In a world dominated by five legendary dragons—mystical creatures wielding powers far beyond human reach—each day passes for the survivors, those who endure amidst the lingering ruins.
The remnants of the old world are scavenged, each piece valued, whether it's to stave off hunger or to defend against a world that grows more perilous by the day.
From fragments of strange species to mysterious artifacts created or brought forth by the dragons themselves, survivors gather whatever they can. These items may be traded for currency or goods, or even repurposed into something new and useful.
Although life has become far more challenging and sorrowful than in times past, it endures. Life endures, even in the darkest of times. Yet, at times, desperation pushes survivors to turn on one another, leading to bitter struggles and theft.
"Moco-chan! Moco-chan! Look what I found!" Fuwawa exclaimed excitedly, holding up her discovery.
"What is that? Uh... a strange-looking animal scale?" Mococo wondered, inspecting it curiously.
"Hold on, you two," Shishiro Botan interjected with a grin. "I'm going to use that as a target. Here, play around with these instead."
Located about 500 meters east of Modest Restaurant, three animal-eared girls were busy with their own activities. There were the Lioness and the Twins, passing the time in a world with little entertainment.
The first was the Lioness Shishiro Botan, she's in the middle of practicing her skills now that her injuries had fully healed. Lying around and staring at the same ceiling wasn't exactly good for her mood or her abilities as a gunslinger.
As for the Twins, Fuwawa and Mococo, they're simply there to watch, curious about what Shishiro Botan was planning to do with her bag full of various items. At times, they also provided assistance.
"Hmmm… No presence detected around that area. The silencer's properly attached. Everything's clear for the test shot. Hopefully, my finger's not rusty," Shishiro Botan murmured to herself, adjusting her gun.
"We could!" Fuwawa and Mococo chimed in eagerly.
After distancing herself from the others and ensuring the makeshift shooting targets were set at every point she needed, the Lioness took her stance. She aimed, and then—without hesitation—felt the powerful recoil from the many barrels of her beloved guns.
From small-caliber pistols to the largest assault rifle she had, it seemed her skills hadn't deteriorated at all. Her shots always found their mark, even when the target was as small as a scale tossed into the air.
The Lioness never missed.
"100 out of 100! That's awesome… you didn't miss a single one!" Mococo exclaimed in awe.
"Well, they're just target practice," Shishiro Botan replied casually. "There are plenty of creatures that can move much faster than the scale I threw. Not to mention, some are immune to bullets."
"Still, it was amazing! Now I see why you were able to save us from those kidnappers," Fuwawa added, her voice full of admiration. With her younger sister at her side, they both ran toward the Lioness, their movements playful and eager, like a pair of excited puppies.
"You're exaggerating, I was able to save you, not just because of my skills. There are these guys who always help me out." She shifted her gaze to her firearms, her voice softening. "And maybe... a bit of luck, too, from knowing people who've really had my back."
"Just like that restaurant owner?" Fuwawa asked, tilting her head.
"Pops, of course," Shishiro Botan replied with a smile.
"He's helped me countless times, and now, I owe him quite a bit again. Not that I can't pay him, though," she added with a sigh. "Sigh, but I just hope he's merciful enough not to demand payment every time I use the shower at his shop."
As she packed up from her target practice, the Lioness asked the twin sisters for help in collecting the spent bullet casings scattered around. "These will be very useful metal," she explained. "In case someone needs them to recycle."
The three of them then continued their conversation, especially as they observed the cityscape around them. It was once described to them as a very modern world, but now, it seemed a shadow of its former self.
Wherever the twins had come from, it was clear they were unfamiliar with many terms that Shishiro Botan used. From their confused expressions, it seemed that words like "mall" or "bullet train" didn't exist in their world.
"This place used to be part of the Ginza shopping district," Shishiro Botan explained. "There're plenty of places with fancy lights and clean, grand spaces, some even much bigger than Pops' shop. It's where people roamed around, but now... as you two can see."
There're only the three of them around there.
"Then how big was it?"「Mococo」
Looking toward the broken buildings, which resembled scattered Legos or had their upper halves missing, now reduced to ruins, Shishiro Botan tried to imagine a fitting answer. "Very big," but she then gave up, finding it too troublesome to picture.
Since it was only 500 meters away, it didn't take long for them to return to Modest Restaurant. It only took them about ten to twelve minutes, though the journey could have been faster if Fuwawa and Mococo hadn't kept stopping to inspect the small rocks by the roadside.
As they arrived at the front yard of the Modest Restaurant, the twins eagerly prepared to dash toward the entrance. To them, this place had practically become their territory, and they never hesitated to stride in like they owned it.
But just before their hands reached the door handle, Shishiro Botan stopped them, holding up a hand. Her instincts had already alerted her—there were other people inside.
"Wait, customer inside."「Shishiro Botan」
"Got it! Low energy mode!" Mococo whispered.
"We'll tone it down, just like the owner asked!" Fuwawa added with a grin.
With their preparations complete, the three of them carefully opened the restaurant's front door. Instantly, the familiar aroma of rich broth and boiling noodles filled the air, blending perfectly with the calm, understated atmosphere of the Modest Restaurant.
However, when they glanced toward the counter, they noticed a group of unfamiliar faces. A small group of teenagers—three young men and two young women—stood by, accompanied by a little girl.
Judging by their clothing and gear, they seemed to be Survivors, possibly Scavengers—similar to what Shishiro Botan herself once was.
The term Survivors referred to humans who had endured the calamity brought on by the dragons, while Scavengers described those who continued by scavenging anything useful and trading it to a Collector.
As it happened, the Old Man at the counter was also one such Collector... probably.
"(whisper) So you know these guys?"「Fuwawa」
"(whisper) They're not bad people, right?"「Mococo」
"(whisper) Who knows, but I think... they're missing two familiar faces, and that girl with the chainsaw—I've seen her somewhere. They're not bad people, just doing whatever they can to survive."「Shishiro Botan」
"Ohhh…" Fuwawa and Mococo murmured in unison.
Thereby unlike the Lioness or the Twin, these five were pure humans, without any modifications or mutations. Judging by their facial features and hairstyles, some of them appeared to be Japanese teenagers, while others seemed to be of European descent.
And after glancing on each of them, the Lioness turned her attention to the old man behind the counter. She noticed he was engaged in a transaction with the group.
"Hi-breeds... especially three of them," one of the teenage girls muttered under her breath as she watched the group enter the restaurant. "Are we done here?" she added, her voice laced with impatience.
They seemed eager to leave, likely aware of the three Hi-breeds in the room.
"Rations for five people for two weeks, plus a conversion of 500,000 yen. The transaction is complete. Safe travels, and we hope to see you again. Oh! And one small candy for the little one," The Old Man smiled as he handed a lollipop to the blonde-haired girl.
After handing a chocolate candy to the youngest among the group, the Old Man then guided the group toward the exit. It was just a small courtesy, a way to avoid any potential conflict between his two sets of customers.
"(whispering) Chocolate..." Fuwawa and Mococo murmured in unison.
"!!!" The blonde girl's eyes widened in surprise.
"(whispering) Gimme chocolate..." Fuwawa and Mococo repeated eagerly.
"!!??" The girl blinked in confusion.
Aaand just as he had suspected, tension arose when the group of teenagers crossed paths with Shishiro Botan and the twin girls. However, thanks to his "Fist of Love," the situation didn't escalate further.
The teenage group left quietly, the moment passing without incident.
But now it's another time for discipline.
"What did I say about behaving?" The Old Man asked, his voice firm.
"Sorry..."「Fuwawa and Mococo」
As they rubbed their heads where the discipline tap had landed, the twins reflected on their behavior. But after a moment, the Old Man softened and forgave them. He's not one to keep being angry with such little trouble-maker.
"Maybe it's not chocolate, but... I've got some donuts. Just remember, be mindful of your manners when there are strangers here, alright? Don't let me caught either of you at it again."「The Old Man」
"Donuts!? Alright, we got it, boss!" Mococo grinned.
"Super got it!" Fuwawa echoed enthusiastically.
Once again the Old Man lets out a yare-yare sigh. Amused by their antics, Shishiro Botan stepped forward, taking her turn to speak with the Old Man. He offered her a donut as well, which she accepted with a smile.
"It's rare to see someone still using Yen as currency."「Shishiro Botan」
"Some people are just too stubborn to let go of the past. Who knows where they'll actually use all that money, but I hope it helps them instead of making things harder," the Old Man replied.
"Where did you get that money, anyway? Some kind of secret channel?" asked Shishiro Botan, a hint of suspicion in her voice.
"No... hmm, I don't think robbing a bank counts as a 'secret channel.'"「The Old Man」
His casual confession made her freeze, her face shifting into one of disbelief as if she'd rather not process what she'd just heard.
"...The donut is good," Botan mumbled, suddenly finding her focus on something else entirely. "Ahhh, they're so good! Damn, they're really good," she added, almost as if trying to drown out his words with the sweetness.
They also chatted about the results of her recent training. The Old Man sounded pleased to hear about the Lioness's recovery, while Shishiro Botan mentioned that she planned to leave after staying for four more days.
The news caught them by surprise.
"What? Don't give me that look. I'm not a kid anymore, and I don't want to keep racking up debt with you," Shishiro Botan said with a small smile. "Besides, I've got my own friend waiting, and I can take care of myself. So don't worry, okay?"
"I know, I know. We'll just go back to how things used to be," the Old Man said with a grin. "But just so you know… you're always welcome to come by for some noodles—just as long as you pay, of course."
"Oh, come on! Can't you give me a freebie now and then?" Shishiro Botan laughed, giving the Old Man a friendly pat on the back. A soft crack sounded from his poor bones. "S-Sorry... don't charge me for that."
But something felt off, like something was missing. There should have been another worker here—a maid with green hair and long horns. She was a recent hire by the Old Man.
Normally, she'd be the one handling the front of the restaurant and keeping things tidy, while the Old Man took care of the kitchen and negotiations. But today, there was no sign of her.
Where's the presence of Yjor?
"Hey, where's that brat? I don't see her anywhere..." Mococo muttered, glancing around the corners of the restaurant. Sure enough, their arch-nemesis was nowhere in sight.
"Is she being lazy again?" Fuwawa wondered, clinging to her sister.
"That girl... she's out on a delivery."「The Old Man」
...
....
.....
In this world, society's existence wasn't completely destroyed.
Although Japan, and other countries, had suffered massive devastation caused by the dragons' arrival, the reality was that the survivors from these nations quickly set to work rebuilding what had been lost.
They began with a new system of government, the creation of Safe Zones, shelters, and the formation of various organizations that emerged as people became more aware of the dragons' impact.
Along with the rebuilding, various titles began to emerge: Survivor, Scavenger, Hunter, Adventurer, Collector, Hi-Breed, Streamer, and many others—depending on how people in each region chose to name themselves.
And many more events followed.
However, there were still areas they couldn't restore to their former state. For various reasons, the survivors had to leave these places abandoned or, even more dangerously, marked as forbidden zones.
Not only were those areas too dangerous, but the resources required to restore them weren't worth the cost. Some were infested with dangerous magical creatures, others had treacherous terrain, private ownership, or other complications.
Despite this, Yjor didn't seem to mind at all and continued on her delivery.
"Hmm... someone is talking about me." (Yjor)
Riding her motorcycle, Yjor sped across the barren landscape of one of the restricted areas. Whether it was crumbling stairways, half-collapsed roads, or any other obstacle in her path, the maid skillfully navigated each one, determined to complete her task for the day.
She was, after all, the Courier—carrying out "Modest Delivery."
With the partly cloudy weather, she didn't have to worry much about the heat or blinding sunlight. Still, she couldn't help feeling annoyed by the inconvenience of this particular job.
And then, it wasn't long before she reached her designated location.
"Sigh... why do I have to do this?" Yjor muttered, shifting the metal box in her grasp.
Arriving at a small, still-standing house nearby, reinforced with layers of iron wire and wooden planks covering the windows and doors, the green-haired maid stood out. A metal box, securely strapped to her back, concealed the goods she was about to deliver.
Ready to fulfill another duty as an employee of Modest Restaurant, she knocked on the door, undeterred by the house's desolate appearance.
"Excuse me! Modest Delivery!" she called out, glancing at the heavily barricaded house. "This is the right address, right? If I'm wrong... no, this is the only house that fits the description."
According to her list, this wasn't her first delivery.
Whether to common areas, isolated spots rarely visited by others, or dangerous places crawling with flesh-hungry creatures, Yjor had successfully delivered every order on her list.
She had encountered many types of customers along the way. But this particular one?
She couldn't quite figure out what kind of being they were, especially with a veil hiding their face.
"Sorry for making you wait... uh, Okemi... was it? Ms. Okemi?" Yjor asked, glancing down at her delivery list to confirm the name. She also noticed a small note indicating that Okemi was a "Ms."
"Yes, I'm Okemi... is it my ramen order?"「Okemi」
"Over here, salty one," Yjor said as she opened the lid of the sturdy metal box.
Inside the sturdy metal box she carried were several steaming bowls of ramen, carefully stacked and wrapped to retain their warmth. The Old Man insisted on quality, even for deliveries to remote places like this, and that dedication had become the signature charm of his restaurant.
And this customer was deeply captivated by that charm—Okemi's mouth was practically watering at the sight of the ramen, a line of drool already forming as she reached for a bowl.
Noticing this, Yjor quickly handed her one.
"Oops… I'm sorry, but where's the usual grandpa who delivers these?"「Okemi」
This question wasn't without reason—she'd been a regular customer at the Modest Restaurant for some time now, though even Yjor didn't know exactly how long she'd been a loyal patron.
After inhaling the delicious aroma, Okemi brushed aside a few strands of hair that cascaded down to her legs, still waiting for the maid's response. The maid seemed to hesitate however, as though mulling over what kind of answer to give.
Which then finally, Yjor answered...
"He's... dead." (Yjor)
Those words took a moment to sink in, and at first, Okemi didn't react.
She wanted to believe that what she had just heard was nonsense—empty words. But when she saw the courier lower her head, a subtle sadness in her posture, the reality slowly began to sink in.
Okemi's red eyes, partially obscured by the veil, widened in shock. Her hands trembled, but she managed to keep a firm grip on the precious bowl, narrowly avoiding a culinary disaster.
Noticing her words had made an impact, Yjor stole a glance at the woman's expression beneath the veil. Now, what kind of face will you show me...? she thought. But then Yjor noticed—there's a strange, quiet resignation in her features.
As if deep down, the veiled lady had somehow already anticipated this news.
"Oh… I guess it finally happened. It actually happened, isn't it..."「Okemi」
Now that Yjor was looking more closely, she noticed something peculiar about the veiled lady. Despite her human appearance, there's something undeniably strange protruding from her back.
It was partly hidden beneath her hair.
If Yjor hadn't been looking directly, she might have missed it.
Two jagged, frame-like structures jutted out from Okemi's back, their appearance malevolent, with numerous branches reaching downward. They resembled the skeletal frame of wings, stripped of feathers or any membrane.
But they weren't made of bone.
The material was far too dark, too cold—an unnatural substance that defied any familiar understanding of bone or calcium.
As strange as they were, what made them even more unsettling was the liquid dripping from them. Each droplet fell in a slow, rhythmic cascade, only to evaporate into shimmering particles the moment it touched the floor.
The droplets slipped from the tips of each skeletal branch, falling with a soft, haunting rhythm.
"Nah, just kidding! That old man's as healthy as ever—he's the one who sent me out here with your order today," Yjor said with a smirk, casually fanning her hand. "He's doing great, all good and well. As for me, I'm just working here to pay off a few debts…"
"Or well... that's the 'story,' anyway."
Yjor glanced away for a brief moment, as if concealing something behind her words, before looking back at the veiled lady with a wide smile. She expected nothing more than a chuckle or perhaps a lighthearted scoff—how it usually went with others.
She'd used this line with a few other customers, who'd usually shrugged it off, either amused or indifferent. But Okemi's reaction was anything but indifferent.
It was unmistakably enmity.
A flicker of red and dark crossed Okemi's face as she clutched her ramen. Her mouth and expression turned into colder-than-ice-expression, before she flatly said, "…I don't like you," towards the maid with high disdain.
As Okemi considered doing something to the courier, Yjor caught a glimpse of the skeletal wings twitching, the dark frames shifting subtly, as if responding to Okemi's thoughts.
But just as quickly, the movement stilled. "…No." For reasons unknown, Okemi restrained herself, turning on her heel without waiting for a response. "You're vile... far worse than those dragons."
She retreated into her home, and shut the door firmly behind her. Leaving Yjor standing alone, feeling a faint sting from the insult being called as a stinky and dirty person.
"Hmph, no matter how 'dirty' I look… wait, what is that smell?" she mumbled to herself, sniffing the air. A faint, odd scent of rot lingered, though she was sure it wasn't coming from her. Her uniform still carried the light fragrance of flower cologne, after all.
"No... I didn't step on some shit, did I?" (Yjor)
Yjor glanced down, her brow furrowing as she inspected her boots.
Whatever it is, clearly, this customer wasn't a fan of her humor.
But Yjor still needed one last thing: that ramen bowl. Without it, her task wouldn't be complete.
She cleared her throat and raised her voice, calling out once more, "I need that bowl back! Excuse me—gah!" Her words were cut off as the bowl was suddenly tossed into her hands. She stumbled back, barely catching it in time.
"Go away, and return the usual delivery man."「Okemi」
"HAH?!" (Yjor)
With that, Okemi disappeared inside her house again, leaving Yjor standing there, bewildered. Though annoyance simmered beneath the surface, the girl dressed as a maid knew she had to move on.
Another delivery awaited her.
Still fuming, she turned on her heel and started heading toward her next destination. The sharp click of her shoes echoed her irritation as she maneuvered through the streets, her mind still replaying the encounter.
"How many are left? FOUR!? GODDAMNIT! Let's hurry up and get them done!" Yjor muttered, gritting her teeth. "Modest delivery this, Modest delivery that! Modest my ass?! Don't he got any other name for it?!"
Soon, she reached the vehicle waiting for her—a 125cc electric cross-road motorbike.
It was a gift from the Old Man, meant to make her deliveries easier. The bike had been modified slightly, customized to fit her color palette. That needless attention to detail irked Yjor more than she cared to admit.
"Those Laelaps are getting closer, yet he's still playing in here. Thankfully, I'm here with him, or who else could help? Honestly, Zei doesn't know how to be grateful," Yjor mumbled as she started up her motorbike.
The delivery girl climbed onto the bike and revved it to top speed, kicking up a cloud of dust and exhaust in her wake. No obstacle was a problem, she could maneuver around them, drift through tight spaces, or simply crush them all.
"Playing around with those puppies, chit-chatting with that lion… only I get sent running errands all over the place! So unfair. He's always having fun with them, but with me? It's all flat and serious, hmph!" Yjor muttered, her grip tightening on the handlebars.
But not this time. This obstacle was different.
"Stupid Zei, stupid, idiot, moron, fool!!! Even I want to have some fun too!" she fumed, kicking her bike into an even higher gear.
As she sped forward, a deep, foreboding rumble reverberated through the air, accompanied by a low growl pulsing with raw power. The wind howled, like a creature trapped in a storm, its shrieking wail tearing through the silence—
—an unnatural force that made the hairs on her neck rise.
"Huh?" (Yjor)
The air around her began to shift, twisting and contorting unnaturally.
Something impossibly fast passed just beyond her sight, and with it, the very fabric of the atmosphere seemed to shudder, as if something colossal had torn through its boundaries.
"Showing off? Fine by me. I'm more than ready to knock one prideful bastard down," becoming fired up, Yjor immediately pushed her motorcycle to its max speed.
Going beyond the speed limit, she's not to be outdone by the creature that had just passed her.
———————————————————
Another day within the Modest Restaurant.
It was a bright day, with sunlight streaming into the cozy establishment. Not a speck of dust was visible; every corner sparkled, with tables, chairs, windows, and floors meticulously prepared before opening.
The unique aroma swirling in the restaurant perfectly matched its theme, with ramen as the main dish. The scent of noodles combined with the rich broth could make even the most stubborn hunger to be gaman dekinai.
Adding to the restaurant's charm was the presence of a beautiful and graceful waitress. In a normal world, this place might have thrived. But alas, not a single customer had arrived that morning.
"Looks like no one's coming… I might as well take a quick nap," Yjor sighed.
"Don't take too long."「The Old Man」
"Yayayaya~" Yjor replied with a playful wave.
As mentioned before, it was a perfect day for sunbathing, with the temperature and brightness just right—ideal for reptiles and other cold-blooded creatures to bask in the sun. She intended to savor this moment thoroughly.
So naturally, Yjor, the green-haired, horned maid, wouldn't let the opportunity slip by.
However, the same could be said for her arch-nemesis.
They also wouldn't let this chance slip from their grasp—they were always lurking, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. And right now... they're closing in, creeping from under the table like dark, shadowy puppies, till they emerges on either side of the unsuspecting maid.
"Zzz... zzz..." (Yjor)
"Psst, Moco-chan... look, she's still asleep. It's the perfect time to teach her a lesson! Quick, hand me the bone saw! Where is it?" Fuwawa whispered excitedly, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
"Got it! Bone saw, ready!" Mococo replied, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
"Titanium belt?"「Fuwawa」
"Titanium belt, ready!"「Mococo」
"Bucket of glitters?"「Fuwawa」
"Bucket of glitters, ready!"「Mococo」
With all their tools in hand, they were set to execute their plan. But just as they were about to make their move… Yjor's voice cutting through the tension, and the twin's confidence crumbled in an instant.
"Ready to die?" (Yjor)
"Ready to die ready!—oh shie—"「Mococo」
These days, the five dragons had rarely been seen or causing chaos as usual. While this might sound like good news, the unknown reasons behind their absence were still puzzling.
Usually, when night falls, the Abyss prowls through the dark corners of the earth. And when the rain begins to fall, everyone must be cautious, for it could be Promethium releasing its radioactive vapor into the air.
But lately, the nights have grown livelier. People can step into the dark with fewer nightmares than before. The rain has also become clearer and purer, with water falling from the sky. Even those in barren lands with no water sources can now drink from the rain.
Or if they feel the air vibrating, followed by a sharp whistling sound, they know to watch the back of their heads— as Supersonic could be near. And when a cave suddenly appears, they should remain cautious, for it could be the result of Forge's relentless digging.
But in recent days, the wind has calmed, no longer roaring as it once did. Although there are still many unnatural caves, only a few minerals remain within them.
None of the expedition teams have found any trace of the dragons that used to cause such disruptions. It was as if they've gone, leaving only the Apocalypse who remains still, dwelling in its lair within an ancient castle called Aleppo.
But make no mistake—Apocalypse Dragon is anything but peaceful.
Before settling in its lair, it razed three of the planet's seven great continents to the sea.
"Now to tie you both up like this... and done. Be good little piñatas and keep quiet," the maid smirked, thoroughly enjoying how she'd turned the tables on their little prank. "I'm going to make my escape before that old man shows up."
"Hmmph?! Hpppp!" Mococo puffed out her cheeks in frustration.
"Smmmhhhyyyy! Hhhppp!" Fuwawa, on the other hand, was making muffled protest noises.
However, inside the Modest Restaurant, the others didn't seem too concerned.
They continued their daily routines, as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. The familiar chatter and laughter filled the air, though there were always certain days that felt different from the rest.
For instance, there were the days when they finally had customers, or when Yjor went out for deliveries. There were also the times when the Twins would sneak around, exploring every corner of the Modest Restaurant.
Those days, brief yet never-ending, would continue to unfold alongside them.
One such day had been carefully planned by the Old Man.
After several discussions, he decided to organized a small Environmental Outing for Fuwawa and Mococo. The goal was to help them gain a better understanding of their surroundings, particularly an area near the Ginza district.
"Twins. It's about our next outdoor plan. I'm thinking of some out...ing...—huh? Where are you two?" The Old Man called out, only to soon discover they'd been tied up near the ceiling of the restaurant.
Additionally, the Old Man wanted to reward them for all the help they'd given around the Modest Restaurant, often without needing to be asked. It was a well-deserved reward for two good girls, and they would get to enjoy a little environmental adventure as a result.
Unfortunately, Shishiro Botan, the Lioness, couldn't join in on this activity. Although she had already healed from her injury, her friends were still worried about her, so she had to head home in a vehicle lent by the Old Man.
Fuwawa and Mococo, too, couldn't accompany her, as the Lioness herself needed approval from her companions before agreeing to let a new member join their group.
"An outing? I'm in!" Mococo exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Where Moco-chan goes I'm going too! So where're we going?" Fuwawa chimed in eagerly.
"That's great to see your enthusiasm... but why you two hanging from there?" the Old Man asked, frowning as he carefully lowered the two girls from the ceiling fan spinning lazily above him. "Sigh, that Yjor... hold on and come here."
"Me first! Wheee!" Mococo exclaimed as she landed on the floor with a grin.
"Ready to take off! Aaand... land!" Fuwawa announced, cheerfully touching down beside her.
Setting aside the fact that they looked like piñatas decorated with glitter, the Old Man couldn't help but feel pleased. It was good to see Fuwawa and Mococo doing much better, both physically and mentally.
"Thank you, Grandpa!" they chimed in unison, flashing bright smiles.
"You're welcome, now go clean yourself."「The Old Man」
"Aye aye!" Fuwawa said, giving a little salute.
"Gotten!" Mococo added with her own enthusiastic nod.
Previously, they would always hide behind strangers or stay quiet in the corners of the room. But now, they're beginning to feel more comfortable around others. Even so, the Old Man still had to keep a watchful eye on their behavior.
Because something worse than what happened earlier could very well happen again.
It was all thanks to their dedication to supporting each other. Having your own family member by your own side, really helped you through your own darkest times.
This was something he firmly believed in, something that had always existed, and it had been the force that helped lift Fuwawa and Mococo from their own despair.
Even so, there were others who played a crucial role in their growth and development—whether it was Shishiro Botan, Yjor, or even the Old Man himself. And perhaps there're many others who played that role.
But the support of family could never be replaced.
As he watched them head to the bathroom, the Old Man felt a sense of satisfaction.
Yet, behind the warm look in his eyes, there was a quiet, unspoken emotion—a kind of unkind intent that lingered, as if he were bracing for something to happen. Despite the beauty of the heart he possessed, there would always be a stain within him.
A stain that would forever balance the truth of who he really was.
"...Soon, everything will be over," the Old Man muttered to himself, his voice tinged with a heavy sense of finality. "It'll be over... time for me to vanish from this land."
He paused for a moment, absentmindedly wiping the surface of one of the restaurant's tables—the familiar wood now cold to the touch. Before a sudden sound behind him caught his attention—a soft thud, like something falling.
Yet, he didn't even turn to look on her at all.
"What about Apocalypse?" Yjor's voice cut in suddenly, as she emerged from her hiding spot, her expression half-amused, half-serious. "Sure, he's the strongest, but can he really handle those two Champions? Even if you could call them back to patch up, it'd still be a massacre."
Unfazed, the Old Man simply nodded.
"If he can handle it, then good," he replied calmly. "If not, then that's all he can do. Whether the result is victory or defeat, it will serve its purpose. As long as this planet doesn't fall into their hands, that's the outcome I care about."
Normally, Yjor wasn't one to listen attentively. She didn't have much patience for drawn-out conversations, especially when they didn't align with her interests. Unnecessary yapping wasn't her thing.
But this time, something about his words held her attention.
"Is this about what they've done in the past?" she asked cautiously, her tone less mocking than usual.
The Old Man's gaze seemed to pierce through time itself, his eyes carrying the weight of countless unspoken memories. "Revenge may carry a sweet allure," he began, his voice steady but heavy with resolve, "but an eye for an eye leaves the world shrouded in darkness, blind to any future."
"I shall die, and yell I've roar that I lived gloriously. For a heartless fool like me, that should be enough for the end."「The Old Man」
So this is why. This was the reason she found herself drawn to his words, why she couldn't help but listen. He was a man veiled in enigma, and though he had created her, she knew so little about him.
"Madam Cera will be sad for you," she murmured almost to herself, her voice tinged with rare sorrow.
But when the Old Man heard Yjor's murmured words, his gaze hardened like stone, and his voice cut through the air with a chill that made the room seem colder. Beneath the icy tone, a simmering anger flickered.
"Yjor, is that pity I'm hearing from you? Do what you must, but don't stand in my way, you don't need to support me wholeheartedly… but don't even think about interfering."「The Old Man」
The words struck Yjor like a blow, each one carrying a weight she hadn't anticipated. Her shoulders slumped, and the usual glimmer of mischief in her eyes dulled, replaced by a flicker of fear.
She opened her mouth to respond, but her voice wavered.
All she could manage was a soft, "…I'm sorry."
For a moment, she stayed there, head bowed and fists clenched, as if summoning the strength to hold back tears. She took a step back, careful and almost timid, as if afraid that any sudden action might provoke him further.
For the first time, she looked vulnerable—fragile even.
"...I'm sorry for lashing out on you, but for now... I don't want to hear anything about her," in attempt for a genuine apology, he took another step closer trying to make peace.
But as the Old Man looked at her more closely, he saw something in her expression that stopped him in his tracks. His sharp eyes narrowed as he noticed a subtle tremor in her features. "...Are you... crying?"
Yjor quickly wiped at her eyes, but a few rogue tears slipped through, falling despite her efforts to keep them at bay. The sight of them made her feel weak, as though her usual bravado had been stripped away in an instant.
"…I'm not crying." (Yjor)
Her voice trembled as she whispered, "I do feel sorry, though... but I'm not..." Yjor couldn't bring herself to meet his gaze, her eyes darting to the floor as if avoiding those scary gaze.
"I'll keep helping you, and I won't stand in your way. But I'm also me, the one you and Madam named Yjor. I don't get everything about you, or about her, but... don't yell at me too often," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, yet it carried an uncharacteristic sincerity.
"That's the first time in my life I've felt fear like that," Yjor yet again whispered.
The Old Man let out an exasperated sigh, clearly more puzzled than angry.
"Alright, fine. I get it," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. " But… are you seriously about to cry just because I yelled at you? Then please forgive me. I didn't know your heart was that soft."
Yjor sniffled, hastily wiping away the last of her tears, but a few stubborn droplets still clung to the edges of her lashes. Her voice trembled again as she spoke, "This is also your heart, just so you know. Did you forget?"
The Old Man was silent for a moment, as if contemplating her words.
Then, he gave a small, resigned nod.
"Almost forgot that one."「The Old Man」
"It's really hard for me to explain since I'm not sure either about emotion or stuff... but yeah, don't yell at me too often. I don't want to look pitiful like this either. I'll also make sure to get things done... so... you get it, right? Just treat me like usual." (Yjor)
The Old Man exhaled a long, weary sigh. "Alright. Just... stop crying."
After a few moments, Yjor wiped her eyes, the tears finally ceasing to fall. But as she felt the faintest hint of guilt radiating from the Old Man, a mischievous glint sparked in her eyes. It was a principle of hers—getting back at those who threw things her way.
No matter how small the offense.
"Yeah, thanks..." she purred playfully, letting the words linger in the air before delivering the unexpected blow. "Father."
And there it was again.
The words landed with the force of a lightning strike. The Old Man blinked, his expression flickering from confusion to disbelief, as his mind tried to process the sudden turn in their conversation. "...What? W-what did you...?"
"...Nothing, your fault for not hearing it well. I'm going to other place for a nap." (Yjor)
She hid her smile, feeling a little shy but still carrying that mischievous glint as she turned and walked away, her steps light and unhurried. While the old man was left standing there, stunned and caught in a whirlwind of thoughts, unable to process what had just been said.
Meanwhile at the same time...
Within the same restaurant, two twin girls sat frozen, their wide eyes locked on the scene that had just unfolded. Hiding behind the closed bathroom door, they were caught in the midst of something they shouldn't have heard.
"..."「Fuwawa」
"..."「Mococo」
Both Fuwawa and Mococo shared a quiet, stunned glance, their faces reflecting the unease that had settled in their chests. It was as if they had unknowingly overheard something that was never meant for their ears—a private exchange between the old man and Yjor.
Their minds raced, but neither of them dared to speak.