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When the door that connected to the starry sky of another world finally closed.
Those who possessed permissions from the [Might of An-Utu] all sensed something and turned toward the direction of Hollow Zero.
A series of preset messages had already been sent to each of their phones.
In Blazewood, Nicole—who should have been enthusiastically promoting merchandise—and Belle—who should have been advertising for the restaurant Cheesetopia—were nowhere near where they were supposed to be.
They all sat together atop an abandoned cargo container, with Anby, Nekomata, and Baal beside them, quietly gazing toward New Eridu with a hollow feeling in their eyes that begged to be filled.
Suddenly, their phones chimed.
Just a short message—Sol's farewell, along with explanations about the permissions from the [Might of An-Utu].
"Honestly… he's just going traveling. Why does he make it feel like he's never coming back?"
Nicole stared at the long instruction manual on her screen, feeling a pang in her chest.
She would have preferred Sol to simply leave without doing anything, rather than going into Hollow Zero and leaving behind overwhelming contingency measures like this.
It felt… like the kind of farewell where someone entrusts their legacy before vanishing forever.
Utterly awful.
Belle, Anby, and Nekomata all nodded in perfect unison, clearly sharing the sentiment.
This whole setup left them with a lingering sense of dread.
Even though Sol said he'd return in at most two months, farewells were never certain.
Nicole stared at the message for a long moment, then closed her phone in defeat. "Sigh… he really left."
Even though she had told herself not to overthink when they said goodbye, she still couldn't help feeling a wave of loss.
Where was Sol going?
Would that place be safe?
Would he have someone as good as she was to look after him?
"He'll come back."
Anby gently patted Nicole's back, her voice firm with conviction.
It was their promise—and they would not break it.
"I feel like all my strength is gone… I can't bring myself to do anything."
Belle lowered her head with a powerless sigh.
She had sworn to shock Sol with her growth when he returned, but now she couldn't even move.
It felt like, with him gone, she didn't know who she was supposed to show off to anymore.
"Nya..."
Nekomata mewed weakly, clearly bored out of her mind.
Without Sol, who was she supposed to spar with in wits and tricks? Who would tease her with cat treats now?
…
Elsewhere.
Victoria Housekeeping Co, having just completed a commission and exited the Hollow, also saw the message on their phones.
"Mr. Sol—Sol Mercer—he sent me a farewell message… and gave me Level 3 Permissions of the Might of An-Utu!" Corin clutched her phone, flustered. "W-What is this? Did I forget a commission?"
She tried her hardest to recall—she didn't remember receiving any commission from Sol related to permissions.
Did Sol send it by mistake?
What should she do? Anything that sounded this important had to be returned immediately!
If she failed to give it back properly, he would definitely dislike her.
Would Victoria Housekeeping Co.'s most important client be affected because of her?
Corin lowered her head, tears already gathering in her eyes.
"Don't worry, little Corin." Rina gently stroked Corin's matcha-cupcake-colored green hair and lifted her own phone. "We all received one. It looks like a gift from Mr. Sol."
"Eh? Really?"
Corin blinked up in surprise, seeing Ellen and Von Lycaon both nod subtly.
"Level 3 security permissions—it looks like a protection measure for our lives." Von Lycaon analyzed carefully, then said in thought, "Could it be that he foresaw danger coming to New Eridu?"
He pondered deeply. Lately things had been relatively calm. Only Bringer's case felt suspicious—but that was merely a prelude to a conspiracy, still far from serious trouble.
Unable to figure it out, he concluded, "Regardless, since Mr. Sol gave us these Level 3 permissions, they must be meant to help us."
"If we're unsure of their purpose, perhaps we should visit the Cunning Hares and ask. Since they're always with Mr. Sol, they likely know more."
"So that's how it is."
Corin sighed in relief—so she wasn't disliked. Instead, she had received a gift.
Level 3 security permissions… yet another kind gesture.
When Mr. Sol returned, she would definitely thank him properly. She mustn't waste this goodwill.
Just then, Ellen lowered her head, her expression unreadable.
Level 3 permissions, huh? But she wasn't the same.
"What's wrong, Ellen?"
Von Lycaon frowned slightly, puzzled.
Ellen raised her head slowly and muttered, "Boss Lycaon… mine is Level 2 User Permissions."
She was different from the others. She had Level 2 User Permissions.
Was this… special treatment from Sol?
Rina blinked in surprise, then smiled softly. "It seems Mr. Sol has the best impression of you."
"Maybe… because I go clean for him so often," Ellen murmured, her gaze drifting as her little leather shoe kicked lightly at the air.
She recalled that final goodbye—a kiss, that gentle yet irresistible force.
She drifted into a daze, cheeks turning faintly pink.
When they met again… what would their state be? What would he say?
"Hehe."
Rina only smiled tenderly, sighing inwardly.
It seemed the obedient little shark… had already been lured away.