Disclaimer:
This chapter contains emotional and thematic content centered on trauma recovery, moral conflict, and human empathy within a dystopian setting.
All characters under 18 are depicted non-sexually and within canon-accurate emotional contexts.
Any affection or attachment is presented from a child's emotional perspective, not romantic or sexual.
This work does not contain or endorse explicit sexual content involving minors.
Reader discretion is advised for violence and mature themes.
****
"Tch! Weaklings should know their place! You're prisoners now! Don't you even understand such a simple truth?!"
Rita Sosberry, the former IP Rank 21 known as [Pluto], swung her blood-stained longsword in a fluid arc, flicking the crimson droplets onto the ground before smoothly returning the blade to its sheath. Her posture was impeccably dashing, her actions chillingly decisive. But the expression on her delicate face was one of pure, unadulterated disdain.
"That's right," a voice chimed in from beside her. It was Louise Zelazny, a girl who appeared frail but whose smile was as sweet and dangerous as a poisoned spring. "If it weren't for Mahiro-sama's benevolence, I would have wanted to tear every single one of you to shreds right where you stand." She was the one among Tina's sisters with an IP ranking of 70, codenamed [Blood Creek]. The contrast between her kind expression and her cruel words sent a shiver down the spine.
The actions of these two only drew more envious and worshipful gazes from the surrounding Cursed Children. Death was a common occurrence for them. They had lost count of how many companions had died at the hands of such humans. Seeing one of their tormentors cut down so effortlessly brought a dark sense of schadenfreude.
After that one was executed on the spot, the rest of the captives fell into a terrified silence, not daring to make another sound. The coppery tang of blood filled the air, and the dead man's wide, unseeing eyes seemed to stare accusingly at them all.
"Mahiro-sama, I..." The Seitenshi felt a bitter taste flood her mouth. Forming words felt incredibly difficult.
However, Mahiro merely offered a faint, knowing smile. "Wait. It's not over yet."
He gestured to Asaka once more. Asaka Mibu, ever attentive, understood immediately. She produced a small notebook from the sleeve of her kimono, opened it, and began to read in a clear, calm voice:
"According to our investigation, all 932—" she paused, making a small correction with her pen, "—now 931 individuals present have been confirmed as residents of the Tokyo Area. Among them, four hundred are confirmed members of the 'Japanese Pure Blood Faction.' Two days ago, they organized a protest parade outside Arcadia's main gate. During this event, they utilized homemade explosives, Molotov cocktails, and other dangerous items in an attempt to breach our defenses. Their actions resulted in millions of yen in damages to Arcadia's infrastructure. They have all been lawfully detained."
"H-how could this be...?"
Upon hearing this, all color drained from the Seitenshi's face. Her delicate body trembled uncontrollably, and that familiar, suffocating feeling of despair clawed at her heart once again. It felt as if her heart were bleeding! She had issued explicit orders not to approach the 39th District! She had deployed personnel for widespread surveillance! So why... why had things still come to this?!
"Why not?" Mahiro's voice was cold and factual. "These are the dregs festering under your rule, Seitenshi-sama. Do you still believe these people are worth saving?"
"..."
The Seitenshi seemed not to hear him. She tightly pursed her lips and, with firm, resolute strides, walked towards the huddled mass of men and women. Her gaze was filled with a profound, heartbreaking sorrow.
"...Is what she just said true?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper yet carrying across the silent street. "Did you... truly do such things?"
"..."
At first, the people averted their eyes, unable to meet her grief-stricken gaze. But then, a stubborn, belligerent man among them shouted back, "That's right! We did it, so what?!"
"Yeah, so what?! Seitenshi-sama, you don't need to beg for us! I don't believe these monsters would dare to kill so many of us!"
"Exactly! They're just Gastrea! We don't need these disgusting freaks to protect us!"
"Gastrea, get out of Tokyo!"
"Gastrea, get out of Tokyo!"
"Gastrea, get out of Tokyo!"
It was like the sheep effect. Once a ringleader emerged, the rest blindly followed, their fear morphing into misplaced bravado. But what they didn't realize was that with every shouted slogan, with every venomous word—
The last flicker of hope in the Seitenshi's heart finally died.
She slowly stepped forward, biting her lip so hard she nearly drew blood. Then, with a sudden, shocking motion, she raised her arm and delivered a stinging slap to the face of the man leading the chant.
Slap—!
The crisp sound echoed through the street like a final, punctuating rest note, pressing a mute button on the chaos. The chanting died instantly. The man, stumbling from the force, and the others around him stared at the Seitenshi with utter disbelief, their cheeks burning with shame and shock.
"...How could you do such a thing!" Tears finally welled in the Seitenshi's eyes, her gaze now filled with utter devastation and disappointment.
Humans, for the sake of their own meager chance at survival, would not hesitate to push others into the abyss. And when there was a convenient "other" to blame, everyone would coincidentally unite to cast them into hell. In times of peace, this ugliness might remain hidden beneath a thin veneer of civility. But now, when their own lives were on the line, the true, hideous nature of humanity had been fully revealed.
She had never wanted to believe such cynical words. But now... the evidence was irrefutable.
The Seitenshi no longer had the strength to speak. Instead, she turned slowly and bowed deeply, first to Mahiro, and then to the watching children of Arcadia.
"I'm... so sorry...."
Just as those two broken words left her lips, the Seitenshi felt her vision tunnel into blackness. The world spun, and she collapsed forward, only to be caught in a pair of strong, steady arms.
So warm...
If this were all just a terrible dream, she wished she could wake up immediately.
.....
"Material Conversion • Gold Alchemy."
Holding the unconscious Seitenshi securely with one arm, Mahiro raised his other hand, activating the intricate magic of matter transmutation. His targets, naturally, were the remaining prisoners. As a complex, glowing magic circle materialized on the ground beneath them, a brilliant, terrifying golden hue began to spread from their feet, crawling up their bodies like a glittering plague.
It was only at this moment, faced with this impossible, horrifying sight, that the mob's bravado shattered into pure, unadulterated panic.
"Mercy! Please, have mercy!"
"We're sorry! We understand! We were wrong! We never should have come here! Please, don't kill us!"
The group of people wept, their faces streaked with tears of abject fear, their hearts consumed by the terror of imminent death. They babbled apologies, their words tumbling over each other in a desperate bid for life.
Mahiro, however, simply shook his head, his expression unmoved. "You aren't sorry for your actions. You're only sorry that you're about to die."
Facing their pitiful pleas, he not only didn't stop but intensified the magical output. Amidst their final, tragic wails and screams, the entire group of trash was permanently transformed into a collection of lifeless, golden statues. Their lives were completely extinguished. It was a act that not only benefited the world by removing its filth but also benefited Arcadia's treasury. Such a large quantity of gold would surely last them a very long time.
"Wah~! Mahiro-sama is so amazing! Louise admires you so much~!"
Louise Zelazny was practically vibrating with excitement at the scene, her eyes sparkling.
Meanwhile, Rita Sosberry, who was standing nearby, crossed her arms and muttered with palpable disdain, "Tch. How utterly perverted."
"Mahiro-sama, do you require my assistance?" Asaka Mibu stepped forward. However, upon seeing the pure white figure held so securely in Mahiro's arms, a flicker of displeasure crossed her usually serious little face. Her eyes narrowed, revealing a clear, sharp hostility. Another vixen trying to seduce Mahiro-sama... It's clearly enough for him to have us by his side.
"No need. Just help me prepare a vacant room later. Let's have the Seitenshi rest there for now."
"I understand." Asaka Mibu nodded, then, with shocking bluntness, added, "Is Mahiro-sama going to do 'that' to this woman? Like what you do with the doctor-sama?"
"???"
Her words were so shocking and relentless that Mahiro, who had been steadily holding the Seitenshi, almost fumbled and dropped her.
No, since when did this girl learn to speak like this?! Wait a minute... how does she even know about me and the doctor?!
"Tina-chan saw Onii-sama entering and leaving the doctor's laboratory multiple times late at night. She informed Kaya-san and myself." Asaka Mibu seemed to read his mind, puffing out her cheeks in a faint, complaining pout. "Even though it's like that... I could do it too, you know..."
"..."
Now it wasn't just a few people who knew. All the children surrounding them had heard, and the news would probably spread throughout all of Arcadia by morning.
And most importantly, what exactly are you saying, child?!
No matter how perverted I might be, I can't possibly lay a hand on a ten-year-old loli, can I?! That's a line even I won't cross!
But the problem was, after Asaka's bold declaration, all the other children were now looking at him with intensely expectant eyes.
"So Mahiro-sama likes girls..." Louise Zelazny gazed at him with stars in her eyes, the gentle, dangerous smile on her face becoming even more radiant. She clasped her hands together as if in prayer, seemingly already anticipating, or perhaps fantasizing, about something specific.
"Tch, I knew he was a perverted man. Hey! Louise, don't fall for that man's cheap tricks!" Rita Sosberry tried to dissuade her sister from the sidelines, but the other girl paid her no mind, continuing to immerse herself in her delusions, probably having already picked out names for their future children.
"What am I even supposed to say to this..." Mahiro rubbed his temples in distress and let out a long, weary sigh, losing all desire to retort or lecture Asaka further.
"Listen to me, all of you, and listen well!" he announced, his voice firm. "You are all children right now! Don't waste your time thinking about such unnecessary adult things! Is that understood?! Those... matters... can be considered after you've grown up!"
"Eh? How can that be..."
"But I'm not a child anymore..."
"Tch~ Mahiro-sama is so mean..."
Most of the children expressed their disappointment upon hearing his decree. Only Asaka continued to look at him, her gaze now burning with a new, fervent intensity.
"Mahiro-sama," she said, her voice filled with determination. "According to what you said, once I grow up, it will be permissible for me to become your concubine, correct?"
"???"
No! That is absolutely NOT what I meant! Why do you interpret it that way, Asaka?! Even if you're young, you should be careful with your words, or I'll sue you for slander!!
The chaotic farce temporarily came to an end. The Seitenshi, still deeply unconscious, was settled into a prepared guest room to rest.
...
Night fell.
The giant Monolith, now bleached a deathly white and pushed to its absolute limit, swayed precariously under the cold light of the moon. On a patch of grass not far from the crumbling structure, hundreds of standard-issue tents were haphazardly pitched. A bizarre assortment of individuals milled about the makeshift camp—a motley crew if there ever was one. Thugs, hooligans, perverts, murderers, and robbers—it looked less like a military encampment and more like a concentration camp for society's worst.
Leading this ragtag group of Initator-Friendly Agencies was a middle-aged man, IP Rank 275, who served as the nominal commander. This was the "auxiliary force" assembled to protect the Tokyo Area, a group so despised and distrusted that the JSDF had relegated them to this forward, doomed position. They stared at the monolith that seemed ready to shatter at any moment, their morale sinking into the depths of despair. The countdown to collapse was almost at zero.
By tomorrow afternoon, the Gastrea army would be swarming into the Tokyo Area. The weight of this impending doom saturated the air with a palpable, choking tension.
...
Arcadia, however, was the complete opposite. It was an island of surreal tranquility. Aside from the nocturnal Initiators on their patrol routes, all the other children were sleeping soundly in their beds, safe and secure behind the towering super-holmium walls.
However, there was always an exception.
Tina Sprout, who was supposed to be on patrol duty at this very hour, had instead come to Mahiro's private quarters.
"Mahiro-sama," she said softly, gliding into the room. "The Seitenshi is still sleeping deeply."
Unlike Asaka Mibu, Tina held a deep respect and gratitude for the Seitenshi; after all, the white-haired ruler was the benefactor who had officially pardoned her assassination attempt and granted her freedom.
"Hmm, I know." Mahiro sat in his swivel chair, turned to gaze out the window at the distant, twinkling city lights of a Tokyo Area living on borrowed time. "She's given everything for that place. She probably hasn't had a proper night's sleep in days. Let her rest for now."
"Mahiro-sama," Tina began, her voice hesitant, "what will become of the Seitenshi after this?"
"Who knows?" he replied faintly, his reflection staring back from the dark glass. "I can't dictate her fate. It depends on the choice she makes when she wakes up."
"Mahiro-sama," Tina ventured, coming to his side, "if it is possible... could you let the Seitenshi stay here? With us?"
She gently took his hand, looking up at him with her large, crystal-blue eyes. It was a rare sight—this little owl, usually so calm and lethal, was actually pleading for her former benefactor.
But the problem was—
"It's not up to me, Tina. It's up to her." He had said it before, and he would say it again. He was not a saint of salvation. He respected the choices and destinies of others, no matter how foolish they might seem. Even if he had grown genuinely fond of this pure white girl, if she insisted on choosing to live and die with the Tokyo Area, he would let her walk out of Arcadia's gates and perish with the rest.
For now, he could only hope she wouldn't be so stubbornly noble.
Tina, however, still held his hand tightly, a silent plea.
"By the way," he said, changing the subject, "aren't you supposed to be on patrol tonight?"
"No, I don't need to go," Tina shook her head, her golden bob swaying. "The patrol roster has enough people. I'm adjusting my sleep schedule. I'm planning to open a pizza shop."
Tina was different from the other children. She was one of the rare ones who could actually cook. She knew about many things and was skilled at handling ingredients, which was a piece of wonderfully mundane good news in their chaotic world.
The bad news, however, was that Tina only knew how to make pizza. To be precise, her entire culinary repertoire consisted of placing ingredients on a pre-made crust, covering it with cheese, and baking it. She was like a merciless, single-minded pizza-baking machine.
"Only…" she continued, her tone shifting.
"And then?" Mahiro prompted.
"I have a request," she said, her gaze intensifying. "I hope Mahiro-sama can grant it."
"What is it?" Mahiro subconsciously reached out and gently stroked her head. "Do you need money? Ingredients? Or an assistant? Tomorrow, I'll have Kayo arrange it for you…"
"No." Tina shook her head, breaking free from his gentle caress. She then positioned herself directly in front of him, looking down at Mahiro, who was seated in the swivel chair, her eyes filled with unmistakable expectation.
"Because I'm a nocturnal-type Initiator, I can't sleep at night. It's very hard to change my biological clock. So…" she paused for dramatic effect, "…please let me rest on your lap for one night."
"???"
No, young lady, is there any logical causal relationship between your opening statement and your concluding request?! Do my legs possess some kind of mystical, hypnotic sleep-inducing function I'm unaware of?!
"If I can rest while being held by Mahiro-sama," Tina explained, her voice taking on a dreamy quality, "I will feel very safe and secure. So please, Mahiro-sama."
She didn't wait for his verbal answer. With a determined "Heave-ho~", she began to climb onto him. Because his chair was positioned directly in the path of the moonlight streaming through the window, and because Tina's dress was essentially a strapless white gown, a glimpse of black lace against pure white fabric came into view with her movement.
"I say, you…" he started, but it was too late.
"Hiss—"
She settled directly onto his lap, her weight pressing down on him. Although it didn't hurt at all—his enhanced physique saw to that—the sensation was surprisingly… comfortable. Utterly helpless, he could only wrap one arm around the girl's slender waist to prevent her from tumbling off the chair.
"It's a good thing Asaka isn't here," he muttered, "otherwise, if she saw you like this, she'd immediately challenge you to a samurai duel."
"It's okay," Tina declared with serene confidence, snuggling closer. "Asaka-chan can't beat me."
Having declared her supremacy, merely sitting on him wasn't enough. She leaned her head against his chest, rubbing her cheek against the fabric of his shirt and subtly sniffing his scent. She was like a small, living pillow—incredibly comfortable to hold, soft like marshmallows, and the warmth permeating through her clothes was perfection itself, giving him a strangely compelling feeling of not wanting to let go. Not to mention, she emitted a unique, gentle girlish fragrance.
Of course, this was merely a clinical assessment of the tactile experience, completely devoid of any untoward emotions.
The only drawback was that this "pillow" was a bit restless, gently shifting and rubbing against him.
"Hiss, behave yourself, or I'll throw you out!" Mahiro warned, giving her bottom a light, admonishing pat.
Tina immediately stilled, letting out a soft, contented hum. Perhaps due to the excessive comfort of the situation, or perhaps lulled by Tina's soft, slow breathing, even he gradually felt a wave of drowsiness wash over him. Unconsciously, his eyes began to close.
It was a comfort worlds away from the grim tension gripping the IFA troops stationed at the dying monolith. Holding this soft, warm pillow, he gradually sank into the realm of dreams.
.....
Knock knock knock!
"Mahiro-sama, are you awake? I'm coming in."
Asaka Mibu's voice, crisp and formal, came from the other side of the door. With his excellent hearing, he gradually stirred from his slumber.
"Ah, come in," he said, a yawn escaping him.
The door was pushed open, and three lolis burst into the room. In addition to Asaka Mibu, there were also Enju Aihara and Kaya, the latter likely there for a morning briefing.
They hurried to where Mahiro had spent the night in his swivel chair, and all three froze in perfect unison.
"Good morning, Mah… Mahiro-sama?" Asaka's greeting died in her throat. Her eyes widened. "Wait… what… what is the meaning of this?!"
Asaka had clearly intended to offer her usual morning greeting and then ask about his breakfast preferences. But then she saw it: Tina Sprout, curled up and fast asleep on her master's lap, her dress disheveled!
The commotion and the glaring morning sun finally roused Tina.
"Good morning, Onii-sama," she mumbled, rubbing her sleepy eyes. Perhaps because of her poor sleeping posture, her dress had ridden up considerably, even revealing the black lace of her panties. She seemed completely unaware of the three stunned lolis staring daggers at her, instead looking up at Mahiro with drowsy eyes and a blissful smile.
"Tina is very happy to have slept here with Onii-sama… and also very happy that Onii-sama could fulfill Tina's selfish request. Although Onii-sama was sometimes a little too forceful… my bottom still hurts a little…"
As soon as these words left her mouth, the room plummeted into an eerie, absolute silence. It lasted a solid five seconds.
Then, earth-shattering shouts swept through the room.
"Ti—Tina!!! You traitor! You thieving cat! Panther! Feline! Ahhhhhhh!" Enju shrieked, her rabbit-like pigtails practically standing on end.
"Mahiro-sama! Please put her down this instant! I must have a samurai duel with this cheating cat immediately!" Compared to Enju's hysterics, Asaka's reaction was deceptively calm. She silently drew the super-holmium alloy katana custom-made for her by Shiba Heavy Industries. The sturdy blade glinted with a deadly sharpness in the morning sun. She looked fully prepared to cut Tina down where she sat.
Only Kaya remained silent. She looked from the scene in the chair to Mahiro's face, her expression utterly deadpan. Then, she slowly, deliberately mouthed a single, devastating syllable—
"H."
Mahiro's eye twitched violently.
Can I just say… I've been wronged?!