this really were a fishing village, there should've been fish hanging to dry, or nets laid out along the path. But there was nothing. Just emptiness. Even the usual scent of salt and fish was faint or barely there at all.

It felt as if... even the sea itself had grown tired of this place.

At the back of this coastal village stood a line of defenses. Long, tall, and sturdy walls built to withstand crashing waves and coastal erosion. From down here, it almost looked like a dam to me.

"That's... eye of Iberia wasn't it?"

And realizing that this village lay outside the protection of those walls… it felt like the place had been abandoned long ago, left to rot like it could be discarded at any moment.

The Seaborn really had turned many coastal areas into silent, soulless zones like this.

"…Someone's fighting?"

More monsters began to appear as I approached the village, their numbers growing with every step. In the distance, I could hear the sounds of battle echoing from deeper west. Somewhere within the village itself.

This time, I moved slowly, careful not to make a sound. Eventually, I stopped beside the wall of an abandoned house, peeking out to observe whoever it was that had engaged the Seaborn in battle.

'Oh... it's Skadi. The bard version.'

There she is...

A woman with long white hair and a striking red dress, effortlessly swatting away monsters with a massive black case. Her twin locks danced with every powerful swing, and the force of her movements sent her dress flipping up more than a few times.

I knew it was Skadi—of course I did.

She's one of my favorite Operators, after all.

But I have to correct my greetings.

How can I nonchalantly said, [Oh it's Skadi], especially when knowing the proper and traditional way to address that Orca. Sometime the biggest regret in my life is none other than myself.

'UWOOOHHH— …Nope. Wrong one. That one's for Suzuran.'

"What was it again???"

My brain scrambled.

Wrong line. Wrong Operator. 

From my view as innocent bystander, Skadi has the higher ground against those swarm of monsters. She was tearing through them with ease, not even bothering to draw her sword.

The brutal force of that black case she wielded was more than enough. Each swing sending those sea creatures flying, their forms crushed or scattered into the sea and sand like they never existed at all.

'Now I remember...'

"Kyaaaa~ Skadi~ Kyaaaa~! Fhew… glad I nailed it."

Satisfied after turning myself into a blue six-legged cat, I let out a huge sigh of relief.

Yeah… I know. It sounded weird. Probably cringe. Maybe even borderline disgusting.

But really, how could I not do that?

I mean, there she was—one of my favorite fictional characters—moving, breathing, right in front of me. Not through a screen, not through a video or a stream, but right here. In real life.

In full figure and form.

Every step she took was fluid, almost unreal.

This scene unfolded like a dream.

But the difference was… this time, I wouldn't wake up.

I could stay. Watch her. Maybe even reach out and touch her—because she was real. And unlike dreams that vanish without warning, I could remain here as long as I wanted.

As a certified weeb, this… this was the ultimate gift.

Well… unless I died, of course.

"She seems… shorter than I imagined."

That soft, fluffy white hair swayed with her movement, catching the moonlight like it belonged in a dream. And those bare thighs—shamelessly out there—made it even harder to process the fact that this was really happening.

Her crimson dress, paired with that deep-blue, witch-like hat, gave her an elegance that went beyond glamour. Like a beautiful, cursed apple that radiated a corrupting charm the moment you laid eyes on it.

"…If this is Under Tide's Scenario, then… what now?"

Yeah… I mean, what now?

Originally, my plan was simple: get to this village, clear out the mob monsters, and move on. But if that Abyssal Hunter's already here, then… maybe my presence isn't needed after all.

She could probably solo the entire map before I even finish stretching.

Should I just say hello to her?

Should I escape from here?

Should I fight her?

Should I act dumb and do nothing?

This uncertainty has left me stuck, hesitating. Like I want to meet Skadi, shake her hand, say something meaningful… but something deep down tells me I shouldn't. Like there's a boundary I'm not supposed to cross.

And the worst part is—I don't even know why. It's as if there's a layered curtain in my mind, blocking me every time I try to remember. Something just out of reach… something I'm not meant to recall.

"Have I met her before...? No… I don't think so…" 

For now, I prepared a single spell in my head. Just in case.

You never know.

Someone as powerful as her usually comes with an absurdly sharp sense of presence detection.

What if she suddenly said something like—"Come out," or "I know you're there," while I was just standing here like an idiot? Yeah, no doubt—I'd be terrified. Even more scared than the first time I accidentally read that Exusiai doujin by Kataoka-san.

"Come out." 「Skadi」

Yup. Exactly like that. That's what I meant.

She says it so casually, like she's just talking to herself. But you can tell—she's already locked onto someone. Someone hiding nearby, thinking they were invisible, safe... completely unaware that she's already found them.

Commonly what comes next is...

Definitely the usual reaction. Her allies catch the sudden flicker of killing intent and glance her way, while being confused. They start asking questions, trying to figure out what she's sensed, already bracing for another fight.

That's the norm in almost any anime scenes.

And after that?

Well… that's when the chain sequence usually begins.

Right after that, there's a high chance some unhinged person appeared from the shadows while applauding her sharp instincts like this was all part of some grand test.

Clap. Wonderful. Clap. Very wonderful. Clap. Lady Skadi, you found me... or something like that.

Then comes the formal exchange of names. That classic back-and-forth, just before things either escalate… or spiral into something much weirder. That trope shows up more often than people realize.

'Did… did she find someone just now?'

"Come out now... I know you're behind that house." 「Skadi」

Oh, alright... then...

Hopefully this isn't one of those skits, but… better brace my pants. If she really means me, then maybe I'll just roll with it. But if I'm wrong and she's actually calling someone else well, that's gonna be really embarrassing.

That's why, I glance over at them again.

"Singer, which house are you talking about?" 「Anita」

"...That one. With bucket and barrel." 「Skadi」

Hmm... yep. That's my hiding spot.

Wiping the nonexistent sweat from my forehead, I quietly activated the spell I'd prepared earlier. It was a subtle one, meant only to alter my facial features and slightly distort how others perceived me.

'Initiate bio-restructure. Target: facial profile. Apply override template. Code name for conversion—Anime Rewrite: Suzuki Bondo.'

Combined with the optical concealment Spellstill hanging on from earlier, my face and the light around it looked slightly warped. Like someone slapped a soft mosaic filter over me.

There's still a sliver doubt about Skadi, I don't know if she's talking to me or other presence she sensed in this area. However, with that fierce gaze of her, my doubt has been cleared away.

'Skadi clearly gaze this way...'

Now that she's sensed my presence and hasn't immediately leapt in to slice me in half, there might actually be a chance to talk, right? With my face now altered and further obscured, I stepped forward to meet that Orca.

A quick glance around confirmed that she'd already taken down all the seaborn while I'd been too busy arguing with my own monologue.

Behind her stood the familiar cast from the event: the stern-looking inquisitor girl and the quiet villager girl from this area. They looked a bit paler than I remembered from behind my screen—but still undeniably cute.

'Hmm? Feels like someone just called me a pedo... well, whatever. Now what kind of approach should I pick? Let's try the polite-flirty type first. But first thing first!'

CLAP-CLAP-CLAP

'Honestly... I kinda want to do it.'

Clapping as I walked, I made my way toward them.

"Good evening. Nice moon tonight, isn't it? Mind if I get your number?"

I spoke in a casual, low tone, tilting my gaze toward the sky while raising a hand, as if to draw attention to the moon's beauty—though honestly, I had no idea whether they actually found it beautiful or not.

If I remember correctly, the moon in Terra has its own brand of terror, doesn't it?

As my gaze returned to them…

'…No response. Alright, time for a change in tactics. Let's go full cringe—I mean, chuunibyou and mysterious mode.'

"On a night this tranquil, wouldn't you say it's the perfect moment… for the tides to rise?"

"…Do you… think so…?" Skadi replied, her tone flat as ever.

Switching between two wildly different approaches, I gave it my all trying to talk to Skadi the Corrupting Heart. Yet all I received in return was her usual unreadable expression, layered with the kind of vigilance that weighed every single word I dared to say.

"It can even talk fluently?! What is that thing?!" Irene shouted.

Well, that certainly got more of a reaction than my earlier attempts.

One of them came from Irene—the inquisitor girl from this scenario.

She'd joined her mentor on a mission to investigate someone… or something. If I remember right, she'd tried to pursue Skadi after catching her bleeding, only to realize she was no match for her strength.

"…Singer, what number does it mean?" Anita asked, her expression puzzled as she tried to make sense of what Skadi was seeing.

That girl name Anita was just one lone village girl paired with Skadi in this story, drawn in simply because Skadi took an interest in her. Like the others, she could only make out a blurry silhouette and a male voice—mine. 

Come to think of it, there's no way someone from a remote village like her would recognize the classic 'Can I have your number?' line. Since this cringy, chuuni, and mysterious act actually got a response, maybe I should stick with it for now.

"...Who are you?" 「Skadi」

"Why don't you take a guess? Although… I already know who you are."

Seeing her shift position, Skadi looked ready to move with her case in hand. Despite all my effort to figure out the best way to approach her, a suspicious person… still looks suspicious.

Honestly, if I saw someone like me creeping around, I'd probably kick them in the face too.

So yeah—I can't really blame her.

"But I don't, who send you here? No... with that presence, it doesn't matter. I'll find it out soon." 「Skadi」

Oof, that's hurt.

She didn't even say it harshly, but man, that still hit my pride hard.

While I was trying to hype myself back up, she suddenly started giving off this aura—like the pressure of the deep ocean. Heavy, dark, and dangerous. Like a massive wave just waiting to crash down and swallow everything whole.

Before I could do much of a sigh, she bolted forward with that black case in hand, jumped right over me, and raised it like she was about to smash open a watermelon—my head being the watermelon.

SWISSSH

I dropped low and slid across the sand and dirt, just barely dodging her swing. My head spun, trying to figure out why she was suddenly attacking me. That's when I noticed it—her case, looming like a coffin above me.

Almost like she was silently saying to get in.

The impact hit hard, sending sand and dirt bursting into the air around her. Yet through it all, her eyes never left me. She just kept staring—like she was analyzing some strange, out-of-place creature.

I used that moment to reposition myself, somersaulting backward to gain distance.

As I brushed off a bit of dirt stuck to my clothes, she suddenly raised her black case again, holding it like a shield—maybe thinking I was about to strike. Bracing for an attack that never came.

Honestly, she looked kind of mesmerizing like that.

If only I could snap a picture or sketch her in that exact pose.

"You can't do anything but run?" 「Skadi」

I smirked, heart pounding. "Still your turn to find out, lady singer."

Out of respect, y'know... I gave her a slight bow. But apparently that just pissed her off more. Next thing I know, Skadi comes charging at me, swinging that massive case like she's trying to put me through the sand beneath.

Overhead swing.

Downward smash.

A full-on thrust—then a brutal sideways rip with the blunt, oversized edge of that ridiculous suitcase.

This time, I think she's getting serious. It's not just the creepy whistling wind from her swings anymore, now even the giant rocks along the beach are getting shattered whenever she misses.

One wrong step and I'm next.

I'm doing everything I can just to not get hit.

But for some reason… when I looked into that woman's eyes, something came back to me. Something that made my movement falter for just a split second—just enough for Skadi to land a heavy hit.

'Feels like déjà vu…'

Memory from the past conflicted in my mind.

"Got you now." 「Skadi」

BAAM

One of her attacks finally connected, slamming into me and launching me backward like a ragdoll caught in a storm. And just like what I thought—her power's insane, even in her Bard Supporter form.

The force behind that hit could've shattered the ribs of any normal person without even trying.

As a last-ditch move, I leapt back toward the coastline and slowly dropped to one knee.

Looking around, I realized we'd ended up pretty far from the settlement. The waves lapping at my shoes and soaking the bottom of my pants told me we were right by the sea.

On the other side, Skadi still had no intention of ending this fight.

She walked toward me with a slow, menacing pace, leaving deep footprints in the wet sand as she dragged her case along behind her. There wasn't a hint of exhaustion on her face—just that same mix of bloodlust and eerie calm.

I could see the other two still chasing after her from behind.

At first, it was just Anita who slipped away while Irene was busy protecting the villagers. But now that Irene had wrapped things up, she was running after Anita, yelling at her to stop and not to get involved in a fight between two absurd monsters.

It's my fight and Skadi of course.

"You're barely fighting back." 「Skadi」

"Wasn't really planning to fight you in the first place," I replied with a shrug as I pushed myself back onto my feet. "I'm here just for the fun."

"If that's true, then what exactly were you doing back when those creatures showed up? You and the others appeared way too conveniently." 「Skadi」

"Uhh… I was just swimming with a shark, actually."

"…A shark? What kind?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.

"Oh, don't worry. Not the kind you're thinking of."

She probably thought I meant Specter just now.

Just when I thought we could finally talk in peace, that brief moment of calm had to be ruined.

Out of sudden, a new wave of Seaborn suddenly appeared, carried in by the ocean's current. Strangely, there were more of them this time and they didn't hesitate to attack either of us.

The timing felt too perfect, too sudden. It made me suspect that someone had been watching our fight from the shadows… and decided to strike us both at once. My first guess... could it be the final boss of this Event?

'Some kind of powerful Seaborn Priest, wasn't he?'

I stood still, lost in thought.

While I was thinking stuff again, Skadi remained motionless on the other side.

That woman just watched—her eyes tracking my every move.

That silence gave the Seaborn an opportunity.

They surged forward, assuming we're getting distracted.

'Not that it mattered.'

I blocked, grabbed, and threw them aside. No footwork. No wasted energy.

On her side, maybe it was to match me, but Skadi seemed to be doing the exact same thing. She didn't move an inch—just swung that black case of hers, smashing any Seaborn that got too close.

Me, barehanded. Her, with that case.

Neither of us moved an inch, eyes locked, as we effortlessly took down anything that got too close.

'Beautiful and deadly… she really wears that look well.'

For me and Skadi they weren't much of a threat.

But for Anita and Irene, it was a different story.

While Irene was busy shielding the village girl beside her, she got caught off guard. Tendrils shot up from beneath the sand, wrapping around her before she could react.

Anita didn't fare any better. Both of them ended up getting dragged down into the sand.

Honestly, I didn't expect the Seaborn to be able to burst out from under the sand like that.

Still, I moved fast—one quick dash forward, followed by a sharp strike chop to break the creature's limbs that had grabbed them. I pulled Irene and Anita free and then tossed them over my shoulder.

It's alright, there's Skadi who had ended up right behind me caught them.

"Your doing?" 「Skadi」

"You know I don't carry the same scent as them, lady Singer."

"Doesn't mean you're not the one commanding them." 「Skadi」

She pointed toward my face, and I understood exactly what that Orca meant.

"You mean the distortion around my face? It's just a bit of Arts—so you don't get a clear look at me. And even if you did, I already got another face to hide my real face. Anyway… how about we call a short truce? I'd rather not have those two disappear from the story just yet."

We locked eyes for a moment... or maybe a long one.

"Uhh... are we good?"

Eventually, Skadi lowered her case.

I'm pretty sure that if the Seaborn weren't here, she'd still be swinging that oversized thing at me nonstop. At least now I could finally breathe a little, not having to deal with this walking catastrophe swinging death in my direction.

"Well then… Chain dissolution."

SNAP

The same spell I used before. The Seaborn I touched started to melt away instantly, its body dissolving into a mess of fluids and smoke. However, this only made Skadi's eyes narrowed.

She instinctively took a step back, keeping her distance.

"Ah, relax. It's not like I've got the Midas touch or anything."

"Who was that person?" 「Skadi」

"Some guy with a golden touch. Long story. Point is, let's just work together and clean this up, lady Singer."

She didn't say a word in response. No nod, no agreement.

But instead of turning me into a ragdoll again, she walked right past me and slammed a Seaborn behind my back into the ground. HENCE! I'll take that as a yes.

Skadi going full-on brutality bashing-bashing that black case to many seaborn, every time I saw her leap into the air and slam down with that much force, it weirdly reminded me of Donkey Kong. Meanwhile, I handled things with my own… more unique methods.

It didn't take long before the beach was cleared.

The Seaborn, looking like seafoam and bloated bubbles, were gone—wiped out completely.

Now that it was over, I couldn't help but smile as I made my way toward the other three.

I thought I'd earned their trust by now—but turns out, not really. The moment I got close, that Orca went straight for a punch. No questions, no warning. Just a clean jab aimed at my chest.

Good thing it was just my after-image that got hit.

"I'm pretty sure I've hit you." 「Skadi」

"It means you're not sure enough, Lady Singer."

"Huh? Wasn't he just standing right in front of me?" Anita blinked.

"It's probably just an illusion Art." 「Irene」

Let me explain about that trick!

Simply put, it's a mix of high movement speed, my Blurr Spell, and a newly crafted spell I call Mirage Illusion. With that combo, I managed to create a fading clone that looks real enough to fool most people.

It vanishes on physical contact though.

'Hmm... why does this feel like such a roundabout method? Do I have some other illusion way?'

As much as I'd like to get close to Skadi, I'm not exactly keen on getting decked by her. One solid hit from her and I'd probably be picking my jaw off the ground. Which is why the real me is still standing a few meters away from them.

Safe and out of punching range, but still... close enough to enjoy the view.

'Ahh... I want to hug her soo much!'

"…I see. So, it was your reflection. Just a simple trick." 「Skadi」

"Bingo~ You got it right~ Want some candy as a prize?" I grinned.

The Orca didn't look even remotely amused by the joke. Anita, on the other hand, was more than happy to accept the vanilla candy I offered—eyes full of curiosity.

But just as things started to feel a little calmer, the worst part hit.

Skadi suddenly rushed at me again, swinging that black case like she hadn't already tried to turn my skeleton into powder five minutes ago.

"Hold on! Time out! W-Why are you still going?!"

"I don't know, really," Skadi said calmly. "But something tells me… once I land this case on you, I might finally feel satisfied. I just really want to hit you with it. You understand, right?"

"That just means you're mad at me!? Why thou?!" I shouted.

Our little bout continued, with Skadi now swinging her black case more carefully. She's clearly more wary after falling for my trick earlier. Not that I planned on using it again… at least not on her.

This time, I also tried to be a bit more daring.

Getting in close, even going so far as to swing my backpack at her.

BRUGH

"...You..." 「Skadi」

Yeah… it didn't really do much.

"E-Ehehe..."

Aside from just dodging and retreating, I also started throwing in a few counterattacks—mainly just enough to push her back a little. Kind of like those Specialist Operators. Not that it did much damage either.

My hits barely scratched her, and Skadi took them like a total champ.

"…You might be right," she muttered. "Your attacks so far have only managed to annoy me."

"Yhahaha, I'm not really looking to grapple with you, y'know. The moment you grab me, it's game over~ So let's just call it a day and shake hands like good friends, yeah?"

…Wait.

Did I just tell her how to beat me?

"I see," Skadi said calmly.

And now she's actually going for it?!

Whoaaaa—she's aiming to strangle me straight up?!

Yeah, no way I'm letting that happen.

Every time Skadi got close, I knocked her back again.

At this point, I'd lost count of how many times that Orca had been launched across the beach. The trail of footprints she left behind looked like train tracks carved right into the coast.

She advanced, I dodged, countered, and sent her stumbling back—again and again.

It felt like playing tag with Crownslayer all over again.

'If I remember right… I've used this exact tactic on someone before… but who was it?'

Memory from the past conflicted in my mind.

The accumulated damage didn't show on her body either, but I could tell that she was starting to get tired. And maybe, just maybe… a little annoyed. For the first time, I saw her eyes gleam with a ferocious red glow.

"By the way, Lady Singer... maybe it's just my imagination, but do you fear me?"

Skadi didn't answer.

She just moved—faster than before—lunging straight for my face. Of course, I slipped out of reach and countered with a palm strike to her core. She went flying, bouncing back like one of those wind-up toy cars that shoots forward after being pulled back.

"I guess not."

Just like that, she charged again.

By the way, what were Anita and Irene even doing over there? I glanced toward the two girls, only to find them sitting on the sand, writing something down for some reason.

"How many was that?" 「Anita」

"Twenty-seven... moreover, this's been going on for a while, huh? That strange guy keeps dancing around the Aegir like it's a game. Could it be that thing is another one of those... special cases?" 「Irene」

"Just three more, then." 「Anita」

"…They're awfully relaxed, huh."

The moment I turned my head toward them, they panicked—freezing in place like a pair of statues. I couldn't help but wonder… was Irene this friendly during her first appearance back in the Under Tides event?

Not wanting to ruin their little fun, I turned my attention back to Skadi.

She was just standing there, her aura already withdrawn. I took that as a sign she had no intention of continuing this pointless fight. Which was fine by me as I couldn't afford to linger here too long anyway.

There's her captain Gladia, Irene's mentor that old inquisitor, and also Kal'tsit which could make things become more messed up than before. So, a peaceful approach… was definitely the better option.

"You're not aiming to kill." 「Skadi」

"Well, of course not. Why would I even hurt you?"

"…If you wanted to, I think you could." 「Skadi」

"Nope. I don't think I want to. Fhuuh… All this sand's making my face itch."

Feeling certain she wouldn't suddenly jump at me, I slowly approached her again.

But then, a thought crossed my mind. To most people, my face might look... unsettling. Like a filter stretched over something not quite human. But Skadi's an Abyssal Hunter—she's used to facing creatures far worse than me.

So why do I sense a flicker of discomfort on her face now?

"Uhm… you don't mind how my face looks right now, do you?"

"You're not that bad. At least not compared to what I've faced before." 「Skadi」

Even when we were just an arm's length apart, this Orca kept her gaze steady on me—calm, but with a hint of hesitation. It wasn't quite the reaction I had expected... she almost looked like a baby Orca right now—oddly cute, yet unmistakably dangerous.

Well then… I suppose it's time to claim a little reward from this woman.

"If all you want is to talk, then what is it you want to say?" 「Skadi」

"...Ah, right."

"I don't have much time. Especially if your words end up making no sense." 「Skadi」

"Haha, relax. It's not like I'm here to discuss Originium research or anything."

Somehow… this conversation felt familiar—like I'd heard it somewhere before.

It wasn't this Skadi I remembered speaking those words—but for some reason, a shadow of someone else appeared in my mind. A more mature version of her. The same voice, the same tone… echoing the exact same line.

'Wait, so have I met her before? Or not?'

I could've sworn the person who said it was Terran… but, as usual, the details slipped through my memory like sand. Faces, names—they never stayed. All I knew for sure was that I'd heard those words somewhere, sometime.

Memory from the past conflicted in my mind.

"But are you sure this is okay? There's always a chance I'm tricking you, or just buying time for some grand, evil plan you couldn't possibly comprehend~ Lady Singer~"

Oops.

Habits die hard. I always end up stoking people's suspicions—just to see how far I can push them. I should've broken that cycle days ago, before it twisted into something worse… before it gave birth to yet another persona inside me.

Maybe it'll be Skadi Killer or something like Kyaa Skadi the Orca.

Basing my personality on other people's preferences—yeah, sounds pretty stupid.

But hey… I've always been good at being stupid anyway.

"At this range, whatever strange idea you're putting up won't matter. I could end it all with a single twist of your neck. So don't even try it." 「Skadi」

"Whuuo, that's terrifying. Anyway… I do have a small favor to ask you. Hmm, wait a sec, I think I left it somewhere around here…"

We're on a good start.

Now that Skadi was willing to at least hear me out, the rest was simple—just find or improvise some random bullshit to satisfy this burning urge of mine… the sacred instinct of fanboying! Truly, nothing ranks higher than that!

I figured snapping a photo of her like this would already be a win, but why stop there? Time to dig through my backpack for anything that could highlight her beauty and adorable charm to the fullest.

"Oh! Found it!"

Right as I said that, I heard the subtle thud of her case lowering beside me.

A quiet warning—Skadi's way of saying don't try anything funny. Fair enough. But then, I noticed something else. Somehow, Irene and Anita had casually made their way to her side.

Now the three of them were peering down into my backpack, curious, like an audience watching someone unbox a mystery box. Anita tilted her head, Irene crossed her arms, Skadi just stood there silently with her case lowered and ready.

"...I swear it's not anything weird. And honestly, if it was dangerous, what are you two even doing here? It's risky, you know. What if I suddenly decide to take you all hostage?"

"I am, for the record, an Inquisitor of Iberia," Irene replied flatly. "Besides, you seem smarter than this Aegir, so I figured I'd conduct a closer observation. Despite resisting that much... I thought maybe you'd be easier to apprehend."

"Ehh? Locked up? Why?!"

Irene didn't even flinch.

"Then who's going to answer for the destruction behind me?" she said, calmly jabbing a thumb toward the wrecked beach. Her gaze sharpened, unimpressed. "You do abide by law and order, don't you? Because if I fail to detain that Aegir… you're next on the list."

"Well… if you can catch me, that is."

Irene's face twitched in annoyance, but I turned my gaze away, surveying the area around us.

And yeah… the aftermath looked worse than I'd expected. It was like some giant monster had rolled through and trashed the whole coastal settlement in one go. But why me?! Why do I get the blame?!

"Stupid Inquisitor trainee with a voice that sounds like Kiana the Tuna..."

"Wha?!" 「Irene」

"Hmm… this bag it's not even wet, even after all that." 「Anita」

"A simple waterproof linen," I replied, shrugging. "Though I don't know what they call it around here."

"A glowing box... what's it called?" 「Anita」

"Smartphone, a terminal device lets you access information and all that."

Along with it, I pulled out a short coat—dark fabric, lined with the unmistakable Rhodes Island emblem and colors. I didn't exactly remember why I had it… but hey, if it was in my bag, it had to be mine, right?

Apparently, that coat caught Skadi off guard. Her eyes narrowed slightly.

"You're from Rhodes?" she asked. "Or… did you take it from someone?"

"Hmm... you can always ask the Doctor or Kal'tsit for confirmation, right?" I shrugged, casually folding the coat. "Besides, once I'm done with it, I'll hand it over to you. Now now, Lady Singer, would you please wear this coat? I've always wanted to see you in a Rhodes Island uniform!"

The white-haired woman paused, her expression unreadable.

She glanced at the coat. Then at me.

"...You're strange," she finally muttered.

"And yet, you're still listening to me."

I figured she was weighing whether my words were trustworthy or just another weird bluff. But after another long pause—she finally let go of her black case and reached for the coat I offered her.

Though she wears it over her signature crimson dress, the look still worked beautifully.

"Is this enough?" 「Skadi」

"Hoooo!! Kyaaaa!! Skadi!! Now please—stand under the moonlight! Just a little to the left—yes, right there! Maybe strike a pose like you're protecting the world from total annihilation?!"

Without waiting for permission, I immediately started snapping pictures of her from every angle I could. This'll add a good find for my collection. After getting a satisfying number of shots, I turned to the two girls for some extra help.

"Why does… he looks more like some overly excited priest-in-training right now?" 「Irene」

"As expected, Singer truly is a beautiful figure." 「Anita」

"Hey! Kiana—I mean, Inquisitor girl! Can you take our picture?"

"Why should I?" 「Irene」

Denied.

With zero hesitation, I turned toward the more cooperative one.

"Then... little girl, would you like to learn this device?"

"...Sure, if it's fine with me." 「Anita」

Doing my best to contain my overflowing excitement, I began showing Anita how to handle the smartphone—how to hold it steady, frame a shot, and tap the screen to take a picture.

Meanwhile, Irene stood off to the side, arms still folded. 

Next, I asked Skadi to pick up her black case again and directed her to pose just the way I wanted. Everything was going smoothly, until I tried to get closer just because I want to take a photo together…

PUNCH

"Why did you hit me?!"

"I thought it was another mirage arts." 「Skadi」

...Fair enough, I guess.

Still, I made the most of it.

I asked her to strike a pose right as she was about to throw that black case at me, then another one where it looked like we were locked in fierce battle. Ahaha, this is fun! Now onto a classic dab pose… and of course, an arm-wrestling showdown!

"Don't try anything weird," Skadi warned, her tone sharp.

"Relax! It's just a pose, Lady Singer."

After finishing that last pose, I started hoping she'd be willing to try something just a bit sweeter.

You know, maybe something like me slipping an arm around her waist and lifting her up just a little… or maybe a light hand over her shoulder as we strike a victory pose—fingers forming a proud little V.

But of course, reality had other plans.

"No." 「Skadi」

"Uheeh... why..." 

"No," she repeated, colder this time.

"...Fine."

Of course, I wasn't really ready to give up.

With all the grace of a sneaky crab, I tried to slip my hand behind her back, aiming for one last cheeky photo, flashing a little Victory sign behind her shoulder. But alas, Skadi instantly caught my naughty hand mid-move and squeezed.

Hard. Really hard.

Her grip strength easily surpassed that of a gorilla, and it was absolutely no joke.

Her glare matched it, sharp and judging. Perhaps her mood had plummeted instantly, crashing like a ship into a rocky shore, all because she thought I was about to pull another stunt.

Honestly, maybe I was to blame. But still—ow.

"Ow ow oww... You got me there~ Yaahhh, I never thought you can figure it out."

"No weird trick, like I said." 「Skadi」

If only she weren't holding it like she was about to snap it in half, this scene might've actually looked romantic. One hand meeting the other's—fingers intertwined like in some quiet, emotional moment.

But I really can't help it! I just want to hug her and squeeze her tight in my arms!

My cute aggression levels are off the charts.

"...You, where is your head actually?" Skadi asked, squinting slightly.

Oh, let me explain it again.

Thanks to the spell I'd used earlier, it was like someone had slapped a heavy mosaic filter over my face. Not quite pixelated, but definitely enough to hide any defining traits.

The rest of my body, on the other hand, looked more like it was fading into the background, semi-transparent, blending in with the surroundings like some weirdly dressed chameleon.

If I had to compare it to a Terran's ability… maybe something close to Ethan's style of camouflage?

It shouldn't be that hard to tell where my head was, but considering this Orca initially thought I was a Seaborn, maybe she assumed the mosaic-covered part was an antenna, a shell, or some other strange body part.

"You... you're not naked, are you?" 「Skadi」

"Just because I'm not wearing that coat doesn't mean I have nothing else on, okay? And for the record—this blurred part? My head. The part you've been staring at and punching all this time? My chest."

"Oh... punch," Skadi replied flatly.

"Hggegh?! You damn Orca?!"

Even though my hand was being crushed like a soda can and my face had just taken another direct hit from her fist, my heart—traitorous as ever—swelled with happiness the moment I looked at Skadi's face.

Looking at beautiful and cute anime girls really does make life feel longer~

'She's just too cute. Just like her mother...'

Memory from the past conflicted in my mind.

'Huh... what was I...'

But honestly, I'd appreciate it if she could dial down her grip strength.

My fingers felt like they were about to shatter into puzzle pieces.

"First... could you let these go? Your strength's really about to break my arm, you know."

"If I release you, then you'll run away." 「Skadi」

"Hmm… then, since you're holding mine, can I hold yours?"

Taking full advantage of the moment, I slipped my free hand toward hers—the one not currently trying to crush my bones—and gently interlaced our fingers. Yahoo! A lewd moment! Double hand-holding achieved!

Skadi blinked, clearly caught off guard.

Her expression stiffened when she realized all I'd done was intertwine our fingers.

"Look, Skadi, we're holding hands! Isn't that kind of—Ackkk okay okay haha!"

"...Stop messing around." Skadi's voice was sharp, but I swear there was a faint tinge of fluster behind it.

Worth it.

"Aye ma'am~ And Anita! You can stop taking our picture now, thanks!"

Surprisingly, for her first attempt, these pics turned out really well. She had a steady hand and a good sense of timing. As thanks, I handed her a small gift—something simple but useful.

I hoped she'd make good use of it.

As for Irene… well, that lantern—which had unfortunately been violated by the Seaborn earlier—should be enough of a token.

"What are you doing?" 「Skadi」

"Deciding for parting gifts. What else?" I replied, casually.

"I see... I understand. If you're from Rhodes, I suppose you have your own mission to carry out. As for this jacket, don't you want to take it back? I'm not particularly attached to it right now." 「Skadi」

"In that case, please hold onto it for now. When we meet again at Rhodes Island, you can return it then. My mission might take a while, so honestly, I'm not even sure if I'll make it back. I'm counting on you to pass this memento for me."

"...No promises, but I'll try." 「Skadi」

While still holding her hand, I looked her in the eyes and quietly said thank you. As usual, Skadi simply stared back in silence. She must think this is just another trick of mine—or so I thought, until her lips slowly parted.

"...You. Have we met before?" 「Skadi」

At that very moment, I felt it again—something crawling up my back.

It wasn't a Seaborn. Nothing was there. No one stood behind me.

Just like before, it was that same creeping sensation.

The same one I felt when I was adrift above the ocean.

Something… unknown.

Something that doesn't want me to enjoy this moment with her.

'It's strange. What's wrong with me?'

The more time I spend with her, the more I begin to hate myself.

And now, that unknown inside me… it's starting to awaken.

"Hey, why are your hands trembling?" 「Skadi」

I should be happy—thrilled, even—to be holding hands with someone I've admired for so long. Back then, I didn't even have a chance to see her properly through my phone, not like this. Not this close.

These soft, warm hands. That fluffy, flowing hair. Her big, round eyes.

Wasn't it always my dream to meet so many of the waifu characters I adored?

Then why… why is it that the more I look at her, the more something dark rises inside me—a feeling so heavy it stabs into my chest like a knife, making me want to end it all. To kill... myself?

"Finally, you're showing your true self," Irene said, her hand resting on the hilt of her rapier, ready.

"Haha… it's not that kind of cliché, inquisitor girl."

Right now, I truly feel happy. Just looking at Skadi's beautiful, adorable face fills me with joy. But the moment I turn away—why does that happiness start to fade, little by little?

That warmth is replaced almost instantly... by an overwhelming emptiness.

"I guess… it's time for me to go."

"If that's the case, then take care. I'll hold onto this jacket until the next time I visit Rhodes." 「Skadi」

"Thank you, Lady Singer. Or… maybe I should just call you Skadi instead?"

"Call me whatever you like. It doesn't matter to me," she replied calmly.

Even if just a little… it feels like Skadi has started to see me in a more favorable light.

This feeling… it makes me happy and yet… also hateful? Alongside the warmth of joy I feel, there's also something else... like a deep, black hatred festering within me. It's confusing.

I don't understand it at all.

I…

I need to leave.

I have to get out of here.

And return being empty again.

As if responding to my unrest, a glowing feather appeared in my hand. Strangely, I was still holding Skadi's hand at that moment—yet the feather formed perfectly between our palms, without being crushed or creased.

In order to see it more clearly, we both silently let go of our double handhold.

"A plume? I've never seen this kind before..." 「Skadi」

'This feather… how did I end up with it?'

I recognize this ethereal feather. I know exactly what it is.

But it doesn't belong in the world of Arknights. It shouldn't be here.

And why… why did it appear in my hand, instead of the person who was supposed to wield it?

As that question echoed in my mind, unfamiliar memories began to surface. Fragments at first, then clearer… swirling and piecing themselves together, like a puzzle long forgotten.

They formed a reminder, something I had lost along the way.

And this feather, floating gently above my palm… it was the key.

"Why's he pretending to be asleep?" 「Irene」

"Hello? Hellooo?" 「Anita」

All these memories… ah. I see now. I've been in this world for far too long, haven't I?

"Alright."

Once again, I looked toward Skadi.

Then, I raised my other hand, held in a fist, right in front of her face. She clearly looked confused at first. But that confusion faded slightly when she noticed what I was holding.

Another feather, glowing softly in my grasp.

"It looks the same. This one for me?" 「Skadi」

"Yeah... you should take it, Skadi. It might come in handy—if the chance ever comes."

She took the feather and carefully placed it inside her case.

As for the others, I didn't give them one. If I remember correctly, I've already handed out quite a few feathers to the people of this world—this Arknights world.

Now that the gift exchange is done, it's time for the next step. The step to erase just a bit of their memory. It's something I had only just remembered the moment that feather appeared between our hands.

"First of all, you two."

The feather emitted a soft glow, the light within Irene and Anita's eyes slowly fading.

"...Arts? Why are you using Arts on them?" 「Skadi」

"I'm sorry, but I'm currently on a rather secret mission from Kal'tsit and Dokutah. Ideally, I don't want too many people to remember I was ever here. So… I have to erase a small part of their memories, just the part about me."

"A mission from them… then why are you here?" 「Skadi」

"Just a little hint, my mission requires me to cross this part of the Iberian Sea. And since I don't have a boat, I've been swimming—resting at certain points whenever I get tired. This coast just happens to be one of those rest stops."

Putting lies on top of another, I felt Skadi believed what I just said. I guess she really trusts Rhodes Island, so even if my explanation was vague, she somehow accepted it.

"Swimming across the sea… are you crazy?" 「Skadi」

"Some people do see me that way."

Seeing how easily I could speak about things that never actually happened, I realized maybe lying and deception had become second nature to me. As effortless as breathing.

Skadi closed her eyes, then turned to face me directly.

"Do it quick." 「Skadi」

"Thanks for understanding. Though honestly… well, never mind. Just try not to move too much, okay? There's always a chance the Arts could fail halfway through. Also, I'm going to implant a little suggestion—to guide you both back to where you came from. Is that alright?"

"Just get it over with. Before someone else sees us." 「Skadi」

"Alright then. In that case—could you take off your clothes so I can get a better lo—I'm kidding! I'm kidding! So please, take your leg off that black case, even if your eyes are closed right now!"

After the joke, I returned my focus and let the feather shimmer once more.

By accident, Skadi's fingers brushed against the glowing feather in my hand.

And then, I heard her voice—singing in the Aegir tongue. I couldn't understand most of the words, but the feeling woven into her melody stirred something in me. A quiet sorrow. A longing.

Once again, I felt like I'd heard that song before

"I'm sorry… for ever becoming a part of your lives," I whispered.

"Hm? What… do you mean by that…?" 「Skadi」

Once again, I lied.

Not only did I erase parts of her memory—I also lulled this Orca into sleep. Her body went limp and collapsed toward me, and without thinking, I caught her, stopping her from falling face-first into the sand.

'Strange…'

Didn't I long for a moment like this—to hold her in my arms.

'Where has that desire faded to?'

All that's left now is this aching emptiness in my chest.

With that hollow feeling weighing on me, I gently passed her into the arms of the other two. Anita and Irene had already recovered from their memory wipe and were now alert again—just like the moment we first met.

Not that much had changed between us anyway.

There was never much trust to begin with.

"Miss Singer! Wake up! Singer!" 「Anita」

"Ughhh… could you get her off me first? That thing doesn't seem too idle either. Step back, you unknown creature!" Irene snapped, quickly growing agitated. "Why are we even this close to it? And this Aegir… what happened to her? You… what are you?"

The inquisitor girl looked ready to brandish her rapier at any moment.

"Shouldn't you both be heading back by now?"

Only after I spoke those words did the suggestion I planted take full effect.

"Ah... that's right. We need to get back quickly," Anita exclaimed.

"Hmm? Y-Yeah… maybe you're right. We really should get moving," Irene added, her voice wavering.

With Skadi's body slung between them, the two of them immediately began to hurry off—unaware of what had just been done to them.

Even so, their curiosity and caution hadn't fully faded.

More than once, they glanced back at me.

"This'll be my last."

They walked away to do the same story just like how it'll be told from here on, and looking at this result... I felt grateful, grateful because I'll never seeing her again and never disturb anyone's life in this world anymore.

"Key… Fenghuang Down: Active. Destination—The Void."

In response to my call, a spatial distortion began to swirl, and a portal appeared out of thin air.

As a few more memories returned, I finally understood the true purpose behind its existence. This portal—the one that connects me to every kind of tragedy is the place where I truly belong.

There's no more stopping.

No more turning back.

Emptiness awaits me now.

My business with this world is finished. The rest, I'll leave to those it rightfully belongs to. On the other side of the portal, The Void awaited—vast and endless. And with regret filling my heart, I stepped forward without ever looking back.

Goodbye, this Arknights world.

—————————————

「Rhodes Island Mainland」

This is the story that continues—of the bonds that were severed.

After a while, Skadi started dropping by Rhodes Island again—kind of like she used to.

Ever since the whole Under Tide thing wrapped up, something in her had changed.

Just a bit of clarity, maybe. A small shift inside her, but enough to notice.

Even if some folks at Rhodes Island still felt a little uneasy making eye contact with her, Skadi didn't really mind. Being around a few familiar faces made things feel… oddly comfortable.

"Amiya… Dokutah," Skadi greeted.

Like those two, who just so happened to cross paths with her in the hallway.

"Miss Skadi! It's been a while since we last saw you. How have you been?" 「Amiya」

Next to her, the ever-curious Dokutah tilted their head, device in hand, eyes scanning Skadi with their usual unreadable calm.

"I've been a little busy handling a few things. It's good to see you both doing well. Speaking of which, there's something I'd like to ask... do you know where Doctor Kal'tsit is?" 「Skadi」

"Doctor Kal'tsit is currently in the middle of a medical procedure inside a sterile room. You probably won't be able to meet her until later tonight—she's got a full schedule with some of the Medic Operators. If you don't mind me asking, is it something urgent?" 「Amiya」

"...I see. In that case, maybe it's fine if I just leave it to you two," Skadi said, setting the small box down beside her. "It shouldn't be too different from how I remember it should go, anyway."

"Of course. If there's anything we can help with… you know you can count on us." 「Amiya」

Amiya stepped forward with a soft smile, carrying the usual friendliness.

The distance between them closed.

She reached out and accepted the cardboard box Skadi offered her.

It was a simple, just an ordinary brown carton with no markings, light enough to hold with one hand. The top flaps weren't sealed, so even the Dokutah, standing nearby, could catch a glimpse of what was inside.

Folded neatly within was a Rhodes Island coat.

Clean, carefully pressed, and unmistakably familiar.

"Someone asked me to deliver this to you." 「Skadi」

Dokutah didn't look particularly surprised when they saw the coat. It wasn't hard to imagine Skadi getting caught up in some Operator's mix-up, maybe someone had mistaken her for a laundry courier.

Stuff like that happened now and then in Rhodes Island for newly contracted one.

But Amiya reacted differently.

As she took the box and gently touched the coat's fabric, something changed in her expression. Her ears twitched, and her eyes widened—like she'd just realized the quiet tragedy that had already unfolded.

She knew this coat. She knew the ID tag sewn into it.

It belonged to one of their comrades.

"This… belongs to Elder Match." Amiya's voice trembled.

"...Elder... Match?" 「Dokutah」

"Amiya?" Skadi took a step closer.

The young Cautus girl gripped the coat tightly in her hands, her fingers trembling.

She looked like a child who had just lost something dear.

For a moment, Dokutah said nothing. That person simply placed a gentle hand on her head, patting it softly. Only then did the Dokutah realize, that Amiya was trying her hardest to keep her tears from falling.

"Dokutah... I'm sorry. I know it's unbecoming for the leader of Rhodes Island to act like this..." Amiya whispered, her voice trembling. "...But for someone to leave us this suddenly... I didn't think it would hurt this much."

Her grip tightened on the coat, as if by holding it closer, she could keep the memory from slipping away. For a while, they stayed by her side, doing what little they could to comfort her.

...

....

.....

Rhodes Island is a company registered as a pharmaceutical R&D organization, working to develop medical solutions for nations, organizations, and individuals infected with Oripathy.

Within this company, anyone is welcome to join as an Operator. They open recruitment to people from all walks of life—regardless of background, experience, or even origin.

And he... was one of them.

Someone not from this world.

Yet somehow, he became a part of it.

"Thank you very much, Dokutah… and Miss Skadi. I'm sorry if I worried you both." 「Amiya」

Once she had calmed down, Amiya—along with Dokutah and Skadi—asked one of the Medic Operators to check on her condition. Thankfully, the test results showed no abnormalities.

She was simply in shock. Nothing more.

After things had settled, the three of them lingered a little longer in the medical room, sharing a quiet moment together. Skadi didn't really have anything urgent to do afterward, so she chose to tag along for a while.

There was a bit of lingering curiosity in her too, about the one who asked her to deliver that package in the first place. Every time she tried to recall it, something seemed to blur her memory.

"...Was that coat really that important?" 「Skadi」

"Yes, definitely!" Amiya nodded without hesitation. "This coat means a lot to Rhodes Island. It belonged to one of our important Operators—Elder Match. Wait a moment, I think I have a photo of him somewhere… Let me show you."

She carefully draped the coat over her shoulder and began scrolling through her device, searching through an album of old photos. But as image after image came up on the screen, a strange pattern began to emerge.

In every photo where he should've appeared—whether it was in front of Rhodes Island's main building, inside the lounge, or anywhere else—his face was always obscured.

Blurred, hidden behind someone else, turned away, or covered by an unexplainable glitch. It was as if something refused to let him be seen. Even in memory… he was hard to be seen.

"A-Ahaha, these are the best we could get," Amiya laughed nervously.

"…I think I've seen something like this before," Skadi murmured, eyes narrowing slightly.

"None of these show his face… What kind of person was he?" 「Dokutah」

Amiya handed over her device, her fingers lingering on the edges for a moment.

Both Dokutah and Skadi began swiping through the gallery—photo after photo filled with memories. Images of daily life in Rhodes Island, of group meals, small celebrations, training exercises, quiet evenings on the roof.

And in every one of his pictures, Elder Match was there. Present—but faceless.

"He rarely ever visited Rhodes Island unless his mission was complete," Amiya explained softly. "Most of his assignments were far—really far—from any of our nearest posts. But whenever he came back, he always brought gifts with him. Lots of them."

"Like a Santa?" Dokutah raised his hood a little. "You'd think I'd remember an Operator that unique."

The girl chuckled a little at that, a faint smile returning to her lips despite the lingering sadness.

"Right? Hehe," Amiya nodded, her tone brightening just a little.

"But he didn't just bring gifts for the kids, you know? He gave them to adults too! Last time he came back, he gave me bunny-shaped candies and a songbook I could use for my violin practice!" she trailed off with a small, fond laugh.

"That's because Amiya is—" Dokutah paused, catching himself, then smiled slightly. "I mean, he sounds like a nice old man. Amiya... before I lost my memories, was I close to him?"

"I'm not entirely sure myself," Amiya replied softly, her ears twitching just a little. "But if it's you, Dokutah... I think the two of you must've been close. Both of you carried this quiet sense of responsibility and kindness. It felt... similar."

Curious, the Dokutah gently reached for the coat, running a hand over the fabric. It felt well-worn, but well-kept—clearly something that had seen many journeys, and perhaps a few scars along the way.

The coat bore the familiar color tint and emblem of Rhodes Island, but certain parts had clearly been modified—reinforced stitching, extra lining, subtle patterns sewn in like personal marks.

The Dokutah slipped it on out of curiosity, half-expecting it to feel stiff or oversized.

Instead, it was… cozy. Way too cozy.

Despite already wearing a thick jacket, the Dokutah felt even more comfortable with the coat layered on top, like it adjusted itself to fit just right. Almost as if it had been tailored specifically for them.

"...Skadi, did you ever try this on before?" Dokutah asked, flexing an arm slightly.

"A few times, day till night. I didn't even need a tent when I had it out in the wilderness." 「Skadi」

"Ah... Elder Match's coat is laced with Logos' Arts, Dokutah," Amiya explained, folding her hands on her thigh. "That's why it feels so comfortable. Hehe… it reminds me of the time Doctor Kal'tsit reprimanded both of them for getting too creative with Operator uniforms."

The Dokutah glanced at the mirror across the medical room, adjusting the collar slightly as if inspecting how it looked on them. Seeing that subtle, childlike curiosity reflecting back, Amiya couldn't help but smile.

But that light moment couldn't last forever.

There was still a heavier matter to attend to.

"Amiya, I'll borrow this! Gonna show it off to the boys and take a quick walk. See you later—" Dokutah said with a lighthearted grin, already reaching for the door handle.

But it wasn't going to be that simple.

Just as the Dokutah's hand touched the knob, the door creaked open from the other side—slowly, deliberately. Standing in the hallway was someone who hadn't been there a second ago.

She stepped in with a calm, measured pace.

Her eyes immediately scanned the room, catching every little detail—Skadi leaning against the counter, Amiya still holding her device, and of course, the Dokutah now dressed in his coat.

Her gaze landed squarely on the coat before narrowing slightly at the Dokutah.

A cold silence settled.

"...I see enough," Kal'tsit said flatly. "Dokutah, may I remind you, we the Living shouldn't desecrate a memento from the dead? Skadi, your squad captain was at the daycare. And Amiya—are you alright?"

"Talk about a complete mood shift." 「Dokutah」

Kal'tsit turned her head slightly, eyes narrowing.

"Your voice is a little too close, Dokutah. I can hear you just fine."

With effortless authority, the woman in the green lab coat quickly dissipated the tension in the room. She motioned for Dokutah to sit quietly, repeatedly questioning Amiya about various things, while Skadi... seemed ready to leave.

"W-Wait a minute!" 「Amiya」

"What's wrong?" Skadi asked, turning slightly.

"Miss Skadi... did Elder Match leave any last words?" 「Amiya」

The question caught Skadi off guard.

"Why?" she said slowly. "Are you certain the person you're talking about... is truly dead?"

Instead of answering with words, she opened her hand, revealing a small trace of dust she had gathered from inside the coat's pocket. It looked ordinary—something anyone else might've brushed off without a second thought.

But not Amiya.

She recognized the texture, the faint shimmer, the strange Arts clinging to it.

"Elder Match was one of our friends, a guardian, and a Rhodes Island Elite Operator. Each Elite Operator is given a unique key to their personal room... and this dust—it's what's left of that key." 「Amiya」

"...So, what does that mean?" 「Skadi」

"This kind of key is designed to disintegrate when its owner is either deceased or can never return," Kal'tsit answered, her tone clinical but heavy. "That was how its creator intended it. In other words... he's not coming back."

She paused for a moment, letting the weight of the truth settle in the room.

"Rhodes Island has suffered a tremendous loss." 「Kal'tsit」

That truth sank in like a stone in still water.

And once again, sadness—one all too familiar—swelled in the young girl's chest.

Meanwhile, Dokutah, quietly listening to their exchange, began to suspect that the coat he wore might have belonged to someone who once knew him at Rhodes Island—before he lost his memories.

He wasn't sure if he should feel sad… or feel anything at all.

'If Amiya and Kal'tsit are this affected… then maybe he had something to do with my past. With my amnesia. Just… how much have I forgotten?' Dokutah thought.

"As the last person to see him... may I hear about his final moments? He doesn't have any family or relative except for us. As the Leader of Rhodes Island—and as his friend—I want to remember those who fought beside us. Please!" 「Amiya」

Now, every gaze turned to Skadi.

The Abyssal Hunter found herself at a loss. Not because she didn't want to answer—but because she simply couldn't recall much about the man they were speaking of.

The mental block of His Feather was working exactly as intended.

And amid the pause and silence, another person quietly excused herself into the room.

"Doctor Kal'tsit... so this is where you are." 「Frostnova」

It was another Cautus woman—white-haired, dressed in a Rhodes Island uniform. She shouldn't have been on the ship at all, and yet here she was, smiling casually as she greeted everyone inside.

"Little bunny and Dokutah are here too, huh?" Frostnova said with a soft smile.

"Miss Frostnova, I must advise you not to move around too much after your last procedure. Your body is still unstable, even with the instruments we have," Kal'tsit replied sternly.

"I'm sorry about that, but... my father wants to see me for a bit. So, may I have permission to go out? It's not something that happens often, and... I was thinking of taking him on a little date somewhere." 「Frostnova」

Kal'tsit sighed, then gave a small nod.

"...Alright. I'll leave the rest to you, Dokutah. You must learn how to carry this kind of loss properly—not with too much harshness toward yourself, but not so lightly that you forget a life has been lost."

Feeling that this matter needed to be resolved first, Kal'tsit entrusted the rest to Amiya and the Dokutah. As for herself, she turned to Frostnova, preparing to accompany her for the meeting with her father—that Patriot.

Both of them left, making the room feel a little less crowded.

But what none of Amiya, Dokutah and Skadi expected was that, shortly after the white-haired Cautus and Kal'tsit girl had gone, a whole group of people appeared at the entrance of the medical room.

"Yo, Dokutah! We heard you were here and wanted to invite you for lunch at the cafeteria... uh? Are you in the middle of something?" 「Ace」

"You guys go ahead. I'll catch up later." 「Dokutah」

Seeing Skadi standing silently nearby, the Operator named Ace decided not to linger too long. But when he caught sight of Amiya smiling at him, the man instantly brightened up and ended up chatting with Dokutah a bit more.

The Dokutah's current outfit caught the attention of the muscular man.

"Alright then, make sure you catch up later! Don't be late. And also... why are you dressed like Matchy? Are you guys doing some kind of costume swap or something? Wait—does that mean he's back on Rhodes?!" Ace's voice rose with excitement.

"...Mr. Ace, uhmm..." 「Amiya」

"That guy still owes me 500K LMD! I'm gonna hunt him down and make sure he pays up!" 「Ace」

And just like that, Ace walked off with his crew, searching for someone who no longer existed in this world. Amiya, in particular, found it hard to tell them the truth—especially knowing how close Ace had been to Matchy.

Close enough to lend each other money without a second thought.

"Lively as always." 「Skadi」

"That's the charm of Rhodes Island!" Theresa chimed in cheerfully.

"Yeah… if only they weren't so damn loud all the time." 「W」

The next group had arrived—two Sarkaz women.

One of them shouldn't even be alive, walking so freely and joyfully within Rhodes Island. And the other... was someone who, by all means, should deeply despise the Dokutah.

But here, that hatred had mellowed—if only slightly.

"Lady Theresa! What brings you here?" 「Amiya」

"Her Majesty clearly wants to see you. What else could it be?" 「W」

The woman named Theresa walked gracefully toward the young girl, her presence radiating nobility. Elegant and dignified, yet at the same time she carried a warmth—gentle and kind, especially toward Amiya.

The Sarkaz woman softly brushed Amiya's forehead and placed a gentle kiss upon it. As their palms met, a quiet moment passed between them—as if, through that simple touch, they could understand each other's hearts completely.

"So that's how it is..." 「Theresa」

Her voice carried the weight of sorrow, threaded with quiet mourning.

"Tch! And you! Why are you wearing that? Are you out of your mind?" 「W」

"...Seems like a lot of people recognize this coat, huh? Wanna try it on?" Dokutah replied, half-teasing.

"You want me to turn you into rags? Then tell me, where's the guy?" 「W」

Everyone was caught up in their own little moment.

"Hmm..." 「Skadi」

But the atmosphere in the room was growing increasingly uncomfortable for her.

The longer she stayed, the stronger her urge became to leave and find Gladia at the daycare. She intended to use the excuse of her fading memory to avoid answering Amiya's earlier question.

Her foot shifted slightly, letting out a soft squeak against the floor.

That small sound was enough to catch Theresa's attention.

"I see... so you've been marked by his Feather too," Theresa said softly. "I've got one myself."

She reached into her pocket and pulled out a delicate plume, no bigger than her palm, shimmering gold like a Liberi's feather—light, soft, and hauntingly beautiful.

"Good thing I found a way to fight back. Otherwise, I'd probably end up just like our friend over there—forgetting everything we've been through. Isn't that right, Dokutah?" she added with a faint smile.

"...Wait, what? Is this about my amnesia?!" Dokutah blinked.

Skadi didn't quite understand what the Sarkaz woman meant. She did have the same kind of plume tucked away in her pouch, but to her, it was never just some exotic feather to sell off.

Little did she know that feather was actually a construct—one that had already influenced countless lives and stories across Terra. Furthermore, only few people carried one, and Theresa was among those people.

She was among those whose fate had already been rewritten.

Along with the construct given to her, Theresa had even spent a bit of time studying it, trying to understand how his feathers worked.

"If I'm not mistaken... it should go like this?" 「Theresa」

The ornament that Sarkaz woman wore began to react.

Her crown started to glow, followed by Theresa activating her Arts. She raised her palm toward Skadi, who instinctively looked to Amiya and the Dokutah for guidance. Is this going to get dangerous?

They both shook their heads, leaving her to trust it and let it happen.

"I've loosened the cage a little... now, can you remember?" Theresa asked gently. "The final message from our elder friend. Because if you can... I'd really like to hear it too."

Moments later, a feather emerged from Skadi—this one glowing softly.

But unlike before, this one shimmered with an ethereal light, actively resisting the Arts and the power of the Crown Theresa was channeling. Sparks flared as the two forces clashed midair.

Fortunately, Theresa had learned enough about the Feather to handle it.

"Lady Theresa!" 「Amiya」

"It's nothing serious. Just sit tight—Her Majesty's lap is open." 「W」

With the resistance fading, Skadi was finally able to sink into her memories, searching for whatever was left behind. The others waited in silence as she closed her eyes—and when the Abyssal Hunter finally opened them...

"I'm sorry…" 「Skadi」

Sensing the rising tension from the clash of forces, Theresa deactivated her Arts and let the glow of her crown fade. The room was left a bit of a mess from the earlier burst of energy—if Kal'tsit saw it, there was no doubt they'd all be in for a scolding.

"...It's alright," she said softly. "I guess the memory manipulation he used on you were stronger—so strong that you can't remember anything at all. Sigh... That person really is a coward. Maybe it's because he's spent too much time alone..." Theresa murmured.

"No… that's not it," Skadi said quietly. "The last thing he said was... I'm sorry."

"Sorry for being born, or just sorry in general?" 「W」

Skadi closed her eyes again.

Even though the queen's Arts had faded, she could still grasp a few lingering threads from within her mind. Slowly, she began to recall the moment when that man using his Feather to erase her memories.

Despite how much she could see unfolding in her mind, sadly Skadi couldn't witness the moment W shrank under Amiya's tearful gaze—or the sharp scowl Theresa shot her after that offhand remark.

"You should do something! Use that goddamn head!" 「W」

And of course, she ended up taking it out on the Dokutah.

"I'm sorry… was that really all Elder Match said?" Amiya asked gently.

"No, it was… I'm sorry... for..." 「Skadi」

"For what?! Spit it out already!" 「W」

"Hey! Don't take it out on me, oi!" 「Dokutah」

Finally, Skadi finished the message.

"Sorry... for becoming a part of your lives. That's it." 「Skadi」

That was all it took.

"...What... what is there to apologize for?" Amiya whispered.

Her tears fell silently, trailing down her cheeks.

"After everything we've been through... why is that what he regrets?" 「Amiya」

It was hard to put into words what was echoing inside her heart. Anger, heartbreak, the urge to scream his name—everything swirled within her, even as Theresa held her in a comforting embrace.

"Regrets, hmm? That's a little cruel of you," Theresa murmured gently. "You were the one who saved so many lives, after all. I'm sure anyone who hears your final message would hate you for it. Or maybe... that's what you wanted from the start?"

"Do you?" came Dokutah's voice, calm but pointed. "Do you hate him, Theresa?"

Something about the Dokutah felt different in that moment. As if… something had stirred. Like someone who had just remembered something long buried—something that mattered.

At that very moment, from just outside the room, a quiet voice followed—

"...So in the end, you did admit it—being part of this world," Kal'tsit murmured, casually double-checking an operator's file in her hands as if she hadn't been eavesdropping the whole time.

————————————————

Basic info:

[Code Name] Match

[Gender] Male

[Combat Experience] 53 Years

[Place of Birth] Undisclosed

[Date of Birth] April 24th

[Race] Undisclosed

[Height] 177 cm

[Infection Status]

Medical tests have confirmed that no infection is present

Physical Exam:

[Physical Strength] Excellent

[Mobility] Outstanding

[Physical Resilience] Excellent

[Tactical Acumen] Standard

[Combat Skill] Outstanding

[Originium Arts Assimilation] Standard

Status: MIA

He was never one of us.

—Doctor Kal'tsit