The dark world was suddenly illuminated by a streak of light cutting through the sky. Countless massive stone spears stood upright on the pitch-black land.
Atop a green hill, Hiroshi held Klee patiently, waiting for Kuroneko to arrive. Sato Kazuma had just informed Hiroshi, in a teasing manner, that Kuroneko was on her way.
Raising his head, Hiroshi looked at the shooting star-like figure swiftly approaching in the sky. He gently set Klee down and stood up, walking towards Kuroneko's landing spot.
Behind him, Klee tilted her head, watching Hiroshi's back. She tried to follow, her short legs taking a step, but realized she wasn't moving forward. Looking up, Klee saw Banir holding her by the collar of her shirt.
"Master, is there something you want with Klee?" she asked curiously.
Banir smiled and patted Klee's head gently. He placed her back down and pulled her along as she tried to run after Hiroshi. "Your Brother Hiroshi and Sister Kuroneko have something to talk about. Could you stay and wait with Master for a little while?"
Klee looked up, rising on her tiptoes to see Hiroshi holding Kuroneko's hand and walking away into the distance. She hugged her hands to her chest, thought for a moment, and then smiled and nodded at Banir. "Okay! Klee will listen to Master and wait here for Brother Hiroshi and Sister Kuroneko."
"Good girl," Banir replied, pulling Klee close. He looked briefly in the direction of Hiroshi and Kuroneko, then bent down to create various amusing objects in his hands, trying to make Klee happy.
In a small grove, Hiroshi gently held Kuroneko's hand. He watched her expressionless face, then pulled her into a tight hug.
"I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. I lied to you this time, and I made you worry," Hiroshi said, holding her tightly. He could feel the dampness spreading on his chest, which made his heart ache even more.
"Hiroshi, I know you did it for me, but can you not do this again? I can't bear it when you keep dangerous things from me," Kuroneko cried, tears streaming down her face. She hugged him tightly. "Do you know how worried I was? And when Uncle Kizaru stopped us, and I watched the live stream of what you were doing... do you know how painful that was for me?"
"I'm sorry. I really am," Hiroshi said softly, unable to say anything more, repeating his apologies.
"Please, don't do this again. Let's face everything together, okay? I don't want you to face danger alone," Kuroneko said, her voice choked with emotion. "Just like you don't want me to get hurt, I don't want you hurt either. Let's face it together next time, okay?"
Listening to her tearful plea, Hiroshi sighed and said, "Okay, I promise. I won't hide things from you anymore."
"Really?" Kuroneko asked, looking up at him, her eyes still glistening with tears.
"I promise. I wouldn't dare risk it again. You've turned into such a crybaby this time," Hiroshi teased.
"Okay, then I forgive you," she said, her voice finally calming.
"Thank you. And I'm sorry."
"Let's go. Riku is calling for us. This world is about to be reborn," Kuroneko said, her voice filled with determination.
Hiroshi gently stroked her hair, like a kitten in his arms, and whispered, "When we get back, let's officially get engaged, okay?"
Kuroneko nodded gently, wiping her tears away. "Okay." She stood up straight, taking Hiroshi's hand. "Let's go get little Klee."
"Alright." Hiroshi brushed his hand over his chest, restoring his tear-soaked shirt to its original state, then walked back in the direction they had come from, hand in hand with Kuroneko.
The group that had been scattered across the battlefield was finally reunited. In the front, Riku held Shubi's hand and looked back at everyone else with a smile.
"Rebuild the world!" Riku shouted.
The blue-white radiance from the Star Grail flowed from his hand, enveloping the entire world.
The world, which had been on the brink of destruction from thousands of years of divine wars, was finally restored. A blue sky appeared above, with white clouds drifting across it. From the towering stone spears, green life began to grow.
The once desolate land was filled with life once more. Exotic flowers and plants bloomed, the previously dried-up sea surged with waves, and flocks of seagulls flew over the ocean.
The various races that were gravely wounded or on the verge of death during the war were healed by Riku's will and returned to their homelands.
Riku placed the Star Grail in front of Shubi, smiling. "I really love the world of that game, so Shubi, would you come with me?"
"Yes, Shubi loves it too," she replied, lifting her hand to grasp the Grail with Riku.
They turned to face everyone else, smiling.
"First: This world will ban all harm, war, and plunder!"
"We are sick and tired of a world filled with sorrow and despair. From now on, this world will be a world of games."
"Second: All disputes will be resolved by the outcome of games."
"Because this world is, and always will be, a game."
"Third: The wagers in games must be mutually agreed upon as equal by both parties."
"Only equal wagers will lead to the start of a game or the resolution of a dispute. This ensures fairness and equality for everyone."
"Fourth: Within the boundaries of the third rule, game content and wagers are not restricted."
"Since everything in this world is now a game, why should the content or stakes be limited? As long as it follows the rules, enjoy it!"
"Fifth: The challenged party has the right to determine the content of the game."
"This will minimize the possibility of the strong bullying the weak."
"Sixth: Any bet sworn upon the covenant must be upheld."
"A promise must not be broken. The One True God declares it."
"Seventh: Disputes between groups should appoint a representative."
"Each group or race must have a leader to resolve intergroup disputes, ensuring every race has a voice, with wagers possibly involving entire species."
"Eighth: Any cheating discovered in a game will be regarded as a loss."
"In other words, cheating is okay as long as you don't get caught."
"Ninth: In the name of the One True God, these rules are immutable."
"An unchanging set of rules will ensure the stability of this world."
"Tenth: Let's all play peacefully together!"
"If you don't play peacefully, you'll never reach the final goal."
"Eleventh: Humans shall be recognized as a true race, the Human Species."
"Humans shall inherit and continue to carry forward this power called spiritual energy."
"To the sixteen races who claim sentience, inheriting the will of the countless fallen, abolishing the interspecies alliances—based on these eleven pledges, swear upon this covenant and witness this: Today, the world has changed!"
Riku and Shubi faced each other, smiling as they both shouted: "Come on, let's keep playing the game!"