The return to Kuoh was peaceful. Tamamo and Reynare walked on either side of Daniel, each gently holding his hand. The atmosphere felt warm, intimate... even after the chaos in Kyoto, the combat, the betrayal, the revelation that one of the most powerful women in the Yokai world had now marked him as her husband. Still, the peace of having his beloved ones by his side was enough to make him momentarily forget that strange and wonderful reality that was now part of his life.
Tamamo gave him soft kisses on the shoulder as they walked, while Reynare left playful caresses on his arm, their faces illuminated by Kuoh's nighttime glow.
—Tonight... no Tartarus. — Daniel said in a calm voice.
—You deserve the rest. — said Tamamo, giving him a kiss near his ear.
—Besides... — added Reynare— the others missed you quite a bit.
And just as Reynare predicted, the house was a sea of affection and adorable chaos as soon as they crossed the threshold.
Alya, Sakura, Hibiki, and Hikari were waiting for him. The moment he opened the door, he was ambushed by kisses, hugs, questions, and loving complaints.
—Where were you for so long?!
—I thought you'd been kidnapped!
—Your favorite dinner got cold!
—Adorable idiot, I missed you!
—Welcome back!
Daniel could only laugh, hug them all, and give them the affection they deserved. The warmth of home enveloped him, and for a few minutes, everything felt in order.
During dinner, Daniel recounted what happened in Kyoto, from the clues to the infiltration, the attack, and the final revelation of Yasaka as his new "unofficial wife."
—She bit you!? — Hikari said with her mouth full of rice.
—And you didn't bleed out? — Sakura asked with clinical curiosity.
—And the daughter...? She called you dad? — said Alya, both fascinated and jealous.
Tamamo nodded like someone confirming an ancient truth.
—It's official. Yasaka marked him. And Kunou accepts him as a father.
The silence was sepulchral... and then, chaos of complaints, protests, jokes, and, in the end, resigned laughter.
—We'll have to get used to being... many. — Hibiki murmured, looking at her teacup.
—...If we keep adding like this, we're going to need another calendar for shifts. — Reynare joked.
Daniel just sighed, but smiled. The chaos was part of the package. And he wouldn't trade it for anything.
Yukari, Mitsuru, and Akihiko were in their rooms, preparing for a new exploration of Tartarus. It was routine by now, but this time it felt different. A key presence was missing.
Yukari's phone vibrated. It was a message from Daniel.
"Had to attend to a diplomatic matter... quite serious. I'm exhausted, I won't go to Tartarus tonight. Take care. If you can, advance without me."
Yukari shared the message with the others.
—He's not coming tonight. — she said simply.
Mitsuru frowned.
—Diplomatic...? What kind of diplomatic matters does a human with supernatural abilities handle? — she asked, more to herself than to the others.
Akihiko shrugged, putting on his gloves.
But Mitsuru didn't let go of the topic.
—Yukari, when did you give him your number?
—Huh? Why do you ask that?
—Just... I find it curious. — said Mitsuru, clearly trying to sound indifferent, though failing miserably—. Could you give it to me?
Yukari raised an eyebrow.
—For "diplomatic matters," Mitsuru?
The redhead blushed very slightly.
—For... coordinating future explorations. Nothing more.
Yukari sighed, smiling sideways. The jealous noble of SEES was coming to light.
The moon was shining with an abnormal intensity.
And from it, a figure wrapped in darkness descended.
Hair as black as the abyss, a green scarf fluttering in the wind, and an aura that made the very soul of the Earth tremble.
Mochizuki Ryoji had arrived.
His smile was melancholic. His eyes, vast as the universe.
The Dark Hour welcomed him as if he were its legitimate heir.
The avatar of Nyx, the key to the End, had arrived in Daniel's world.
And with him... the clock began its countdown to the end of the world.
The morning at Kuoh Academy seemed quiet. Almost... too quiet.
Daniel, with his uniform impeccable and the face of someone who had barely slept (thanks to the Yokai revelation and his newly acquired "mystical marriage"), was walking towards the student council room to meet with Sona. He had to inform her everything that happened in Kyoto: the internal betrayal, the attempted revolution, the mark Yasaka left on him... everything.
But upon opening the door...
Time stopped.
There he was.
Hair as black as obsidian, an emerald green scarf fluttering slightly with the room's air conditioning, honey-colored eyes full of mystery... and a charming smile that, to those who didn't know the truth, would seem simply mischievous.
—Ah, beautiful ladies of the student council! — he said in a melodious tone—. Is it not an injustice of the universe that none of you have a lunch companion yet? I am willing to sacrifice my heart for one of you!
Ryoji Mochizuki.
The Avatar of Nyx.
The key to the End.
The boy who shouldn't be here yet.
Daniel froze in the doorway, his heart pounding against his chest like a nuclear alarm. His mind was racing a mile a minute, reviewing dates, events, the universe's logic.
"This isn't normal. It's NOT normal!"
Ddraig spoke in his mind, worried:
—Daniel... what's happening? Your pulse spiked and your breathing is getting out of control.
—I'll explain later... this isn't just about us... this is serious. VERY serious. — Daniel responded mentally, gritting his teeth.
Meanwhile, Ryoji went from girl to girl.
—And you, Tsubaki-san? A beauty like yours doesn't deserve to eat lunch alone.
—Rejected. — Tsubaki said without even looking up.
—Saji? Don't you have a sister?
—Brother... please, no.
And finally, he turned to Sona Sitri, with an exaggerated wink:
—Student council president, lady of wisdom and beauty... wouldn't fate have it that we share—
—I have a fiancé. — Sona cut him off firmly, not even looking at him.
Ryoji blinked, then smiled comically, as if he had been thrown out an emotional window.
—Oh... my heart. What a tough day. — he said, turning away with theatricality.
He passed by Daniel with a careless movement and winked at him.
—Good luck, friend! The competition is tough. — he said before closing the door softly behind him.
Daniel started breathing again.
—Are you alright? — Sona asked, noticing the sweat on his forehead—. You look... pale and confused.
Daniel blinked and forced a smile.
—I'm... fine. Just... I was surprised to see that guy here. I didn't know him.
Ddraig murmured mentally in a serious tone:
—That boy isn't human. I feel it... it's as if he's a walking paradox. His essence doesn't belong to this reality.
Daniel nodded very subtly and regained his composure.
—Sorry about that. I came to give you the report on what happened in Kyoto.
Sona watched him for another moment before nodding and sitting properly.
Daniel explained everything. From the Yokai betrayal, the revolution plan, the involvement of a fallen angel subordinate of Surgal, Yasaka's appearance, the symbolic bite that linked him to her... everything.
—I understand. That may bring political repercussions later, but... thank you for resolving it so efficiently. — said Sona, though her eyes discreetly scanned him—. Still, we'll talk later about... that "bite mark."
—Of course. — Daniel replied with some discomfort.
Once the report was finished, he said goodbye respectfully, and before leaving the room, Sona told him:
—And Daniel... if that boy appears around here again... can you stay close?
—That was already in my plans. — he replied, serious, before closing the door.
Daniel walked with hurried steps towards Rias's study.
He couldn't let it go.
Ryoji was here.
The End of the World was being accelerated.
And that only meant one thing.
Someone, somewhere, was altering destiny.
And Daniel... was going to find out who.
After finishing his meeting with Rias and having made clear everything that happened in Kyoto, Daniel returned to his classroom with a firm step... though his mind kept turning over the unexpected appearance of Ryoji.
He shouldn't be here. His presence only means something is breaking in the flow of destiny.
But upon opening the classroom door... he found a curious scene.
There was Ryoji Mochizuki, the charismatic and shameless one, trying to deploy his charm in front of Alya, Hikari, and Hibiki. Smiles, improvised compliments, a couple of winks, and sweet comments came out of his mouth in hopes of impressing.
—A silver-haired goddess, two twin suns of pure light... am I dreaming? — he said, without a drop of shame.
The three girls weren't even paying him attention. Until Daniel entered.
At that moment, as if a switch were flipped, Alya, Hikari, and Hibiki quickly stood up, went straight to Daniel, and kissed him in turn on the lips, each with a satisfied smile.
Ryoji was left open-mouthed, paralyzed. His soul seemed to leave him for a second.
—We already have a boyfriend, sorry. — Alya said with a serene smile.
—We're not looking for someone... we have Daniel. — Hibiki added, giving the boy a wink.
—Good luck in your search, but this door is closed. — Hikari concluded.
Ryoji brought a hand to his chest, theatrical.
—My... my heart... devastated! — he moaned, falling to his knees.
Daniel just scratched the back of his neck with an anime-style sweatdrop sliding down his forehead.
—Ryoji, you... are you okay?
—Master! — Ryoji suddenly exclaimed, kneeling before Daniel with eyes shining like an anime disciple—. Teach me your ways! I want to achieve a harem like yours! You... you are my new idol!
All the girls present looked at him as if he had just lost what little sense he had left.
—This... isn't something you teach. — Daniel said with a tense smile, wanting to remain calm—. Besides, it's not like it was planned.
—That's precisely why you're great! It comes to you naturally! You're a natural! A legend! — Ryoji kept going, completely immersed in his disciple role.
Daniel sighed.
—...Alright. We'll talk later. But for now, please, sit down. Classes are about to start.
Ryoji sat obediently, with a dreamy smile and starry eyes whenever he looked at Daniel.
Once Daniel sat down, without Ryoji noticing, he leaned a little towards Alya, Hikari, and Hibiki, and spoke to them quietly:
—Can you tell the other girls we need to meet at home as soon as classes are over? This is important.
—Understood. — Alya nodded seriously.
—Does it have to do with that weird guy? — Hikari asked in a cold tone.
—And something else... beyond him. — Daniel replied, brief but firm.
Hibiki was already writing in the group chat. The girls were activating.
Simultaneously, Daniel took out his phone and sent a group message to the SEES team:
Daniel:
"Change of plans. Emergency meeting tonight. Topic: anomalous appearance. I'll speak in person. Do not go to Tartarus without me."
The message was marked as read by Mitsuru, Yukari, Akihiko, and Junpei within seconds. Mitsuru's reply came immediately:
Mitsuru:
"Understood. Meeting at your house, then. I hope it's important."
Daniel closed his eyes for a second and murmured:
—It's more than important. It could be the beginning of the end...
And from his seat in the classroom, Ryoji kept watching him, with eyes full of hope, as if Daniel were a mix between Casanova, a sage, and a hero from an epic novel.
The end of the world was approaching... and Ryoji wanted to learn how to have a harem.
Location: Daniel's House – Main Room
Attendees: Daniel, Tamamo, Reynare, Alya, Hikari, Hibiki, Sakura, Mitsuru, Yukari, Akihiko
Night had fallen over Kuoh, but in the living room of Daniel's house, there was no trace of calm. The dim lights illuminated the serious faces of those present. Everyone knew this wasn't a normal meeting... Daniel stood before them, with Tamamo and Reynare at his side, while the rest surrounded him in silence.
Mitsuru was the first to break it.
—What was so urgent as to gather us so suddenly?
Daniel took a deep breath. His face showed a mix of tension, weariness... and fear.
—Today... I saw someone who shouldn't be here. Not yet. His name is Ryoji Mochizuki.
The name provoked an immediate reaction from the three SEES members.
Yukari stiffened.
—What... did you say?
Akihiko frowned.
—Are you sure?
Daniel nodded gravely.
—I saw him with my own eyes... he was at the school, in the student council room. And it wasn't just a casual appearance. He's active. Flirting as usual. But the important thing is this... Ryoji shouldn't be here until all the major shadows have been destroyed. And we haven't even come close to that point.
Mitsuru rose from her seat.
—So... the Fall has begun?
—Not officially. — Daniel shook his head— But his presence indicates it's accelerating. Something or someone is altering the natural flow of Tartarus. And if Ryoji is here now... then Nyx is closer than we think.
A chilling silence fell over everyone.
Alya, seated beside Hibiki and Hikari, hugged herself uncomfortably.
—Who exactly is Ryoji?
Tamamo, in a serious tone unusual for her, responded:
—The midnight man. An emissary... or rather, the human avatar of death itself.
—He's not evil in and of himself — added Daniel—, but he is the herald of the End of the World. Killing him doesn't change anything. Not only is he invincible, but he's also part of a predestined cycle. The real enemy is Nyx, the entity that seeks to fuse humans with eternal death.
Yukari covered her mouth. Akihiko clenched his fist.
Mitsuru remained calm, but her voice trembled.
—So... what's our plan?
Daniel looked at everyone. There was no room for false hope.
—We have to reach the top of Tartarus. Accelerate everything. Ryoji is just the prelude... but if we manage to scale and break the cycle early, we might have a chance. But if we keep waiting, the Fall will occur before we're ready.
Tamamo looked at him with worry.
—Are you sure we can face it this way, so soon?
—No. — Daniel replied— But it's that... or lose everything.
Sakura, who had been silent until now, spoke firmly:
—Then we must prepare. We've done it before. We can do it again.
Yukari nodded.
—If the world is at stake, we're not going to stand by and do nothing.
Akihiko stood up.
—More training. More synchronization. No mistakes. If that guy is here, it means they want us dead before our time.
Mitsuru nodded slowly, then looked at Daniel with a determined expression.
—We'll have to make serious preparations. I'll speak with my father. But I want you, Daniel, to keep us informed. If you know anything else... anything... don't keep it to yourself.
Daniel lowered his gaze for a moment. Then he raised it, decided.
—I promise. I'll tell you everything I know. It's no longer time to keep secrets. We're all in this together.
Reynare approached and squeezed his hand.
—And we... will also fight with you until the end.
The other girls nodded. Though fear could be felt in the air, there was also something else.
Unity.
A silent determination... the certainty that, come what may, they wouldn't face the end alone.
The premature appearance of Ryoji Mochizuki, avatar of Nyx, changed everything. There was no more time to waste, and the luxury of waiting had vanished like the smoke of a candle in a storm.
With the knowledge that the Fall was imminent, Daniel, Tamamo, and the three active members of the SEES team—Mitsuru, Akihiko, and Yukari—threw themselves into an urgent ascent of Tartarus, a nightly marathon with a single objective:
Reach floor 200 before the world ends.
The Shadows gave no respite. Floor after floor, their numbers, aggression, and power increased. They weren't just climbing a tower: they were fighting destiny.
Every battle was a fight for survival, a test of will, physical endurance, and faith.
Tamamo fought alongside them with her powerful spells and spiritual abilities, moving among enemies like a lethal dance.
Daniel, combining his Observation Haki and Armament Haki, became the heart of the frontline: dodging impossible attacks, guiding with precision, withstanding increasingly cruel assaults.
Akihiko unleashed fists reinforced with pure energy, covering the flanks and fighting as if each enemy were the last.
Yukari, from the rear, kept the group alive with her precise bow and healing abilities, covering them when they needed it most.
Mitsuru, glacial and regal as always, commanded every strategic movement, using her Persona to freeze, shatter, and control the battlefield with military elegance.
The advance was brutal. Relentless. Constant.
By the time the night ended, and the first glimmer of dawn timidly peeked out, the group had reached floor 187. Tired, covered in sweat and minor wounds, but alive... and closer than ever to the end.
That rest in the antechamber of the final stretch was silent. Only the sound of heavy breathing, boots on the metallic floor, and the distant echo of Tartarus whispering its dark melody.
Tamamo sat beside Daniel, leaning her back against the wall, and sighed as she wiped her forehead.
—We're closer... but this isn't the end — she murmured.
Daniel nodded, his gaze fixed on the staircase that would take them beyond floor 187.
—It doesn't matter how many shadows come. I don't plan to give up. Or retreat.
Mitsuru, arms crossed and a severe look, spoke in a firm tone:
—When we reach floor 200, there will be no turning back. What we face there... will decide the fate of the world.
Yukari, with a water bottle in hand, observed Daniel and Tamamo, and asked:
—Are you sure Nyx is up there?
Daniel didn't hesitate.
—More than sure. I can feel her... as if the air itself trembled. It's as if Tartarus were waiting for us.
Akihiko smiled with determination, getting up despite the fatigue:
—Then, there's only one direction. And it's upwards.
Tamamo also stood up, her tone softer, but with resolve:
—When the moment comes, we'll be ready. And we'll give it our all.
In silence, the team looked at the stairs. Floor 200 was close. But what awaited them beyond, was something they couldn't fully imagine...
The Queen of the Eternal Night... Nyx.
And the end of the world as they knew it.