The streets of Eidolon sparkled under the golden glow of the unseen light, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Kazuki and Hotaru wandered aimlessly, laughing softly at nothing in particular. The city seemed endless—upside-down towers floated above, gravity-defying trains zipped past, and small orbs of light flitted around like curious fireflies.
"You've gotta admit," Hotaru said with a grin, "for a place that doesn't make any sense, it's kinda beautiful."
Kazuki chuckled. "Yeah, it's weird… but it's starting to grow on me."
They passed a bridge that seemed to twist on itself like a spiral staircase. Below, a river of light flowed, shimmering with shifting colors. Hotaru leaned on the railing, her eyes reflecting the glow.
"Thank you, Kazuki," she said softly.
"For what?"
"For spending time with me. I don't get that a lot here," she replied, her tone gentle and warm.
Kazuki rubbed the back of his neck. "I mean… it's not like I had much of a choice," he teased, trying to hide how comfortable he was starting to feel. "But yeah, it's been fun."
They continued walking, passing vibrant markets and quiet alleys, their footsteps echoing through the tranquil streets. Hotaru pulled him into a shop filled with strange gadgets, letting him fumble with a floating puzzle that refused to be solved. They shared a strange dessert that sparkled like stardust, and at one point, she even convinced him to try riding one of the floating carriages that zoomed through the air.
It almost felt normal.
But then… something changed.
They stopped at a quiet square, the air strangely heavy. Hotaru turned to Kazuki, her playful expression fading. Her eyes seemed darker, unreadable.
"You know, Kazuki…" she said, her voice barely above a whisper, "there's something you should know about me."
Kazuki blinked, caught off guard. "What is it?"
Hotaru's lips curled into a smile, but it wasn't the sweet, innocent one from before. It was sharp, almost eerie, like a mask slipping just enough to reveal something far more dangerous beneath.
"I'm a Trailblazer, too," she said, her tone calm yet chilling. "But unlike you… I wasn't invited here."
Kazuki's breath caught in his throat.
"I was pulled into this place—dragged, really. And the rules?" She chuckled darkly. "They don't quite apply to me the same way they do to you."
Before Kazuki could process what she was saying, Hotaru stepped back, her body glowing faintly. Her figure began to blur and distort, her voice echoing as she faded.
"See you around, Kazuki," she whispered, her tone shifting back to its soft, sweet cadence. "I'll be watching."