---
At the critical moment, you seized that fleeting opportunity to manipulate fate—and successfully leapt into the narrow gap between worlds.
At the far end of that world was emptiness.
A blinding white light flooded the entire space.
This was a newly forming world—time was disordered, space unstable.
Every kind of anomaly imaginable had a chance of appearing.
But similarly, in this place, only two people existed: you and her.
Back at that moment of parting in the past...
In a desolate passageway, a confused, lingering afterimage remained.
She squatted on the ground, covering her face with both hands.
"Is this where vampires are supposed to return to hell?"
"But why doesn't this place look like the Hell described in the books?"
"It's so empty... I can't feel anything. Except... the passing of time?"
"I'm still breathing. Everything in front of me is still real. But my chest... it really hurts. My heart feels... so hollow."
"But ever since I saw that person again—my heart hasn't stopped racing.
Not once. Could it be…"
"…I'm not dead yet?"
"I really want to see him again…
I really want to see him…"
"But… I can't. I mustn't. Then why… why is my heartbeat so loud…"
"Oh child beneath the red moon, I shall build a bridge for you. Please…"
She vaguely heard a dreamy voice, trying to summon this lost soul across the river of parting.
"Is that him...? It must be one of his companions.
Other than that… no one else would…"
"That person… he still hasn't given up, huh?"
"Ugh. Human are so annoying.
Why won't you just listen to me?
If you keep this up—I'll really be exhausted…"
"I must keep moving forward. I must keep getting further and further away from you. Until…"
"…the very end of time."
That faint voice stood up, and began running forward.
Time had carved itself into her memories. You followed quickly behind.
Storybooks, Homu dolls, her words, and everything she once loved flashed before your eyes.
All of these were traces she once left behind.
You walked on— allowing time to strip your body away piece by piece.
To catch up with her, who had already taken that first step to escape—
You had to immerse yourself
in the path she once walked.
"I'll find you. Even if it means reaching…
the end of time."
-----
Meanwhile, in Theresa's mansion.
"All those fancy definitions and descriptions aside— isn't this 'narrow gap between worlds' thing a bit… underwhelming?"
Bronie furrowed her brow, pointing a finger at the pixel-art scenery and chibi characters.
Her face showed a hint of teasing amusement.
"Also—I don't remember that book Luna ever saying that vampires are supposed to go to Hell.
Especially ones like you, who were created just to be vampires."
She glanced toward Luna with a playful smile.
"Ugh... That's not the point, okay? This is the part where I… you know, confess my feelings to Human or whatever."
"Ughhh, how embarrassing…"
Luna's cheeks flushed red, and she used both hands to hide her face behind Luo Mk.
"Don't think that way. A little embarrassment is fine. Look—if you just try saying it out loud,
it might actually make you feel better."
Bronie was clearly up to no good—always stirring up chaos.
"No, shameful! My aunt would never say something like that..."
Kiana shot a sharp glare at the two of them.
Clearly, she didn't appreciate Bronie's made-up nonsense.
"So… in the end, the Captain will find her, right?"
"At the end of time?"
Kiana curled her lips into a soft smile,
her eyes sparkling slightly.
She had always longed for these kinds of romantic things—
And if it were Mei…
If it were her…
Maybe…
she could too.
-----
you kept chasing, and she kept fleeing.
Ten years passed in echoes, the memory of time stretching alongside her fading silhouette.
The girl's figure never stopped, not even for a moment.
Even though you were right behind her, you couldn't add the slightest bit of color to her world.
"Human, you must be safe now."
"There's already ten years of distance between us."
"This is the narrow gap between worlds. Time turns back here. Every step I take forward makes time outside rush by even faster."
"And yet… the passing of time still doesn't feel any slower to me."
She spoke softly and beautifully, like reciting a forgotten lullaby—confessing all of her feelings and longing.
"I want to see you... I want to see you so badly.
Every single moment, I miss you."
"Just thinking about how I'm the only one who can't stay by your side— it feels so unfair."
"You're probably still out there looking for me, searching for a way to save me..."
"But I can't stop now. I have to keep going forward. Because…"
"I can't let you find me."
And once more—she resumed her journey.
----
In the golden courtyard.
"Why does she keep running?"
"It's already been ten years like this, hasn't it?"
Elysia bit her lip,her pained gaze shimmering softly with light.
"I suddenly feel a bit bad... Will it take them hundreds of years to finally meet again?"
"Ah, it's just a few lines of dramatic dialogue,"
Mobius said calmly, clearly not understanding how this sentimental girl could get so emotional over it.
"It's not necessarily real. Besides, it only feels that long to them."
"But still... I can't help but remember it."
Elysia's voice grew wistful.
"What if all of it is real? What if that world Luna is,
the things they've gone through, really do exist?"
"Those words and images—every time, I find myself daydreaming without meaning to, inserting myself into it, getting moved by it, experiencing the emotions of the characters ♪"
"On a journey with no end in sight, and time passing endlessly—how far can he and she go on, holding out like this?"
She let out a soft sigh.
Elysia's imagination had always been too rich—
maybe born from her childhood love of fairytales.
She always dreamed of something more.
"Ellie, maybe… they'll need to wait a long time."
"After all, this is the end of time,"
Eden said gently with a faint smile.
"No way! That's just something poetic, right Besides, can the Captain even live that long?"
Elysia raised her concern.
"Hard to say. But that Luo Mo guy—his body's pretty strange too. The Captain? Who knows."
Mobius casually added.
-----
A hundred years passed silently in stillness.
How long had she been walking by herself?
If she had to give a specific number, the girl herself wouldn't be able to answer.
In this space, even the concept of "time" had started to become blurry.
Yet that lone shadow still pressed forward—
without company, without pause.
"How far have I gone now?"
"It's probably been nearly a hundred years."
"I wonder if you sneeze when I think of you?"
"You better live to a hundred years old—and remember exactly what I looked like."
"You have to always, always…"
"Remember me."
"But maybe…you really did only live to a hundred. I was only joking, but... you never listen, so this time, I bet you ignored me again."
"So you must still be alive, right? Maybe your hair's all gray now, or your face is full of wrinkles?"
"Ugh! That'd be so embarrassing!"
"..."
"You haven't forgotten me, have you?"
"You promised me once—you said you'd never lie to me."
"If only…If only I could see what you look like now."
"Even if just from far away… just one glance…"
---
In Theresa's villa.
"A hundred years…? I thought it was just ten years, ten more years, and the next time they'd meet would already be…"
Theresa couldn't help but widen her eyes in disbelief. Those few words brought her a tinge of fear, and that unwavering affection in them only deepened her silence.
To ordinary humans—or even in the history of mankind—a hundred years is never something easily glossed over. It is bound to witness countless ripples, great feats, and legendary events.
It should belong more to history than to the love between two individuals.
"Ha ha, for you, living a hundred years is far from enough. As for those wishes of long life, you better not take them too seriously. Vampires… they live for a really long time," Luna said, holding Luo Mo's hand, eyes glimmering.
She had been moved herself by what she just read. So surely, Human would be moved too, right…?
Love letters… is that what they're called? She began to consider whether she should try writing one.
"Ahem, that's definitely something to keep an eye on. You better not have just that much lifespan—otherwise, I might be forced to go consult that annoying green lizard," Kongming muttered.
The moment she mentioned "the green one," a rare flash of dread crossed her eyes. She really didn't want to talk to that person.
Perhaps, just perhaps… she and Luna had much longer lifespans, but Luo Mo… he might not have realized it.
Damn it, why do vampires live so long anyway?
"Don't talk like it's nothing. A hundred years is a lot—at least for a human," Kiana sighed weakly.
Had these people already stopped considering normal human lifespans?
"That's accurate. In fact, normal Valkyries usually have even shorter lifespans. But Herrschers… their relationship to humans is minimal," Prometheus responded, her voice flat and robotic.
------
... A thousand years quietly passed beneath her feet.
The girl's figure now seemed a bit taller. Her steps were no longer hurried, but her path remained as lonely as ever.
「 La, la, la… 」
「 Time slowly drifts by, taking away memories and everyone I knew. 」
「 Human, after a thousand years, have you turned to dust? 」
「 Human, after a thousand years, have you forgotten me? 」
「 I've learned not to ask you anymore, so you may sleep peacefully in your dreams. 」
「 I've grown used to not thinking about you, so you may rest quietly in your grave. 」
「... 」
「 But I still haven't learned how to stop thinking about you, even after a thousand years. 」
「 A thousand years only made me a little taller, but for a human lifespan… that's enough to turn to ashes, isn't it? 」
「 Human, why were you so gentle, and yet so short-lived, to the point that I can't stop missing you or regretting everything…? 」
「 Why, that day, didn't I grant you a few more wishes? 」
「 Why didn't I let you speak a few more sweet words? Why didn't I let you hug me one more time? 」
「 Ugh… I clearly told you that was my final wish. So why… why did I end up wanting more? 」
「 Do you think I'm too greedy? But… but… 」
「 That's just how vampires are—insatiable. 」
As the endless years passed, she found herself reminiscing more and more about their first meeting—reliving each detail in her memory, over and over again.
------
Back In Theresa's villa.
"If she just stopped walking… wouldn't she be able to see that the one she's always thinking about is right behind her?"
Kiana was shocked by the passage of a thousand years, yet she felt helpless at the contradiction inside Luna's heart.
Why didn't she wait for him?
Didn't she… want to meet again?
"Logically speaking, in that space, stopping wouldn't necessarily allow for that to happen… but I too hope to see that moment," Prometheus said seriously, analyzing the situation.
"And you, Misteln… your expression right now is strange. I've never seen that face on you before. Reminder: Is your body malfunctioning?"
"… Hah, sorry. I'm not troubled or upset or anything. I just… I think I finally understand humans a bit. And… were you just now… worried about me?"
Misteln's previously blank eyes started to regain focus. She smiled at Prometheus.
"Response: Not really. You asked me to do this earlier, that's all."
---
"Even though I didn't have time to make many promises back then, now you can make as many as you want… Luna,"
Luo Mo said gently. He had once again been deeply moved by the script—especially since Luna was standing right next to him now.
At that moment, Luna's affection meter shot up!
"R-Really? I want… I want to go big…"
Luna nervously twisted her hands, blushing yet bravely raising her waist and giving Kongming a sideways glance. Her intent was obvious even without words.
"As for everything else before—whatever. But that last line just now—I totally agree. Don't get greedy!"
Kongming suddenly stepped forward, grabbing Luo Mo's other hand, preventing him from hugging the vampire into his arms—even at the cost of breaking time.
"Pfft~"
Luna stuck her tongue out at her, pulling a goofy face. She hadn't quite become the mature version of herself in that thousand-year moment.
---
Elsewhere.
"Hey, old Timer —did you see that?"
"Hmm?"
"A thousand years! She Grew up! She Completely Changed!"
"Uh… Huh?"
---
Now, ten thousand years approached. The end was near. He and she were almost at the finish.
The girl's figure had grown tall—no longer the image you once knew.
She still walked forward. Occasionally, she would glance back, even pause a moment.
But more often than not, she continued walking alone.
「 No matter how much time it takes, no matter where you are… you'll find me, won't you? 」
「 Haha… even thinking back now, you still seem kind of dumb. 」
「 You lost this time. You didn't find me. 」
She said it with a smile, but the sorrow was unmistakable in her expression.
She couldn't tell herself—did she hope he'd find her… or that he wouldn't?
「 How far did I go? I don't know. But I'm sure you won't catch up. 」
「 This is my ending. This is where I return. 」
「 Even though there's nothing here… I don't feel bored. So don't worry about me. Because without you, it doesn't matter where I wait—it's all the same. 」
「 But… 」
「 But I still feel so empty. My heart keeps racing and won't calm down, no matter how I try to fill the void. 」
「 Will you find me? Will you suddenly appear before me again? If you do… would you still recognize me? 」
「 No, no… you mustn't find me. Otherwise, we'll end up like that again. 」
「 Ugh… What am I even thinking? I know you're long dead. How could you show up in front of me? 」
「 But it hurts. It really hurts. And when I try not to think, it hurts even more. Something keeps running down my face. 」
「 It's all your fault. You said everything so firmly back then! Now I'm actually… waiting. 」
「 Human… if I stop here, this time, will you… 」
「… will you find me? 」
At that final step, the girl paused—and vanished into a screen of pale white light.
---
In the Golden Courtyard.
"Ten thousand years… huh? That long of a time… She kept walking forward, and he kept chasing after her… Could he really persist for such a long time? That's truly unbelievable."
Elysia stepped forward in surprise. One should know—even among the MANTIS who've existed until now, there might be some who are over ten thousand years old. However, the majority of them spent most of that time in slumber, like drifting through a light dream.
Actually enduring the passage of time while awake—maybe a few thousand years at most. Ten thousand years… that number is already overwhelming. It's long enough to encompass a vast era of human civilization. The distance in that span of time… was hard to imagine.
But—
"Luna's appearance after growing up… looks exactly like that version of her in-game after using that one costume card ♪"
That surprised her too.
"I think your statement is actually backwards," Mobius replied disinterestedly, frowning. "The real-life appearance is modeled after the in-game costume—haven't you noticed? They made it quite obvious. Many of the Stigmata cards appearances have already shown up in the game."
"For example, you've seen those Stigmata, ah, and even the miscellaneous outfits."
Mobius clearly didn't care much and just said it bluntly. She had long since noticed those subtle coincidences, though there were still a few flaws here and there.
"Ahh… But having to wait ten thousand years just to see Luna's grown-up version… That's just… such a long, long time ♪~"
Elysia drooped her head slightly, sounding a bit melancholic, paying no attention to Mobius's scientific explanation.
To raise research discussions at such a romantic and emotionally moving moment… she truly has no sense of the mood ♪
Luna—it was truly touching, to the point that even Elysia was moved to tears!
"Ten thousand years… Wow, that's amazing."
Little Griseo's small mouth opened slightly in surprise, the silly tuft of hair on her head twitching.
Could she also persist for ten thousand years and still care about someone just like at the very beginning?
That kind of time—just thinking about it was exhausting…
....
Back at Theresa's mansion.
"The very end of time… she only stopped walking at the ten-thousand-year mark? Somehow, it feels like Luna was really cruel to both herself and the Captain."
Bronie commented in shock—she hadn't expected that outcome.
After all, her scenes were mostly outside of the emotional story. Melodrama wasn't her strong suit.
"Hmph. He found a way each time in those repeated cycles. What's ten thousand years? He'll definitely find her again."
Kongming said confidently, full of belief.
This also suggested that she herself had gone through experiences just as rich as theirs—there was no need to feel inferior.
"…Sigh. Suddenly, I don't like my in-story self much. Having to endure such a long time…"
"So exhausting…"
Luna whispered, her voice trailing off, gently biting her lip.
"Just take it slow,"
Luo Mo said with a smile, patting her head,
"Besides, seeing you grown up… You're different now, Luna."
------
At the end of time.
This was the final point of the path.
Time would wear everything down—even fate and causality couldn't resist it.
But the trust between the two of them would never change.
This… was their reunion. Now.
Because of the long, long passage of time, you had gradually blended into her memories—
Even your clothes had become the form of that Homu puppet from her past.
Would meeting her like this… be a little silly?
But…
You still remembered—she had always loved Homu puppets.
So, you gently placed your hand on the shoulder of the girl standing before you.
She was no longer the same as in your memories, but still—you firmly believed she was her.
And just like that, she turned around, her eyes wide in that very moment—
Within them: excitement, joy, and surprise. She, too, confirmed—you were still you.
Nothing could stop your reunion.
"So… Luna, long time no see."
"No matter how long it takes, no matter where you are… I will bring you back."
You smiled stiffly.
Even though you wore a Homu puppet's expressionless face and she probably couldn't see your smile—
But the joy bubbling from within you made you want to do something—anything.
And she—felt the same.
"Mm… Human! You… how did you…"
Ten thousand years had only made those feelings ferment more deeply, Making the longing and waiting grow even more intense.
But in the moment she saw you—
She still tried her best to push you away, because along with that longing…
She had never forgotten the curse.
"No… You must leave this place, now…!"
But how could you let go?
You gripped her wrist tightly—very tightly.
That warm sensation made her freeze for a moment.
Tears welled up in her eyes like soft, warm water.
That longing to meet again, that had survived throughout this eternal time, had never faded.
And at that moment, it stirred an involuntary, helpless smile on her lips.
After all, she had already come this far—just to see you.
"Human… you're really so stubborn."