“Colleg mirls, I see.” Arisu-san said a touch acerbically, as I finally returo our base camp. Gng back at the girl slung over my shoulders, I snorted bitterly, before passio a nearby weaselkin.

  “Hardly. She’s the mastermind behind this mess, and quite the dangerous one. e on, I know you were listening through the wireless e, at least for a while.” I rolled my eyes at her sharp teasing. “I’ve stabilised her, so please put her in one of the tai cells. She will likely need more Chirurgery and Healing if she is going to pull through, but I don’t think we should let her die yet, there’s more to decide.”

  “Yeah, we heard it all.” Shiro agreed, ing forward, shooting a strange look at Arisu-san, ohat I couldn’t quite determihe reason food job Aki, looks like everything’s been resolved. Tan says that you’re seriously overloaded right now though. She has a few suggestions, of course.”

  “No kidding.” I ughed, watg as Chae Cho-Hee was taken into Arisu-san’s Room. While it seemed a little callous to be ughing having seen what I had seen and learned what I had learned about the Academy and the terrible things that occurred there, the main thing was that everyone who mattered to me was safe, and we had aplished our mission. The up is going to be truly hell though. “The Favours of the siblings, and the girl had a strange, abnormal sed Favour too, and I’ve also got a couple from the virtually dead Chosen they trolled before.”

  “We’ve got Mr Super Speed locked up.” Shiro grinned coldly. “Though I’m not sure if he’s been trolled by her.” She nodded back at Arisu-san’s Room, the vivid ssh in space starting to waver a little, as Arisu-san exhausted herself. “Tan didn’t seem to think so, but your Eye should give us the final details. If not…”

  “Again, that’s irely up to us. But what we have, we have.” I pointed out, and the eager reporter and man on the inside stantine hurried erly, trailed by his worried sister, and I realised we had been speaking in English out of habit, si was what we had been using to unicate with, so our Korean allies could uand.

  “Wait, my English is still rusty, but… you were talking about colleg powers, right? What do you do with them? anyone? Are you aware of the implications?” With each questioered, his sister Sophia bnched further, her face ashen. As she tried to wave him to silence, hissing at him in rapid-fire Greek, Shiro was first to speak, and her eyes gleamed crimson, showing Tan was watg carefully.

  “And just what does any of that have to do with you? The implications? Shit, I get it, but do you get the implications of what you’re asking?”

  stantine froze for a moment, his wishes to know warring with his sense of self-preservation, and much to the chagrin of his sister, his curiosity won. “I know you won’t do anything to me, you’re the heroes of Britain!” he said, though he sounded as though he was trying to vince himself as well. “Besides, thanks to our information, you avoided some pitfalls. And the world o know the truth of things!”

  “I see. Perhaps you are right.” Arisu-san said to him, her English precise and cold. “But you are also a fool. There are many scary girls and women who flock to this man, and they would be more than happy to disappear you, and make sure his reputation remained unblemished.

  “Maria, Mother of God, this is why I told you to be quiet and give this up.” Sophia raying to herself, but stantine tio ignore her.

  “I see. But… holy, I’m not your enemy! I’m a huge fan!” he cried out. “The things I’ve seen… they were frightening and I thought I was dead a number of times…”

  “Now you realise it…” Sophia muttered, unheard.

  “…but er has seen suot even those in Britain during the London i! And I have footage!” he grinned, only for Arisu-san to frown icily. Realising his mistake, he moderated his enthusiasm. “I get it. You have your privacy, and there are other siderations. But… I be sure to put across your viewpoints! Yet it’s been my dream to reveal the truth hidden behind the spiracies, and…”

  Shiro sighed. “Much as I’d have no problem turning him into charcoal and calling it a day, it’d sit badly doing the same to his sister, and you’re too soft-hearted to do it anyway, Aki. However…” her eyes narrowed as she delivered her verdict. “…toss it in Hinata’s p. She’s ed with your public image, and while those old noblemen have the Japanese media in their grip, the i is a wild west. Getting out ahead and trolling the narrative could work. Assuming that our man here pys ball.”

  “I will, as long as I don’t publish lies, ahe truth the publieeds to know!” he agreed, and Sophia sighed in relief, eager for the versation to be over.

  “All right. Then I’m going to retrieve the poor Iable Victory who I took down before. There’s a definite differeween those who were fully trolled by the water, than those who had exposure at a distance.” Yes, Cho-Hee’s like Arisu-san, she was able to make her Favour perform in excess of what was intended. Now, I salvage it, and do I want another? It’s hard to turn down, but then…

  Morana’s Drowning Lake Of Self-Sacrifice - This Divine Favour is made of trated Adherence, refiher and ??????????, though it is currently impure and somewhat degraded, and is not funing properly.

  Using strong Water element, recovery be hastened for those who drink deep of the waters of the wielder, and abilities be strengthened, aive effects of using such abilities mitigated, though using it for selfish ends cause backsh. ??????? ??????? ??????? be forced upon others, for self-sacrifice be unwilling. Those who are bathed iers bee uo prevent their sacrifice for the wielder of the Water, and ??????? ?????? ?????? ??????. The Water, if separated long from the Lake within the bearer of Morana’s Favour, loses the ability to and faultless, self-sacrifig devotion, but either a single order be willed, that the one so afflicted will be forced to carry out, eneral sense of devotion and willio sacrifice for the bearer will be imparted. Water accepted willingly will offer harmony, but unwilling ption ???????? ???????? ???????? and the sacrifice of that which makes a person themselves is often the price. ???????? ??????????.

  Just as Morana offers herself to the waters to herald a renewal, a strengthening, and those that take up the water find strength in simir sacrifice, so too will you hold the power of recovery and and, though the price must be paid. Css [Legendary]. Type [Principle]

  It’s a strong Favour, but…. It’s messed up. From what I could gather, it was almost desigo be used in a pair with Jarovid’s Blood That Brings Forth Might In Fury.

  Jarovid’s Blood That Brings Forth Might In Fury - This Divine Favour is made of trated Adherence, refiher and ??????????, though it is currently impure and signifitly degraded, and is not funing properly, and tains a lingering will, though it bends to you who holds a powerful, pure Water.

  The Favour strengthens blood and will. The bearer increase their own Might and Fortitude dramatically, as well as an overall increase in performand strengthening of certain other abilities, though without great Determination and Resilience, and single-minded purpose, victory will be achieved at the cost of great harm to oneself. If bestowed on others, the blood form a ant that likewise strengthens and empowers, yet the pri ruin is hard to bear. ??????? ??????? ??????? be forced upon others, for victory be wrung from the unwilling. Those who are bathed in the Blood will find their strengths used for triumph until there is naught remaining but the memory of their berserk sacrifice, and ??????? ?????? ?????? ??????. The Blood retains the power to pel and enrage, as well as strengthen, even if removed from the bearer of this Favour, but the deleterious effects on the mind and will of those afflicted will increase, and the beneficial increases in abilities and skills will likewise dee. Blood accepted willingly will offer the strength to pursue victory, but unwilling exposure ???????? ???????? ???????? and the destru of that which makes a person themselves is often the price. ???????? ??????????.

  Just as Jarovid offers his Blood and might to herald a strengthening and victory, and those that take up his Blood shall have the great strength forth victory, even should the st drop of blood be shed, in simir sacrifice, so too will you hold the Blood that unleashes might, though such strength es with single-minded fury, and victory is never without cost. Css [Legendary]. Type [Principle]

  Yeah, the brother had talent too, I suppose. Sinstead of strengthening himself and a number of willing allies, he found a way to just exploit others, using them up. I guess the two of them were simir after all. But then, brothers and sisters often are, just look at me and Aiko. Speaking of my sis, she had just returned from the temporary military encampment, cheg to see if all the sprinklers had been fully discharged by using the one Golden Warrior she had the strength to summon. Seeing my look, she shrugged. “What, everything’s fine, bro. I destroyed the water tanks, but they were drained anyway. It’s not like my Sister here…” she spped the shoulder of the golden Natsumi “… get trolled anyway.”

  “Oh no, I was just thinking about siblings.” I waved off her , and Shired, giving me a warm yet pitying look.

  “Thinking stupid things isn’t unusual for you, Aki. Well anyway, everything’s good now. We lost unication with you when she destroyed your wireless earpiece.” Shiro said. “Not that I was worried, I khere was no way you could be trolled by her.” She sniffed mogly. “You’ve got me, and I suppose the others. There’s no way a girl like her could turn your head.”

  “Oh really, nya?” Ginneka said, stretg zily, more rexed now that the worst of the situation seemed to be over. She was casually showing her cat ears and tail, and stantine looked enraptured, though I suspected it was more for seeing additional proof of what he was searg for in front of him, rather than out of any sort of lust. “You seemed a little frighteo meeeouch!” Her words were cut off as Shiro grabbed her by the ear tightly and tugged.

  “You’re quite clearly mistaken. I, Shirohime, am always as cold and posed as my name. Now e on, cat. I’m still in charge of this site, and we have to start tag the outside world. I’d get Haru to do it, but she’s busy trying to soothe the minds of the victims and free them from the trol. Aiko, keep watch here and coordihe weaselkin with Arisu as they bring back survivors.”

  “Right. Take Kang Da with you. He do any necessary transting, and having him watch over his sister like that makes me feel all embarrassed for him…” My sis said, a little harshly. “Besides, with my bro here and Haru-, she’ll recover just fine.”

  With everything agreed, I headed back towards the building that housed the music auditorium. In the Boundary I was colleg the very battered aen Rampage and Subtle, while here I would have to carry Choi Ji-ho and his panions, so I decided to take a number of weaselkin with me. But I’m actually looking forward to it. Ot at least to retrieving them. Suk-ja is very iing, her abilities have piqued my i. Even now, the slight amount of Crystal element I had absorbed from her destroyed Winged Diamond was iing very oddly with my skills, though the amount was far too small for any meaningful experiments…

  ********

  “So, is it all over?” Choi Ji-ho asked, his expression rather bitter, as I re-ehe auditorium, still apanied by several weaselkin, though a number more had carried back a handful of fortunate, emaciated survivors, a mixture of soldiers, police, students, one lucky teacher, and a couple of other adults. Still so few, but even this many is something to celebrate.

  “Yes, I’ve taken down your Queen.” I said, uo resist a brief jab at his previous betrayal, even if he had no choice.

  “Don’t remind me.” He groaned. “Even now I have the slight urge t you to her, or make you submit. But there’s no ce. You manhandled us like we were kids against adults. S Rank Hunter. Hah.” He gave a sful ugh, full of self-mockery, but was surprised when I shook my head.

  “Yeah, but it’s not a fair parison. Sorry to say, but I’ve put in a lot of effort training to be the best, and I didn’t do it alone. If you could beat me, there’s no justi the world.” I spped him on the shoulder as one of the weaselkin hauled him onto his shoulders.

  “Aren’t you going to untie me?” he groaned, as the wires were digging into his flesh painfully. “Si’s over?” As the sed weaselkin hauled up Dong, the monk, who nodded apologetically at us, I moved over to Suk-ja. She looked at me defiantly, before biting her lip and nodding, though her gaze was lingering on Choi Ji-ho.

  “Nope, not until you’ve been quarantined and Haru and I have looked you over. So bear with it. Besides, aren’t you the invincible shield?” Despite my teasing tone, I was serious. “Holy, you have an enviable talent. But it’s not perfect. Which is why you o train to cover that deficy. But in terms of quality, maybe you could be S-Rank. It’s just I’ve got multiple S-Rank abilities if that’s the standard we’re using here.” I gently put Suk-ja on my back, and she was looking at Choi Ji-ho, as if seeking some rea. Getting none, her scowl deepened.

  “The same goes for the others.” As we headed back, I tinued expining my thoughts. “Dong… his ability is some sort of gravity or weight maniputiht? It’s still one of the best I’ve seen. And Suk-ja’s…” I cast a gnce back at her, and she looked away, her young-looking face set in a slightly childish pout, browraying back to Choi Ji-ho stantly. I felt a bit sad seeing her skin marred by the instrument wire I had bound her with, and her maimed hand, so I trickled a little aether in to soothe her pain, and she looked at me, surprised. Hiding a smile, I praised her to Choi Ji-ho.

  “Setting aside the utility of her skill, which is definitely det, the nature of it intrigues me.” I then had an idea. “So, ign the pitfalls along the way… I’d say that the Hunters succeeded in their mission.”

  “Hearing you say that seems like mockery.” He shot back. “If it wasn’t for you, the situation would have been a disaster. If the military didn’t blow us all to hell, we’d be sves of the Queen… damn, I’m still calling that bitch the Queen. Maybe you were right to keep us tied up.” He spat, depressed. “So, what’s your point?”

  “That it’s not a failure of the system, just of your preparations. Maybe you were all a bit too self-fident. I was like that once.” I admitted, and he snorted sourly again.

  “Now that sounds like mockery.”

  “No, I took some real beatings when I wasn’t prepared enough, or overestimated myself. Now I have too much to lose though, so I make sure to act accly and prepare fully. And you’re the same, Choi Ji-ho, Guild Leader of the Iable Victory.” Giving him his full title drew his attention. “But since you’re taking jobs, I’ve one for you. Or for Suk-ja anyway.”

  Hearing her name, she looked at me, and as Choi Ji-ho gnced over at her, he questioned me. “Oh really? And what could you possibly want with her?”

  “It’s simple. I want to experiment with her ability, it’s of use to me, at least I believe so. So I want to hire Iable Victory to loan me her for a while, so she help with my experiments. I am sure I pay the market rate.” What even is the market rate? I only know what I’ve beeing for Healing. Still, to master Crystal element, and the Qi Refining of it… I’d pay a lot.

  “Just her, huh?” he asked, and I crified.

  “It’s not like I need her for bat. So if you o take her on your jobs, that’s not a problem, but I need access to her a reasonable amount.”

  Choi Ji-ho started talking to Suk-ja in Korean then. She retorted back, sounding annoyed begore Dong chimed in. The argument tinued for a while, only for Suk-ja to slump down on my back, seemingly acquiesg.

  “All right. It’s a question of price, but yeah, we o show we aren’t all talk, s us isn’t out of the question.” He agreed. “But for now… thinking of things is hard. That damn bitch trolling our minds…” As he fell into dark mutterings, I was a bit fused, as Suk-ja was radiating depression on my back. I get that the current situation is upsetting, and being hired means a trip to Japan, but…

  I must have failed to keep my fusion off my face, as Dong spoke up quietly from where he was being carried. “Do not be displeased with young Suk-ja. She is yet young and remains with many attats in this cruel world.” he said piously, in Mandarin. “Oh, have no fear, they speak little ese, so we have some modest privacy. As, poor Suk-ja, to be so scarred so young, and to have lost her hand.”

  “I told you before that I’d fix it.” I replied, and he sighed.

  “I do hope so. Even though we repaid your aid with attempted murder, by the Buddha and his great generosity, I implore you to believe we were not ourselves.”

  “I know.” I agreed. “I spoke to the one you felt was your Queen, and she rgely expined how her ability worked.” More to the point, now I hold her Favour, I see more myself. “So I won’t hold that against you all. But… I uand why she’s angry, I mean, I did blow a hole in her hand, beat her up and carry her off, and then I had the o say I wao hire her, but…”

  “… but why does it seem like she is more annoyed with poor, dense Ji-ho than you?” Dong finished for me. “There is no great mystery. passion and affe are to be celebrated. Little Suk-ja has known Ji-ho a long time. Apparently they were childhood friends, Ji-ho being an older boy she looked up to for a long time. But he remains ever oblivious. Her ire is natural, for she is enraged he shows no jealousy or for you manhandling her, or that he agreed to your request to hire her. She would that he shows jealousy, or at least some sign of it. As, she has a hard road ahead of her.”

  Hearing their hey looked at us, unprehending, and as we reached the end of the Academy, seeing several transport helicopters ing from the distaowards our makeshift camp, I replied, sympathetic. “I see. Yeah, I’ve been there, so I know it’s sometimes hard to have a childhood friend youhan you. Oh well, I’ll not mistreat her, have no fear.”

  “Perhaps she wishes you would, so that Ji-ho will leap to her defence.” He let out a tired, pained ugh, and I had to smile. Yeah, not my job to py matchmaker, but… more importantly, everything’s ing up so I get down to what I really o do here…

  ********

  Handing off the Iable Victory to Arisu-san, the helicopters had nded, greeted by Shiro, my sis and Kang Da. A number of soldiers had disembarked, seg the area, as well as several high-ranking people, one a General of the Republic of Korea Army, and the other a senior politi. On seeihe politi came over and introduced herself in English. A woman, huh? Unusual.

  “I am Miss Kang, the Fn Minister.” The woman, who ossibly my mother’s age, going a little grey in the hair, but looking distinguished in an expensive dress suit and wire-framed gsses, said, me a hand. I shook it, but couldn’t help but smile. Seeing that, she asked me what , and I expihat the Kang siblings were part of this mission.

  “I see. We are ion, I assure you.” She said primly, before moderatione, looking around as anroup of three survivors were brought in, a trio of thin, dirty girls, though the o the tre drew my attention, as she was looking around with a dark, troubled and staze, her eyes burning with despair, anger and self-loathing.

  “The situation here… it seems to have been brought under trol.” Fn Minister Kang tinued. “A tragedy. And ohat requires careful ma. As I am sure one who has experienced Kyoto and London uands.” Her words brooked no dissent, and Shiro glowered at her, but at my look, she kept her silence. I then heard something shog from behind me, and turned, gaping.

  As I met the eyes of the rescued girl, she gred back at me, angry, before saying something in Korean. Seeking my unprehending look, she switched to English, and her voice was hoarse, cracked and weary. “What the hell are you looking at? You think I’m some sort of freak or monster for surviving this hell? You think I don’t… don’t know that?” Despite her hostility, her face quivered, tears beading in her eyes.

  “Not at all.” I reassured her. “If anything I’m impressed with any survivor at all. It shows resourcefulness and bravery.” As she bli me, I expined. “No, it was your name. Kim Eui. I’ve heard it before.”

  “Oh? Did… did dad ask you to e get me? If so… he took too damn long, and it’s too te.” She snorted, chewing on her lip as she tried to put on a brave face. “I’ve already… dohings.” She eyed Minister Kang and the nearby soldiers warily. “My hands aren’t .”

  “No. I heard it from Chae Cho-Hee.” At my words her expression ged, teeth bared in a snarl, thin hands ched into fists, ragged nails sg her flesh.

  “That bitch, that monster! Is… she ’t be safe! Don’t fall for her tricks, mister! Or have you already…”

  “No In fact, her brother is dead, and she’s in a a. It’s over.” I promised, and she slumped against the weaselkin who had rescued her.

  “Over? I’m gd. But… but it truly was hell. I don’t believe in magic, but…” Scrubbing at tears that wouldn’t stop, she spat out angry words. “Everyone was out for themselves, and since we thought we would die, people did whatever they wanted. I… so many of my cssmates were killed, or took their own lives, after… after… me too, I…” she paused, still gring at those around her. “I kept myself safe, as best I could. I prevehe worst, but… those animals, my friends, they… well, fuck them!” She grihen, showing bared teeth, a traadness in her eyes. “I killed some of them myself, rapist scum. It won’t bring back the dead, or heal my friends…” She looked at the two rescued girls, who were being taken to the Room for medical attention. “…at least they know those that hurt them will never breathe again. I’m smart. Making traps to kill idiots and baiting it with myself… shit. How… how I go home? How will I live, having seen what I’ve seen, done what I’ve done?” As she came close to breaking down, I realised that some of the traps had seemed different to the water and blood traps, and this girl was likely responsible.

  Spoiler

  [colpse]“I see.” Minister Kang said gravely. “Even as a minor, such acts likely go beyond the statutes of self-defence, but…”

  “You might want to be silent now, Minister. Don’t talk about matters that don’t you.” The pressure of League washed over us. To me and Shiro it was nothing, but Minister Kang shut her mouth, as Haru swept in, dropping a b over the ragged uniform and thin, bony shoulders of Kim Eui. Her brown eyes passionate and brimming with sorrow, she introduced herself.

  “I’m Suzuki Haru. I’m the daughter of Japan’s Minister of Finance, but you don’t care about that. What matters is… I’m a Chosen, and also… I’m already dead.” At her words, Kim Eui seemed shocked, and opened her mouth to speak, but with a gentle smile, Haru shushed her.

  “I was weak, and stupid. I didn’t uand what happened, when I got powers like the two who turned your School into hell. I believed I was mad, hid from it… and fell into the hands of one just as cruel as those here. Only… I wasn’t a fighter, not like you. I died, like others did before me, after being… treated like the girls you saw. There’s…” her face twitched, and she was breathing fast, but her eyes were resolute. “…healing, in time, and with those who care for you. I still hurt, I still ment a, but… Akio-kun saved me, gave me a sed ce, revenged me, helped me get closure myself, and prevented more like me. So… don’t hate yourself. Whether you suffered like I did, or just withers suffer… nobody here will judge you. If they do, I shall be rather angry. And if I’m angry…” she met my eyes and I nodded.

  “Then I’m angry too.” I promised. “Against Chosen, an ordinary person who mao fight back, that’s worth respect. And I don’t believe that scum who would abuse women, even if they thought the end was nigh, deserve any sympathy.” I looked at the Minister coldly, to emphasise the point.

  “I’m sure your parents will be relieved you lived.” Haru said, and I hid a smile, knowing how much she missed her daddy when she was trapped in the Boundary without a body yet.

  “Maybe. I don’t know.” Kim Eui shook her head wearily. “Dad has his paation to uphold, and mom cares more about appearahan anyone. If it gets out I’ve been trapped here, whether I got sullied or not, whether I dirtied my hands… they’ll see me as dohey won’t be cruel to me, dad and mom aren’t brutes, but… I’ll be kept out of sight for the rest of my life. Maybe that’s for the best…”

  “I see.” Haru looked at me we exged some silent thoughts over her Telepathy. I gave my agreement, and she smiled brightly. “I think you’ll be surprised. Grieving parents, finding their daughter alive… they’ll be overjoyed. But I uand you and your worries, your pain. So… you bsp; e to us, to me. And I’ll train you, until you live with what you did, and find purpose. It’s a on a lifetime offer. Japan’s not so bad, despite what the Korean media says.” She managed a joke, and I was once more impressed with Haru’s progress.

  “I… I think about it?” Kim Eui said, and Haru nodded gently.

  “Of course you . And don’t worry. Now I’ve made this offer, there’s no way your decision be gainsaid. Akio-kun won’t let that happen, right?”

  “Yes, we’ve given our word. But for now… you need a checkup, and then a hot meal and a good rest.” I promised, and Haru led her to the Room, as the st few survivors were brought in by the weaselkin and Lee Jong-su’s group. So, seems like that’s everyone. One more pass with seard-rescue radar and then we’re done. My Eye couldn’t see anyone else, but the distance was far, and I couldn’t spare muergy right now, so cheg manually was necessary. It’s finally over.

  “So, uh… it’s over, huh?” My sis asked, eg me, and I nodded. At that she asked me a question, as she looked at Kim Eui with sympathy. “So, bro… if I was in her situation…”

  “Then do what you have to do. I won’t shed tears for those that hurt others for their own pleasure. And even those trolled… you’ve no obligation to die for others. Shit… that’s probably why Ling’s situation is such a drum. Though there’s still a world of differen defending yourself with lethal ford actively seeking out and killing others to save yourself. But… whatever you do, y bro will help you bear it.”

  “Same for us?” Shiro said, and I nodded.

  “Same for you, and all the others. So you don’t have to bear it alone. I’m here.”

  “You are.” Shiro agreed. “So… I see excitement in your eyes. You’ve got pns, right?”

  “Yeah. Now this situation is done, we need Hinata’s and the advice of the nobility and Japanese gover before rogress here. But some things won’t wait.”

  “Trouble?” My sis asked, and I reassured her.

  “No, not really. Favours.” I y words carefully as we weren’t alone.

  “Yes, Tan has some things to tell yarding them.” Shiro agreed. “But not here. You must be running oy too. It’s been some tough battles.”

  “Yeah, I’m exhausted. But also excited. So I’m going to dismiss myself and you meet me in the Boundary. Sis, you hahings here, Ginneka, Haru and Arisu-san support you.”

  “Roger that, bro!” My sis saluted heroically. “”I’ll let Hinata- hear the news, that we fulfilled our mission and then some. I’ll also let Eri and the others know we’re all safe. And…” she looked at the bemused, silent Fn Minister Kang. “…as for that Favour… don’t screw up bro. I’ll take it if there’s no other det choice, but… I don’t want Hinata-, Motoko-, Natsumi- or anyone we like to be helpless, bro. Not like the kids were here.”

  “Kids, huh? Aren’t they not much youhan you, Aiko?” Shiro teased, and she shrugged.

  “You think? I’d say I have enough experieo… ugh, okay, bad phrasing. Not that sort of experience. But what with Eri in Kyoto, and the battles I’ve seen… I know my stuff. So yeah. I’ll keep getting stronger, however I , but not at the expense of the others. After all…”

  “Yeah. I could never have grown stronger without everyone. Shaeu taught me how to set up a Chakra work and it turned out abnormally good, Tan’s provided knowledge, Motoko and Natsumi taught me to fight, alongside Ulfuric…”

  “Hinata- told you how to shut your mouth and not be an idiot.” My sis ughed, and I ceded the point.

  “Daiyu as well, with Cultivation. Asha with her Tree, Hyath allowing us to recim the Spring, Kana aaught me things too, mostly about myself, you too, Shiro, and Tsukiko showed me destiny is what we make of it… everyone’s doheir part. And thanks to that I’ve helped everyone grow strooo in turn. We’re far, far greater than the sum of our parts, and now…”

  “…and now, you’re about to create some new parts?” Shiro winked. “Right Aki?”

  “That’s exactly it. If I . It might not be possible, it probably isn’t, but if we ’t do it with w together, then it wasn’t meant to be. And we’ll still make a profit regardless. Oh, that reminds me, pass on a message to Daiyu for me…” As I rattled off the words quickly, I was eager to get started. We’ve never had such opportunities before, and I certainly ’t keep this all together for long, so… we have to seize this ce, and truly push ourselves to the level…

  ShipTeaser