Creating a Material body again, while dismissing my exhausted Astral one, since I needed all my wits about me, I was greeted by a somewhat tense se. Fn Minister Kang was fronting Arisu-san and Haru, her expression rather frosty, as she stood outside the strange spatial tear that was the entrao Arisu-san’s room. Behind her were a number of soldiers from the South Korean army, armed of course, though they were making no threatening moves. Which makes sense. Arisu-san may have calmed a little since she was vindicated of her supposed crimes, but she’s still got a fiery temper. I certainly wouldn’t want to provoke her, she’s got the ice queen vibe, certainly.

  “Yes, I appreciate you wish the victims arators alike moved to the destination.” Arisu-san was saying reasonably in English, though there was a definite chilly edge to her voice. “And I am hardly trying to obstruct that. But the simple matter is, yover requested the aid of Akio-san, and through him my aid, as well as others. We have signifitly more experiend have already resolved the main issue. We have no iion of letting matters deteriorate now.”

  She’s addressing me a little more familiarly after we went on that talk show together. It’s still distant, but… hopefully she’s warming up to me. Arisu-san wasn’t just a colleague with great skills and knowledge, but Shiro’s friend, so of course I wanted us to get along well. As I thought that, Haru stepped in as well, smiling professionally.

  “Mihe powers at py here were extremely insidious. sider it like an iious disease, in a way. Arisugawa-san has put everyone in quarantine, and we will facilitate the transfer safely, preventing any outbreak. Oh… here’s Akio-kun now.” Haru waved to me cheerfully. Before anyone else could speak, it was my sis who rushed over, she having been rather quiet as the others discussed the political matters.

  “Bro, you’re up!” my sis cried, relief on her face. Beside me, Shiro let out a quiet ugh, amused at her excitement. “You shouldn’t worry me like that, you’ll turn bato a big bro moonstone, which would suck, as you’ve been kind of cool retly.”

  Seeing her pouting face I ruffled her hair pyfully, and she flushed, embarrassed, but she allowed me to tinue for several more seds until she batted my hand away, scious of everyone looking at us. “Stop that.” She pihough her tone didn’t sound displeased. “I’m not a kid anymore, bro. I fought here, didn’t I?”

  “You did. So yeah, sorry. But Shiro told you everything was fine, right? And you came to see me yourself a few times?”

  “Yeah, and I believed her, but… damn, if it was me, or Eri, or any of the others, you’d still worry, don’t try and act cool and pretend you wouldn’t, bro. Anyway…” she lowered her voice. “How’d it go?”

  It was Shiro who answered, giving a thumbs up. “Not bad. We’ll discuss it ter. Looks like roblems here.”

  “There are no problems.” Minister Kang said hastily. “We merely wish to put a close on this i, ahe injured medical attention, and isote the guilty. There is much we don’t know about this tragic situation, and there are many ied and involved parties who are extremely impatient food news…”

  “Speaking of…” Haru spoke up professionally. “One such party has been informed of matters here, and will be apanying Hinata-. They are en route as we speak and should be nding here in uhirty minutes. Your timing is good as ever, Akio-kun.” She smiled, her expression a mixture of weariness and professional satisfa. “There are some pressing issues to sort out first, though.”

  “This whole site needs quarantining, useon Academy log down.” Miss Kang insisted. I looked around and saw that the military had an increasing presence here, surrounding the entrao the Academy aing up encampments in the mountains. “There is much to be uood, we o gh the Academy inch by inch, missing nothing.”

  “Which is fine.” I pointed out. “I’m more ed about the survivors. Though of course, should there be any information about me or my rades, I trust you’ll ha sensitively.” My tone was a little harsh at the end, and Haru took over.

  “Yes, as the under-secretary to the Minister for Spiritual Matters, as well as one of Akio-kun’s close allies, I must insist you tread very carefully. We risked our very lives to help you resolve this terrible situation, Minister Kang. I trust you and by extension South Korea won’t fet that.”

  “For which Japan will be well-pehere’s no altruism here…” Miss Kang began, only for Haru to gre at her, surprising me.

  “You holy think that mere pensation is adequate reason to dismiss our efforts? You fet, we aren’t one of your Korean Hunter Guilds. We put our very lives at risk, of course we should be pensated, just as your own citizens were. Besides, we went to great lengths to save who could be saved, and without us, South Korea would have lost many more Chosen. Your power and influen the world stage would be cut off before it could even sprout. Japan and by extension the Ministry have been very le in what it asked for. Take us out of the equation, and what do we have here as a ce of success?”

  Miss Kang looked angry for a moment, before smoothing her face professionally. She turo one of the few Hunters who were still outside of the room, Lee Jong-su, who looked exhausted but tent, Eunbi beside him, leaning oall bow. They exged some rapid words in Korean, Miss Kang inquisitive, Lee Jong-su slow and weary. After a while, Miss Kang nodded. “I see. Guildmaster Lee is effusive in praise for your heroics, and admits without your aid, they would have lost at least one member of their Guild, likely more, and could not guarantee victory here. But… you have seen the abilities and talents of Korea’s premiere Chosen, as you are calling them. Yet you threaten us over our obtaining of your information, when you offered your aid, surely expeg this?”

  “You misuand.” Haru’s smile was scary now, looking rather like the vengeful ghost she supposedly was. “We know there is no way that our performand abilities remain unknown to the Korean gover. We simply wish to make it clear that information is to be kept secret, and if it leaks carelessly, as it will potentially put the lives of Akio-kun and others in danger, Japan, and by extension Akio-kun and all the other Chosen who back the Ministry, will be hostile to South Korea, and will refuse aid, no matter the circumstances.”

  “I see.” Minister Kang replied at st. “Obviously with diplomatic retions straihis is an opportunity to repair them, for Korea and Japan to recile. We have no wish to cause issues, but you must uand, useon is a stain on Korea, and many powerful people are demanding answers and a…”

  “Which is why you must let us use our expertise.” Haru finished. “We delivered what we promised, but to us, the job isn’t yet done. Firstly, we o make absolutely sure that the abilities dispyed here don’t outst their wielders and cause further tragedy. Letting that happen after we triumphed would be a bitter failure. Then sed, we have to provide aid to the victims. Which is our specialty. Physical wounds, malnutrition, other suffering… that be addressed, but the spiritual aal scars run deeper. I know it well.” she finished quietly, and the intense hoy vinced Minister Kang.

  “Very well. I uand. But I insist on involvement, as is my role here!”

  “If you cause no trouble.” Arisu-san insisted coldly. She turo me then. “I hope your nap was rexing. Here it has been an aggravating few hours. My Room is not meant for use here ierial, I am most tired.”

  “Yeah, I bet. Don’t worry, Aki will make it up to yht?” Shiro nudged me, and I nodded. Seeing that, Arisu-san beed me to the entrance.

  “We should deal with matters without dey. Your little fiancée is ing, and putti risk is something you have no wish to do, I expect.”

  Without a reply, I followed her into the Room, feeling a slight dislocation as I passed the rift, my spatial element resonating. My sis, Shiro and Haru followed us in, apanied by Minister Kang, who seemed rather awed by the experience. Ihe area was lit by sterile orbs of while light, looking rather like phosphor mps, and the number of holding cells had increased. On my entry, I spotted a rge stoablet, and I realised it was the carvings I had done uhe influeny Eye, detailing the inner ws of Favours that I could divine. I felt a presence behind me, leaping towards me, so I turned, only finneka, in her cat form, to push up against me, rubbing up and down, panting, face flushed.

  “Nya, you came back. I did good, didn’t I? I think you should take a tumble with me, work out some stress. It’s been so long, nya, that I… Nyaaaaaa?” She squealed as Shiro hauled her off me by the tail, and she screeched unpleasantly as Shiro tossed her aside.

  “Yeah, no. I get that Aki’s hot stuff right now, but you’re just a cat i. Go screw someone else.” As Ginneka rubbed at her sore bottom, ears ft against her skull, expression bitter, Shiro softened her tone. “Look, we all agreed. Once Aki’s, always Aki’s. There’s no other way it could work. So if you sleep with him, that’s it. No other men for you. And you don’t strike me as the sort that could be faithful.”

  “You make too much of things, nya.” Ginneka pouted. “It is just pleasure. Why are you mortals always so serious, nya? Fun things are fun, and a battle makes the blood boil, and loins itch.”

  “It’s not just mortals. Shaeu, Hyath and Asha all agreed too. Because… that’s just who Aki is, and who we are.” Shiro insisted, and behind me, my sister was nodding along in agreement, saying that Ginneka wasn’t sister-in-w material. Our rather inappropriate versation was interrupted by Violet-noona, who was ughing in her holding cell.

  “You lot op making me ugh. Akio-oppa, Shiro-unni, I’m gd you are both safe. Nobody would say where you were, but I believed there was no way you’d screw things up at the end, not when…” She o the most isoted cell, where Chae Cho-Hee was resting, shackled and ed by more of the clear, gss-like substahat made up the structures of the Room.

  “Kang Bora-nim…” Minister Kang stepped forward respectfully. “And Kang Da-nim…” she addressed her brother, atg over his sister, something I approved of. “Are you well? I have had reports, but…”

  “Well? Fuo I’m not.” Violet-noona cursed loudly, scratg at her tattooed arm. “I got hit by the blood, nearly lost my damn mind. You don’t get just what was happening here. Luckily… shit, I don’t even want to think what would happen if oppa and unni weren’t here.” She spat rudely, and Arisu-san raised her eyebrow coldly at the mess in her Room. Seeing that, Violet-noona flushed and wiped it up with the cloth of her tank top. “I do feel better, thanks thost here…” she Haru, who sighed.

  “I told you, I’m Suzuki Haru. I may be dead, but I still have my human rights, even if I’m a ghost!” Her tone was a little sulky, and I smiled, finding it cute. Her words had also attracted the attention of Kim Eui, who was looking at Haru with a mixture of yearning and sadness. Makes sense. Haru was the oo fort her after her outps of sorrow. If anyone uands what she’s been through, it’s Haru.

  “Sure, ghost-unni. Anyway, here to give us more of that light?” she asked. Haru looked at me, and I shrugged.

  “That might not be necessary. Now I’ve had a rest, I should be able to remove the remaining traces of water and blood.” My Eye fred, and while Minister Kang was watg, I khat we had Korea pletely in our debt, and showing a little goodwill and revealing a bit of my ability would only enshem further. I’ll leave most of it to her imagination, though.

  “I would be grateful if you could help Bora-noona.” Kang Da bowed, and as one brother to another, I promised him there would be no issues and she’d be fine. Aether flowed, and my Chirurgery, which had indeed remai Rank 11, which still surprised me, effortlessly enabled me to remove the remaining traces of invasive aether and adhere had left behind some instances of harm to her Chakra work, so I polished those up, and soon she was healed. Violet-noona stretched zily, yawning, looking satisfied, her mind clear, and I didn’t know where to look, as her ragged tank top didn’t cover muymore.

  “Noona, show some modesty! You’ll never find a man like that, I’ve told you a number of times!” her brother warned, and she only ughed nastily.

  “Don’t worry about me, little brother. This has been a call for me, as well as quite the lesson.” She wi me. “I know the sort of man that it’ll take to hahis scorpion. One who tolerate my sting!” She then bowed to me, and I had a feeling she was doing it on purpose, as her top wasn’t fit for its intended use right now. “Thanks, Akio-oppa. I feel myself again. Though to be ho, I do feel like shit. I wasn’t much help, and all but Five died. I’ll have to start again. But…” she paused, and her eyes sparkled. “Huh. Maybe… uh… you go help the others. I o have a think.”

  “You go on ahead, Aki.” Shiro said. “I’ll keep our purple-haired friend here pany for a bit. You’ve got work to do.”

  I nodded and removed the remaining traces from the other Chosen in the Room, as well as repairing the scarred hand of Suk-ja. Her eyes brightened as her flesh healed, and she also bowed to me politely, a much safer spectacle than when Violet-noona did. Showing off her pristine hand to Choi Ji-ho, her childhood friend and Guild leader, I leased he expressed happiness, though he certainly could have been more enthusiastic about it, judging by her exasperated rea. I guess I’m not the only dense idiot who doesn’t get the feelings of a childhood friend. Though in my defence, I do now. Although… Eri still troubled me a little. She was taking a great burden on her heart, one I didn’t know how to solve, or even if it could be solved. All I do is make sure I put my all into making Eri as happy as I , within the straints I’m w uhere has to be something more I do for her…

  “You were right, praise the Buddha.” Dong said in ese, after he too was cured. He looked warmly over at Suk-ja in her cell. “You are indeed blessed with great talents. But you should remember, such talents are not yours, but are blessings. Never fet that, and believe you have the right to use them for selfish ends.”

  “Yeah. I’ve seehat leads. But…” I replied, still thinking. There was one selfish thing I wanted, but first I had to firm something. Beside me, my sis sighed, seeing where I was looking.

  “Him, huh?” My sis looked at the sleeping man. “He’s no good. pletely crazy. But maybe he’s being trolled…”

  “That’s what we have to find out.” My Eye glowed, looking for traces of the trolling water or blood, but there was o be found. Clig my tongue, I examihe Favour within him. This is the one my sis said was super speed, right? That’s powerful… I o Arisu-san. “ we wake him?”

  “Of course.” The prison he was bound in shifted, and with a groan the man opened his eyes. He was fused for a moment, blinking, before remembering his defeat. With an angry roar he tried to move, only to realise he was bound with nigh-unbreakable s. He blurred, his Favour w, but all that broke were his bones, and as he cried out, blood spttering the clear walls, bed and floor, I sighed.

  “You don’t uand me, do you?” I asked in English, and he merely spat ba Korean, howling. Miss Kang listened, before transting.

  “He says you should let him go and he’ll five you for this. I believe he is one of those we sent for the initial iigation, is he not?”

  “Yes, and unfortunately he isn’t under external trol. It seems he willingly betrayed your try and those sent with him, and more afterwards.” I sighed, a mixture of relief, bitterness and inprehension warring within me. Really, the Gods have chosen their champions very poorly. I get that they are limited, but… oh well, no poiting it. If they made good choices, perhaps I’d have been passed over. I retty pathetic to start with…

  Minister Kang spoke to him again, and the man spat back more angry words, gl at my sister, who stuck out her to him, taunting him. The man tensed, but on seeing his ruined arms didn’t try and escape again, instead shouting back at the Minister, who sighed. “He wants to know what happeo his princess, to his love, Chae Cho-Hee. Is she…”

  “Yes.” I nodded, and I poio another cell, where the atose girl slept. On seeing that, the man struggled at his bonds, spitting and cursing, heedless of his injuries, only for him to fall unscious, as I struck him with bdes of aether, Chirurgery able to disrupt his work enough to knock him unscious again. The cell shifted, and greater restraints grew and ensnared him.

  “I… don’t think you wish to hear everything he had to say.” Minister Kang said at st. “He… was not fttering. And he said things regarding your sister there…”

  “I imagine.” My expression was hard. “In fact, Haru, we have a problem, don’t we?”

  Taking my cue, Haru agreed. “That’s right. While I would need detailed records from Korea to be sure, Minister, other than lying to the inal rescue team and perhaps being involved in tampering with the sprinklers in the encampment, he doesn’t seem to have been involved in the killings that occurred here. Whereas he attempted to murder me, Aiko- and another Japaizen.” She didn’t mention the Greek siblings, as it would likely plicate our pitch. “As we are effectively visiting diplomats, in a sehat’s a grave thing. We would request extradition, so he could be tried under Japanese w. The Ministry does have ws regarding this oatute books now.”

  The Minister frowned, clearly uneasy, as the prisoner was a Chosen, and Korea had so few. But ohing was irrefutable, and his behaviour showed his plicity with the perpetrator. “That is… not something to discuss lightly. There are many political siderations involved. We do have a biteral extraditioy, so it’s by no means unusual, but… the circumstances are special. Especially if he is to face a death penalty…”

  “Attempted murder doesn’t carry such a sentenot even multiple ts.” Haru promised. “But… we have the ability to restrain him, as you see. If he was to serve out a term in any normal prison, he would be a great danger, or escape easily.”

  “We discuss this ter.” Miss Kang agreed, as Shiro re-joined us, her talk with Violet-noona done. She was smiling wickedly, and I asked her why, having a bad feeling about it.

  “It’s not what you fear, Aki. Well, maybe it is, but that wasn’t what we were taking about. Damn, I’m getting goosebumps, this is going to be awesome!”

  “What is?” my sis asked, and Shiro pulled her aside, whispering very quietly in her ear so I couldn’t hear. She brightened, gng at me a few times, before nodding happily, blue eyes glittering with anticipation. Damn, now I’m curious!

  I spent a while perf Chirurgery, removing what traces I could find, and also healing any potentially fatal injuries on the victims. It was then that stantine came iering the room, looking around in awe, before snapping back to reality. “There you all are.” He began in his ated, slightly fumbling English. “A helicopter has arrived, you have guests.”

  On leaving the Room, there was indeed a rge transport helicopter waiting outside, and in front of it were some familiar faces. Seeing me, Hinata raced over a into my arms, a bright smile on her face. We hugged for a minute, before she kissed me gently on the lips, face red. “Akio, I missed you! I know it’s not been long, but…”

  “It’s a bit siing just how much everyone loves my bro.” My sis said loudly, and Shiro snorted a ugh in response.

  “I’d have said the same a few months ago. Life es at you fast.” Shired. “Besides, you’re proud of him, aren’t you, Aiko?”

  “Yes, but it’s embarrassing to say it.” she sighed. Hinata giggled as she listened, snuggling into me.

  “Of course I love you. Why wouldn’t I? And even though we all had faith in you, and knew you’d be safe and keep everyone else safe, staying behind was still tough. Though things are going well in your absence, don’t worry.” We released our embrad she straightened her coat, taking a deep breath. “Now I’ve recharged, let’s get down to business.” She gestured to the two people behind her, both of whom I reised, though the man was in heavy disguise, wearing oversized sungsses, a medical mask and a hooded coat. “Park-ssi ’t be reised, just in case.” Hinata whispered. “Not if we are going to use him regarding the Tengokusentou and its recovery. But of course, he wao see his nephew no matter what. Good job on the rescue, Akio.”

  “We meet again.” His daughter, Park Yu-mi said cheerfully. She was wearing lighter makeup tha we met, and her business suit was cut more modestly, the skirt longer, and she was wearing sensible shoes, making her look a little shorter. “You move fast, it seems. It was only a couple of days ago Dad went down on bended ko you, and here we are.” She looked back out over at useon, where the military were pleting their blockade, and bomb-disposal squads and other troops with special equipment were gathering. “Yes, I’m really gd I never went to that stupid Academy. Though I’d have graduated before this mess, I suppose. Anyway, you’re a man of your word. And I’m a woman of mine. So, my promise to show you around Gangnam and celebrate still holds.” She smiled, and it reminded me of Hinata a bit, she had the same sort of good-natured, slightly teasing humour.

  “I’m not sure you’ll feel in the mood for celebration. Yu-jun isn’t in a good dition. It truly was hell in that Academy.”

  “Before you go, I o fill you in quickly.” Hinata said. “We’ll be moving everyoo a facility set up oskirts of Seoul. That will fun as a hospital, and also a staging area to gather information and piece together exactly what happened. I’ve had some… visitors… sent there too. Sorry Akio…” she smiled at me winningly. “I have to ask you to put in some effort. I’ve got some worries, and I want to get some insuran pce before there’s problems, not after. It’ll help our case.”

  “All right.” I agreed. “If you think it’s for the best, you’re likely right. I trust you.” I said, ruffling her hair, but instead of her usual happy rea, she seemed downcast. That’s surprising?

  “You trust me, if I think it’s for the best, it’s right?” she muttered, her expression pained. “Akio… in a little while, we o talk. I… hope you’re not angry, but…”

  I pulled her into a hug. “Don’t worry. If you’ve made a mistake, we’ll put it right. You’re mine, and I’m yours. We carry things together, don’t we?”

  Yu-mi let out a quiet whistle. “That’s adorable. You really do have a good retionship.”

  “With me too.” Shiro said, unwilling to be left out. “Hinata, are you talking about…?” she trailed off, unwilling to say more.

  “I’m afraid so. ere disrespectful. I talked with Eri, and she made me realise that.” Hinata said quietly.

  “Shiro…” I said, and she turned her head, whistling in an unving dispy of innoce, in trast to Yu-mi a moment ago.

  “Fine.” She sighed. “I get it. But it’s not like we don’t have our reasons. And it’s not bad, ho. Yasu would be shaking our hands and g…”

  “I’m not Yasu. Thank all the Gods.” Though holy, Yasu is a good guy and a loyal friend. It’s just he seems to be unlucky in romance. Probably es across as too needy. Hopefully his luck will turn, there’s a lot of great women about. “So yes, we’ll make time to talk. But right now, we’re keeping Park-ssi and Yu-mi waiting.” I could see Park Do-yun’s anticipation and nerves on what little of his face was uncovered.

  “Yes, you’re right.” Hinata steeled herself. “Okay, we send Shiro and Ginneka back to Japan? The Tree needs buffs, and without Ginneka, a lot of the stru work will slow to a crawl.”

  “Ginneka is fine.” I wahe horny cat out of the way anyway. “But I need Shiro here for now. I still have matters to… process.”

  “I see.” Hinata uood. “How was the harvest?”

  “There’s still a ton to establish, but if all goes well, we should easily be able to make up the loss of a few days’ worth of ether from the Tree. And hopefully… no, we’ll talk about it when it’s just us.”

  “Secrets always intrigue a woman.” Yu-mi said, toying with her hair idly. “But… dad’s about to burst. We should go.”

  “Yu-mi, don’t be rude to him!” he said firmly, and she shrugged.

  “It’s all right. I only met him briefly, but I know what sort of guy he is. He appreciates hoy. Besides, he turned me down, dad. It’s not like we’re actually getting married. Though I definitely want to be friends, at least.” She wi me, and I had to admit she was certainly the sort of girl who I would have looked twice at ba my younger days. Though I’d have been too intimidated by her self-fidence, most likely.

  “Yes, being friends sounds great.” I agreed. “I’m not enough of a bastard to demand your body a to save a family member anyway, no matter how cute or kind you are.”

  “Hmm. You think I’m cute, huh? You do have good eyes at least.” She giggled, before her expression turned serious. “Dad’s at breaking point. we see my cousin?”

  With that we took them inside Arisu-san’s room. It shocked and awed them, Yu-mi’s mouth dropping open, and then her gaze fell on the cell holding Yu-jun. A moment ter her father saw him too, rushing over, nearly crashing into the clear cell wall. Pressed up against it, he could see Yu-jun, emaciated and unscious on the bed, all skin and bones, a few nasty scars visible on his flesh. “Oh Yu-jun… nephew. Son of my dear, departed sister Soon-Jung. How you have suffered.” He was g, fists against the gss, and I gestured to Haru. A soft light left her, and bathed the g, grieving uncle, and his sobs quietened, his breathiurning to normal.

  “What was that?” Yu-mi asked, shocked. “Everything around you is se, otherworldly.”

  “Just a calming influence.” I assured her. “There’s no way I’d hurt your father. Not when we’re allies in the same boat.”

  “Yeah, that hotel. It’s only been like a day, but dad’s already found out some stuff you might like to know. My dad makes quick decisions, and never regrets them. I mean, he offered me didn’t he?” She was still toying with her hair artfully as she spoke. “But he won’t be able to perform his best until my cousin recovers.”

  “Yes, aftercare for both physical aal ailments are part of the package.” I promised. “But for now, you’ve seen he’s alive.” I turo Arisu-san. “You seal everyone in the Room and transport it safely, right?”

  Arisu-san nodded imperiously. “Yes, I do so. Though we will have to hope that the facility has adequate capacity to hold the victims, for I will have to close the Room soon.” She g our unscious Chosen, the one ould have to pass judgement on. He doesn’t even have the mitigation of being trolled. He’s just crazy, or obsessed, or a pervert, or damn well all three of those. While I sidered the brief alternate past where I fell for Shaeu or Shiro and aided them unditionally in things that might perhaps have seemed evil, I shook my head. Yes, I’d have wao help them, but… I’d have tried to steer them away from acts of cruelty. In fact, in a way I did just that… “He stay…” she jerked her head at Park Do-yun. “But we should leave.”

  As we stepped outside, where Hinata had buhe hissing Ginneka into a helicopter, as well as my sis, who was heading home, her task over, I also noticed that stantine and Sophia were getting in. Seeing my look, Hinata hurried over. “We o make sure we know everything they know, and also impart the sequences of being careless and crossing us.” She paused, looking at them thoughtfully. “Aiko- says that they know things about other Chosen, and that they seem good enough people. Don’t worry, we’ll show them proper hospitality.”

  “In that case we should be going. I want to get home to everyone as soon as I .” I said, eager to see if I could find a host for any of the Favours remaining.

  “Don’t be in such a hurry.” Yu-mi smiled, apanying us to our own transport. “We still have to party like the world is ending the day. I promised you a celebratiht? And while my cousin Yu-ju look so good, he’ll be all right, won’t he?”

  I nodded. “Yeah. I’ll sort his physical injuries without any problems, and then we’ll go from there. It might take time, but just like poor Hotene-san and Keomi- are rec…” Keomi- seems almost her old self, though occasionally there’s still moments when she freezes up… “…Yu-jun will recover too. The worst is over.”

  As everyone was in the helicopter now, Arisu-sa to enter after sealing her Room, the doors shut, and as the helicopter took off, leaving useon behind, I let out a sigh. There’s still so much to do before returning home. I have to decide what I’m doing with Morana’s Favour, whether to take it or break it, and also up the political mess here. Fortunately… looking at the others in the helicopter, Arisu-san, Haru, Shiro, Hinata, my sigh evaporated, and I felt warm inside. …I don’t have to do it alone…

  ShipTeaser