-----
"Hah, Maria was right. I really need to find someone. I can't keep living like this—I'm used to company. Being single has its benefits, but feeling this lonely is the worst."
As she sighed and checked her phone, she suddenly felt something.
"Huh?"
She looked behind her shadow and noticed it twisting, forming a massive portal, a gate to another world.
From it, a phantasmal figure emerged.
"Maria?!"
"Hey, Amelia. It's been a couple of days. How are you holding up?"
"Are you coming back already?! You're not leaving again, right?"
Amelia ran toward Maria and hugged her tightly, as if trying to keep her from ever leaving again.
"I'm sorry. I'm not returning just yet," Maria said. "But I came because... well, I met someone. Someone who might be really connected to you—to us."
"...Huh?" Amelia blinked, confused. "What? Where? In another world?"
"Yes, precisely," Maria nodded. "This person is... well, I'll be blunt. Does the name Veronica ring any bells?"
"...!"
