...
Two days later.
Core region of Hollow Zero.
"Made it just in time..."
Hoshimi Miyabi landed atop a tall building, still wrapped in her tattered black robe. Beneath the hood, her face showed signs of exhaustion—her whole figure radiating the fatigue of a long journey.
After rushing nonstop, she had finally fulfilled Zane's request. If anything went wrong because of her, she would never forgive herself.
It wasn't because of any personal affection toward Zane. It was because this was a time when everyone had to work together—there was no room for even the slightest mistake.
"You're here."
A voice sounded from behind her. Hoshimi Miyabi knew who it was; otherwise, if the voice had belonged to someone unfamiliar, she would have drawn her blade immediately.
A strand of pink hair fluttered as Shin walked slowly to Hoshimi Miyabi's side. She hadn't come here suddenly—the core region of Hollow Zero was already under full surveillance by the Falkenhayn Mercenary, so she had known the moment Hoshimi Miyabi arrived.
"Things seem to be going smoothly on your end."
Shin nodded. So far, no unexpected incidents had occurred. Hollow Zero was now fully prepared and ready to move.
"Where's Zane?"
Hoshimi Miyabi scanned the seemingly tranquil core area before turning her gaze slightly toward Shin. She still needed to hand over the last Hollow in her possession to Zane.
"Over there."
Shin pointed toward the very center of the zone, though from where they stood, Zane couldn't be seen.
Without another word, Hoshimi Miyabi leapt in that direction.
Shin sighed and followed after her.
This one had never been particularly friendly toward her... Clearly, she still remembered the time Shin had "poached" someone from Section 6—though that had been nothing but a fortunate coincidence.
Who could have known that Zane was undercover back then? Or that Hoshimi Miyabi would later acknowledge his true identity?
Still, Shin had no regrets. Totally worth it.
Moments later, as they neared the center, Hoshimi Miyabi stopped. Her gaze settled on two figures not far away, chatting and laughing together.
"What is it?"
Seeing her pause, Shin asked curiously. Following her line of sight, her expression dimmed slightly.
Near Qingyi and Zane, a few new sprouts of grass and plants were visible. The fact that they were new was unusual—life had no place in the core of Hollow Zero.
The two seemed to be discussing something as they tended to the plants, and before long, the lush green patches visibly expanded before their eyes.
"You look like you've got nothing to do. Why not go join them?"
Hearing Hoshimi Miyabi's words, laced with a strange undertone, Shin frowned and shot back with mild irritation.
"Do I look like the kind of fool who'd run over just to be a third wheel?"
"Third wheel? What are you talking about?"
Hoshimi Miyabi tilted her head, her expression puzzled.
"Why would going over make you a third wheel? They're master and disciple—it's perfectly normal for them to spend time together, isn't it?"
Shin clenched her jaw.
"Master and disciple?"
"Do they look like master and disciple to you?"
"What kind of master and disciple act that close..."
A flicker of frustration crossed her face. She might have come to terms with it earlier, but accepting it didn't mean she could take it calmly.
"So you noticed too."
"But honestly, I think you're just being weak."
Hoshimi Miyabi pursed her lips. If you counted by time, she had been the first to meet Zane, the first to teach him, and that had been long ago.
Sure, harboring special feelings for her disciple might be inappropriate... but to Hoshimi Miyabi, it wasn't something to fuss over. She just wanted to be honest with her heart. Besides, as Shin had said, Zane and Qingyi didn't seem like master and disciple.
And her current relationship with Zane... didn't exactly resemble that of teacher and student either.
"What do you mean by weak?"
Shin shot her a look, her tone calm yet steady.
"This world isn't all about romance. I still have many things to do—many responsibilities waiting for me."
"Besides, I don't even know what Zane truly feels for me."
"He's too unique. To really understand him... I can't say I do."
"Rather than walking beside him, maybe I'm better suited to simply watch him from afar—just keeping him within my sight."
After a moment of silence, Shin looked toward the distance, her voice taking on a quiet sincerity.
"He is free."
"And so is my affection."
"He walks his own path, and I'll tend to my own feelings."
The words lingered in the air for a while.
Hoshimi Miyabi narrowed her eyes slightly, thinking to herself, Just as I thought—this one really does have other feelings for Zane.
But clearly, she wasn't too fond of Shin's way of thinking.
"Coward."
"I won't back down from this trial."
Her soft voice drifted over, making Shin pause in surprise.
What trial?