Base Camp, Tonfa Hot Spring
Truth after truth continued to emerge, peeling away layers of ignorance until what was once unknown became both knowledge and experience.
But this time, the truth came rushing in, just like a body of water filling a glass.
The glass grew fuller with each drop, and soon it threatened to overflow.
Anyone witnessing it would feel the unease, the pressure to act. Should they drink from it, accepting the truth, or discard the water before it spills, rejecting what it represents?
If the water is poured out, it will seep into the ground, continuing its cycle for some time to come—a cycle often referred to as a buried lie or a hidden mistake.
But then, what happens when one drinks too much of that water—too much of the truth?
"Phuaah!? Uyuuu-neee! What do you think you're doing?!" (Hylia)
The body becomes overwhelmed, reaching its limit.
But in her case, it wasn't just the weight of the truth pressing down on her—it was also the unmistakable warmth of the natural hot spring water now filling her stomach.
Her stomach was now filled not only with the weight of her thoughts but also with the warm water from the hot spring. The sensation was strange, almost suffocating.
However, from the perspective of the one who had caused it, she had merely offered a bit of help to the girl. "Your face has been looking miserable for a while now," Hakuryuu teased, noticing Hylia's discomfort.
"Maybe it'll go away if you soak and let it settle for a bit. See? Now you're not just zoning out and thinking about nothing."「Hakuryuu」
"You didn't have to dunk my head in, you know!?" (Hylia)
Hakuryuu raised an eyebrow, her grin widening. "Well, I'm sorry about that. Your head's just so small and... unique, I couldn't resist."
"Don't think you're forgiven just because you called me small and unique!" Hylia shot back, and without giving Hakuryuu a chance to respond, she yanked her toward the water, determined to make that ship girl to experience the same.
At this moment, as nightfall arrived with the moon and stars gracing the sky, the girls were soaking in a hot spring nestled above ground, close to their underground base.
This hot spring had become a favorite spot for them, not only because monsters rarely ventured near it but also due to its naturally relaxing atmosphere, enhanced by its unique properties.
″Tonfa Hot Spring″
Effect:
- Boosts natural recovery rate (Small)
- Provides rejuvenation (Small)
- Offers a blessing (Small)
Thanks to the efforts and curiosity of Deutschland as well, the owner of the Workshop and a skilled artisan, the facility has undergone significant improvements, evolving beyond its original state.
「Tonfa Hot Spring ( Lv. 3)」
Effect:
- Boosts natural recovery rate (Medium)
- Provides rejuvenation (Medium)
- Offers a blessing (Small)
- (New!!!) Monsters ward (Small)
- (New!!!) Disperse negative energy (Small)
Their bodies, wrapped in nothing but small towels, collided with a loud splash, sending water flying in all directions. The warm, steamy air of the hot spring mingled with the sound of their playful struggle as the scent of earthy steam filled the space.
The noise caught the attention of the other ship girls who were soaking in the hot spring.
One of them, Yamashiro, looked up with concern at the ruckus they'd caused, her eyebrows knitting slightly, while others, like Hornet, seemed less bothered, given the calm that had settled over the island after the chaos earlier.
"Now, both of you! Stop making such a scene in the bath!" Yamashiro scolded, her voice sharp as she sat up. Droplets sliding down her arms, her wet hair clinging to her shoulders.
"It's not that big of a deal, is it? Most of the monsters around here are either gone or too scared to come back after what happened this afternoon," Hornet replied nonchalantly, rubbing her temples.
A groan escaped her lips as she added, "Ugh... my head hurts just thinking about it."
Recalling the crumbs of information they had shared earlier, Hornet felt a headache creeping in—a sensation that had little to do, with soaking too long in the hot spring.
The Respawn Condition.
This was one of the features they discovered upon arriving at Skull Island. Just like monsters in a video game, the creatures on Skull Island would come back to life the following day.
By utilizing this feature, they could continuously level up and complete the missions assigned daily by TB, which functioned much like typical "daily quests." However, this feature had mysteriously vanished since earlier that afternoon.
The Dailies Feature.
TB, the Administrator, was responsible for assigning missions and processing the rewards upon their completion. Over the past week, they had grown accustomed to this system and its benefits.
If they wanted, they could claim their rewards immediately. However, if it felt inconvenient, they could request TB to store the rewards inside their Principality Crate for later retrieval.
But just like the Respawn Condition, this feature had also been halted—following direct orders from the Commander. TB further explained that this marked the end of the introductory phase of their Demi-System.
Adding to their concerns was the unsettling behavior of the monsters, which had become increasingly "real" over time.
Not only were they capable of attacking other monsters outside their territory, but they had also started devouring the monsters they defeated—something that had never happened before.
Perhaps, elsewhere on the island, strange events were unfolding beyond their knowledge. Whatever the case, Hornet chose to momentarily set her worries aside and savor the comforting warmth of the hot spring enveloping her body.
For a moment, Hornet submerged her head underwater, soft "blub-blub" bubbles escaping as she playfully blew air beneath the surface. Meanwhile, Yamashiro continued her scolding.
"Even so, don't play around like that! Hakuryuu, I don't even need to say anything about you, but Lia-chan shouldn't follow her bad example! Listen to Yamashiro's words," Yamashiro scolded, her tone firm yet soft, the steam curling around her like a delicate veil.
Yamashiro placed her hands firmly on her hips, her cheeks puffed out in frustration. Standing tall like a mountain with two distinct peaks. The sight of her trying to maintain a serious demeanor was undeniably adorable.
Especially coming from this ship girl.
The three being scolded couldn't help but share the same thought as they watched her: "Yamama..." especially upon being basked under such presence of her two honkabonkabadonkers.
"What do you mean, 'Yamama'?! Do you understand?!"「Yamashiro」
Only then did the three H-named girls—Hornet, Hylia, and Hakuryuu—realized they'd overstepped, and were now intent on apologizing. "Yes~ Mooom~" they chimed in unison, their mischievous grins barely contained.
Their laughter, however, was short-lived.
In a swift motion, both Hakuryuu and Hornet found their heads dunked beneath the warm water by Yamashiro. Hylia, who had watched the entire scene unfold, froze as she saw her two older sisters flailing beneath the surface.
A nervous smile crept across Hylia's face.
"Sigh... How can you all be so relaxed after hearing all that?"「Deutschland」
A little away from the trio of Hylia, Hornet, and Hakuryuu, Deutschland, Gascogne, and Ichigo were also soaking in the hot spring, albeit with differing levels of leisure.
While the quartet seemed to radiate joy, practically glowing in their Really Happy state—a state that, if this were a game, would grant a +20% bonus to their Experience Points—the other trio appeared far less affected by the cheerful atmosphere.
Deutschland leaned back against the edge of the spring, "Honestly, what's with all that sappy talk? It's like they've forgotten we're still stuck in this place," her expression one of mild irritation as she swirled the water lazily with her fingertips.
Despite her outburst, Deutschland wasn't entirely wrong—her words carried a bitter truth.
How could the others remain so unbothered when she felt the weight of everything piling up? It became even harder to bear, especially with TB now present among them.
"This AI, of all things."「Deutschland」
"Processing: Emotional contrast detected. Current atmospheric conditions suggest... discontent."「Gascogne」
"Not you! That!"「Deutschland」
At first, she merely glared at the glowing figure projected on her ethereal screen. But, perhaps due to the warmth of the hot spring or the presence of those around her, her bottled-up anger finally erupted.
It was clear that the Iron Blood ship girl was still fuming over the remarks she'd received earlier.
As for the AI itself, it calmly spoke, [The water temperature is currently at 41°C... The presence of all associated subjects has been confirmed. The conditions for using the special avatar have been met.]
The AI's serene expression, coupled with its absurd hot spring-themed avatar, only fueled Deutschland's irritation further. It lounged effortlessly in its personal screen, seemingly indifferent to her frustration.
"Correction: Emotional contrast analysis is not intended as a solution. It is merely an observation," Gascogne tilted her head slightly, as though processing something further. "Additional note: Discontent levels indicate stress. Stress can lead to reduced efficiency in combat scenarios."
"Great. Now even the walking logic machine is lecturing me," Deutschland retorted again.
Ichigo, who had been silent up until now, finally spoke, her voice soft but steady. "She's not wrong, you know. Stress won't help us here, Iron Blood girl." Her words carried a touch of sympathy, though her gaze was distant, as if lost in her own worries.
"Suggestion: Engaging in similar behavior may improve emotional states. Consider joining their conversation. Gascogne will prepare the necessary avatar."「Gascogne」
With a splash of water she scooped in her hand, "Whatever, put that away," Deutschland made no effort to mask her irritation toward TB. The AI, however, remained completely unbothered, lounging with its eyes closed.
Its hot spring-themed avatar—complete with a towel and relaxed posture—seemed almost mocking in its serenity. All in all, Uche-sama's behavior didn't disrupt neither TB or the group much either.
"Now that I think about it, this might be the first time we've all gathered like this," Ichigo remarked, pressing a damp towel to her face. "Especially with the Administrator joining us."
As the words settled, they rang true. Reflecting on the past week, it became clear that while the ship girls often crossed paths, it was rare for everyone to be present at the same time.
Some were off exploring (Hornet & Hakuryuu), others busy leveling (Gascogne & Deutschland), and many caught up in their own pursuits (Yamashiro), each following their unique routines (Ichigo).
There were moments, of course—like when Hylia first joined them or during the planning of their hidden base's layout—but even then, someone was always missing.
To have everyone gathered in one place now, sharing the same thoughts and feelings, was truly a first. Even though they had yet to resolve all the challenges they faced, moments like this reminded them that they weren't alone—that there were others around them to lean on.
This rare opportunity sparked an idea in Hylia's mind.
"Ah! Since everyone's here, there's actually a lot I've been wanting to ask each of you!" Hylia suggested, her eyes lighting up with curiosity. "Can I?"
"I've already told you, there's no need to hold back. If there's something you want to ask or talk about, just do it," Yamashiro replied, tilting her head slightly, the wet animal ears atop her head twitching faintly.
"Could it be another story?" Ichigo pondered for a moment. "Hmm, I don't really think I have much to share right now," she continued, brushing through the tails behind her with a shy expression. "Besides, haven't we already shared stories before bed, often enough?"
"True," Yamashiro agreed. "We always have those girls' talks before we sleep when we get the chance."
"But those are just stories from our time on this island. What I want to ask is... well, something that might not even be related to this island. Um... I'm not sure if it is or not…" (Hylia)
"So, what is it you want to ask us? Especially during a rare moment like this."「Hornet」
Feeling encouraged by their responses, Hylia fidgeted nervously, her fingers intertwining as she tried to gather her thoughts. She hadn't expected to have the chance to ask this question, and the realization made her a little uneasy.
"What's wrong? Don't make us waiting!"「Hakuryuu」
But with a deep breath, she straightened her back, lifted her head and neck—barely rising above the hot spring's surface—and met the gazes of each ship girl. Her eyes were steady, filled with an undeniable sense of urge and will.
This was something Hylia had wanted to ask for a long time.
"Could all of you tell me your stories about Zei? Stories about how you met him, got to know him... and how you parted ways with him. I want to hear more about Zei, through all sisters' words," Hylia said earnestly.
And the response to her earnestness was silence.
The lively atmosphere had been replaced by a heavy stillness.
"Um..." (Hylia)
The abrupt shift in mood made her stomach churn. Had she crossed a line?
She wanted to take it back, to laugh it off as a joke, but something inside her insisted this was a question she had to ask. It was too important to ignore.
Her small voice trembled, but she forced herself to continue, her gaze fixed on the rippling water below. "I... I actually have a task that Zei gave me. But the closer I get to completing it... I don't know. It feels like I'm drifting further away from the answers I'm searching for."
The ship girls remained silent, exchanging glances that carried unspoken understanding.
Hylia continued, her fingers fiddling nervously beneath the water. "Uhm... I've heard so much about how long you've lived with Zei. I've seen how... uhh deeply you all care for him. I get it—the situation now is chaotic, and maybe it's not the best time..."
"It's okay. Go on."「Ichigo」
Hylia swallowed hard, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "For me personally... uhm, I haven't known Zei for very long. Most of what I know is from what I've read or from Cera, w-who always talks about him a lot."
At the mention of that familiar name, subtle reactions rippled through the group.
A few of the ship girls exchanged glances, their expressions shifting ever so slightly—curiosity, hesitation, and a touch of something unspoken flickering across their faces.
"That's why... I'd really like to hear your stories about him, from all of you directly..." (Hylia)
Her voice grew quieter as the words left her, her head lowering in a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. With all eyes on her, the weight of their gazes became overwhelming.
Flustered, she sank beneath the water, the ripples and rising steam veiling her small head.
"So, uh... I'm sorry if I poked at your sore spot," her muffled voice emerged tentatively from beneath the surface. She peeked out cautiously, her cheeks flushed a deeper red than what the heat of the hot spring could explain.
Yet none of the ship girls seemed angered or upset by her outburst.
"You... I didn't expect you to be this nervous," Hakuryuu teased, her hand gently rubbing Hylia's head as if trying to soothe that feasty haired little girl after the earlier show of bravery.
"Concern: What kind of task is Lia currently carrying out? Another question: Who is this person named Cera? Does this person hold a special place in Lia and the commander's lives?" Gascogne inquired, her voice as steady as ever.
Hylia tried once more to brush off Hakuryuu's teasing, though her cheeks betrayed a faint blush.
Her mind raced to find the right words, especially when it came to explaining Cera. How could she describe someone who felt like a guardian, a fairy godmother, or even a mother to them?
"Well... if you really want to know, we don't mind. It's nothing more than a dream, really. But like this droid here, I'm curious too. Who is this person you keep mentioning? You've brought them up several times already."「Deutschland」
"Correction: Gascogne is not a droid, in the sense of a robot assigned to handle difficult tasks. However, Gascogne understands the humor embedded in the previous statement."「Gascogne」
"That correction is way too long! And at least correct her that you're also a ship girl."「Yamashiro」
"I am a ship girl."「Gascogne」
The atmosphere lightened once again, and before Hylia could realize it, Hornet had snuck up from behind, effortlessly lifting her small frame and pulling her into a tight embrace.
"So? Who is this Cera person?" Hornet teased, usual with playful energy. "You always dodge when we ask about them, so don't think you can escape now! Let's put your mission aside for now. I promise, this big sis will help with your homework... with all my heart~"
Her arms tightened around Hylia, as if she had no intention of letting go anytime soon.
The warmth of Hornet's embrace surrounded that feasty haired girl, and for a moment, she felt like a cherished doll yet again. Wrapped in that comforting presence, the words she had been holding back began to surface, trembling on the edge of her lips.
She still couldn't accept her disappearance.
"...Cera... Cera is like a very cute big sister to me. My dear friend most of time, someone who shares the same fate as me... while also my capable fairy godmother..." She paused, a fragile smile forming as she took a breath to steady herself.
"But the most important thing about her is that... she's a very beautiful person," Hylia continued softly.
Another smile etched itself on her face, but this time, it was a radiant one that lit up her peridot eyes. Though sadness lingered in her gaze, there was a unique happiness in her expression as she spoke about that person.
Those eyes, always filled with life and light, now shone with an unmistakable brilliance of emotion. Yet, even that brilliance couldn't hide the shimmer of tears pooling at the corners, threatening to fall.
Hornet tilted her head slightly, her playful demeanor giving way to concern. "A-Are you alright?"
"Don't worry," Hylia replied, giving a double nod. Her voice was firm despite the tears glistening in her eyes. "I've promised myself I won't cry until the time comes. Until that day arrives, I'll keep these tears safe."
She paused, wiping her eyes quickly before brightening. "Ah! Do you all want to hear about the mission Zei gave me?"
Still nestled in Hornet's embrace, Hylia beamed with a brightness that matched her present resolve. Yet, despite her cheerful front, the ship girls around her couldn't shake the unease settling in their hearts.
This was the first time they'd seen the small girl, always so cheerful and dumb on the verge of tears. Not even when her legs had been bitten and poisoned, or even when they teased her, had she reacted like this.
She did look sad when she saw the ship girls injured, but to be on the verge of tears like this...
"O-Oi..." Deutschland muttered, her voice uncharacteristically uncertain. She shifted awkwardly, her usual confidence faltering. "This... This isn't like you. Just uh... smile like an idiot?"
"Now's not the time to talk about your mission! Are you really okay?" Yamashiro's brows furrowed deeply, her voice tinged with worry. Her motherly instinct kicked in. "You don't look fine at all."
Similarly, Ichigo felt an overwhelming urge to pull Hylia into a hug. "If you want... you could borrow my chest," she offered gently, ready to let Hylia sink into her embrace as she stroked her head to calm her, hoping to stop the tears from welling up.
"Hm! I'm perfectly fine!" Hylia declared with a firm nod, her enthusiasm unwavering. "You don't need to worry about me. Instead, you should focus on keeping your promise! Tell me all about Zei!"
"Welp, that's much like her," Hakuryuu chuckled, shaking her head.
"Deactivating emotion module. Gascogne requires a moment to process the memories regarding the Commander and the dream world. Please wait," Gascogne said, sorting through her memories as quickly as she could.
Hylia's expression didn't waver, shining bravely, just as her innocence remained intact.
At the same time, despite her reassuring words, the ship girls couldn't help but feel slight of worry. Maybe they shouldn't carry on with the topic regarding this "Cera" except when some moments come.
"Then, do you want to know about the connection between Zei and Cera?" Hylia asked naturally.
But the ship girls hesitated, tempted by the prospect of learning something important.
Though reluctant, they eventually allowed Hylia to continue her story. All the while, they carefully avoided topics that might upset her, listening intently as she recounted tales of their commander and the mysterious woman.
Afterward, Hylia shared additional details, including the names of the three swords and the strange messages she had discovered among the item drops from the monsters. She wove these elements into her story, her voice steady yet filled with wonder.
Meanwhile, TB silently recorded everything, its recording and screen capture functions always active, ensuring no detail was lost.
...
....
.....
Cutting thins short, Hylia had poured out a flood of words from her little mouth.
Though she was just a small girl, her story took nearly an hour to tell, which was quite impressive given the breadth of what she managed to convey in such a short time. Yet, at the same time, being a child, there were many details too intricate for her to express with her limited vocabulary.
"It's about those cryptic messages, huh... I had a feeling something was strange. Why is it only you who can find all those messages? We were there too," Deutschland said, her voice a mix of curiosity and irritation.
"Then?! Show me those swords already!"「Hakuryuu」
"...I see. So, there was someone like that in the Commander's life." Ichigo placed a hand over her chest, her voice soft with understanding. "Losing someone so important, the only one of their kind... It must have been unbearable."
"Processing: Understanding of the Commander's identity has deepened further," Gascogne stated, her tone calm and measured. Yet, in one of those common & usual moments, a flicker of emotion crossed her usually stoic face. "I... want to keep learning about him."
"Me too!" Hylia chimed in enthusiastically.
After letting Hylia enjoy a glass of milk floating on the hot spring, the ship girls now found themselves digesting the myriad of information and stories Hylia had shared to the best of her knowledge.
The pieces she provided weren't as sweet as the milk she drank, nor as full as the glass she held, but from those fragments, they came to understand a little more about their Commander—the one who had saved them.
He was, after all, just an ordinary human.
"Fhuuh... but now I understand! All of you met Zei when you're sleeping in a dream right?" (Hylia)
"That's correct," Hornet replied, resting her chin on the girl's shoulder. "A very ruthless and frustrating start, suffocating and annoying in the middle, but it turned into something absolutely the best by the time it was about to end." She let out a soft sigh, her expression thoughtful.
Some of the ship girls nodded in agreement.
Others, however, turned their faces away with a hint of shyness, as if disagreeing with Hornet's statement. Nevertheless, the true feelings they harbored toward that human remained the same.
Love and hatred.
"Useless chatters, who cares about that human," Deutschland remarked dismissively, her tone tinged with annoyance. "Besides, compared to all the ship girls he's saved, does he even remember us?"
A lone man vs. hundreds of ship girls.
It seemed quite likely that Sakura Zeimachi wouldn't remember them, especially after living in the dreams of so many ship girls for who knows how long. Could a human's memory really hold that much?
"Commander... even with all the feats he's accomplished, he's still a human, right?" Ichigo asked, her voice laden with uncertainty. "A Mortal will always have a limited lifespan, limited memories, and also limited capacity to bear the weight of so many lives."
"No matter how strong or capable he seems, there's only so much he can carry before it becomes too much."「Yamashiro」
Deutschland scoffed, crossing her arms as she leaned back slightly. "Hmph. Figures. A mortal trying to carry the weight of the world? Sounds like a fool's errand to me."
"Hmm? What do you mean Uche-sama? Zei is not just an ordinary human, you know?" (Hylia)
"No, he's just your simple and normal human being. Although he was a human emperor of whatever kingdom! That's... well, that's what he told me during our pirate days," Deutschland replied with a shrug, casually sipping her drink.
"Emperor?"「Hakuryuu」
"...Really? A pirates?"「Hornet」
"Wait... could it be... it differs from each of us?"「Deutschland」
Now that they were reminded of it, although they all knew that each of them had encountered the commander in their dreams, the six of them had never shared the details of what the commander had done in their respective dreams.
And suddenly, Gascogne, noticing the empty glasses, quickly went to refill them.
〈Gascogne Lv. 118 used Dimensional shift (Lv.8)〉
Hakuryuu raised an eyebrow, her cup flicking lazily in the water. "Emperor, pirate, what's next? A wandering monk or a legendary swordsman? Just how many lives has he claimed to live?"
"Correction: Based on the data obtained," Gascogne continued, having just retrieved backup drinks for them. "Gascogne has detected a discrepancy in the provided information. The Commander was originally a mechanic."
Hornet chuckled, leaning her chin on Hylia's head. "You're not far off. In my dream, he was a Night Vigilante. Cloak, daggers, the whole dramatic package."
"A Ronin, in mine," Hakuryuu admitted with a smirk. "And a good kisser, too." Her straightforward remark earned a collective groan and a half-hearted splash from Yamashiro.
"Just how many lies did Milord tell us!? In my case, he said he was a thief, by the way! How about you, Ichigo-sama?!"「Yamashiro」
"...Mine is, uhh... well... he said he was a tourist who came to take my picture from a distant land. Uhm, please give me a moment. I need some time before I can tell you more," Ichigo responded, her cheeks turning a shade of pink as she struggled to share the awkward memory.
The ship girls exchanged glances, each of them now wondering how many other versions of the Commander's story there were. It was becoming clearer that the truth about him was more complicated than they had ever imagined.
"Then my idea is very good, right? We can finally learn what Zei looks like in each of your dreams!" Hylia said with excitement. "But I'm also confused... why didn't you all talk about your dreams with each other?"
Hornet sighed, ruffling Hylia's hair affectionately. "Doubt, madness, nonsense... pride. Take your pick, kiddo. Sometimes, it's just easier to keep things to yourself."
Hylia nodded along, though she didn't quite understand it either.
"Now that we've heard your part, it's my turn!" Hornet, still clinging tightly to Hylia, hugged her even closer. "Now then... where should I start? Maybe from the beginning? But it's okay if I skip a little, right?"
"Ah, but don't skip too much!" Hylia protested.
Hornet chuckled, exhaling softly beside the little girl.
The others exchanged glances, a mix of reluctance and curiosity settling among them. Slowly, one by one, they began to unravel their individual encounters, peeling back the layers of the Commander's enigmatic presence in their shared yet disparate dreams.
——————————————
PoV from Hylia
"They each have so many different stories."
It was already so late. The moon had climbed to its highest point, and I could almost feel the monsters waking up on this island—like it was the perfect time for the Nocturnals to come out and start hunting.
After we finished talking at the hot springs earlier, I decided to return to my room. I told them I was sleepy, just like I always did, and they believed me again. But the truth is… I couldn't close my eyes at all.
"The world inside dreams... that's where Zei gives them so much love and affection."
Imagining the world from the stories they told, my adventurous spirit seemed to wake up again. My head felt restless, filled with so many daydreams about the places they described.
"Big Sis Orn… In her dream, she was blind and didn't have any eyes. But then Zei came and gave her one of his. By sharing the same light, Zei and Big Sis Orn explored that city together. That sounds so exciting! Adventuring in a city of darkness..."
A city completely covered in darkness... That's where Big Sis Orn—or Hornet—opened her eyes, even though she didn't have any. Then she met Zei, who helped her see through the darkness with the light he gave her.
Giving your eye to someone else so they can see again... That already sounds like something a hero or a savior would do! But when they added even more to the story—how they leapt across rooftops, darted through narrow alleys, and all that other stuff—my heart couldn't stop racing.
They got to know each other in the city of darkness, and then they moved to another city filled with all kinds of villains. Giant men, people in icy uniforms, and someone who could grow plants... Their story feels just like the tale of two heroes!
"And then there's Uche-sama's story! Uhm, when they first met, they started fighting right away. But what I really want to see is that huge machine Uche-sama calls Gustav!"
Uche-sama… Deutschland. She woke up in a forest that was laughing at her. That's when Zei appeared and explained that all the laughter was a manifestation of her own regrets. I felt so bad for Uche-sama when I heard how her story began.
But then she flicked my forehead for pitying her, hehe.
"The two of them rode that giant machine through the forest, like a horse galloping straight through the trees. Then they reached the ocean, where their adventure continued! I was trembling with excitement when Uche-sama told me about her journey to becoming a queen! Hm! Hm!"
I rolled around on my bed, unable to sit still.
She also talked about meeting some other pirates out on the ocean—strange people with bizarre powers they gained from eating weird fruits—and how she ended up getting along with them.
Even if it was only in a dream, Uche-sama looked so happy when she talked about those people. But most of the time, she seemed so... soft? Whenever she talked about Zei, it was like she spoke sweetly about him—but then immediately cursed him afterward.
"Is that why the others call her a tsundere?"
After Sis Orn and Uche-sama, it was Uyu-nee's turn.
"For some reason... I feel strange whenever I think about her story."
They said Uyu-nee met Zei in a dream while she was gazing at a pond with a giant tree beside it. They ended up drinking together, chatting about so many things, and eventually becoming friends.
In her dream, Uyu-nee said that Zei was quite a skilled swordsman. The two of them would always test each other's abilities whenever they met again at the same place—but each time, they'd come with new knowledge and skills.
Uyu-nee always boasts about how many "skills" she learned from her training sessions with Zei. She also never forgets to remind everyone that she was the one who stole his first kiss.
"A kiss, huh... What does kissing even feel like? Isn't it just like your lips touching? Do you know, Alastoru?"
But Alastoru seemed to avoid answering the question.
At the end of her story, Uyu-nee said that the two of them still had one final match to settle. The loser would have to grant the winner's wish or something like that, which is why Uyu-nee was so eager to fight again.
But sometimes, I get confused when I see her act like a completely different person when her sword is out of reach. Does her sword mean something special in her dream? I don't know. What's still on my mind is what she said about kissing.
"A kiss... If I ask Zei the same, will he do it... Hmuuu!"
["..."]
Suddenly, Alastoru's blade form appeared in front of me.
"E-Eh?! Alastoru?! W-What's wrong?"
But then it vanished completely, as if it had never been there at all.
Next is the story that I think is quite sad, Yamama's.
In her dream, Yamama... Yamashiro was always alone with someone called their first commander. Yamama took care of him, cleaned the castle of the Sakura Empire where they lived in that dream, and did so for an unknown amount of time.
Even though she did all of it with all her heart, she had to realize that, even in her dream, happiness didn't come as easily as she had hoped. I felt so heartbroken when Yamama said that all her efforts were in vain.
But in the midst of her repetitive routine, Yamama said she realized something—something that opened her eyes wide. Even if she believed her efforts were in vain, there was still someone who believed the opposite.
That's when Zei appeared, pretending to be a thief who always messed up Yamashiro's days and caused trouble in her castle. Ehehe, starting from scribbling on the walls to messing up the laundry, Zei sounded like such a naughty kid in Yamama's dream.
But I realized something. For a thief, Zei never actually stole anything in her story. That's why I'm confused about why Yamama called Zei a thief when he never took anything.
Then, the other Big Sis explained that the only thing Zei had ever stolen was Yamama's heart.
"A thief isn't a hero... and the term 'stealing hearts'... Hmm, I still don't really understand, but when I saw Yamama's blushing face, I'm sure what was stolen was something very precious to her."
Next is Big Sis Coney's story.
"Big Sis Coney's story... it also feels so lonely."
In her dream, Sis Coney was a ticket-collector robot at a theme park. She would stand behind the glass, receiving and handing out tickets, watching countless familiar and unfamiliar faces come and go, unable to move or go anywhere herself.
That's all Sis Coney did in her dream.
At first, there were so many new faces she met, but in the time that felt like it moved so slowly, Sis Coney began to notice many faces disappearing. For some reason, ever since the theme park opened, fewer and fewer people came.
Many faces started to vanish, no longer coming to hand her tickets, and fewer people entered the park to enjoy the rides. This made Sis Coney sad, as she felt like people were slowly forgetting her.
Eventually, the theme park had no one left, and it was abandoned.
"Theme park... I've been there with Jaberin in this world. If I get the chance, I'll take Sis Coney and everyone else too. We'll all go together, of course with Zei as well."
The theme park grew increasingly abandoned, dirty, and broken, and within it was Sis Coney, who slowly became rusty and unable to function. She said that even though her body was heavy, rusted, broken, and incomplete, her consciousness still lingered there.
It was as if she were slowly sinking into the sea—slowly, inevitably... dying.
As she was gradually swallowed by the coldness of her metal body, the sound of clanking tools slowly appeared and pulled her back from the darkness. And of course, the one making the noisy clanking sounds was Zei.
Zei tried to fix Sis Coney, tinkering this and that, before taking her around the theme park.
They rode various attractions, allowing Sis Coney to understand that this was the place she was in. But because she now knew where she was, Sis Coney understood that, at that moment, she couldn't be with Zei.
Finally, Sis Coney closed her eyes as they rode a carousel together, with Zei sitting behind her. Holding a music box she had received, she chose, in that moment, to be with Zei in the real world, so they could listen to the same melody.
"It's making my heart warm, whenever hearing that."
And then there's the last story, from someone who's the hardest to ask about the nature of her tale—Big Sis Ichigo. Compared to the other big sis, she's always so shy, so we can never help ourselves and always have to encourage her to keep telling her story.
"If I'm not mistaken… her story is about a photographer who wanted to take her picture."
In her dream, Sis Ichigo met Zei on a ship sailing far across the sea.
At first, Sis Ichigo didn't recognize the person taking pictures of her, because, just like the others, at first she didn't realize she was in a dream. Whether it was the sound of the waves or the chatter of the people around, she said everything felt so real.
At one point, Sis Ichigo even said she had kicked and slapped Zei, frustrated by his constant appearances wherever she went. But well, I couldn't blame her. Cera once taught me to kick people like that right between their legs.
When I heard of how the keep meeting each other on the ship, I thought their story would begin when they tried to clear the misunderstanding between them, but it didn't. Sis Ichigo became even fiercer, and had even hit Zei a few times in her dream.
"Uhm... Sis Ichigo's face was so red at that moment."
But fortunately, through punches and kicks, they grew closer, and Zei was even allowed to take a few pictures without enduring any more violence. Everything seemed fine, until the moment came when they could finally meet without hurting each other anymore.
Sadly, just when Sis Ichigo felt like she was getting lost in her dream, tragedy struck. Out of nowhere, the ship they were on was attacked by bombs falling from the sky.
They saw planes raining bombs down on their ship—dozens, maybe even hundreds, flying straight toward them. At that moment, for the first time, Sis Ichigo admitted she felt fear.
And it was at that moment, too, that Sis Ichigo realized everything around her was just a dream. I don't quite understand how she knew she was dreaming after the planes bombed them, but that's what she said.
The dress she was wearing, the photographer who always held the camera, and even the ship she was on—it was all part of her dream. She paused for a moment in her story, and after that, we tried to get more details, but it was hard to piece together how her dream continued.
"Sis Ichigo... it seems like she deeply regrets treating Zei too harshly in her dream."
She was always so shy whenever talking about Zei, but thankfully, she still shared with us how her dream ended. She revealed that in her final moments, it was her and Zei on the ship's deck, looking at the same view.
The ship they were on was already burning and could sink at any moment, but she said that didn't scare them at all. Holding hands at the edge of the ship, which the flames hadn't yet consumed, Zei and Sis Ichigo gazed at the formation of bombers heading toward them.
And when one of the bombs fell toward them, Sis Ichigo's vision was swallowed by a blinding light.
"It's somehow tragic despite them being together in the end."
Rerunning their stories through the images in my mind, I kept tossing and turning on my bed. Imagining everything that had happened in their dreams, and how their dreams ended, I felt a mix of emotions.
I'm happy because they met Zei, but on the other hand, I'm sad because they met him too late. If only Zei had come sooner, I'm sure he would've been the "Hero" who saved them all.
"Just like Bell! A hero... no, I mean, Zei is already a hero, but he'll become an even cooler one!"
Some of the stories they shared with me had endings that I thought felt sad. However, when I mentioned my opinion to them, all the Big Sis seemed to disagree.
They said they were already satisfied with what happened in their dreams. Now, they're trying to achieve other things in the real world—things they couldn't accomplish in their dreams.
"Frustrating start, annoying in the middle, but it turned the best about the end."
Imagining if Zei entered my dream, I asked myself—what exactly would Zei want from me? What kind of interaction would we have, and what kind of ending would we create together?
My thoughts kept racing at full speed, but the comfort of this bed slowly lulled me into a deeper sense of ease. As my eyes gradually closed, drowsiness and warmth wrapped around me like a soothing blanket.
"Fuwa... good night."
I wonder, what kind of dream will I have tonight? Hopefully, it will be a beautiful one.
However suddenly... something appeared that disturb my slumber.
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#(Expert mission: Top of food chain)#
→ The balance has been restored upon Skull Island—but the monsters remain. In a world where only the strongest survive, predators will fight for dominance. When multiple beasts converge in the same territory, their instinct is clear: defeat each other.
During this period, all active monsters on Skull Island will enter an aggressive state. They will fiercely protect their territories, but they will not hesitate to invade others. Only the strongest will survive... and you must decide how to navigate this deadly game.
Before all of you escape, you have four choices:
1. Eliminate all the monsters present.
2. Collect every Magical Residue scattered across the island to render the monsters powerless, causing them to perish on their own.
3. Trigger the volcano to erupt, summoning a titan that will destroy Skull Island along with itself.
4. Appoint the Alpha.
Complete one of these objectives to finish the mission and gain access to the Final Mission, which will occur at the Academy. Choose wisely... but remember, the Champion will not wait forever.
〈Requirement〉: | Complete one of the Objectives |
〈Objective〉: | 1. Wipe out every monster on Skull Island (13/1092) | 2. Collect all Magical Residue scattered across the island (0/452) | 3. Set the Volcano to erupt and let it self-destruct (0/1) | 4. Appoint the Alpha (0/1)
〈Reward〉: | Permission to return to the Academy | Permission to begin the Final Mission |
〈Time limit〉: | No time limit, but the Champion will wait |
〈Penalty〉: | The truth will become a lie |
!!!Hidden Reward will be granted upon completion of all Objectives!!!
———————————————
"Huh?"
It appeared—the ticket to our return to the Academy.