"Uh… excuse …"
Enne's cheeks flushed slightly as she forced herself to speak up. This situation was beyond uncomfortable for her. And no wonder:
— Maschenny, aren't you thirsty? Want coffee?
— Maschenny, are you cold? Want to hold you?
— Maschenny, (insert ongoing flirting)
Along the way, Hoaquin-oppa had been relentlessly showering Maschenny with affection. And Maschenny-unnie was no better—if it were her, she'd be way too embarrassed and reject it at least once.
But Maschenny accepted everything without hesitation.
Kyaa!! He kissed her cheek again!
At that mont, the two were holding hands tightly, sharing a single coffee cup with two straws. Anyone could see that they were an overly affectionate couple, and as for Enne, stuck in between them… she couldn't help feeling pitiful and small. She was still young—this kind of scene embarrassed her to death.
From Enne's perspective, Hoaquin looked like a dog wagging its tail endlessly, while Maschenny looked like a calm cat—but in reality she was just as lovestruck as he was. They were a perfect pair of love-crazed animals.
Hoaquin-oppa is this much of a romantic?! And Maschenny-unnie too?!
She had always heard Maschenny described as a cold, overwhelming Princess, but perhaps during her D-rank Regular period, she was like this all along? Curiosity boiled over and Enne finally gathered courage.
"Uh… excuse …"
"Hm?"
Hoaquin turned back toward her with that sly smile.
The sight reminded Enne of their first eting on Floor 89. But the smiles were different. The data Hoaquin's smile was bright and mischievous, whereas back then his smile had seed more bitter—tinged with sadness.
Did sothing happen…?
"Why aren't you saying anything?"
"Huh? Oh—sorry. I just rembered when we first t…"
The Hoaquin of back then and the data Hoaquin now felt entirely different. Born among the Ten Families and inheriting their instincts, her senses were reliable. But she didn't ntion it aloud.
"When we first t? Well, anyway—what did you want to say?"
Hoaquin brushed it aside casually and asked again.
Right—what she wanted to ask.
Rembering it made Enne's face burn bright red again. Trying to cool off, she took a sip of her leftover coffee—
—only to see that they weren't just holding hands anymore.
Now they were arm-in-arm.
Cough—! Cough—!!
"You okay?"
Hoaquin rushed toward her, startled, but she waved a hand desperately—I'm fine, I'm fine.
"Hah… haah… Oppa, can I ask sothing?"
Her eyes sparkled with intensity, and Hoaquin involuntarily flinched before forcing a smile.
"Haha… go ahead."
"You two are dating, right? When did you start?"
The direct attack turned his ivory-white face slightly pink. Awkwardly scratching his cheek, he muttered,
"About… five hundred years ago."
Enne's eyes blazed brighter.
"Who confessed first?"
"…I did."
After coughing a few tis, he abruptly pulled out a scroll—summoning a quest as fast as possible to escape the embarrassnt.
"When you throw questions like that, you really resemble your parents. Looks too, honestly. Quest summon."
Poof—!
With a cloud of smoke, a warrior appeared before them—the Rock Samurai, the special quest boss blocking access to the Hidden Stage.
Not knowing anything about the Hidden Floor's systems, Enne tilted her head. But before she could ask—
—shing!
Hoaquin's sword flashed from its sheath, slicing through the Rock Samurai in a single instant. The warrior tried to block, but it was impossible. The pure white sword strike cleaved him cleanly in two.
Congratulations! Special Quest complete! A gateway to the Hidden Stage has been opened!
After the Rock Samurai vanished, a circular mirror manifested. Hoaquin stepped halfway through it, then turned, holding out a hand to Maschenny as he addressed Enne.
"Enne, you too. Inside is the Hidden Stage."
"Wow…"
"Enne?"
"Ah—yes!"
Snapping out of her daze, she hurried after them into the mirror.
But her mind couldn't shake what she had just seen—not the flirting, though that too would probably haunt her later. It was the sword strike.
The instant Hoaquin cleaved the Rock Samurai. The white flash that split him cleanly. Speed, power, and precision—every aspect perfect. And on top of that, it was beautiful.
How does he do that…?
Thoughts of romance were long forgotten—her mind was full of swordsmanship now.
Maybe I should ask him to teach …? Hoaquin-oppa is nice, so he'll probably teach …
Whether he realized how far she'd spiraled or not, Hoaquin glanced back to check that she was following through the mirror, pondering sothing else entirely—whether to take her to Blossom first or Gustang.
Should I ask who she prefers? Ehh… but she'd probably say Blossom. Gustang…
He was the one who created the Princess system after all. Even if D-rank Gustang was different from the modern one, Blossom was known for being warm and kind. Better to introduce her first. Gustang practically lived in his lab—what if he ignored Enne and hurt her feelings?
Decision made, Hoaquin checked his watch.
Oh—perfect timing.
Smiling toward Enne, he said,
"She should be awake now, so timing's perfect. Let's go."
"She"? So they were going to see Blossom first. Enne got the hint and nodded. eting the past versions of both her parents made her heart race, but what would she even say when she saw them?
Should I start with "Hello, I'm your daughter"? No no that sounds weird… "Mom!"? No that's too childish and technically she's not my mom yet… Maybe ask questions? Write them down? Ugh, there's too much I want to do…
While she panicked internally, Hoaquin opened the gate inside the Hidden Stage—leading to the Bedroom.
And Enne's head overflowed not just with excitent for Blossom and Gustang…but also—
And later… I should ask Hoaquin-oppa for sword lessons…
....
Hidden Stage — Bedroom
"Ha-aahm—"
Blossom stretched lazily, letting out a long yawn, crimson hair spilling down like a waterfall. She'd slept an hour longer than yesterday. A good sign.
"Bedroom—ti change."
Half-awake, she snapped her fingers as if entering a system command, and the surroundings brightened. The Bedroom Stage shifted from night to dayti. Night was best for sleeping, but dayti was better for everything else.
Perfect — continuing with Hoaquin / Enne / Luf convention.
After getting out of bed, Blossom headed straight for the washstand.
Freshening her mouth with toothpaste and doing a bit of grooming before starting the day was her routine.
Blossom squeezed toothpaste onto her toothbrush and began brushing.
"What should I do today…"
Maybe she'd visit Gustang's lab?
Gustang absolutely hated people entering his private lab or library. He always kicked them out—violently if needed. People respected that boundary…
…Well, except for certain exceptions.
— "Oh, Gustang. What's this? I'm taking this."
— "Get out, Eduan. Don't barge in."
— "Huh? Why isn't this working? No lights?"
— "Because there's no power source yet."
— "Haha, then I'll help. You know my Shinsu attribute, right?"
— "Wait—Eduan!"
— Bzzzzt—!
— "Well that's broken. Boring. I'm leaving. Make sturdier stuff next ti."
— "EDUAAAAN!!!"
The lab had been full of equipnt that day, and because Eduan unleashed lightning everywhere without restraint, every last device in the lab was fried. Gustang genuinely tried to kill him after that.
Anyway—although Gustang would violently eject anyone who entered his lab or library, Blossom was the one exception. He secretly liked when she ca to him, though he'd nervously hover as if worried she might break sothing. Blossom found that shy awkwardness amusing, and over ti it beca her hobby to visit him unannounced.
— Blossom, I'm free today, so I'll co to you. No need to co to my Stage.
"Oh my, since when does the research hermit co visit ?"
As if he could read her mind, Gustang himself had sent a ssage. He'd co to the Bedroom Stage so she wouldn't need to visit the Sky Library.
Hm, because of that flask last ti? Petty man.
— Is this because I broke that flask last ti?
— ….Nonsense. Sotis I simply co on my own. Ah, but next ti warn first so I can hide—never mind. Forget it.
"Hmmm…"
Blossom puffed her cheeks, suspecting he cared more about his equipnt than her. But she knew better—so she let it go quickly.
Done brushing and doing makeup, she sat on the bed to wait for Gustang when—
rumble rumble rumble—!
"Huh? Already?"
He said he'd co later, but perhaps he arrived early? Blossom brightened imdiately—she'd planned to be awake only thirty minutes, but maybe she'd stay up two hours today.
She focused, sensing the Shinsu presence approaching. Only one other entity moved in this Stage. It was getting closer, almost here—
"…Hm?"
That wasn't Gustang's Shinsu pattern.
This one belonged to that "little white dog."
Sure enough, that little white dog—Hoaquin—approached at full speed.
"Tch, seriously?"
Her excitent vanished instantly. Blossom flopped onto the bed like a deflated balloon. She had no idea why the brat who always dodged her and delayed his promises suddenly ca to her first—but with disappointnt draining her energy, she didn't care anymore.
"Hello, Lady Blossom."
Hoaquin arrived right beside her, greeting her with that sly, annoyingly pleasant tone. Blossom glanced at him, then at Maschenny beside him, answering flatly:
"So the Hidden Floor's most lovestruck couple is here. Here to sleep?"
"…That's a very misleading statent, Lady Blossom. And no."
Hoaquin stepped back awkwardly, flustered.
Blossom snorted.
Oh please.
Acting embarrassed now?
Thinking about it only irritated her more. Did they co here to date on the Hidden Floor? As if to shut them out, she yanked the blanket over her head.
Ugh! Brats showing off their romance! anwhile Gustang and I haven't even progressed!
And who had they dragged along this ti? Strong for a Regular, but nowhere close to their level—and why bring outsiders into a quiet sleeping Stage like the Bedroom?
Curiosity finally nudged Blossom to lift the blanket. Normally she'd ignore such things, but her heart pounded strangely.
Peeking out, she saw a girl hiding behind Hoaquin and Maschenny. Deep crimson hair, shimring brown eyes… and sothing about her felt oddly familiar.
Her hair's like mine. Eyes like Gustang's…
Blossom stared silently.
The longer I look… the more she looks like …
…Wait.
Her gaze snapped to Hoaquin. Arms crossed, smiling slyly as usual—except today there was confidence in his eyes. A confidence that strongly implied—
No way. No way no way no way—
"Blossom, we ca to keep a promise," Hoaquin said.
Blossom's eyes widened. Her head jerked back toward the girl—no, toward Enne.
If the white brat was telling the truth, then…
"…Daughter?"
"…M-Mother?"
The mont Enne answered, Blossom's pupils shook violently.
Processing this scene was nearly impossible.
What? She's really my daughter? Mine and Gustang's? What do I say?!
'Hello, daughter'?
No—'Daughter! It's Mom!'?
No no no no—!
Words died at her lips.
Both mother and daughter froze, lips moving without sound. Once they confird each other's existence, their brains plunged into chaos. Hundreds of scenarios ran through simulators in their heads, yet not one actual sentence ca out.
"I an… you two spent your lives missing each other so could you maybe say sothing…?"
Hoaquin's voice broke the silence. Even so, nothing changed.
"Uh… so… my daughter… um…"
"Uh… Mom… I an Mother… um…"
Wow. Painfully awkward.
Hoaquin sighed internally.
At this rate they won't say a single complete sentence today.
They just fidgeted with their fingers, shifting weight from foot to foot, refusing to speak. Hoaquin finally gave up trying to smooth things out. Blossom had nagged him endlessly about keeping this promise, yet now she couldn't say a word.
But he understood. They simply had too much to say—and couldn't choose what to say first. Ti would fix it. And since he and Maschenny were technically outsiders, they should quietly leave the two alone.
Hoaquin nudged Maschenny with his elbow to signal their exit. She pulled out her Pocket.
Suddenly?
A ssage notification.
Hoaquin leaned in to read it. The sender…
Eduan.
— Daughter, if you read this, co to the Spear Palace imdiately.
"..."
Why was that old lightning idiot summoning his girlfriend?
The ssage arrived only minutes ago. He wanted to ignore it, but Maschenny had already seen it—marked as "Read." Too late.
Haa… I really don't want to go.
With resignation, Hoaquin decided they'd go.
Whatever Eduan wanted, it didn't matter—Enne and Blossom needed ti alone anyway.
He opened a mirror to another Stage and stepped toward it with Maschenny.
"Um… we'll head out for now. Have a good talk. And Enne—if anything happens, I'll be at the Spear Palace."
…Whether they heard my last words or not was unclear. The two of them were still just fidgeting with their fingers, unable to properly speak. Well—things would sort themselves out. There wasn't much I could do anyway.
With a short farewell, I stepped fully through the mirror with Maschenny, heading toward the Spear Palace. And so the Bedroom Stage was left to only Enne and Blossom.
With no outsiders present—and enough ti having passed—the two finally began an actual conversation.
Blossom, darting her eyes around awkwardly, ventured:
"Uh… hi?"
"Ah… hello…"
Face flushed, Enne answered, and silence returned for a brief mont.
Just then, a blue flash erupted nearby—zwaat—and from the light erged a white coat, glasses, and brown hair.
"Blossom. As I said earlier, I ca—hm? What are you two doing?"
Gustang's sudden arrival made Blossom beam like she'd been handed a golden rope in the underworld.
"G-Gustang! She—! This girl is—! So—!"
"Blossom, slowly. Who might this be? She seems familiar. And… she resembles you—!"
Seeing Enne's crimson hair and brown eyes, Gustang froze mid-sentence.
"…Is she… our child from the outside?"
Blossom's head bobbed up and down so fast it could have powered a windmill.
"Yes! She's our daughter! Look at her, isn't she gorgeous? Um—so daughter, what's your na??"
Thanks to Gustang breaking the dam, Blossom unleashed a machine-gun barrage of words. Enne, overwheld by praise and questions, struggled to breathe before finally managing:
"Um… I'm Eurasia Enne Zahard! It's an honor to et my parents from the past!"
"Kyaaa! Listen to her! Isn't she adorable? …Hm? Zahard?"
Blossom tilted her head. Enne tried to explain, but Gustang spoke first.
"She must have beco one of Zahard's Princesses. For a child of ours, it's natural. No—inevitable. She will undoubtedly be the strongest among them."
Blossom nodded vigorously.
"Obviously! With parents like us, she'd better be! So your na is Enne? Even your na is cute! Co here, let hug you."
Blossom pulled Enne into her arms, Enne blushing as she went. Outside, the two had reacted sensitively about Zahard's Princesses, but their data versions were proud instead.
Why the difference… Enne wondered while being hugged.
Gustang and Blossom—oblivious to her internal puzzles—watched her with curiosity sparkling in their eyes.
"Enne, we've wanted to talk to you for a long ti. There are many things we wish to ask. Will you keep us company?"
With Blossom's gentle tone, Enne nodded.
Complicated thoughts scattered—she'd enjoy this mont. After all, she was eting her parents' past selves—who wouldn't be excited?
Enne smiled brightly as she walked off with Blossom and Gustang, chatting all the way.
.....
Spear Palace
Zwasht—
A flash of light, and a couple appeared in the center of the Spear Palace.
"Ugh, that awkward tension was killing ."
They'd clearly missed each other like crazy, yet once they faced each other, they couldn't speak. I understood though—had my own share of those awkward reunions.
I sighed lightly. Maschenny smirked.
"Why sigh? It was less awkward than when you confessed to ."
"…Urgh. That was…"
She prodded my weak spot, and the mory made my face scrunch. She snickered. That mory needed to be buried with the deletion of the Hidden Floor.
I changed the subject without hesitation.
"Anyway—why did your father call you again?"
The only reason we ca to the Spear Palace was because of Eduan. He summoned Maschenny out of nowhere, and since it also spared Enne and Blossom their awkwardness, we figured we'd escort her here.
Looked like we were inside the Palace now—but Eduan was nowhere—
"Why I summoned my daughter?"
Gah—right there. His voice echoed from the darkness—bold and smooth.
"Since when does a father need a reason to see his daughter?"
Clouds parting allowed light into the Stage, revealing Eduan sprawling on a sofa-throne, leisurely eating grapes. After spitting out a seed, he flashed us his trademark playful grin.
"I'm surprised. Didn't think you'd let Maschenny go so easily."
A vein almost popped on my forehead.
That coming from him?
Like mocking us, he leaned back arrogantly.
"Well—I heard summoning my daughter would drag you along too, so I tested it. And it works. You two are practically glued together twenty-four hours."
"Of course. Maschenny and I are—one he—"
"What nonsense!"
I tried flowing smoothly into romantic declaration, but Maschenny smacked before I could finish.
Failure.
Eduan watched us with visible amusent before finally speaking.
"No real reason. Just wanted to check how you two were living. The Spear Palace runs fine with Asensio alone anyway. Maybe I'll bring in one more person soti."
Translation: He called us because he wanted to watch our couple life. His daughter was being well-taken-care-of, thank you very much—though who was taking care of whom was debatable.
"Then, can we leave now? Maschenny, anything else you need from him?"
Her head shook instantly. Without hesitation. Eduan sighed dramatically, wounded pride and all.
"Ha… so that's why they say raising children is pointless… fine, go."
"Haha, I'll drop by again, so don't sulk."
We Ten Family data types t often these days—he'd see us again soon enough. No need to pretend to pout.
"Farewell then."
With that, Maschenny and I turned to leave without regret.
But then—
"Ah, wait. Hoaquin?"
Eduan's voice stopped in my tracks.
"The Data Zahard guy wouldn't care about Princess regulations anyway. And besides—personally, I was all for it. Hahaha."
"..."
Honestly, it wasn't like I hadn't thought about it before, but… being hit with it so suddenly was embarrassing.
I glanced at Maschenny. Call it bias, but she looked beautiful and adorable from every angle. She stared at with an expression that said, what's taking you so long to get over here?
Ack, better hurry.
"Haha… I'll… think about it later."
"Sure. Tell anyti. I'll sing at the ceremony. Always wanted to try being the wedding bard."
…Excuse ? Eduan as the wedding singer?
"Heh—that doesn't suit you at all."
The image popped up imdiately: Eduan in a tuxedo, holding a microphone, singing Snow Flower. The absurdity made snort. Actually… would it suit? No, definitely not. Anyway, imagining wedding plans this early was getting out of hand, so I ended it there.
"Hahaha—unbelievable. Anyway, thanks for the sentint, Eduan. We'll get going."
Eduan, however, continued stubbornly.
"What, who else would sing? Out of all of us, the only one who sings better than is Zahard. You gonna ask him? I'm the only talent available."
"Haha. Sure. Interesting thought. Also—you do know Stage 1 of the Hidden Floor is literally called Village of the Bards, right? Anyway, we'll go now."
Now imagining Data Zahard singing was sohow even funnier. I hadn't laughed like that in ages—it felt refreshing. With a relaxed stride, I headed out of Eduan's room.
"What were you talking about?"
Maschenny asked, pretending not to care.
She definitely cared.
"Mm… that you're irresistible?"
"Sigh…"
Her sigh made give her an awkward grin.
"Haha, be nice. I'll tell you later."
"Of course you will."
Ah—she might be sulking.
I wrapped an arm around her waist and kissed her forehead.
"You always try to smooth things over like this."
"…Haha."
Her narrowed eyes made sweat. Sorry, can't just admit I was ntally chugging kimchi juice about marriage.
"My bad."
I brushed her hair gently.
"…unfair,"
she murmured.
My white hand tilted her chin up. Lips that had rested on her forehead slid down toward her neck.
Wedding talk could wait. Right now, I wanted to enjoy this mont more.
.....
Hidden Floor — One Month Later
Night mode was set across the Spear Palace Stage.
A red-haired girl walked briskly, humming.
"♬♩♪~"
Her steps bounced with excitent. Her body was practically overflowing with joy.
It had already been a month since I entered the Hidden Floor. If I had to summarize that month:
Hap-py.
Truly—genuinely—happy.
Conversations with my parents' data selves were always new and delightful. They treated kindly and warmly, teaching things and showing guidance.
Even my dream—to gather all 13 Months and guide the Tower to the 135th Floor—was t with encouragent. They strongly supported it. The part about becoming Zahard's wife… they opposed heavily, but that aside—
The Ten Family Heads in their D-rank Regular era were all colorful, fun, impressive people. I could only feel grateful for how much interest they showed .
I learned that in their youth, my parents could be awkward like , yet sotis resemble their dignified outside selves so much it was shocking.
Ha Yurin was as tough as her outside self. Hon was a gentleman. Eduan was… Eduan. Han was entertaining, Hana was beautiful, and Lord Lo Po Bia even gave an adorable Shinheuh. I'd have to leave it behind when I left… sadly.
All these encounters made it clear—I was so glad I boarded the Hell Train.
I'd never been so happy in my life. One month of pure joy on the Hidden Floor.
And today… was sword lesson day with Hoaquin-oppa.
At first, he reacted like, Why ? You literally have my father. But after persistent begging, he relented.
Of course, Data Arie Hon was amazing beyond words, but if we were talking pure aesthetics…
Hoaquin-oppa's swordplay sparkled brighter.
I wasn't an Arie anyway. I'd never perfectly use pure Arie style. So between perfection-but-plain (not that his sword was plain!) and 99.8% perfect but completely dazzling—I'd choose the latter.
Besides, it was just for fun. Who would scold ? Hon might have felt a little betrayed though…
And today was the final lesson.
It was almost ti to return to the Hell Train. As much as I loved it here, I couldn't stay forever. For my goals, and for my parents outside who believed in .
I'd already said goodbye to the other Ten Family data. After this lesson with Hoaquin-oppa and one last goodbye… I would leave.
Once gone, I could never return—heartbreaking.
While thinking all these things, I finally spotted a pale figure in the distance.
There he was!
"Hoaquin-oppa!"
"Hm? Ah, you're here. I heard today's your last day on the Hidden Floor?"
"…Yes. Sadly, I'm not data."
"Haha, true. You're different from us. Still—this month was fun, Enne."
" too!"
"Then let's begin. I'll teach you quickly."
As always, once training began, everything flowed smoothly. Detailed instruction, sparring, training cycles.
Shhhk—!
Drawing his sword, he slashed. The slashes spiraled like living things. White sword trails rotated around him, blooming into a white storm. At its peak, the storm scattered like petals—thousands of white flowers filling the night.
Wow…
So beautiful.
Because it was night, those white petals—sharply glowing—looked even more radiant.
He struck a few more tis, ending with a grand finale before turning toward .
The shinsu spread along the sword's edge, filling the space around . Thanks to being the daughter of Blossom and Gustang—the Tower's greatest Wave Controllers—even without being an Arie, I could grasp space with my blade… at least in a crude way.
I recalled his sword from earlier. Just like that—like this—
As a non-Arie, I didn't need to understand the deep mysteries of their technique. Mimicking the movents exactly as Hoaquin-oppa had swung was enough. For imitation, that alone sufficed.
Shaaaat—!
Rembering his earlier swing, I slashed with the sa motion. The shinsu infused in my blade and the shinsu occupying the space around reacted to the faint Arie-style principle in my slash.
Pale white cuts circled , then burst outward in a cross shape—scattering.
The remnants of shinsu fell like white snowflakes. Compared to Hoaquin-oppa, it was lacking by a mile, but—
"Oppa! That ca out right, didn't it?!"
I turned to him with excitent, and he nodded with a bright smile.
Victory! Honestly, I didn't expect it to work on the first try!
"That's good enough. Haha—your talent is scary. Learning that after seeing it once."
"Wow. The nerve. You're not one to talk."
He was already stronger than most Rankers, and he dared to lecture about talent? Where did his conscience go?
Scratching his head at my jab, he gave a sheepish grin.
Anyway. Now only one lesson remained.
"So, just one more thing left for you to teach."
"Hm? I've got nothing else to teach. That was the final Arie technique a non-Arie can manage."
That wasn't what I ant. I shook my head and pointed at his sword.
"You promised we'd spar on the last day. Don't pretend you forgot."
I'd once been hailed as the strongest Regular prospect in generations—only to find soone even more ridiculous here. Of course I had to fight him at least once.
Throughout my climb I'd never encountered an equal among Regulars. This spar was a once-in-a-lifeti chance.
"You kept delaying it every ti. Ti to honor the deal."
"Haa… do we really have to?"
"Yes. Absolutely. Do you know how long I've waited for this?"
He exhaled deeply, surrendering.
"Well… a princess's wish must be granted, I suppose."
The mont he drew his blade fully and looked at —pressure slamd into hard enough to crush bone.
He'd accepted the duel.
Exactly what I wanted, but…
Are you sure you're just a Regular?
Gritting my teeth, I stomped the ground and took my stance. Playti was over. From here on—I'd go all out.
How far can I go?
I'd learned from the Ten Family data heads, and from Hoaquin-oppa himself—not only Arie swordsmanship, but various other fields. My prowess had increased noticeably over the month.
Surely I could last a few minutes… right?
I pointed my blade at him, every sense raised to the limit. Whether victory or defeat, this duel would benefit .
He studied my sword, then spoke.
"You've improved a lot since the first day."
"I'll count to five before we start."
5
4
3
2
1
"—Begin!"
The instant five seconds passed—
swords erupted from the heavens and the earth, stabbing down and up toward .
KUGUGUGU—
Dodging and deflecting barely in ti, I looked up just long enough to see Hoaquin-oppa already at arm's length—shinsoo packed into his blade.
CRASH—!
I blocked, but unlike him still standing, I was flung backward like a rag.
Ugh—physically we were similar, but his ability to enhance via shinsu was leagues ahead.
No room to breathe—dozens of slashes rained toward , glowing white bright enough to blind my vision.
Was that the reason his sword techniques were so flashy?
"Hey! What are you kids doing in my Stage? Let sleep!"
…Pretty sure I heard Eduan, but that was the least of my problems.
Each slash was lethal. Applying today's lessons, I swung in a specific direction—forming a swirling barrier of slashes, a sword-curtain.
It canceled the incoming blades decently, then erupted outward in a massive cross burst—
white light flooding the area.
Perfect chance for a counter—
"Haha. Still lacking."
The swirling curtain dissipated—revealing Hoaquin-oppa right in front of . My eyes widened.
When—?!
"During that opening."
BAM!
"Ow!"
He smacked with the flat of his blade, sending into the floor. Trying to rise, I found cold steel resting against my neck.
"I win, Enne."
"…I surrender, I surrender."
He was too strong. Out of my league entirely. I lay flat on my back, gasping. He wasn't even winded. Was I not even worth fighting seriously?
"Geez… oppa, you're ridiculously strong. Are you sure you're not just pretending to be a Regular and actually a Ranker?"
"Haha… thirsty? Here."
He handed a bottle. Parched, I chugged it imdiately.
"Thanks—ugh?! Cough! Cough! What is this?! Why does it taste like that?!"
"Oh—whoops. That was alcohol."
He DID NOT.
He gave alcohol to a minor!?
"Water! Water!!"
Looking embarrassed, he rummaged through his inventory again, finally pulling out another bottle.
"Sorry, sorry. This one's actually water."
I snatched it, sniffed—no sll, no color. Safe. I sat up, gulping gratefully. Cold and refreshing.
Hoaquin-oppa dropped beside , sitting comfortably. Clouds drifted away from the Stage's lights, brightening the scene.
"So, you're leaving tonight?"
"Yes. I'm sad, but I have my goals. I'm still a person from outside."
I couldn't hide the bitterness. He waved his hands quickly.
"No, no—don't apologize. It's natural. Besides, your data will stay here."
"Oh—true! Please look after her. No matter how old I beco outside, my data will always be a clueless kid."
"..."
His expression stiffened for a mont. Why? Did I say sothing wrong?
Before I could ask, his face returned to normal and he pulled out his pocket device.
"Then—want a photo? A keepsake. Data stays, but reality is different."
"Yes! Please! And you'll send it to , right?"
"Of course."
Click—
I smiled brightly; he smiled faintly. The lighting made it look stunning.
"Send it! Send it!"
"Yeah, yeah."
While watching him scroll his pocket to transfer it, one photo caught my eye.
"Oppa—who are these people?"
I pointed at his background wallpaper.
One glance conveyed warmth. Hoaquin blowing out candles on a cake, dead center. To the left, a pretty girl clapping. To the right, a handso boy smiling faintly. In his arms, a little girl holding a doll blowing out candles with him. Behind them, a mature woman with twin swords smiled as well.
It looked like a birthday celebration—peaceful, dostic. Judging from appearance, they were all Arie. His family?
"..."
Hoaquin froze, gazing at the photo. Like soone staring into a mory he never truly escaped. The mood softened.
"…Oppa?"
"Ah… haha. Sorry. Got sentintal. They're my family. I miss them."
"They never boarded the Hell Train?"
"Seems not. I heard they beca Regulars, but maybe they never boarded. The outside must be heartless—could've at least hinted them to get on."
"I want to see my family too…"
His eyes reddened slightly. I'd never seen him look so fragile—almost painful. How precious must they be to him?
"I'll deliver a ssage."
He turned sharply toward .
"What? You?"
The gloom vanished—replaced by hope and anticipation. Seeing that expression made him look even more fragile.
"When I leave and beco a Ranker one day, I'll search for them. I'll tell them that you miss them. That you're here. Wouldn't it be better if they knew?"
"R-really…?"
I took his hand and looked him straight in the eye. It was my way of promising—truly promising.
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