After a long day filled with laughter and warm memories, a gentle calm settled over the city, while the streetlights began to shimmer against the evening dew on the pavement. Everyone's day of joy and noise had finally come to an end, and each of them returned home carrying a pleasant mix of fatigue and contentment.
Nagisa and Yuuma were the first to arrive at the apartment; their steps were light, yet their faces clearly reflected the exhaustion of the long day. As for Kojou, he had decided to head to the other side of the city to pick up La Folia and Sayaka, who were still talking at the heavily damaged Sub-float — a ruin left behind by the recent battle between Kojou and Vatler. The news, however, publicly attributed the destruction to a "terrorist attack" by the Black Death Emperor Front.
Meanwhile, Atalanta and Lucretia chose to move temporarily to Touka's apartment, giving their old friends some private time together without crowding them. It was a quiet gesture that reflected their gentle nature despite their strength.
"Alright, I'll be back in about an hour or two… just around dinner time."
Kojou said in his calm voice as he waved goodbye to everyone at the gates of the residential complex. He looked a bit tired, but he still wore his usual smile—one that mixed nonchalance with a faint hidden warmth. He gave a casual wave before turning around and walking down the softly lit road, the dim orange lamps stretching his shadow behind him as the night breeze tugged lightly at the hem of his coat.
"Please be careful, Kojou-kun!"
Nagisa called out gently, waving at him with a warm smile that carried a trace of genuine worry.
Yuuma and Touka stood beside her in thoughtful silence, watching as Kojou's silhouette slowly faded at the intersection. Behind them, Kanon and Astarte walked a few steps back, speaking quietly after the latter informed them of Natsuki's mysterious disappearance. The news weighed on the atmosphere immediately, worry settling across their expressions.
The night was still young—but something about the sudden heaviness in their chests hinted that something was not quite right… and that their peaceful evening may not last for long.
"Let's go, Yuu-chan," Nagisa said, gently taking Yuuma's hand. "I'll be making curry for dinner. It's your favorite—along with Kojou-kun's, right?"
Yuuma tore her gaze away from the road where Kojou had vanished, and looked back at Nagisa, who was already tugging her along by the hand.
"Alright," Yuuma nodded softly, following behind her.
"…"
The angel, the priestess, and the homunculus exchanged brief looks before heading into the residential complex as well, intending to return to their own apartment. They were tired from walking since early morning and wanted nothing more than a hot shower, some dinner, and a good night's rest—especially with another long day ahead of them, as the Halloween Festival was set to begin tomorrow.
—
Sub-float.
La Folia and Sayaka were seated atop the only building that remained relatively intact, staring out at the sprawling island before them, occasionally glancing down at the destruction below with a mixture of awe and unease.
Suddenly, a dark-purple magic circle formed beside them, and Kojou appeared from within.
"Natsuki-chan's magic really is convenient," Kojou commented as he looked at the two girls and gave a small wave. "Hello."
"You're late!" Sayaka snapped in frustration as soon as she saw him appear. They had been stuck in the Sub-float for nearly an hour waiting for him.
"Sorry… I couldn't just abandon my childhood friend and leave immediately," Kojou apologized with a light smile. "But waiting here was probably much better than wandering all over the island without being able to reach the exit you wanted, right?"
"Mm…" Sayaka reluctantly nodded, though she had secretly hoped to lecture him—or extort some kind of compensation—from this infuriating Master. The failure of her little plan left her mildly disheartened.
"Well then, since Kojou is here, shall we go?" La Folia asked with a soft smile, lightly clapping her hands together. But even as she smiled, there was a faint stiffness to it—she clearly wanted to leave as soon as possible.
The Sub-float was the closest location to the sea, constantly thick with humidity, salt in the air, and the faint smell of marine life—an environment most people preferred not to linger in. And La Folia, being a princess, was no exception. This was her first time in such a place, and discomfort crawled over her entire body; she wanted nothing more than a hot shower immediately.
"Of course," Kojou nodded without hesitation. He stepped closer, slipping his arms around both their waists and pulling them near, their youthful sweet scent brushing against him as he felt the warmth of their bodies through their clothes. "Better brace yourselves for a little dizziness."
The girls squeezed their eyes shut tightly and clung to him, their soft chests pressing against his arms.
A violet magic circle flared beneath their feet—
and in the next moment, the three of them vanished from the rooftop.
...
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