Kokoa's voice trembles with weariness, her words a poignant expression of the burdens she carries. "I'm tired, Nobu... I'm so tired," she confesses, her voice laced with the weight of her struggles. With a heavy sigh, she allows the weariness to consume her momentarily, surrendering to the misery that envelops her soul.
Nobu, his eyes filled with empathy, halts his consumption of the chocolate treat, recognizing the gravity of Kokoa's fatigue. Tenderly, he places the wrapped meal back in his pocket as he lays his whole body on the roof, his gaze fixed on the horizon as he opens his arms, inviting a shared understanding. "Yes, Kokoa," he affirms, his voice carrying a gentle reassurance. "Life has a way of revealing both the splendors of heaven to some while thrusting the torments of hell upon others, even those who do not deserve such anguish."
A moment of silence passes, punctuated only by the weight of their unspoken thoughts. Then, Nobu's words reverberate through the air, their resonance piercing the veil of Kokoa's despair. "Kokoa, do you feel the weariness that has settled within you?" he asks, his eyes meeting hers with unwavering intensity. "Does it seem as though life offers nothing but misery, leaving you with the lingering belief that the world would be better off without you?"
Kokoa's gaze locks on Nobu, her heart stirring with a mixture of anticipation and warmth. His understanding has drawn her closer, an invisible force compelling her to lean in, her eyes widening in newfound hope.
"Embrace that feeling, Kokoa," Nobu urges, his voice steady and filled with conviction. "Hold onto it with every ounce of strength within you, for within those swirling emotions lies a profound truth. It signifies that you are not yet ready... You're not ready yet to surrender... To give up on yourself."
The moment he eloquently expresses his innermost thoughts, a mirage materializes before Kokoa's eyes, emerging from the depths of her mind. What strikes her immediately is the uncanny resemblance between this ethereal figure and Nobu himself. As she allows the mirage to bloom and intertwine with her perception of Nobu, a surge of profound emotion courses through her being.
"I have something to share with you too..." Nobu continues, his gaze shifting upwards, toward the vast expanse of the sky. His body gracefully rises to its feet, stretching his hands as he maintains the flow of his contemplation. "I must confess, I didn't share everything about my void traits earlier," he admits, his words carrying a weighty significance. "While it is true that the void encompasses both everything and nothing, only a fraction of it is applied to me."
"I am but a fragment of that nothingness," he reveals, closing his eyes while a genuine smile illuminates his face, leaving Kokoa even more astounded by his revelation. "That is one of the reasons why I lack magical energy. The world despises my very existence. For I am deemed a symbol of misfortune, destined to inadvertently inflict harm upon those around me simply by virtue of my being."
"And... when my time comes to pass... my soul shall not journey to the afterworld, nor depart from this realm... I shall remain imprisoned in the liminal space between life and death."
"You mean... you won't ascend to the afterworld?" Kokoa rises to her feet, her left hand hovering near her chest, while her right hand is almost reaching out to touch Nobu's chest, before hesitating and retracting it, "W... Why? Why are you destined to feel such a thing?"
"Because I am nothing," he reiterates while nodding, his warmth permeating the air, accompanied by his radiant smile. "That is who I am—I'm a nobody!"
"The world is indeed unfair, Kokoa!" Nobu continues, his voice resonating with a touch of fervor as he turns his back to the girl, his arms outstretched toward the expansive horizon. "Each individual is faced with their own unique trials and tribulations. Unfairness is woven into the very fabric of existence... As if the world seeks to forge a diverse variety of individuals, be they friends or foes."
"I, however, harbor a deep love for our cruel world," he confesses, his head turning toward her, his smile radiating affection itself. A sudden, tender breeze envelops them, causing their hair to dance in its gentle embrace. "I'll keep living in this cruel world, witnessing each of you shine and reach your goals!"
"Kokoa, I want to see you shine... And reach your goals!" With these heartfelt words, Nobu kindles a long-awaited warmth within Kokoa's heart, kindling tears of joy that cascade down her cheeks.
"Y... Yes..." Kokoa manages to utter, her radiant smile intermingling with her tears. Then, tilting her head slightly, she adds, "Nobu... Please watch over me and bear witness to my radiance!"
Suddenly, their silence is broken as their teammates gather in front of the barracks, "Nono! Nono!" Sayuri's hands wave animatedly, catching the attention of Kokoa and Nobu perched atop the roof. Her smile exudes warmth as she addresses them, "Look here! Look at my new outfit. Isn't it adorable?" Her delicate chain cartilage earrings dance in tandem with her excitement, while a braided strand adorns the left side of her hair.
"So both of you were there all this time, haven't you?" Reina chimes in, his gentle smile mirroring the grace of his spirit as his new white ensemble resembles the tranquility of a seasoned samurai. "Kokoa, Nobu, come down, will ya?" he beckons, extending his hand toward them. "Let us return to the bureau together."
"Join us, comrade," the boy entreats, his hand outstretched toward her, his deep blue eyes exuding unwavering calm and affection. And Kokoa beholds the sight of her entire team embracing her, just as Ashide had foretold.
"Let us continue to face this cruel world together," Declares Nobu, an air of welcome and confidence radiating from him.
"Oh, God..." Kokoa whispers, her hand interlaced with Nobu's, as she makes her decision without hesitation, leaping from the roof to embrace the warmth of her newfound team. She can't help but feel a sense of profound blessing as they land, the arms of her new pals open wide to receive her. At that moment, she acknowledges with certainty, "If, by some miracle, even the smallest measure of happiness can be found in this world, then Nobu, without question, will be its source."
"Even if he'll be the reason behind my death and suffering, Nobu will never be considered a misfortune for me."
As they make their way toward Ashide, the queen finds herself inexplicably drawn to Sayuri. Without a moment's hesitation, Ashide gravitates toward the girl perched on Nobu's back, her hands instinctively reaching out to gently squeeze Sayuri's adorable cheeks.
"Oh my..." Ashide gasps, her gaze fixated on the captivating girl before her. "You've done an excellent job taking care of your outfits, my dear soldiers."
"Especially you, my little cutie," Ashide continues, addressing Sayuri directly. A fond smile graces her lips as she expresses her admiration. "Of all the outfits, yours has captured my heart the most."
"Thank you, ma'am," Sayuri replies, a contented sigh escaping her lips as Ashide's touch brings her delight. "I happen to agree. My outfit is my favorite too."
"Well, Sayuri... you do seem to be dressed for a special date," Reina chimes in, adjusting his red tieback headband against his forehead, his long blonde hair cascading partly over it, its ends reaching halfway down his back.
"No, that's not true!" Sayuri protests, drumming her fingers on Nobu's head as she assumes a childish demeanor. "Nono! Nono! Tell him he's wrong Nono!"
"Well, umm... he's not entirely wrong," Nobu interjects, a gentle smile tugging at his lips as he enjoys his chocolate "I mean, you do look rather cute. I kinda like the outfit."
"You managed to calm me somehow..." Sayuri responds, just before being interrupted by Nobu once more. "We have a visitor, everyone," he announces, turning his gaze toward the entrance of the bureau. "It's Mr. Time... I believe he's almost here. It seems he missed us."
"Mr... Time?" Satomi queries, her hand finding its place on her waist as she puzzles over the unfamiliar name, "Who is this... Mr. Time?"
Soon, the sound of approaching footsteps fills the air, drawing the attention of the group. Then, with graceful poise, Shinso emerges, his presence causing their expressions to momentarily falter. "Hello, everybody," he greets them with a slight bow, his heart warmed to see his dear apprentices in good health. "I see most of our sacred soldiers are here."
"Hi, Mr. Time!" Nobu chimes in, waving to Shinso with his right hand. The group, save for Nobu, bursts into laughter upon hearing the playful nickname.
"Mr... Mr. Time..." Reina manages to utter amidst his uncontrollable laughter, covering his mouth in a futile attempt to regain composure. "He was referring to Master Shinso. Oh my God, I can't..." His laughter intensifies, causing him to collapse to the floor, overcome by the sheer hilarity of it all.
Shinso, his annoyance barely concealed, places a hand on his head, regarding them with a wry smile. "You lot are certainly a lively and eccentric bunch," he remarks, a hint of exasperation in his voice. "And what's up with this Mr. Time nickname?"
"Oh don't dwell on it too much," Nobu interjects, his innocent smile beaming at Shinso. "So, what brings you here? Where are Old Man and Magnus?"
"I came alone. Magnus will stay in the Grim Ruins for a while. As for Mr. Kaeya..." Shinso replies, gracefully closing the distance between them. With a fluid motion, he lowers himself to one knee, a display of respect and reverence before the queen. "Your Majesty," he addresses her, his voice filled with loyalty and duty, "I have returned to present my report."
"Welcome back, Soldier Shinso," Ashide responds, embodying her role as queen as she settles into her regal seat with grace and poise. Her expression radiates confidence and a sense of superiority. "You have done well in clearing your mission in the Grim Ruins."
"Wait, wait... Hold on a minute..." Nobu interjects, stepping closer to the queen, his surprise evident in his eyes. "Why are you suddenly acting so calm and composed?" he asks, playfully poking her cheek with his index finger while gesturing toward Shinso with his other hand. "Is it because Mr. Time is here?"
"Nobu, please stop!" Katsu intervenes, perplexed by the relaxed atmosphere between Nobu and the queen. "You shouldn't behave like that."
"I don't know what you're talking about, Soldier Nobu," Ashide responds, her gaze fixed on Shinso, her legs crossed 'elegantly,' " For I have always maintained composure and behaved accordingly, just as a queen should."
"Stop lying," Nobu retorts, causing the entire group, save for Ashide, to gasp in disbelief.
"Yes, I have been lying," Ashide finally admits, still composed and calm, causing the gasps to grow louder among the group.
"This is getting out of hand," Katsu exclaims, his hands instinctively covering his head as he struggles to comprehend the unfolding situation, muttering nonsensical words under his breath, "This is really getting out of hand!"
"So, Soldier Shinso," Ashide speaks with a sense of gravitas, the atmosphere growing serious as she addresses him, "I am ready to hear your report."
"Mr. Kaeya..." Shinso's words hang in the air, capturing everyone's attention, particularly Satomi, Reina, and the newly adorned purple-eyed Nobu. Their curiosity peaks as they eagerly await further information. "He has accepted your request and has already arrived at the rumored location within the Sacred Forest."
"Old man is on a mission?" Nobu questions, his gaze darting between Shinso and Ashide, searching for confirmation.
A flicker of unease dances across Ashide's face, catching the observant eyes of the boy. "So he accepted the request," she murmurs, biting her lower lip as her eyes betray a hint of tremor. Placing her hands on the chair's armrests, Ashide slowly rises to her feet, her expression maintaining its seriousness. She extends a hand toward the still-kneeling Shinso while keeping her other hand close to her chest. "Did he leave behind the requested strands of hair?" she inquires, her heart seemingly pulsating with each word.
"He did," Shinso replies, standing upright and getting an enveloped handkerchief from his pocket. Carefully, he places it in the Queen's outstretched hand. As she unwraps the handkerchief, strands of hair in a striking dark cyan color are revealed—undeniably Kaeya's hair.
"Very well..." Ashide's grimoire floats gracefully before her, settling in front of her with an air of reverence. She turns its pages with her magical energy, quickly finding the desired spell. As per tradition, the grimoire begins to emit a radiant glow as Ashide recites the incantation, her voice laced with power and purpose. "Tracking Bird," she chants, and from the depths of nothingness, a massive blank magical screen materializes before them, leaving some members of the group gasping in astonishment.
As the strands of hair float in the air, a mesmerizing spectacle unfolds. Each strand seems to possess a life force of its own, shimmering with an ethereal glow. Gradually, they begin to fade, as though engulfed by a gentle flame. With the disappearance of the final strand, a magnificent transformation takes place.
Behind Kaeya, a resplendent white owl materializes, its majestic form radiating an aura of wisdom and power. The owl's piercing gaze holds an otherworldly light that seems to penetrate the veil of reality. Its purpose becomes evident as the owl's eyes meet the mysterious building before Kaeya.
In an awe-inspiring display, the owl shares its vision with the magical screen that has materialized before Ashide and the rest of the group. The screen flickers to life, displaying a vivid scene: Kaeya standing in front of the enigmatic structure, its secrets veiled in shadows. The owl's gaze remains fixed on him as if guiding their collective gaze toward the truth that awaits discovery.
"Alrighty," With resolute determination, Kaeya steps into the depths of the mysterious building, his hand adjusting the eyepatch.
The entrance gives way to a long, winding tunnel, stretching out like a never-ending abyss. Undeterred by its ominous allure, Kaeya quickens his pace, his boots echoing with purpose against the cold, stone floor. Each step carries him closer to the heart of the enigma that has swallowed his comrades, driving his resolve to uncover the truth.
In the depths of the tunnel, whispers seem to linger in the air, ghostly murmurs that dance on the edge of perception. Shadows flicker and twist as if concealing secrets within their depths. Yet, Kaeya's unwavering determination propels him forward, his every stride a testament to his unwavering resolve.
As he delves deeper, the atmosphere grows more suffocating, the weight of the unknown bearing down on him. But Kaeya's steely gaze remains fixed ahead, unyielding to the trepidation that threatens to consume him. For he came this far in pursuit of the truth, and he will not be deterred.
Then suddenly, emerging from the depths of darkness, an army of grotesque ghouls, twisted and deformed, materialize around Kaeya, their anguished cries piercing the air. With an eerie symphony of wails, they lunge toward him, their clawed hands extended, eager to rend his flesh and shatter his resolve.
In response, Kaeya's hand grips the hilt of his katana after its summoning, drawing forth the gleaming blade with practiced ease. His posture shifts, his body aligning itself in the stance of a samurai, a testament to his honed combat skills. The weight of his sword settles at his waist, poised to strike with precision and deadly intent.
Whispers of incantation escape his lips, barely audible amidst the chaos, as Kaeya's gaze sharpens with the focus of a predator. "Focus Magic: Weak Spot," he invokes, his vision transforming before his very eye. Now, he can perceive the vulnerable points in the ghouls' twisted forms, their weaknesses exposed in stark clarity.
With the grace and speed of a tempest, Kaeya launches into action. His blade whirls through the air, carving arcs of steel that meet their mark with lethal accuracy. The ghouls, once frenzied and formidable, find their bodies cleaved asunder, their movements arrested by the precise strikes that immobilize them. Anguished cries turn into desperate gasps, and their shattered forms plummet to the ground in a twisted ballet of pain and sorrow.
Through the swirling chaos, Kaeya stands as a solitary figure amidst fallen ghouls, his body poised with resolute determination. His katana, stained with the remnants of their blood, hangs at his side, a testament to the battle that had just unfolded. Yet, before he can take another step forward, a sudden action shatters the stillness.
"Ka... Ka... Yea..." A faint voice, strained and filled with anguish, cuts through the air, causing Kaeya to freeze in his tracks. His gaze shifts downward, his eye widening in disbelief as he recognizes the faces before him. Each one of these ghouls, their twisted forms hauntingly familiar, were once his comrades—fallen victims of the tragedy that befell them.
"Ka... Yea... Kaeya..." The gasps of his name echo, mingling with their tortured cries. The realization strikes him like a lightning bolt, leaving him immobilized in a mixture of surprise, grief, and guilt. How can this be? How can his fallen comrades stand before him, their bodies still marred by physical and emotional pain?
Their voices rise, an ethereal chorus of pleading and desperation. Tears of surrender and helplessness glisten in their eyes, their mouths uttering a word that bears both their torment and their plea for salvation—"help." It's a paradoxical sight—a grotesque dance of aggression and vulnerability.
Driven by a force beyond their control, the ghouls move with an almost eerie purpose, their bodies lurching forward even as their eyes betray a profound sense of sorrow. In this cruel twist of fate, they attack the one they once fought beside, their movements driven by a desire for release from their tormented existence.
Kaeya's heart wrenches with anguish as he finds himself trapped between conflicting emotions. Each strike of his blade inflicts fresh wounds upon his beloved comrades, a painful reminder of their tragic fate. Yet, he has no choice but to defend himself, to fight back against their relentless assault, even if it meant causing them further pain.
With gritted teeth and a trembling eye, Kaeya swings his katana once more, his movements imbued with sorrowful determination. The clash of steel against flesh fills the air, accompanied by the haunting cries of his fallen comrades. In this heartbreaking struggle, Kaeya fights not only to survive but also to grant his fallen comrades the peace they seek, to release them from the chains of their cursed existence.
"What in the world did you do... Warhammer..."