Sunlight streamed through the Association's windows, bathing the halls in a pale glow.
Most of the hunters were still asleep, although exhaustion had replaced rest.
The medics had a lot to do.
Some have been completely healed, others can no longer fight, and still others will not return.
The air was heavy, as if the walls themselves carried the memory of yesterday's blood.
Ryo sat in his office, leaning back in his chair, his missing arm carefully bandaged.
They sealed the wound but were unable to rescue the arm.
Reports piled up on his desk, each one reminding him how overstretched their resources had been.
He rested his head on the chair and closed his eyes, as if the weight of everything might crush him if he moved.
"Just give me a break for once."
A soft knock came at the door.
"…Enter," he said.
Sora entered, wearing her uniform, her white hair shining in the sunlight.
Her expression was tired, but her gaze was calm as she fixed on Ryo.
"Ryo," she said quietly. "Kouji and Yumi... they're gone."
Ryo slowly opened his eyes, as if he had already expected the words.
He exhaled through his nose and rubbed his forehead with his good hand.
"I know," he said. His voice was calm, but his tone sounded resigned. "I've been awake all night thinking about the invasion. Kouji isn't the type to sit still after what happened. Neither is Yumi when it comes to him."
"And when I'm already caught in thought, it was likely the same for him."
Sora frowned. "You knew... and you let them go?"
"I don't have the strength to stop them," Ryo replied simply. "It's his decision, and if that's what he made up, I'll let him go."
"I brought him here to save people, but that's not a contract. If he wants to retire, he can whenever he wants."
The silence dragged on. Sora stepped closer to his desk, looking at the stacks of paper and the still-drying ink.
"...Your arm," she said after a moment. "I could heal it."
"If you want."
Ryo raised an eyebrow. "How many times have you used your ability?"
"Four times," Sora admitted quietly.
"Then forget it." His tone sharpened. "You'll go blind faster than you think if you exert yourself like that. And for now, I can carry one arm comfortably."
She pressed her lips together but said nothing more.
"If you would like to help, you could go to the lab and bring me Akechi's research results about the devil experiments," he added.
Sora left with a faint smile on her face.
Ryo leaned back again, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. "The real problem isn't us. It's Shinji. He's incredibly powerful. A Power that can steal others' powers is frightening." He trailed off, his mind racing.
Immediately after Sora left the room, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the corridor.
The office door opened without knocking.
Yusei entered, followed by a group of hunters.
Ryo sat up slightly in his chair.
"Sorry to intrude."
"They sent me back," Yusei said, stepping forward. "With reinforcements."
"We don't know anything about the current situation."
"But Ryounosuke, you enjoy an excellent reputation among the hunters, so my superiors have decided to help you in battle and place us under your leadership."
"Reputation, huh?"
"Call me Ryo please."
For the first time in days, Ryo allowed himself a slight grin.
"...Good. We'll need every blade."