AWAKE..?

...

The sky over Tokyo blazed red.

Smoke rose from everywhere. The chaotic noise echoed all around.

swoosh—!

“TAKE THIS, BASTARD!!!” —CLANK!!

Swords clashed — a CDRS soldier against a Hellgate follower.

Hellgate was launching a massive assault.

The CDRS had deployed all their soldiers to fight back.

"...REPORT!!

HELLGATE ATTACK REPORTED IN SENDAI—"

—CRACK!!  The communication device was stomped on—crushed under someone’s boot.

“...HRAAHHHH!!!”

Naoya.

His face was hidden behind some sort of tactical face shield.

He was part of this battle.

beep, beep—beep, beep!

His sword switched to active mode — marked by a blue spark wrapping around it.

The young man charged toward someone in a black robe.

That person was one of the Hellgate followers—more commonly known as the ‘Satanists.’

SLASHH—!!

The Satanist was slashed by Naoya.

WOOSH—!  A sudden ambush. 

Another Satanist appeared out of nowhere—swinging a sword from the side.

—CLANGG!!  Their blades locked. Naoya blocked the sudden strike.

He deflected the attack—SHRKK!!—then followed up with a thrust that pierced and killed his opponent.

…

drap!  A greater threat appeared.

“Tch..!” Naoya clicked his tongue in frustration.

Three other Satanists appeared, surrounding him — one in front, the others guarding his back.

Silence.

The prey was cornered, just moments away from being attacked.

Still, the hunters were calculating their move.

…

SWISH—! One of them swung their sword —whip!

Naoya dodged, but it wasn’t over.

swoosh—! swish—! Two more consecutive attacks followed… yet missed again—the young man was incredibly skilled at evasion.

…

The three Satanists lined up.

“Heh…” Naoya gritted his teeth. His thumb reached for a button on the sword’s handle.

click! He held the button, and in an instant—

SWOOSH—

SKRRRCHHH!!  The sword swung from the side, unleashing a massive wave of electricity that erupted in all directions.

BRZZZZTTT—!!

“EEAARRRGH..!!”

…

thud..!  The Satanists collapsed. Black smoke rose from their bodies, carrying a stinging burnt smell.

“Huft… puff…” Naoya panted heavily.

He caught his breath — thinking it was already over.

SWEEP—! Naoya jolted.

Another slash came at him—CLASHH!!

But he blocked it in time.

screeeechh..! Metal scraped against metal.

The young man’s eyes widened.

Where did this Satanist come from? And how had Naoya almost let his guard down?

A moment too late, and his head could’ve been rolling on the ground.

“S-Shit..!”

…

His hands trembled. His heart pounded violently.

All he needed to do was activate his gloves — the Satanist would be electrocuted instantly through their swords.

Why?

Why was he hesitating?

…

Of course.

Naoya was afraid—He had almost died many times… but this was the closest.

srkk—! Their swords broke apart.

Naoya moved to slash back, but—

—CRASHH!! In an instant, the Satanist punched him in the face, shattering his face shield.

Naoya fell to the ground.

“E-Egh..!”

…

Blood ran down his face from a cut.

His vision blurred. His body stiffened.

shing..!  The Satanist raised his sword — ready to strike.

The young man couldn’t run. Even his legs refused to move.

All he could do was watch as the bloodthirsty sword was lifted high.

Perhaps… this was the end.

…

WHOOOSH—!

Drap, drap!  Sound of footsteps—slow, and faint.

—SQUIRT!  Blood splattered.

…

Time suddenly feels slow.

“H-Huh..?”

Naoya’s eyes widened in disbelief.

That blood wasn’t his.

The sword had landed… but not on him.

Another CDRS soldier had appeared and taken the blow instead.

swoosh… A severed hand flew through the air—the soldier’s.

…

Who is it?

Their face was hidden behind a face shield...

…

Yet… they felt familiar. Deeply familiar.

Who exactly was this person..?

…

drap!  The severed hand landed near Naoya—just centimeters from his own.

“...H-H…”

Naoya reached for it with what little strength he had left.

His hand trembled.

Almost there.

…

He grabbed it.

The blood-soaked hand.

The hand that had protected him… now reduced to flesh awaiting decay.

…

What just happened?

Why did he freeze? Why did he let it happen?

Weak. Stupid. Useless.

Because of his carelessness, someone else was hurt.

“K-Khk…”

Tightness climbed up his throat.

Naoya?

Are you okay..?

He started hearing whispers.

Of all things…

In the end, all he could do was stare.

“B-Bastard…”

His vision went black.

The young man finally lost his consciousness.

NAOYA!!

...

* * *

“H-Hagh..!”

The young man awoke.

Cold sweat trickled down his temples.

...

“...Huh?”

Where was he now?

The city was intact.

The morning sky looked clear, not blazing red.

This wasn’t the battlefield from before. Everything was fine.

Was that… only a dream?

“...A-Are you okay..?”

Minori stood gracefully before him, wearing a light gray blouse and a round hat.

“...” Naoya stared blankly. His hair was a mess.

He was still on the sofa where he’d slept last night.

“What’s wrong with you?”

“Nightmare?” Minori asked with concern, tilting her head.

Naoya stayed silent, still trying to recall the dream.

“Huh..?”

Something was in his hand.

When he looked down…

“Huh..?”

It was some kind of advanced robotic hand.

Not a blood-soaked hand, like the one he’d seen in the dream.

“Don’t worry.”

Minori sat beside him, trying to comfort him after the dream.

“It was just a dream, right?

No way it could be real!” she said.

Her words only made the young man wonder even more.

Was it really just a dream..?

Who was the person who had protected him?

“Umm, can i have my hand back..?” Said Minori.

Naoya handed the robotic hand back to her.

“You actually took off my hand, you know…”

“...Sorry,”

Minori’s right arm ended at the wrist — with a transplanted port installed for attaching the prosthetic hand.

click! Minori reattached her hand there.

“What exactly did you dream about?” Minori asked.

…

Naoya kept silent, looking down.

He knew it wasn’t just a dream, but he was still unsure.

“...Never mind.

You should eat breakfast. I’ve already prepared it on the dining table!”

Minori stood up and walked toward the door.

Naoya kept watching her — his eyes still dull after waking up.

“I have to head out.

Don’t forget to enjoy your day off!” she said.

“...Mhm.” Naoya nodded, still sleepy.

Minori bent down to put on her shoes.

“It’s really sunny today…

We could’ve gone out together, but I have work…” she said while tying her shoelaces.

“...Yosh!

I’m off!”

krrkk… Minori opened the door. She was just about to step outside, but—

“Oh, right!

If you get bored, just come to the shop!”

“All right, I’m going!”

clack..! The door closed.

She was gone.

Silence took over the room.

“...Sigh.”

Naoya leaned back against the sofa headrest.

He looked more at ease, but guilt still lingered on his face.

He thought for a moment.

Just because he saw it in his sleep doesn't mean it was a dream.

Because maybe what he saw…

was something he had experienced in reality.

...

* * *

Tokyo, Bunkyo Ward,

Ochanomizu Station.

It was as bustling as ever.

Pedestrians crowded the sidewalks.

On mornings like this, people headed out with various purposes. Office workers going to their jobs, students heading to school to learn,

Or.... some just taking their dogs for a morning walk.

“Huuh… It’s really crowded…”

Minori stood in the boarding line at an underground subway station.

ding, dong..!

"...The train bound for Shinjuku will be arriving in two minutes. Please stand behind the yellow line and prepare to board."  The announcer's voice echoes.

murmurs… chatter…

Again, it was really crowded.

All she could see ahead and behind were masses of people — all waiting for the same train.

SCREEEEEEEECH..!

The train arrived.

Tssssssss..! The doors opened. Passengers inside stepped out, trading places with those waiting outside.

Minori went with the flow, moving along with the boarding crowd.

thwump!  she found a seat near the door.

Once everyone was in, the doors closed.

The train immediately began to move.

Minori sat neatly with her bag on her lap.

scratch, scratch. The girl scratched her hair.

“Geez, its feels so itchy… guess I used the wrong shampoo…”

…

Suddenly the view outside went dark.

Soon after, dim flickering lights flashed quickly past the windows.

The train has entered a tunnel.

“Sigh…” Minori exhaled.

“...Huh?”

"Today marks exactly two years since Japan was declared free from the Hellgate threat."

Minori’s attention turned to a screen above the train door — showing a live news broadcast.

"Thanks to tremendous advancements in technology- and science-based defense systems, Japan has become a nation with one of the highest safety levels…"

She looked down at her lap, staring at her prosthetic hand.

She covered it with a black glove—perhaps still lacking confidence.

“...Sigh…” Her eyes showed pity—not for others, but for herself.

“E-Eh..!”

A sudden blinding light.

Bright sunlight poured in strongly from outside.

The train was now out of the tunnel.

Beside the tracks lay the Kanda River—one of Tokyo’s most iconic sights.

Not to mention the orderly rows of city buildings and small houses, neatly laid out to please the eye.

…

SCREEEECHH..!

"You have arrived at Yotsuya Station. Please exit carefully and check your belongings."  

"Oh!" Minori rose and walked toward the train door.

"Please be orderly and avoid pushing."

She joined the line with dozens of other passengers to disembark.

…

A few minutes later…

“...Phew.”

Minori had arrived in Shinjuku — one of Tokyo’s major districts.

It was almost as crowded as Shibuya.

Buildings stood packed side by side, with wide sidewalks — though some of its small streets could feel like a maze to many.

A common sight in the area. But Minori sensed something unusual when she noticed something.

Why… are there so many CDRS officers here..?

The CDRS was sweeping the area. Some officers were investigating.

Their faces were hidden behind combat-style face shields attached to their military caps.

...It’s still early August, right? Don’t they usually do routine sweeps in the middle of the month? Minori thought.

She decided to ignore it. Maybe they’d simply moved the schedule up.

Her steps continued.

“It’s already 9 o’clock. Hope I don’t get scolded by her...”

...

* * *

clack!

Naoya had just finished showering — water still dripping from his hair.

He covered his head with a towel and rubbed it vigorously.

The young man then stepped into the living room.

Sunlight streamed in through the glass balcony door.

srrk, srrk, srrk..! He kept rubbing his head.

Four days off ahead… what should I do? Naoya pondered for a moment.

Silence.

…

Still silence,

Until it was broken by a single sound.

grooaan… His stomach growled.

“...Guess I should have breakfast first.”

…

A short while later…

Naoya sat at the dining table.

His plate held a simple menu:

Tamagoyaki — Japanese rolled omelet, always paired with steaming rice.

He was just about to take his first bite, when suddenly—

riing, riing..!

Someone was calling.

His phone, sitting on the table, vibrated.

“...Huh?”

The screen shows a call from an unknown number.

“...Who’s this?”

click!

“Hello..?”

“Hello..? Is this Kuroda Naoya?”

“...Yeah, that’s me. Who’s this?”

“I-It’s Mizuhara!

I accidentally changed my number. Geez…”

“Doctor Mizuhara..?

How do you... ‘accidentally’ change your number?” Naoya looks confused.

“Uhh… Never mind that.

Anyway, come to the office today!”

“What for?”

“Just come, it’s reaally important!

If possible, come this morning. I might be busy later in the afternoon.”

“Okay, see you!”

“W-Wait—!”

click. The call ended.

For some reason, she never let Naoya finish his sentence.

“...”

Nom! He resumed the bite he’d paused earlier.

…

* * *

…

A little later…

CDRS Division Office, Shibuya branch…

...

Naoya entered the building's main entrance.

His appearance here was very different. He wore casual men’s attire — a street T-shirt layered with a navy collared shirt, paired with dark trousers and sneakers.

The young man couldn’t stop biting his lip. His face looked uneasy.

For some reason, he felt nervous.

Even on my day off, I still end up here...

Naoya stepped inside.

…

The main lobby was empty.

Just rows of waiting chairs, plus a reception desk at the far end between them.

So quiet.

He saw no one.

Someone should’ve been there to greet him.

“...Guess I’ll wait.”

He chose a guest seat near the desk.

...

It was so quiet that even the rustle of clothing was loud.

Naoya’s thoughts drifted.

Thinking about it, he’d only spoken to two people today — and one of them was over the phone.

“...Hgh…”

He tried to recall his earlier dream.

A nightmare, huh..? His expression gradually tensed—struggling to remember.

“Damn it. I can’t remember anything..!” Naoya muttered.

“Huh..?”

"—We are the Counter-Demon Response Squad, commonly abbreviated as CDRS."

Naoya looked up.

A TV above the desk was playing a CDRS profile and educational video—one of the few sounds in the silent lobby.

"Our commitment is to safeguard public safety. We uphold our duty as the special counter-force against Hellgate.

If you notice anything unusual, please report it to your district’s division."

"Tokyo is divided into 23 special wards. Each ward is guarded by one division of our soldiers—"

ringgg..!

Naoya’s phone rang.

click!

“Hello? Kuroda-kun?"

It was Doctor Mizuhara.

“Where are you, doctor?”

“I’m here already,” Naoya replied, avoiding small talk.

“I know, I can see you from the security cameras!”

“Head straight to the research room, I’m waiting there!”

Click! The call ended.

“...” Naoya’s expression turned weary.

“She could’ve said that earlier…”

…

After a short walk…

The room the doctor mentioned was only a few meters from the main lobby.

Naoya arrived at the door and turned the handle.

“Excuse me…”

…

Nothing special inside — just an ordinary office view.

Shelves full of files on both sides. A whiteboard marked with red indicators. Motivational posters.

And… a desk at the far end set aside for the room’s occupant.

“Woaah..! You really came.”

A young woman—probably in her early twenties—was looking through a file shelf, maybe searching for something.

“...What are you doing, Doctor?” Naoya asked.

“I’m looking for one specific file.

But I think it got misplaced… where else could it be?” she said, her lab coat swaying with her movements.

“Oh, right. Kuroda-kun.”

Something shone — partly hidden by her body.

The light flickered aggressively, wrapped in blue.

bzzttt..!  An electric glove.

“Uhh… Doctor?”

Doctor Mizuhara aimed her palm at Naoya and, in an instant—

SCCRHH!  Naoya was zapped with a medium-voltage shock.

“H-Hey..!!”

The electricity struck him but didn’t injure him.

Instead of having electric seizures, he just looked a little startled — eyes slightly open, but face still flat.

“Sorry! Hehe.”

“Just have a seat for now, I’m still looking for something,” she said, gesturing to a guest chair.

Naoya looks pissed. His face looking infuriated.

"You really don't need to do that..."

He kept being like that while walking to the seat.

Naoya sat, waiting.

…

A few seconds passed… The doctor finally approached and took her seat across from him.

“Sigh…” she exhaled.

“Uhhh… what was I going to say again..?”

“…So why am I here, Doctor?” Naoya asked.

“What do you mean ‘why’? Wait a sec…” she replied.

“Why did you call me here, doooctooor…” Naoya grumbled. He looks very upset.

“Ohh, right!

Sorry, I’ve had a lot on my mind lately.”

“I—”

ringgg..! A phone rang — but not Naoya’s.

“Hello?” Mizuhara answered.

“…Yesterday’s research?

That’s central lab’s responsibility, not mine!”

While she was speaking, something on the desk caught Naoya’s eye.

A small, pitch-black chip lay there.

“Uhuh… mhm…”

“All right…”

The call ended.

“Doctor,” Naoya called out— the chip was now in his hand.

“…Hmm?”

“This is one of the combat chips we usually use, right?”

“…Yup,” Mizuhara nodded, her ponytail swaying.

“That’s the chip that stores electric power to supply your weapons.”

“Does it have any function besides storing electricity?

It feels more like a battery to me,” Naoya said.

“…Well, you’re not wrong. It’s called a chip just because of its shape — its function is basically like a battery.”

“But, Kuroda-kun, it’s not an ordinary battery!”

“This chip is made from Voltarium mineral — the highest electricity-storage material in the world.”

“Just imagine, if fully charged, one chip could power a house for one to two full days!” the doctor explained.

“Voltarium, huh…”

“…By the way, Doctor, can I test this chip?” Naoya asked.

“Go ahead,” she replied.

“…I also want to borrow those Thunder Gloves.”

“Huh..?”

Doctor Mizuhara took off her gloves and handed them to Naoya.

“What for?”

Naoya inserted the chip into the back of his neck — a special transplant slot designed for these chips.

“Wow… Is this a new model, Doctor?” he asked while putting on the gloves.

“Hah..?

That’s the same model you guys usually use…

There’s no new version like you’re saying.”

Naoya pressed the chip he’d just inserted.

zrrrttt—!

The Thunder Gloves lit up instantly.

Small sparks crackled wildly.

whip—! —SCCRHH!!

“K-KYAAAA…!!” Naoya shocked the doctor back — making her flinch in surprise.

“KURODA, YOU—!!” Mizuhara snapped.

“Forgive me, Doctor…” Naoya said with a smug face.

“My principle is ‘eye for an eye.’ I can’t just let you get away with it!”

“Sigh…"

My bad, too... we ended up playing with electricity like little kids... The doctor thought to herself with a sigh.

“Hmm…

I’ll never understand how this thing works…” Naoya muttered.

“O-Ooh!”

“Mmmhmm…

Since you don’t understand, I’ll explain a bit!”

“Uhh...

No, thanks—”

“In short, here’s the deal!”

Naoya had just triggered what could be a long lecture.

“You know what’s in the back of our necks, right?” Mizuhara asked.

“Sigh…” Naoya replied reluctantly, “The Conductor..?”

“Mhm!”

“This Conductor is a special transplant.

Its main function is to activate the Voltarium chip to release electrical current, and channel it into the body.”

“Huh?”

“So it’s not the gloves that generate electricity directly?” Naoya asked, now intrigued.

“…Of course not.

The gloves — and other combat gear you use — just draw the current from inside, then release it.”

“But… these tools can only be used by Volt-immune people, especially CDRS soldiers—”

“…Of course I know that!” Naoya cut in. The doctor was talking as if he knew nothing. “Sigh…”

“If electricity like that touches someone who’s not Volt-immune, they’d die from the shock…” he added.

“Good, so you know.

But, Kuroda-kun…”

“Huh..?”

…

ringgg..!

Click! Doctor Mizuhara answered her phone.

“Hello?”

“…R-Really??

I’ll be right there!”

“Geez… I’m being called to HQ.

Gotta go!" she said.

“…Then I’ll just head home,” Naoya said.

“Huh? Fine—

H-Hey!!! Wait a sec!”

“I’m not done with you yet!!!”

Right—they hadn’t even discussed why she called him here in the first place.

“…Well."

"Tell you what, if you really want to go home, I’ll call you back here later,” the doctor suggested.

“Sure.”

“All right.

…But you can also wait here if you want.”

drap, drap... Mizuhara stood and walked to the door.

“But don’t touch anything, okay?” she said, hand on the doorknob.

“Bye bye! And close the door if you leave!”

clack! The door shut. She was gone.

“...” Alone again, Naoya muttered,

“Me? Waiting here?"

"It's not that I don't know how long she'll be gone," He got up from his seat, “Might as well head home,”

He walked toward the door.

“Or maybe I’ll take a stroll first…”

Just as he reached for the handle...

krrkk… The door opened on its own.

“Kinue-san… There’s a file delivery—”

…

Two pairs of eyes met.

“Huh?”

A girl appeared from behind the door.

The atmosphere turned silent — yet awkward.

“W-Who are you?” The girl asked.

“What are you doing here? Random people aren’t supposed to be here!”

Damn it, Naoya thought.

He had been trying hard to avoid meeting officers from the neighboring division — Division Four.

“I-I’m from Division 3B!”

“…Division 3B..?

Didn’t they just finish their shift last night?”

“Uh..?” The girl tilted her head slightly, as if something had just occurred to her.

“I was… called here by Doctor Mizuhara,” Naoya said, trying to raise his voice — though it still carried a hint of hesitation.

“…What’s your name?” the girl asked.

…

Naoya was silent for a moment.

It had been a long time since he’d met officers from other divisions. CDRS used to strictly limit inter-division interactions, though it had been loosened recently.

On top of that, officers were always required to wear face protection, making it even harder to recognize each other.

Reluctantly, Naoya pulled out his CDRS ID.

“Sigh…”

“…I’m Naoya Kuroda from Division 3B. Nice to meet you.”

The girl took the ID, nodded briefly — as if convinced.

“Ah… So you’re legit. Sorry about that!”

“Here!” she returned the ID, “Geez… Sorry again!”

“There are so many CDRS soldiers, maybe we’ve just never met before…

Funny, though! Our divisions are right next to each other.” she said cheerfully.

She extended her hand.

“…My name’s Hikari Akizuki, from Division 4A!"

"Nice to meet you too!”

They shook hands.

Naoya gave a faint smile. Luckily, he had introduced himself quickly.

At first, nothing seemed odd.

“Division 4A, huh..?”

“That’s right!”

Division 4A…

Wait. Division 4A?

He remembered someone.

Minori.

She had once been a soldier in Division 4A.

Naoya hesitated.

Should he ask about Minori now? Or not?

But his curiosity was too strong.

“…Can I ask you something?” he said, gathering courage.

“Y-Yeah..?”

“…Do you know someone named Minori Kuroda?"

" She used to be in your division.”

…

Hikari fell silent.

Why was he suddenly asking about Minori? Who exactly was this guy?

“You… know her..?”

“U-Uh..?”

Without realizing it, Hikari leaned closer to Naoya’s face.

“Y-Your face! I just realized!

You look like her!” Hikari was shocked.

She remembered clearly what the girl looked like.

Could Hikari have been Minori’s old friend?

Were they once close?

If so, why did she look shocked when Minori’s name came up?

Besides, she wanted to confirm who this young man really was.

She let go of his hand — not by pulling away, but by lowering it slowly.

“…That’s because I’m her brother,” Naoya said.

“Eh..?”

…

The girl was stunned.

Naoya’s words… explained everything instantly.

Minori… has a brother..?

...

* * *

The corridor was quiet.

Rows of fluorescent lights on the ceiling glowed at varying brightness — from dim to bright, depending on their age.

Long benches lined both sides.

Naoya and Hikari had decided to talk outside the room.

They sat on one of the benches.

“…I didn’t expect her to have a brother…

It’s been two years since I last saw her,” Hikari said, smiling a little ironically.

“Were you two that close?” Naoya asked.

The question made Hikari flinch slightly.

“N-Not really…

We were just colleagues.” she said.

Hikari tugged at her Thunder Gloves, which had loosened. “Duh.”

“Guess she never told you anything about her work environment, huh?” Hikari asked.

“…Not exactly. How do I put it…” Naoya replied.

“Hahaha! Sounds like you two have a complicated relationship.”

“…Maybe.”

Hikari sighed, a little disappointed. “I see.”

“Hey, Akizuki-san.

Do you know why she was discharged?” Naoya asked.

“She lost one of her hands. She was deemed unfit for combat and her duty.

…Right?” Hikari answered.

“How did she react to that?” Naoya pressed—this time more directly.

Hikari held her breath. She bit her lip, holding back her words. “Are you sure you want to know?”

“Of course,” Naoya said firmly.

Hikari thought for a moment, then began to speak. “Sigh.”

“…Two years ago, in the days just before she was discharged…

Her personality changed drastically.”

Naoya’s eyes widened — not understanding. “What do you mean..?”

“…In short…

Your sister… started blaming herself for everything.”

“Maybe since then, she became temperamental toward other division members.”

“We tried to calm her down, but… she only got angrier…”

“Even after she left, we never made up.”

Hikari fell silent. That was all she could say.

Naoya’s reaction was much the same — but his eyes widened slightly in surprise.

“T-That can’t be. I’ve never seen her like that…” Naoya tried to deny it.

“In that case, I want to ask you something, Kuroda-san…

How is she now?” Hikari asked.

“She…

Actually seems better than when she was still with CDRS. That’s all I’ve seen,” Naoya said.

Hikari was quiet again. But this time, a faint smile appeared.

“In that case, you don’t have to worry. Maybe that means she’s okay.”

“I’m glad to hear that…” she said, her face showing relief.

…

Could that really be true..? Naoya wondered, unsure.

“By the way… What’s she doing now?

Working? Or maybe…”

Hikari’s mind wandered — Minori already had…

A boyfriend? A husband? Kids!?

“U-uh..! No no, that’s impossible!” she snapped to herself.

“Oh yeah, you two live together, right?”

“T-That’s right.

He, hehehe…” Naoya replied, puzzled by the sudden change in mood.

“Waah..! Then you must be close!”

“So, who’s older between you two?”

Naoya paused for a moment, confused by the conversation’s sudden turn. “Uh…”

“Oops…”

Hikari’s cheerful face faded. She realized she’d been too forward.

“Sorry…”

…

The conversation paused.

Hikari seemed unsure whether to continue or drop the topic.

Maybe she was afraid Naoya would get upset, or hoped he’d stay quiet.

“...” Naoya, on the other hand, looked a little puzzled. He hadn’t meant to make her stop.

He decided to lighten the mood.

“…It’s fine.

Minori… she’s a little older than me..?”

Hikari’s warm smile returned.

Maybe Naoya didn’t mind more personal questions, she thought.

“Oooh… That explains her big-sister vibes!” Hikari said.

“Really? Hm…” Naoya mused.

“…She works at a flower shop now,” Naoya finally answered her earlier question.

“How long has it been…

About a year and a half..?” he said.

“A-A flower shop!?” Hikari looked shocked. “That’s so sweet!”

“I want to visit sometime…” she said.

Her light smile contrasted with the heavy nature of their jobs. “Ah!”

“Kuroda-san… can I have your number?”

Hearing that, Naoya’s eyes widened a little.

…

Asking for a number?

It sounds trivial.

But for two people who had lived through so much tragedy and horror,

This was something too normal for them.

…

Indeed.

It had been a long time.

Hellgate was no longer a major threat.

For the first time in two years, they could taste a normal life.

Everything led to this warm moment.

Day after day after day…

They could finally feel it.

“…Of course.”

Naoya showed his phone screen—displaying his number.

“Got it!” Hikari saved it. “You don’t mind, right?”

“Of course… not,” Naoya said, glancing away briefly.

“I’ll contact you later, there’s more I want to talk about!”

“Go ahead.”

Just then, hurried footsteps echoed.

"Hikari..!!"

…

Doctor Mizuhara—she came from the far end of the hallway.

“Huft… puff…” She panted, “Where have you been..!?”

“The division’s looking for you! Huft…”

“R-Really!?” Hikari jumped up from her seat.

“I have to go!”

She rushed off, leaving Naoya and Mizuhara.

“Oh, right, Kinue-san!!” she called back, “There’s a file delivery — I left it on the desk!”

…

Naoya was alone again with the doctor.

“Geez… She forgot her shift schedule…” Mizuhara muttered.

“…You’re fast, Doctor.”

Valid point — HQ wasn’t exactly close.

“I ran here…” Mizuhara said.

sniff, sniff— “Hmmph..! Oh God… now my clothes smell sweaty..!”

She took off her slightly damp lab coat and tied it around her waist.

“…By the way, do you know her, Kuroda?” she asked.

“We just met.”

“Huh..? But you’re stationed in the same area.

Well… different shifts, I guess…”

Naoya kept a straight face. “…I suppose.”

step, step—The doctor walked ahead toward her office door.

“Anyway! Let’s head back in.”

“Huh..?” Naoya’s expression changed.

She looked very serious. Her gaze seemed to hold something.

“This is urgent... I some have big news for you.”

…

* * *

(End.)