Shin approached the hollow suspended in the air, her steps steady and unhurried. Moments later, she stood directly beneath it.
"That Bangboo indeed carries Zane's aura. They should be able to handle their situation on their own."
Shin wasn't worried about the crisis facing Section 6. With New Eridu currently under heavy tension, nerves were wound tight. Even the most reckless wouldn't dare lay a hand on Tsukishiro Yanagi and the others.
With Hoshimi Miyabi drawing attention elsewhere and her own side working to muddy the waters, those people were probably happily carrying out their so-called "great undertaking" right about now.
"As things stand, there's no need for me to step in personally. Leaving the matter to them while providing covert support from the shadows might actually be more effective."
The matter was significant enough that she had almost forgotten—those surrounding Zane were by no means ordinary individuals.
"We might as well let them handle the task of reclaiming the hollow."
It might even be more efficient that way.
A faint smile curved Shin's lips as she raised her hand toward the hollow above.
In the next instant, streams of light began spilling from the hollow, twisting like living serpents as they flowed together into her palm. The number of streams increased rapidly, and the hollow in the sky began to shrink. Moments later, the vast sea of condensed light surged back into her hand, and a new hollow formed once again.
Or rather—not a new hollow, but the original one, reborn through transformation.
Those hollows that had lost their masters, completing their final purpose and fading like dying elders, would now be granted a new beginning—just as they once had when they first came into existence.
"So this is one of Zane's trump cards..."
Shin's gaze lingered on the hollow in her palm, her eyes filled with curiosity and uncertainty.
After all, this hollow didn't appear any different from the others.
"Forget it. This isn't something I need to think about. I'll leave all that messy business to Zane."
Shin shook her head. All she needed to do was fulfill Zane's instructions.
Now that she had what she came for, it was best not to linger. Without hesitation, Shin turned and left.
Meanwhile, the mastermind fixated on Tsukishiro Yanagi's fleeing figure had no idea that the critical core zone within the lockdown area he guarded was already completely empty.
...
"Phew... finally out. I just hope she's okay over there."
Harumasa stood near the edge of the lockdown zone, twin blades in hand, breathing heavily. Aside from Tsukishiro Yanagi, the others were there as well.
"Her situation must've been far more dangerous than ours," he said, concern heavy in his tone. No matter how you looked at it, Tsukishiro Yanagi's decision had been a risky one.
"Then... should we—"
Soukaku began softly, but even before she finished, Harumasa already understood what she meant.
After a brief pause, just as he was about to respond, Belle's voice came through Eous.
"She's here!"
Eous lifted his small arm and pointed in a direction. Harumasa and Soukaku immediately turned to look—and sure enough, Tsukishiro Yanagi was racing toward them.
Within seconds, the three regrouped.
Seeing Tsukishiro Yanagi safe and unharmed, Harumasa and Soukaku both let out sighs of relief. They were about to speak when she gave them a subtle signal.
The two exchanged glances, nodded, and quickly moved out with the group.
As they made their way out of the lockdown zone, Harumasa couldn't help but ask how Tsukishiro Yanagi had managed to escape. She only smiled, offering no explanation.
By the time they left the restricted area, elsewhere in the city, streets and rooftops were littered with the wreckage of machines.
In one corner, a young officer—still barely conscious—trembled as he reported into his communicator.
Before him, a massive crack of frost cut clean through several buildings and the ground itself.
And on a nearby rooftop, the edge of a black cloak fluttered lightly as its wearer disappeared into the distance.
...