The city holds echoes. After Maw Devil was defeated, that name was no longer bitten, but the echo of the contract still haunted several places: narrow alleys, bridge railings, and rusty fire escapes—all locations where people often whispered, expressing hopes or making promises. Tonight, that echo seemed powerless, as the catalyst—the creature that was the core of the contract—had vanished. Nevertheless, the echo was still capable of reflecting emotions, much like an acoustic space that reverberates sound. This is what attracted Shadow Devil to couples reciting words like "always" or "together"—those phrases carry weight and feeling.
"We need to be more careful," Fitran said, breaking the silence, his voice firm yet laced with a gentleness. "Every corner of this city holds secrets." He gazed towards the narrow alley, as if he could hear the unspoken whispers waiting to be revealed.
"All of this is a reflection of the residue of the contract," Makima responded, her gaze sharp. "A plothole wouldn't exist if we could understand the true intent behind it. The synchronization between us—Fitran and Makima—should smother this echo, not through destruction, but through understanding."
Fitran nodded, absorbing every word spoken by Makima. "We can utilize phase-cancel when Chain Balance is active," he said, trying to convey understanding. "The logic of the magic behind it is straightforward—two aligned intentions can close gaps that might be exploited by parasitic entities." He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the responsibility on his shoulders.
"But what's the point of all this?" Makima asked, her tone flat, yet her eyes hinted at a deeper complexity. "Why do we need to fight when tonight seems free from threats?"
"The remnants of threats are still lurking in the skies," Fitran replied, trying to reassure her. "We can't let our guard down. We never know what might be watching from the darkness."
[EXPLORATION CONTINUES – Side Streets, 00:22]
They were in no hurry to descend. Up on the roof, time seemed to slow down, presenting a fresh perspective; the capital could not only be pursued but also approached with a sense of belonging. When they finally turned back toward the stairs, Makima demonstrated a gesture as if asking for something.
"The chain," she whispered softly, her voice almost a hopeful murmur. Her face appeared calm, yet beneath that, a flicker of faint hope was evident in her tone.
"I understand," Fitran replied, staring intently at his palm. Chain Balance revealed itself as a thin black line sensitive to intention, not just an ordinary piece of metal. He placed its tip against Makima's palm, feeling the tension of the bond fully woven between them.
Makima examined it carefully, her eyes fixed on the chain. "You took the initiative earlier today. In the river, you were partially in control. On the rooftop, you made choices. This is significant progress. We can rely on each other."
Fitran looked at his palm, focusing on more than just the delicate black line. "This is Chain Balance," he said, signaling without elaborating too much. "It's very sensitive, far beyond an ordinary metal." Carefully, he directed its tip towards Makima's hand, waiting for her reaction.
Makima raised an eyebrow, appearing to ponder carefully before responding, "You led well this afternoon. There's something unique about the way you explore. Half holding onto the river, and now choosing the rooftop." She paused briefly, her gaze highlighting Fitran's face. "This is a consistent progression. However…" her voice turned firm, "are you aware that a truly equal relationship never exists? There's always one party that is more dominant."
Fitran nodded slowly, feeling the truth in every word spoken by Makima. "Yes, Makima. But tonight, we will face it together. Though it may not be entirely the same, it's more than enough," he said, his tone conveying determination.
As they approached the staircase, the creaking sound of the old wood blended with the tranquil hum of the night. "Although this sound might seem bothersome," Makima said, "the rhythm of our steps remains intact."
[Random Encounter: Street Performer Node]
When they reached the bottom, a shamisen player appeared at the corner of the alley, playing a gentle melody. He didn't seek attention—"He almost seems like part of the backdrop," Fitran commented while enjoying the flowing melody, as if balancing the entire world around them.
Makima paused for a moment, her gaze sharp as she assessed their surroundings. "Do you believe in coincidences?" she asked, her tone firm, compelling Fitran to be honest.
"I tend to believe more in choices that often appear to be coincidental," Fitran replied, his voice steady. "We might be caught in seemingly random paths, but there's always a reason driving them beneath the surface."
Makima looked at him, her gaze clear yet profound, "So, what is your choice among all that is here?"
He fell silent for a moment, weighing every word he wanted to say. "To keep you by my side," Fitran answered, "without forcing myself. We can find our way together."
Makima observed the Chain Balance gently vibrating between them, signaling the formation of a new emotional bond: care without consumption. "That's not just a promise," she said in a cold tone, "but something more."
A soft melody from the shamisen filled the air, bearing silent witness as they both recognized the unspoken commitment between them. In the world of devil contracts, this was something rare. And in the human realm, perhaps this was what could maintain their connection.
The clean corridor was filled with white light pulsating from the pipe installations affixed to its walls. This was where Public Safety usually installed sensors to monitor even the slightest anomalies. One of the indicators blinked yellow: a deviation in pressure of words. It posed no real danger, merely an anomaly.
Makima carefully watched a small monitor on the wall, her finger gliding across a sensor. "The residue is shifting," she said flatly, her eyes fixed on the screen.
Fitran frowned, absorbing the information attentively. "In which direction?" he asked, his tone revealing concern. "We need to know where the wind is blowing."
"Social," Makima replied shortly, without hesitation. "This is no longer a name-bite, but rather an attention-parasite. It clings to the crowd, waiting for a moment when someone needs attention."
"So, the infiltration mission tomorrow—posing as a couple in the entertainment district—will get caught up in that residue," Fitran explained, emphasizing how crucial this mission was.
Makima nodded, a glimmer of determination in her gaze. "Are you the one leading?" she asked, clearly displaying a deep interest.
Fitran took a deep breath. "You know I will," he said confidently, though the weight of responsibility felt heavy. He understood very well how dangerous this mission was.
"Good," Makima said in a firm tone, shifting her gaze away from the screen. "But listen: if the residue tries to trade 'attention' for 'control', I'll take over."
"Agreed," Fitran replied quickly, his voice reinforcing the seriousness of their discussion. He felt the implied challenge in her words.
Behind the word "agreed," lay a deeper layer: my share, my share; my share, my share too. This was a flexible power mapping, not just a rigid structure that confines. That's what keeps the Chain Balance harmonious, even as two wills press against each other from different directions, each aware of the accompanying risks.
[Return Route – Kabukichō Edge, 01:05]
The lanterns around them were nearly out. The laughter of the last visitors hung in the air, while the bar door closed, swallowing the noise and leaving behind a silence that brought a sense of relief. They walked calmly, without haste. Both knew that tonight's mission was not just about seeking trouble; it was about repairing the remnants of a world twisted by the entanglement of major contracts.
Makima gazed at the empty road ahead, her eyes sparkling momentarily. "There's one flaw in our records," she said in a calm tone, her flat voice concealing a deeper meaning. "You saved me from beneath the rubble, then there was silence—time seemed to slow. There are many things we didn't talk about after that."
"Is there something we need to discuss?" Fitran asked, his voice firm yet laced with caution. He paused for a moment, weighing each word that left his lips. "Can we truly continue all this the way it is now?"
Makima slightly curved her lips, a thin smile. "If 'saving' means eliminating choices, I disagree," she said, each word articulated with striking precision. "But you saved by giving choices back. That's subtle and dangerous. For me."
Fitran nodded slowly, feeling the weight of meaning behind Makima's words. His eyes flickered toward the darkened path before finally returning to her gaze. "Giving choices is not a trivial matter, Makima. Responsibility comes with it, and that's heavy," he stated.
Makima raised an eyebrow, her expression signaling deep interest. "Are you truly ready to bear all of that, Fitran?" she asked, her voice gathering tension.
"For both of us," Fitran said, his voice igniting with conviction. "Because giving choices also means being ready for all the consequences."
"I am prepared to accept what happens tonight," Makima replied, her tone firm yet distinctly cold. "But do not ever think of this as a guarantee for tomorrow."
"Never," Fitran answered calmly. His voice resonated in the darkness of the night surrounding them. He felt that tonight could perhaps be the start of something much larger, a test that would strain their relationship. They arrived at a small intersection leading to the main road, the pedestrian light blinking green. A
"For both of us," Fitran said decisively, staring deeply into Makima's eyes. He understood how significant each word he was about to utter was. "Because giving choices also means being ready to accept the consequences."
Makima, not turning away, gazed at the flat road ahead of them. "I'm accepting the reality of tonight," she said, her tone flat as if dismissing any possibility for tomorrow. "Never take that as a guarantee."
"Never," Fitran replied, his voice softer yet measured, infusing calm amid the tension of the night.
They arrived at the small intersection facing the main street, where the pedestrian light turned green. With synchronized steps, they continued on their journey, connected even though the distance between them felt very real. The wind gently rustled, brushing away the remnants of rain still clinging to the asphalt. Time seemed to slow, even as the world around them continued spinning in an unbroken rhythm.
[SYSTEM – NIGHT END CHECK]
Patrol Shinjuku: 3/3 Checkpoints (Clear)
Public Alert: 16% (Low)
Affinity: 89%
Trust: 11%
Dominance Path: 9% (balanced)
Flags:
- Private Debrief: Complete
- First Chain Balance: Complete
- Dual Affinity Burst (Makima): READY (unused)
- Residual Contract "Attention-Para" – Observed, Not Engaged
[Outro Beat – Shinjuku Station, 01:24]
The last train has passed, leaving behind a fading sound of metal in the air. In front of the station gate, pale white light falls onto the tiled floor. People disperse, each with a fleeting glance, as if mesmerized by the enchanting glow of the faint moonlight.
Makima pauses for a moment, shifting her stance to allow this new shadow to draw closer. She stands slightly angled, the neon light illuminating the sharp contours of her face. "Tonight," she says softly, giving a sharp wink, "you've made me genuinely want to wait until tomorrow. That rarely happens."
Fitran shrugs, glancing back as if hoping to find a reason not to be too captivated by the moment. "Then I'll make sure not to be late," he replies, trying to project calm even as his heart races.
He steps closer to the edge of the shadow's reach. There's a flash of Chain Balance visible only to those who know how to see it—a thin, invisible line that doesn't force itself, yet firmly demands attention. Makima gazes at him intently, "Remember, this world is not ours. We're just fighting to control it."
"I understand," Fitran replies in the softest tone he can manage, yet with conviction. "Disguise is the key. A good pair doesn't need to overact."
"Exactly," Makima replied with a slight nod. "Show the world who we are, but keep our power for ourselves."
"Fortunately," Fitran said, a thin smile gracing his face, "we only need to be ourselves."
Makima let out a short breath, not out of fatigue, but as if she were releasing an unseen burden. "See you tomorrow," she said, her voice lowering but still echoing between them. She turned, her steps light and confident. In an instant, she looked back once more, ensuring her presence was still felt, "Make sure you're ready."
"I will lead," Fitran declared clearly, asserting his position. "But you know when I'll let you take over."
Makima's smile appeared for a moment, only to vanish along with the chime of the electronic station clock signaling the passing of the minutes. "Let's see what happens," she said, her voice flat yet gripping, as if implying that everything had been meticulously prepared.
She took a step away, her feet touching the still damp pavement, creating a soft sound with each step. The city swallowed her shadow, yet could not erase her presence. Fitran, standing a short distance behind, watched Makima's back with mixed feelings, his heart racing. "Makima, wait a moment," he called out, trying to hold her back.
"What is it?" asked Makima, her voice remaining calm, even though something unspoken hung at the edge of her words.
"Should we dig deeper into the mission tactics? We need to be prepared before heading to Shinjuku," Fitran emphasized, his expression calm, yet his sharp eyes seemed to take in every detail around him like radar.
"Trust is the key element in this strategy, Fitran. Be ready for the unexpected." Makima responded firmly, her voice steady but carrying a clear strength. There was a depth to each word, as if she wanted to ensure that the message was conveyed clearly.
"I get it, but…" Fitran stammered, trying to find the right words. "We have to remain cautious. One careless step could lead to catastrophe." His voice echoed with concern, reflecting the burden they faced.
"A single small mistake could ruin everything. Know your enemy, and also yourself," Makima added, each word she spoke urging Fitran to realize the horrors waiting ahead. The tone of her voice radiated authority, as if demanding complete attention from her companion amidst the shadows of Kabukichō, a place where various threats and opportunities lurked in every corner.
[POST-SCENE SYSTEM PANEL]
Night Mission: Free-Roam – COMPLETE
Route Status:
- Romance Route: ACTIVE
- True Partnership Path: EMERGING (Prereq Met: Balanced Control, Non-Consumption Care)
- Submission Pivot: INACTIVE (might activate with high-pressure commands)
Upcoming Mission Seed:
- Infiltration Mission (Kabukichō Entertainment District) – Blend in as a couple
- Contracts in Play: Attention-Para – entice with a carefully controlled spotlight
- Social Stealth Challenge: Maintain Affinity above 80% without engaging in combat support
Expected Rewards:
- Skill Unlocked: Dual Affinity Burst (Shared) – can be triggered if Burst isn't utilized tonight
- Trait Acquired: Mirrorwalk (Social) – shift focus without raising alert levels