Chapter 27

– Yukino –

Out of the myriad of praises that can be heaped upon my sister, there was only one that I could freely give her:

She has impeccable taste.

Her penthouse was impressively luxurious yet tempered by a dignified modesty mixed with practicality. The massive apartment had two floors, with a welcoming foyer that split into two paths: a hall to the first-floor area on the right and a staircase leading up to the upper floor on the left.

My sister's new home contrasts with the traditional standards of the Yukinoshita mansion. It features a modern extravagance, evident from the marble-finished tiles on the first floor, polished to a reflective sheen. The walls are painted in warm, textured white tones, and the living room dominates the penthouse, creating an expansive and airy feeling, accentuated by the window walls reaching up to the high ceilings.

The kitchen seamlessly flowed into the dining and living areas, creating an open layout with expansive glass walls that offered a view of the city skyline. The living room had access to a balcony with a couple of coffee tables and chairs outside.

Her choice of furniture and decor was carefully selected to blend sophistication and functionality. The living room featured a large plush sofa covered with velvet upholstery surrounding a wide glass coffee table in the center.

Growing up in a household filled with extravagant decor and wealth, I assumed that she would continue the tradition of impressing her guests with luxurious extravagance. However, I now see that she has chosen to live more modestly while still incorporating some expensive decorations.

Though if I'm being entirely honest, none of those could hope to match the best view in her penthouse.

Right in front of the living room, the Greater Tokyo Area skyline stretched out beyond. Its bright lights shone like an endless sea of neon stars. I approached with quiet steps, standing by the glass wall and staring at the city below, my reflection merging with the sparkling panorama. Tentatively, my hands touched the cool glass as if to grab the stars glittering before me.

"Beautiful, huh?"

Nee-san's soft voice broke the silence, an unexpected tenderness swimming beneath her dulcet tones. I turned to her, standing a few feet away from me by the window as well, eyes taking in the same sights that I did.

This view had entranced me so much that I hadn't noticed her approach.

"Yes, it's lovely," I replied quietly, sincerely agreeing with her sentiment. I watched her silently, appreciating the way her purple eyes reflected the lights from the city.

"I picked this place just for this," she said, her lips curving into a faint smile. There was a hint of pride there and something else—a sense of ownership, perhaps. "I wanted to see this every time I came home."

"I suppose you expected that you'd come home quite late, then."

"Hah, with my job? You bet I did."

We shared a smile, experiencing a rare moment of lightness together that felt so unusual after all these years. And yet, as quickly as the moment came, it passed, her expression sobering as her eyes fell to my dress. She didn't say anything immediately, but the shift in her posture, the way her gaze lingered—it was obvious she had something on her mind.

"Mother, I assume?" Her tone was dry, but I could hear the subtle edge of disdain hidden beneath it.

I sighed, knowing exactly what she was referring to. My dress—the gown I was still wearing from that wretched dinner with Goto Ryuji. It was a masterpiece, to be sure—dark blue satin, delicate lace trimming, and perfectly tailored to fit me as if it were made by the gods themselves. But it was also a symbol, a reminder of everything I had been forced into.

"She wanted me to make a good impression," I said flatly, my voice matching her dry tone.

My sister rolled her eyes, shaking her head with obvious exasperation. "Of course she did. Heaven forbid you walk around in something less 'appropriate.'" Her words dripped with sarcasm, but underneath that, I could hear the frustration she so often tried to hide.

My thoughts returned to the interminable hours I had spent preparing that horrible dinner, deepening the frown that had fallen on my face. In order to please Goto and make sure I represented the Yukinoshita name with grace and elegance, Mother had insisted on perfection in every detail—from the dress to the haircut.

I despised it. I despised all of it.

"It's suffocating," I admitted, surprising myself with the candor of my words.

"You're not just talking about the dress, are you?" My sister asked quietly, though she likely knew the answer.

I gazed deeply into her eyes, then turned my attention to the window showing the alluring cityscape, my reflection shimmering on the glass like a ghost adorned in finery against a canvas of vibrant neon stars.

"No."

It was…everything. This sham of an engagement. My mother's domineering will. My Father's expectations.

Despite telling myself that I'd find a way out of engagement, there was no feasible solution that I could come up with. Like a boat in an endless sea with no land in sight, I was lost.

How could I possibly go against my parents and the strongest in Japan?

Should I abandon everything and escape? My parents would likely never let me go, and they had the resources to find me wherever I went.

And even if I escaped, what then? Where would I go?

"...If you need any help, don't hesitate to ask, got it?" Hikigaya-kun's tone was dry, but his intent was firm. He meant everything he said.

"Whatever you're going through, know that we're here with you." Yuigahama-san's hands around mine were warm, just like her words. She had said them with utmost confidence, and they relayed her genuine care.

…I could go to them, but that would be selfish and cruel. I'd be bearing upon them more trouble than they expected, and they had lives that could be ruined should I even dare to. My parents would be relentless, and while I was certain that my friends would fight back, I knew it was not a fight they would win. Not against the influential power my parents wielded…and not against Goto Ryuji, the strongest man in Japan.

That thought made my chest tighten.

I realized that this engagement wasn't just about my parents. My Father and Goto had made a deal, and I was part of the package. My marriage to him would strengthen both of their names and influence, which meant that Goto would be invested in making sure the marriage happens. This also meant that trying to escape would catch his attention and bring it to whoever was standing in his way to bring me back.

No, I had to find a way that didn't involve Hikigaya-kun and Yuigahama-san.

These questions inevitably drew my eyes back to my sister, who was watching me quietly.

How did Nee-san do it?

Unexpectedly, Nee-san shrugged. "Getting powers helped." She answered with a small smile.

Ah, I must have said that out loud.

"How convenient." Despite myself, I felt some of my resentment leak out from my words. Nee-san noticed this, of course, but she didn't comment.

"Well, true." My sister said instead, her smile became a bit more sardonic. Her eyes slowly turned back to the city, her gaze more solemn. "I was lucky, I suppose." There was an unexpected softness in her words.

You always are.

It always felt like my sister was born lucky. From her exceptional charm to her unending talents, to her privileged upbringing, and even to the tremendous powers she had awakened. She was simply a bastion of good fortune from whatever angle you'd see her from.

But…

I can still remember that day back in our home when she turned her back on all that our family offered and instead dived into a new world with nothing but her newly awakened powers.

"Did it feel…difficult to leave?" I asked after a while. "To know that the only thing you could rely on was yourself?"

Nee-san's gaze remained fixed on the shimmering skyline, her expression unreadable for a few moments. Then, a faint chuckle escaped her lips, though it carried none of her usual playfulness. It was a softer sound, tinged with something I couldn't quite place—regret, perhaps, or maybe nostalgia.

"Difficult?" She echoed, her voice thoughtful. "Yes and no."

Her answer hung in the air, leaving me with more questions than answers, but I waited for her to continue. Nee-san always had a way of circling around the truth, drawing out conversations like an intricate game of chess where every move was deliberate. If there was anything I'd learned over the years, it was patience—especially with her.

"It was difficult in the sense that... it wasn't supposed to happen," She finally said, her voice dropping to a quieter tone as she crossed her arms. "I didn't plan to leave the family. I didn't even know I had a choice until I awakened my powers. Until then, I was just like you, Yukino. I played the role, followed the expectations, and did everything Mother and Father wanted. I was good at it, too."

Exceptional, you mean. There was no end to the praises she received when she was still under our parent's thumb.

Her gaze shifted to meet mine, and I saw something… indescribable in her eyes. "But when I awakened, everything changed. Suddenly, I had this... escape route, this path that no one else could dictate for me. The powers gave me a freedom I hadn't known existed." A smile danced on her lips, stepping into a delicate ballad of nostalgia and glee.

"But with that freedom came its own burdens," Nee-san continued, her smile fading into something more bittersweet. "I had to prove myself. I had to build something from nothing and make sure that I wasn't just running away from the Yukinoshita name but that I was running towards something better. Something I could call my own."

I stared at her, my thoughts swirling as I tried to process everything she was saying. It all sounded so… familiar to me. I've always tried to prove to my mother that I was more than a spare that she could overlook. That I had my dreams, my ideals.

The idea of escaping, of carving out a life that didn't revolve around the expectations of our family. That was foreign to me. I had never known that kind of freedom. Every decision I made felt like it was scrutinized under the weight of tradition and legacy. Even the air I breathed was heavy with the Yukinoshita name.

"But you did it," I said quietly, a note of envy creeping into my voice despite myself. "You built your own life. You're not tied down like I am."

Nee-san didn't respond immediately. Instead, she turned back to the window, her eyes once again focused on the city's lights twinkling below. Her reflection in the glass seemed almost ghostly, like a shadow of her former self—the Yukinoshita Haruno I remembered from before she left. The Yukinoshita Haruno of my past, a perfect daughter and heir to a family of great prestige, who was raised almost like a princess. A playful sister who kept meddling in my affairs.

"Everything has a price, Yukino." Her eyes didn't leave the window pane, seemingly focused on her own reflection. "Even freedom."

…what price must I pay for my freedom?

Unbidden, a voice began to bubble out from inside the deepest corners of my mind. A voice I've kept away. It whispered insidiously, crawling from the depths of my thoughts like a shadow:

She can save you.

My gut curled from the thought, eyes turning away from my sister in shame.

The idea was as tempting as it was terrifying. If anyone could stand against my parents, Goto Ryuji, and the insurmountable expectations that weighed on me, it was my sister.

Twice now, she openly defied my parents and Goto. Was it for my sake, or was it for hers? I don't know, but both times, she stood fearlessly, and both times, Goto relented.

Just ask her. The traitorous voice whispered again, as alluring as before. She can make it all go away.

She was Yukinoshita Haruno, beloved Guild Master of Yuki-Ryoshi, the woman who took Japan by storm and enthralled them by establishing the most beloved Guild in the history of our country.

And most of all, an outstanding S-Rank Hunter.

My sister was now a seasoned warrior with significant accomplishments, strong enough to kill enemies most of the world couldn't fight.

Powerful enough to stand toe to toe against Japan's Strongest.

…No, I can't.

What right do I have to ask her about this when I offer nothing in return? Why would she risk all she's built for a sister who's a specter of her past? Her Guild, her power, and her reputation, all of that would be in jeopardy because I ran to her with a burden that I should bear. She broke past our parents' suffocating grip successfully, so why would she ever take a risk for me?

What's more…

What right do I have to start a war?

Because that's what it would come to.

Goto Ryuji would not take so kindly to my sister's more prominent defiance. I saw in his eyes that he was holding back, that he was entertaining her. Their verbal spat was an enjoyment that he partook in simply because Nee-san had not yet stepped foot out of the line in the sand that they drew.

But stopping this marriage would be different. It was a clear sign that she was stopping him from gaining more power, and he would finally have an excuse to start a fight against her.

I knew deep down that he wouldn't stop until he crushed her. That would mean using all that he had—his Guild, his power, his influence—to finally put an end to the woman who's defied him for so long. His pride would settle for no less. I've seen it from the way he talks.

It would be a disaster.

Two of the most powerful guilds in Japan embroiled in a war could ruin it, all for the sake of a girl who couldn't solve her own problem.

No, I tell myself more firmly than before. Nee-san can not be the solution to my problem.

…but what else can I do?

"Yukino." My sister's voice brought me out of my thoughts once again, grounding me back to our present. I bring my attention back to her, finding her smiling at me quietly. "Don't you have something you want to ask me?" Her tone was light, but beneath was an unspoken question. Her purple eyes cut into mine, knowing and waiting.

…did it show on my face, the desperate request that I wanted to ask of her? That I wanted her to risk everything just for my sake? Was she…waiting for me to ask?

…would it truly be so bad?

My lips parted to speak, to voice my unbridled wish.

Maybe…maybe I can—

With a herculean effort, I closed my traitorous mouth and bit my lip to keep the disastrous words from coming out. My sister stood there silently, staring at me patiently as I fought with my desire to seek her help.

No, no! I will not be the reason that my sister goes to war.

So I held it in. I suppressed that selfish desire deep within me, covering it with a mountain of logical reasons and, undoubtedly, an egotistical sense of pride.

I am not so weak that I can't find my own way out!

So, with no word escaping my lips, there was only silence between us. It stretched on for what felt like forever as I steadfastly kept my lips shut and my dangerous thoughts to myself. Over and over again, I repeated all the reasons I should not ask for her help. All the while, Nee-san waited for me.

And then, finally, Nee-san broke the silence, sighing as she spoke.

"As stubborn as ever, hmm?" Despite her words, Nee-san had a smile on her face, one that radiated fondness.

I found myself returning it. "Perhaps it runs in the family?" I said dryly, my voice a bit raspy.

Nee-san smiled at me, shaking her head in mild amusement. She stepped closer and, with a gentle tug on my hand, said, "Come on." Her eyes flicked to the dress I was wearing. "Wouldn't you like something a little less…stuffy?"

I hesitated for a moment, glancing down at the formal gown that seemed to cling to me like the weight of my predicament. "If you don't mind."

Nee-san's smile widened ever so slightly as she led me up the sleek staircase, her hand wrapped gently around mine.

I stared at it for a bit and couldn't help but smile.

x x x

The city at night was a mesmerizing sight, with the neon lights casting a colorful glow on the wet pavement. The sound of distant traffic echoed through the empty streets as I walked, my footsteps tapping lightly on the sidewalk. The air was crisp and cool, carrying a hint of rain from earlier in the evening. Tall buildings loomed overhead, their dark shapes reaching up toward the star-speckled sky.

The occasional flicker of a street lamp illuminated the path ahead, casting long shadows that danced along the walls.

I passed by closed storefronts and cafes, their windows reflecting the shimmering city lights. A lone cat darted across the street, disappearing into the darkness with a flick of its tail. As I walked, I couldn't help but feel a sense of solitude in the quiet cityscape.

After splitting up with Miura, I told Riko to go home to prepare today's dinner. I knew this would further upset Komachi, but something important suddenly came up. Hopefully, the gift I got her could soften the blowback from skipping out on my punishment.

[Osaki: Can we talk tonight? It's important.]

Out of the blue, Osaki suddenly messaged me.

Normally, I would have dismissed a text like this if it would have come from anyone else. But Osaki was anything but that. We weren't friends or anything like that, but we shared a bond forged in the crucible of danger and survival, something quite a bit more complex.

Osaki and her group, along with Nakano and me, have gone through a perilous ordeal. We faced a Red Gate, a place where we all could have gotten killed were it not for my broken abilities. We survived because we fought alongside each other. Sure, I did most of the heavy lifting, but I wasn't blinded enough by my ego to not know I would have certainly died without their timely interventions. Something like that forms a camaraderie of sorts, a solidarity with each other from getting through something horrible.

I rubbed the back of my head and watched the signal light turn white. With the go-ahead, I crossed the street and continued on my way toward the location where Osaki and I had agreed to meet. After several more minutes of walking through the silent, dark streets of Japan, I headed toward Tokyo Bay.

I came to a stop on the long stretch of sand on the Oceanside. The pleasant, cool, salty air from the rolling waters filled my lungs as I stepped onto the grainy sand towards where I felt the familiar source of mana. The sand crunched under my feet as I finally approached Osaki, who was warmly dressed to protect herself from the chills of the night. Her expression was melancholic but also at peace.

Without saying a word, I stepped beside her and joined her in watching the sea. The city on the other side of the bay sparkled beautifully through the darkness of the night. Only the sounds of splashing waves filled the silence between us.

It was comfortable. I didn't mind it.

"I'm retiring."

"…I see."

I watched as she nodded with a sad smile. There were some dark bags under her tired eyes from several sleepless nights as she looked at me with a warm smile. Her shoulders were slumped, and her hands fidgeted with the hem of her coat, betraying her inner turmoil.

"Yeah. I tried entering a Gate a while back, after, well, you know…" Osaki said with a grimace. I nodded. "It was easy putting on my gear and holding my spear in hand. But when it came to walking through the Gate, I… froze. My body refused to listen to my mind and remained in place."

Osaki chuckled darkly and pointed over at a nearby bench. Without a word, we walked over to it and sat down. After getting comfortable, she continued. "I didn't even know I was hyperventilating and shaking until Sumida slapped me on my back. When I came back to my senses, I was somehow on my knees. Heh, I didn't even fight the tougher bosses there, and I'm acting like this. I'm pathetic, aren't I?"

"No," I said softly. "You're not pathetic. What happened in there was something no one could have been prepared for. We did the best we could, and because of you, several of your people made it out alive."

Osaki smiled and shook her head, her tired eyes looking back at the sea.

"No. We only survived because of you. If you weren't there, we'd all would have died. That's an undeniable fact."

I wanted to disagree and argue against that. But I couldn't. She was right, and there wasn't anything I could say to prove her otherwise. I frowned and turned away from her. My eyes locked on the sandy beach. My silence caused her to smile wider.

"I was supposed to be the leader that day. My duty was to protect my people and lead us to safety. I know that I had no control over a Red Gate, but in the end, my weakness ended up costing several lives. I… don't think I'll ever forgive myself for that." Osaki whispered. Her hands clenched her winter coat tightly. "I'm done. I can't be a Hunter anymore."

"Osaki…"

"It's okay, Hikigaya. Really." Osaki said with a sad, forced smile. "I'll go back to being an engineer and find a way to help society in a different way. It's about time I get some use out of that degree."

I didn't know what to say to that. So, instead, I remained silent. Was I supposed to encourage her to continue being a Hunter? How could I possibly do that when she was so clearly traumatized by what happened in the Red Gate? It'd be cruel of me to try and convince her that her fear will pass and that things will get better. I had no guarantee of that.

"…are you sure?" I asked, my tone respectful and understanding of the weight of her decision. There was mutual respect between us, a recognition of the courage it took to make such a choice.

"Yes. I think so." Osaki nodded, her body leaning back on the bench. I stare at her for a moment, taking in the sight of her now and remembering the first time I saw her, back in that C-Rank Gate.

She looked so vibrant back then. Osaki commanded the attention of her group with a dignified sort of exuberance, and they listened to her, trusting her words and experience. She looked so dependable, as if she knew exactly what she was doing. From the way she fought, I could tell she had gone through many battles before, and that gave her confidence and assurance. It was why she was the leader.

Now… I can see the defeat in her poise, the sag in her shoulder, and the quiet resignation in her eyes. The difference was so jarring I couldn't help but feel bad for her. It's like the ordeal with the Red Gate overwrote all that she's gone through before.

"At least you got that degree to fall back on, right?" I said, trying to inject some positivity in my voice, even with how awkward it sounded. I didn't know if what I told her would be of any comfort, but it felt wrong not to try and reassure her. "Which college did you attend anyway?

"Tokyo U," Osaki answered with a wistful smile. "Got an engineering degree there before...you know." She waved her hand absentmindedly as if gesturing about her situation.

"Wait, you got an engineering degree from Tokyo University?" I blinked, feeling a bit curious now. "Why'd you take up being a Hunter, then? Don't engineering graduates from that place get jobs with good pay?" Japan was known to be a leader in technological advancements. Surely, she'd have been sought after, and it would have been easy to live a cushy life away from the dungeon's horrors.

What I said made Osaki look at me like I grew another head before she bursted out into laughter.

"Oi! What's so funny?" I exclaimed indignantly. I was trying to make her feel better, but I didn't want that to come at my expense.

She just kept laughing, though, hands on her stomach and tears of amusement at the edges of her eyes.

I'm not a clown, woman!

"Haha..." Osaki's laughter trickled to a slow stop, a finger wiping a tear from her eyes. "Man, I needed that." She grinned at me, "Thanks, Hikigaya."

"Glad to be of service." I scowled at her, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

Osaki kept grinning at me, her eyes still a bit shiny from her tears. Then I noticed that she peered more closely at my face, the grin slowly fading into a more nostalgic smile.

"What?" I said, eyebrows pinching together. "Something on my face?"

"No, it's just… I forgot how young you are, Hikigaya." Osaki admitted, eyes thoughtful.

"You're not that much older." I raised my eyebrow at her. Unless, of course, she was older than she looked, which I doubted.

"Aww, thanks." She dramatically put a hand on her impressive chest as if my comment really touched her. "You're quite the charmer when you don't try." She grinned at me teasingly.

"Oh, please." I sighed and looked away, leaning back against the bench.

Osaki turned her gaze back to the waves, her grin fading as she pondered her next words. "You know, being an engineer isn't going to be as great as you might think. The corporate world can be suffocating in its own way. I'll be stuck behind a desk, following orders and hitting deadlines, just like my dad." She pursed her lips a bit at that. "He spent his whole life buried in work, trying to climb the corporate ladder, but I hardly ever saw him. It wasn't worth it."

I listened intently, feeling a tightness in my chest. "I get that. But it's still a paycheck, right? A stable life?"

She shook her head, her expression serious. "It's not just about that. When I awakened as a Hunter, I thought it was my escape route. I didn't want to end up like him." I saw her jaw clench a bit. "A corporate slave trapped in the nine-to-five grind."

I could feel the weight of her words pressing down on me, stirring up memories I had long tried to bury. Before they died, my parents had been dedicated workers, too, and I often called them corporate slaves when I was younger—my naive way of rebelling against their strict schedules and the lack of time they spent with us. Now, that label felt like a betrayal. They sacrificed so much, and they worked hard to provide for my sister and me. The guilt churned in my stomach.

"It might seem like that, but you and I know this life is dangerous," I said quietly, my gaze drifting to the rolling waves. The memories of my experiences as an E-Rank flooded back. Each encounter was a reminder of the deadly path I'd chosen. "I'm a high school dropout, so it's better than the other options I got."

A bitter smile tugged at my lips as I recalled the moment I awakened a year ago, that rush of relief coursing through me like a lifeline. I had moved from job to job, just trying to keep me and Komachi afloat. Getting a hunter job was the best option at the time—the one that would get us enough money to keep us together.

"I would have preferred knowing that I had another option, but not having a degree like yours didn't leave me much choice." I continued, clenching my hands. And what was worse, I was just an E-Rank back then, so while the pay-off was better, each time that I entered the dungeon felt like my last. I was so weak that I could barely fight goblins to get their essence stones.

It was different now, but I can't ever forget that year of struggle.

"Didn't you feel… hesitant at all?" I asked as I turned to her, finding her watching me, listening closely. Starting as a C-Rank was a hell of a lot better than starting as an E-Rank, but it still made me curious how someone with better opportunities felt when they began their journey into the dangers of Gates.

Osaki looked at me for a while before speaking again, her expression contemplative. "I guess I did feel a bit reluctant before I started," she said, turning away from me and up to the dark sky. Her face took on a nostalgic look, her eyes staring ahead, lost in thought. "I had never fought a single battle in my life before all this," she explained. "I gained powers, but what did I know about using them?" She shrugged. "That's why I trained a lot before I ever set foot inside a dungeon and even more after that. It certainly helped, and it got me some attention." A fond smile appeared on her face, breaking through her somberness. "That's how I met my comrades."

"You guys go way back?" I asked, genuinely curious. They always deferred to her back when I first met them, so I was intrigued by how far back they actually knew each other.

"Yeah… I'm lucky I met some honest people along the way." Then, a wry grin appeared on her face. "'Cept for Azuma, the little shit."

That name was somewhat familiar. "Oh, the guy who got up in the cave," I remembered who she was talking about now; he was one of the people who got poisoned, but he still fought through the pain to apologize for talking behind my back. Remembering that made me uncomfortable even now because all the effort he made just to say sorry to me might have cost him his life.

"Mmhm." She gave me a knowing look. "He's always been a hot head with a loose mouth. Got us in trouble plenty of times." She chuckled. "At first, we only tolerated him because he was really good with money. So, I placed him in charge of managing the financial side of our run for a Guild License. Over time, Azuma mellowed out and even ended up being one of my most loyal friends." She shook her head slightly with a smirk. "Hah, that guy probably did some shady stuff to get us our funding, but he pulled through when we needed him."

"I guess he did have that sort of vibe," I said humorously, remembering how that guy looked like a shady loan shark you find in some dark alley.

"Heh," Osaki smirked before turning away and looking back to the bay. "All my comrades are good people. They made this gig... fun. Warm, even. We were a community who looked out for each other." She smiled. "I felt like I belonged…like I found people that I could trust no matter what." She sighed heavily before turning back to me.

"If you ever have people like that, Hikigaya, cherish them. You never know when they'll be gone."

I saw pain in her eyes, and it stopped me from saying anything in reply. She smiled sadly and turned to watch the waves of the bay.

I decided that saying anything would have felt wrong, so I kept my mouth shut and stayed with her for a while, in solidarity with her pain and for her lost comrades.

After a few more seconds of silence, she turned her attention back to me, and then a sly grin started forming on her face. "You know, if I ever find the strength to be a Hunter again, I can always party up with you, Mr. Japan's most talked about Hunter."

"Ah. You heard about that." I said while looking away, slightly embarrassed. "Tch. That damn Chairman can't keep his mouth shut."

Osaki laughed at my comment and patted my shoulder. Her laugh was infectious, and I soon found myself chuckling beside her. "Hah… you know something, Hikigaya? I have a feeling you might change the future."

"Huh?" That was my intelligent response. "What do you mean?"

"I'm not completely sure. It's just a feeling." Osaki said as she leaned into my shoulder, her head resting in the crook of my neck. This caused my cheeks to warm up slightly. Whoa, there! So close! Ah, she smells nice. "Heh, I'm sure once you make your debut, you'll have your hands full with several Guild proposals."

"Don't joke like that." I shivered as a frown marred my face. "I don't need that kind of attention."

I definitely didn't need several different Guild Masters bothering or badgering me to join them. I had my hands full as it was.

Osaki giggled as we looked at the far-off city lights. Slowly, she removed herself from my side and turned to me with a purposeful, shy look. "Hey, Hikigaya? If I… asked you to join my Guild again, would you have accepted?"

"That depends," I said, going along with the act. "I'd need weekends off and my own office full of Max coffee. Guarantee me that, and we can talk."

"Hmm, so stingy."

"I'm a man with particular tastes."

Osaki smiled in amusement and stood up. Seeing that, I stood as well.

"I think I stole enough of your time," Osaki said as she walked to me and pulled me into a hug. "Thank you for coming and listening to me."

I was momentarily surprised by the hug. Slowly, I brought up my arms and hugged her back.

"…it was nothing."

Chuckling, Osaki let me go and slid her hands into her jacket pockets. "Don't be a stranger. Okay?"

"Yeah," I said with a small smile. "Goodnight, Osaki."

"Goodnight, Hikigaya."

I remained in my spot while I watched as Osaki walked away from the beach and disappeared into the far-off parking lot behind us. I felt a tinge of sadness seeing her go. She was going back to the life she felt like she freed herself from, but I felt better knowing she'd be safer.

I turned around to gaze at the sea's rolling waves once more, and then I began heading home. As I walked, I thought back to what Osaki had said about how being a Hunter became a way to escape the mundane life.

I could understand that somewhat.

Being stuck in routine over and over again, doing things you didn't really want to do, just to keep eating and paying bills, was a feeling of entrapment.

In contrast, Hunters had more freedom. They hunted monsters, earned higher pay, and experienced more excitement despite the extreme danger. I vividly recall that danger from my days as an E-Rank.

I sighed and scratched my head as I contemplated the consequences of being revealed as an S-Rank. The attention it would bring felt like a trap; people would want me for my strength, but they would also want to use me for it.

It almost felt like it wouldn't be worth it, but it came with the benefit of accessing opportunities that would bring in more profit. Honestly, that's one of the main reasons why I'm doing this. I need to earn money so I can keep Komachi and me together while also providing us with a comfortable enough life.

With my apartment in sight, I wondered how upset Komachi would be due to me shirking my cooking responsibilities tonight.

If the pillow that was thrown at my face as soon as I stepped inside my apartment was any indication, I'd say she was a little miffed.

x x x

– Yukino –

I perhaps took a bit more time than necessary in my sister's shower.

The events that happened tonight affected me more than I realized, and the hot shower of water allowed me to feel like I had cleansed all of the troubles I had experienced down the shower drain.

After exiting the shower and drying up, I observed her bathroom again. It was pristine, like something out of a five-star hotel. I couldn't help but marvel at the meticulous care Nee-san took in maintaining everything. I caught sight of the wretched dress on the bathroom floor. After debating whether I should keep it or not, good sense won, and I reluctantly folded it up.

Mother would tear me up if she found out I threw it away.

I then looked at the clothes Nee-san offered me and noticed the blouse was a bit looser around the chest area—a minor but telling difference. I sighed and changed into them anyway, enjoying the unfamiliar comfort of something softer, something more personal. The faint scent of her perfume still lingered on the fabric.

For a moment, I felt oddly connected to her, like slipping into a piece of her world.

Ah…that reminds me.

Had I not promised myself that I'd reconnect with my sister, just as I did my friends? Tonight's events made it nearly slip out of my mind, but my sister's intervention had also given me a good opportunity.

Smiling slightly, I gathered my things in my purse and made my way out of the bathroom.

Her personal bathroom was inside her spacious and luxurious master bedroom, which was stylishly furnished with personalized touches. The room was noticeably empty when I exited the bathroom, indicating that my sister was already downstairs. As I walked towards the bedroom door and opened it, I was greeted by the sight of the rest of the upper floor of her penthouse.

The space was surprisingly cozier than I had expected. It had less polished marble and more warm lighting with softer furnishings. Across from her master bedroom, there was an office room, a small reminder of her double life, with a minimalist design that I was able to peek through with its slightly ajar door. But the rest of the space felt like a sanctuary, removed from the more ostentatious aspects of her life.

As I returned downstairs, the wretched gown folded and tucked under my arm, Nee-san was already in the kitchen, dressed more comfortably herself. She moved deftly as she prepared the tea. It was almost strange, watching her in such a domestic light. Even though her slippers had replaced the imposing heels she wore earlier, her grace and poise remained the same. I marveled at how effortlessly she moved in her space, completely at home and independent.

How long had it taken her to get used to this life?

I moved over to the living area and settled into the comfortable couch. I placed the neatly folded dress on my left and set my purse on top of it. The couch's cushions enveloped me as I tried to find some relaxation. I took a moment to observe my sister, my thoughts wandering as I considered what I should say.

A small cough escaped me, an attempt to clear my throat and catch her attention. "How...how have you been lately?" I asked, hoping my words didn't sound as stiff to her as they did to me.

Her hands paused briefly as she filled two cups with tea, and a curious smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Do you actually want to know?" she teased, her voice resounding with familiar slyness.

I shrugged helplessly. "I'd rather know more about you than dwell on... this." I gestured to the dress folded beside me, the symbol of my current predicament.

It was true. My problem could wait for now. I had the chance to reconnect with her, even after all this trouble. Who knew when I'd get another opportunity?

"Hmm." She made a thoughtful sound, carefully balancing the tea cups on their saucers. "Well, I've been pretty busy, to say the least." With a smile, she placed the cups on the glass table in front of me before sitting next to me by my right, so close that our shoulders almost touched. "Work's been hell, but I manage." She sighed, taking a small sip of her tea. "Just wish someone would stop being such a pest."

I took my cup, letting the warm steam brush my face before taking a sip. The tea was as delicious as I expected—brewed to perfection. I thought back to the dinner, where she and Goto had exchanged those sharp, unrelenting barbs.

"I don't suppose this pest is a…mutual problem we have?" I raised an eyebrow, glancing at her with a knowing look.

Her eyes twinkled with a mix of amusement and exasperation. "You could say that." We shared a smirk, feeling united against a common foe.

From there, the conversation flowed more naturally and centered around lighter topics. We talked about her work, her routines, and her guildmates while I filled her in on school and the mundane aspects of my life.

It felt…nice. To talk with her like this. I don't remember the last time we've ever done this, or if we ever have. Hearing her talk a bit about her life also reminded me of something:

For all of her powers…she was once a civilian with no prior training in killing monsters, and that meant she needed to adjust. Being a Hunter was not a life of glamor.

It was a life filled with blood.

How many monsters had she overcome, and how many dungeons did she have to clear before she adjusted to this life? Did she have anyone to confide in, to talk about any hardships she faced along the way?

Knowing my sister, then that probability was close to none. For all of her social tendencies, my sister kept her heart close to her chest, hidden behind her perfect smile. She'd never tell anyone how she felt, especially because she had an image to keep. All of her struggles, whatever they may be… she'd be all alone in dealing with them, with no one to talk to.

That thought made my heart clench. But I kept it to myself for now, seeing as how we were keeping our talk light, and I'd hate to ruin the mood.

Although, I knew there was one topic we couldn't avoid forever.

"So," Nee-san began, looking like she wasn't about to enjoy what she was about to ask. "How's home?"

"...tolerable," I answered succinctly.

My sister raised a delicately trimmed brow at me.

"...insufferable," I admitted after a moment. "Otousan has been more scrutinizing, as of late."

"I figured." She sighed, pursing her lips. "Anything specific?"

"He's been calling me to his office more, talking to me," I told her. That was an event in my weekly routine that I despised going through. "It always feels like… he's appraising his assets rather than talking to his daughter."

"Ugh, that certainly sounds like Father." She shook her head, her face twisting in disgust. "Couldn't stand that when I was on the other end."

"He's always been like that, then." I let out a breath mirthless chuckle, comforted in knowing that at least I wasn't the only one to suffer through that wretched affair.

"Mmhmm." My sister nodded as she sipped her tea. "I hated that office so much. He always had things that he wanted me to look at for future campaigns." She muttered, perhaps a bit absentmindedly.

"Oh." I blinked at her words, reminding me of something I nearly forgot about. "I did find something like that, I think. Though I don't think he wanted me to see them, specifically." The files that I didn't really notice until my burst of emotion caused me to bump the folder containing them, causing them to fall out.

"Hm?" Nee-san gave me a curious look. "Like what?"

"Well," I started, a bit hesitant. "Back at that dinner with Goto-san, you were eavesdropping when we talked about Jeju, right?" I gave her a knowing look, but she just shrugged.

"Maybe." She smirked at me, pointedly ambiguous. I sent her a dry look but decided to let it go.

"Otou-san had files about all the S-Ranks in Korea when he called me to his office last week," I explained. "I think he might be involving himself with the Jeju Island raid that Goto-san might go for. Maybe he's assessing the allies they'll get if they're allowed to raid the S-Rank Gate?" It would make sense, I suppose, given that Father was marrying me to Goto to promote our name and influence. His would-be son-in-law clearing an S-Rank Gate would have a tremendous effect on his ongoing campaign. I would imagine that he'd want information that would help them execute their plan flawlessly.

Following my explanation, my sister stilled.

"Monday, right?" Nee-san asked after a moment, a calculating expression on her face. "He always calls you up at the start of the week too?"

"Yes," I answered, nodding.

My sister stared at me, seemingly mulling that information in her head. "...I see." She said after a moment, looking away from me. "Well, I suppose father's machinations are something I'm not as privy of as I used to be." She shrugged nonchalantly, thumbing her teacup.

"I suppose." I let out a hum of agreement, understanding that being away from our Father meant she could no longer see what he was up to and, therefore, would have a harder time discerning his actions.

"Anyway." Nee-san set down her tea cup, the quiet clink echoing in the penthouse's otherwise tranquil atmosphere. She crossed her legs and leaned back, her eyes drifting toward the wide window overlooking the Tokyo skyline. "I don't know if you realize this, but this is probably the first time you ever asked me how I'm doing or even talked to me about, well, anything."

She turned her attention back to me, a teasing grin on her face. "It's almost like something good happened despite this whole fiasco." She flashed a look over to the dress. "Did something happen that made you do this?" She urged me, keeping the Cheshire grin firmly on her lips.

"Ah." I felt a flush blossom on my face, staring into my cup of tea. I wasn't sure how to broach this more…personal subject, but in the spirit of the conversation, I suppose I should be a bit forthcoming. "I recently reconnected with my…friends." The word made my heart flutter and my face warmer. I could practically feel Nee-san's grin widen.

"Friends," Nee-san repeated as if testing out the word on her lips. "You mean Gahama-chan and… Hikigaya-kun, yes?"

"Yes." I nodded, taking another sip of tea. "We had a bit of trouble last year." I felt my shoulders sag a bit as I remembered how that year went before putting them out of my mind in favor of recalling more recent memories. "But we all decided to put that behind us and remain friends. They…apologized despite not being the ones at fault."

I put the teacup down on the saucer, leaning back against the couch myself. "It's strange of them to apologize that way." I turned to meet her eyes and found that the teasing twinkle in her eyes was replaced by something more solemn. "But I guess that's just part of what caring for someone means, yes?" I closed my eyes for just a moment, reliving the memories of when I finally got both of them back.

"But even so… I still want to be your friend again!"

"Do you think it's possible… for you and me… to be friends?"

Both of them forgave me so easily. Both of them took a chance to reform what we had.

And it is because of them…that I shall take this chance now.

"I'm sorry, Nee-san," I said as I opened my eyes and gazed intently into hers, hoping to convey my sincerity. I watched her eyes widen just a fraction, and I continued. "Back then, I resented the fact that you left the family. Left me." I swallowed, my throat thick with emotion. "I felt abandoned, and I always harbored these… negative feelings for you."

The scene of her leaving everything, of leaving me, plays out in my head every time we talk, every time we interact. It hurt me more than I realized. And those feelings of hurt colored every action I took with her, every word I said to her. Every time, they leak out in some way, always intending to let her know the hurt I feel despite how much I hold them back.

"But now, I can see that was wrong of me to do," I pushed forward, voicing out the feelings in my heart. "I can't hold your wishes for freedom against you."

I didn't see it before because I held her on a shining pedestal. For all of her talents, for all of the praises she was given, my sister was trapped. She was trapped in a gilded cage made of our parents' expectations, our family's legacy…just like I was right now.

"All of my petty, rotten, and reprehensible feelings… I'm letting them all go," I met her stunned eyes with a determined stare, even as tears began to pool at the edge of my eyes. "Because I don't want us to continue like this. I want us to be close. Like real sisters."

…this was the very root of why I wanted to apologize.

I just… I just wanted my sister back.

Her playful grins, her occasional affectionate touch, even her meddlesome behavior… I wanted that back in my life, no matter how annoying some of her habits may be.

And in turn, I wanted her to know that I'd be there for her, even if it was just to listen to her if she ever needed me to. I couldn't bear the thought of her keeping all the hardships she goes through to herself, not when it all seemed like it could crush anyone else.

Yukinoshita Haruno was exceptional…but Nee-san was still only human.

I don't want her to feel alone anymore.

"I'm sorry, Nee-san," I repeated, bowing my head. "I'm truly sorry for being an inconsiderate little sister."

There was a moment of silence after my apology. My sister stayed nearly still, her eyes gazing deeply into mine. Slowly, almost hesitantly, she reached out to gently touch my face, caressing me with her thumb.

"I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm so sorry, Yukino."

She spoke those words so quietly that had I not been so close to her. Then, I probably wouldn't have heard what she said. And I probably would not have heard that trembling note in her voice.

"There's nothing to forgive," I gave her a smile filled with my genuine emotions, then closed my eyes and leaned into her touch as I felt the tears roll down my eyes.

Unexpectedly, I felt her arms envelop me in a tight embrace. I opened my eyes in surprise, but they softened when I felt the telltale signs of sobs wracking her body, though she made no sound. I returned her embrace slowly, burying my head against her shoulder, and closing my eyes again to luxuriate in her warmth against me.

For what felt like forever, we stayed like that. There were no more words exchanged, just the both of us in each other's arms.

But as with all things, the moment ended.

Nee-san pulled away first, her arms loosening around me with a slight tremble. I blinked, surprised by how tightly she had held on, but what struck me more were the tears glistening in her eyes as she brushed them away with the back of her hand, clearly embarrassed.

She tried to put on a brave face, but I could see her struggling to keep up the composed, confident demeanor she always wore. It was…odd. I had never seen her like this—so vulnerable, so real. I didn't know what to say at first, so I just looked at her wide-eyed.

"N-Nee-san," I started, my voice soft, unsure if I should acknowledge her tears or let her regain her composure on her own.

Deciding instinctively, my hand reached for something I always carried with me now—a special handkerchief, which was neatly folded in my purse. I offered it to her wordlessly, hoping she'd understand. She hesitated for a moment, her gaze lingering on the soft fabric before gently taking and dabbing it at her eyes. The faintest smile appeared on her lips, though it was tinged with something bittersweet.

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice slightly thick from the emotion still lingering in the air. I nodded quietly, watching her as she wiped away the evidence of her vulnerability.

For a brief moment, there was nothing but the quiet hum of the city outside, the soft rustle of fabric, and the warmth between us that, even now, felt fragile and precious.

I glanced at the large window, catching a glimpse of the night stretching out beyond. That's when it hit me—how late it must be. A sudden wave of dread washed over me as I thought about going back home.

Mother will be furious.

"I should…" I began, my voice quieter, tinged with guilt, "I should get going. If they find out I'm still here—"

Nee-san cut me off with a soft laugh, though her eyes still shimmered with traces of her earlier emotion. "Stay," she said simply, but there was a firmness in her tone that left no room for argument.

"Nee-san… is that really—"

"It's just for tonight, I promise." She said, smiling. "I don't think they'll mind that much." She assured me. Then, a challenging smirk appeared on her face. "Do you really think they can say no to me?"

I rummaged through my head, all that would make this a terrible idea. But in the end, as I stared into the determined purple eyes of my sister, I came to a decision that I felt deep in my heart.

"…Okay." I finally let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding, settling back into the couch. My sister's smirk melted into a soft smile, following my example by leaning back onto the couch. Slowly, one of her arms encircled me once again, pulling me closer. I relished in the warmth of her touch and leaned against her shoulder, closing my eyes once again.

For once, just for tonight, I let myself believe it would be alright.

x x x

– Yoshiteru –

The memory of the Hippogriff pulling and eating the intestines of the villager's lost sister still haunted my dreams.

"Is stuff like this normal? Is… death normal? This isn't- this isn't what I expected." I said through gritted teeth as the wet sounds of flesh being ripped apart echoed throughout our surroundings.

"Yes. This is the life of a Hunter. It's not like how advertisements and recruitment videos back home say it is. Death, bloodshed, and pain are the norm. Even here in another world. Having magical abilities or powers doesn't make things better. They make things harder." My comrade, Hachiman, said quietly. "This won't be the last time you will see something like this. You may even die yourself if you're not careful. Knowing this, is this really the life you want to live?"

The life I want to live.

Even after achieving victory over the Hippogriff with Riko by my side, the images of the dead in the ravine flashed in my mind whenever I closed my eyes or slept. Their lifeless heads all turned to me with their soulless eyes as if to ask me why I didn't show up earlier to save them. I knew it was all in my head, but nothing I did stopped the images from plaguing my mind.

"Listen to me, Zaimokuza," Hachiman said as we stopped our trek towards the village of Dirtmill. Riko and Aerisa took notice that we had stopped but continued onward. The reason for our stop was that I asked him a question. "Things won't get easier from here. If anything, they'll get harder. If you continue down this path, you'll encounter more sights like those." His face briefly became haunted, and his eyes somehow grew sharper. Hachiman unconsciously rubbed his palms. "So, no. Things won't get easier... You'll just get numbed at the sight of death..."

"Numbed at the sight of death," I whispered as I looked down at the small clump of rice between my chopsticks. "Is that something I want?"

"Hah? What are you mumbling, Master Swordsman?" Hatano said with an annoyed frown as he picked up some chicken from his own lunch. "Speak up!"

"Hm, everything alright, Zaimokuza?" Sagami asked as he adjusted his glasses and placed his cup of tea on the club room table where we ate. "You're acting... weird. What happened? Did your favorite anime get canceled or something?"

Sagami Shino and Hatano Hinata were both members of the United Gamer Club, or UG Club for short. They also wore glasses like me, making us the three bespectacled musketeers. My relationship with them spanned back to last year during a disagreement of sorts and, from there, spiraled into that of close comradery. I wouldn't call them friends but my comrades on the front lines of gaming competitions. I also regularly ate lunch with them at their club room on the second floor of the special-use building.

"What! One Piece was canceled?!" I coughed into my gloved hand and composed myself. "Uh, no. That didn't happen. I was... remembering a bad dream."

"...that so," Sagami said slowly, his glasses shining in suspicion. "Anyways, how did your training go? It's still hard for us to believe that the fishy-eyed guy from last year is actually a seasoned Hunter. You sure he can actually teach you anything?"

"Yeah, Hikigaya, was it? That guy didn't seem that reliable." Hatano said as he continued to eat. "But I guess that's better than nothing. So, when are you going to finally grow a pair and get yourself evaluated? Or are you still too chickenshit to do it?"

"Ack!" I grabbed my chest at the mention of my old middle school nickname and leaned over the desk. "That name! Damn, you Hatano!"

"Heh."

"Disregarding that, I plan on finally passing the gates to enlist my services to the Association. I plan to do so today after school! Hah-hah!"

"Sure, sure. Didn't you say that last week?" Sagami said.

"And the week before that," Hatano muttered with a bored look.

"Geh! Well, today's the day! Just watch me!"

I'm sure of it! Now that I've got a taste of true battle, stepping into that building no longer feels as harrowing! I have the experience fighting true monsters, surely getting evaluated will be no big deal!

"Yes, yes. Whatever you say, Master Swordsman." Hatana grinned and placed his empty lunch box away. As did Sagami. "Since we're all done with our lunch, let's play some Smash."

"Sure, I'm game."

Soon enough, the three of us lost ourselves in several matches of Smash Bros. As I played, I went through the motions of acting as I always have. But it was all an act. It was a way for me to distract myself by not thinking of the way that monster pulled out that girl's organs. Splattering blood all across the floor-

"Ah! What the hell, Zaimokuza!"

I blinked in confusion and looked down at my hands at the shattered game controller in my hands. Pieces of plastic and inner hardware lay scattered in my lap as I shook my head.

"Hey, Zaimokuza," Hatano said softly, his face shifted in slight worry. "You sure you're alright?"

I don't know.

"Heh! Worry not!" I said as I gathered the broken pieces together and threw them away into the trash. "I am fine! I seem to have forgotten to hold in the strength I inherited from my ancestors! Don't worry, I'll bring a new remote tomorrow!"

Sagami and Hatano glanced at each other and then nodded toward me. It seemed like they wanted to ask me something, but they changed their minds. I was grateful for that. I excused myself and left the clubroom to head home. While walking through the hallways, I stopped by a window and gazed at the sunset. The orange hues of the sun reminded me of the blazing bonfire from the celebration in the village of Dirtmill. My hazy and blurry memories from that night made me blush in embarrassment, and a small smile formed on my face.

Despite witnessing a harrowing sight and sustaining several injuries from the Hippogriff, I was glad to have been able to help defeat all the monsters that had plagued the small village. Thanks to the combined efforts of Hachiman, Aerisa, Riko, and myself, the villagers could now live without fear.

I may encounter more terrible scenes on my journey as a hero. But if enduring them leads to saving future lives and defeating bloodthirsty monsters, then it might be a sacrifice I am willing to make. The grateful and joyful faces of the gathered villagers quickly replaced the images of the deceased in my mind as I continued to watch the sun slowly setting.

"No one said the path to becoming a Hero would be easy," I said, quoting the words spoken by Murata-san himself. "So why should I expect my own path to be any different?"

Nodding to myself, I continued onwards to the main school building and began my way home to prepare for my journey towards the Association.

x x x

It was early morning when Riko and I were doing our usual training routine in the park. The routine mainly consisted of me going through my daily quest exercises, which were extremely easy and felt more like a chore by this point. But Riko's company helped distract me from the monotony of the exercises. We were currently at the tail end of the running portion of the quest. Light sweat marred our faces as we finally came to a stop when the familiar ding from the system's notification filled my ears.

It was at that moment a familiar silver-haired figure in a trenchcoat emerged as Riko and I were resting after a ten-kilometer run. This was no surprise to me because I had felt his familiar mana signature a while back, but what did make me curious was how downcast his expression was. Looking at the Chunni, a large scowl slowly grew on his face.

"... You're calling me something insulting in your mind, right? I can sense it." Despite how depressed he seemed, Zaimokuza still had the energy to glare at me through his glasses.

"I am." I nodded once—no need to be dishonest.

"Bastard." He muttered, but it lacked any real fire. Instead, he sagged, looking about as defeated as he was bloated. It was a weird mix. Even stranger was the fact that he bothered showing up today. I told him to take it easy for a few days after we returned from the other world.

I raised my eyebrow and glanced at Riko, who just shrugged. "Why are you here?"

His head bowed as he muttered something, but it was so incomprehensible that it might have been another one of his lame Chunni incantations.

"Can you speak up? I don't speak 'delusional dumbass' fluently." I said as I leaned in a bit closer.

Zaimokuza's head rose, looking even more miserable if that was possible. "I didn't get my license," he finally admitted, straightening up, jabbing a finger in my direction as if it were my fault. "You said it was easy! You said they'd give it to me on the same day!"

"It is easy. Both Riko and I got our licenses on the same day." I said, gesturing to Riko and me. "What happened to your test?" I asked him, genuinely curious now.

"Geh! The guy at the mana scanning device told me there was an error! That the stupid device couldn't read my mana!" He gnashed his teeth in, clearly frustrated. "He said it's the first time he ever saw that happen!"

"Oh." That was weird. It could have been something to do with his fluctuating mana. I had never heard of the Associations mana reading device not being able to properly read one's mana. This guy truly was a sad case.

He stomped his foot like a child denied a toy. "After finally gathering all my courage to get myself scanned, I get to be the first loser who can't even get a rank!" He wallowed in self-pity.

I shrugged, not knowing what I should say here. "Maybe they just needed to adjust something. Did you try again, at least?"

Zaimokuza froze and quickly looked away. Oh, this dumbass.

"You left right away, didn't you?" I looked at him in disappointment.

Zaimokuza made a noise that was somewhere between a whimper and a grunt. "The humiliation was too great for me to bear! I couldn't stay there a second longer."

"So, you ran away before they could fix or find out what the issue was." I gave him a dry look.

"...yes." He admitted with a small voice.

"Why don't you just go back again, Zaimokuza-san?" Riko decided to chime in. "Maybe it was just a fluke." Ah, what a sweet girl, eh, slime. She was trying to raise this worthless pile of blob's spirits.

"What if I still get the same error though?!" He shook his head at her, clearly distraught. "I don't want to get embarrassed twice!"

"So, in other words, you're chickening out again." I sighed, shaking my head. This guy, seriously.

"I am not! I just need... more time," he said, crossing his arms defensively. Then he gave me a look. The kind of look that tells you you're about to be asked for something utterly ridiculous.

"Take me back to the other world," he pleaded. "Just for a bit. I'm sure more training will stabilize my mana! That's what's wrong, right?!"

I blinked in surprise. "Is that why you came out here today? I told you to take it easy."

"Yes! With my unparalleled deductive skills, I knew you and Riko would be here!" He puffed his chest like he'd just solved the greatest mystery ever.

I glanced at Riko, who gave me a 'he's-your-problem' shrug.

Zaimokuza, entirely ignoring the skepticism on my face, pointed dramatically at me like some overzealous detective in a courtroom drama. "I also deduced you'd be going back soon! And that means I can continue my training with you! It's perfect!"

"Hard pass."

The look on his face was priceless. It was as if I'd just stabbed him in the back with a knife. "You would deny your battle brother?!"

I didn't hold back this time and rolled my eyes at him. "First of all." I began to explain, raising a finger. "We're not battle brothers," I told him firmly, and he drew back as I slapped him. If anything, Riko was his battle brother, err, sister, considering they actually fought side by side.

I ignored that and continued, raising another finger.

"Secondly, that was just a one-time thing, and in case you forgot. Your performance with the boss was clear that you weren't ready for something on that level. What would have happened if Riko wasn't there to save you?" This time, I nodded towards Riko. Zaimokuza, on the other hand, actually made a pained sound akin to a dying animal.

I raised one more finger. "And third," I glared at him for emphasis, "You broke the weapon I loaned you. Do you know how much I could have sold that for?" He withered under my sharpened gaze.

Seriously, that sword was pretty good. It should have lasted for much longer. I can't believe he broke that weapon the same day he got it by overloading it with his mana.

"I told you I didn't mean to do that! It was an accident!" He said, looking more pained. "Shogun's Hand was a dear comrade." He put his hand over his heart as if in mourning.

"You still broke it, you idiot." I reiterate. "Also, it's name was Wolf Bane Fire Sword!"

"It remains Shogun's Hand in my heart!" He argued. This idiot had the gall to stand his ground on this.

"Whatever." I blew out a breath and didn't argue further, knowing how useless it was. "The point is that you broke a high-tier weapon, and I'm not about to waste any more materials so that you can break another one. At least until you get your mana under control, that means you'd have no weapons to fight back with," I firmly told him. "Which means I'm not taking you to the other world, period." I punctuated that last statement by crossing my arms and giving him a hard stare.

"Kuh!" The little shit had the nerve to look like I just punched him in the chest, holding to his heart as he fell to his knees as if in despair. "You wound me so deeply!"

"Seriously, Zaimokuza." I sighed again. "Just go back to the Association to get checked; it might have just been a fluke." Looking at Chuuni's pitiful form, Riko nodded in agreement, her face tinged with sympathy.

Despite this, Zaimokuza continued his overdramatic act, kneeling on the ground like the protagonist in a Shakespearean tragedy. "How can fate be so cruel to a warrior such as I? To deny me my rightful place among the Hunters, while others... others..." He let out a long, exaggerated sigh before finally muttering, "Even that damned blonde Riajuu got his license yesterday."

Wait. Hold up.

Damned Blonde Riajuu?

"Are you talking about Hayama?" I blinked. No way…

Who else from our school was going to awaken?!

"Yes." Zaimokuza nodded despondently before getting up from the ground with a huff. "Our hated enemy, the blonde Prince of Sobu, was in line ahead of me." Zaimokuza crossed his arms, gnashing his teeth in obvious jealousy. "He came out getting announced as an A-Rank, while I couldn't even get a result!" He lamented before muttering curses, but I ignored him as my mind began to whirl. "Just remembering all those recruiters flock to him makes me mad!"

So Hayama's an A-Rank Hunter.

Is this part of why he's been so standoff-ish to Miura recently? No, knowing him, there is probably more to the story.

"Hey," I called for Zaimokuza's attention. He stopped muttering and looked at me curiously. "Tell me more about what happened."

Looks like Miura might get some answers after all.

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A/N:

Thank you for reading today's chapter,

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