CLAIR and LOLA sat near the window of the sky lounge, the panoramic view of the city sprawling beneath them. They had been waiting for Snow's arrival, but nothing prepared them for the entrance he made.
When he walked in, flanked by the twin girls—Star and Light—the entire atmosphere shifted.
It wasn't the first time they had seen the twins. But something was different now.
With Snow, the two didn't just look like powerful companions—they looked like daughters walking beside their father. The bond between them radiated warmth and unspoken loyalty.
"Did you three just walk out of a novel or something?" LOLA blinked, eyes wide with disbelief.
"You look... astonishing," CLAIR added, stunned.
Snow gave a soft smile. "There you go again."
He guided the girls to their seats—across from the two women, near the tall window where sunlight poured in and lit the table in a golden hue.
"By the way," Snow began, "Starlight seems pleased that you two took care of them while I was asleep."
"Well, it was fine," LOLA said with a chuckle. "But... seeing how protective they were made me wonder—what exactly are they?"
"Starlight is an Ego," Snow answered calmly.
A waitress arrived just in time, pen and pad ready.
"What would you like, sir?"
"I'll have whatever the ladies are having. And two cups of parfait for the girls," he said.
"Very well, I'll have them brought over shortly," she replied and strode off.
LOLA leaned in, curious. "So... what's an Ego?"
"Egos are highly intelligent weapons—mostly blades or swords. Extremely rare," Snow explained, eyes flicking toward the twins. "You've already met one."
"Huh?" LOLA blinked.
"Met an Ego?" CLAIR tilted her head, equally confused.
"Yes," Snow said. "Scarlet is an Ego. I gave her to Ruciel Faithhood because they were highly compatible."
"Wait, Scarlet? That was supposed to be a pet," LOLA said in disbelief.
"Egos take on the form their wielders desire," Snow explained.
He glanced at the twins, his voice calm and steady. "Ruciel's Ego took the form of a dragon. We joked about pets during a dungeon raid—maybe she wished for a mythical creature... like a dragon or a salamander."
"Oh... I see," LOLA nodded slowly, absorbing the information.
"So are you saying Starlight looks like this because you wanted them to?" CLAIR asked, eyes on the twin sitting beside Snow.
"Starlight was originally known as Excalibur. Once wielded by one of the Seven Sins—Asmodeus," Snow said. "Their current appearance is that of his daughter. I simply... wanted to honor him."
CLAIR lowered her gaze. "I see... forgive me if I brought up a sensitive topic."
"It's fine," he replied, voice steady but distant.
LOLA broke the silence. "So, how many Egos are there?"
"I don't know," Snow said. "But so far, I've encountered six."
"SIX?!" both women exclaimed.
Snow nodded. "The one I used to defeat Asmodeus, Starlight, Twilight, the one I gave to Ruciel... and two others."
"Wow. I thought there were only a few of them," LOLA muttered, still in shock.
"There are few... now. They used to number in the thousands," he said, eyes drifting toward the window.
Both women went silent, unable to find words as they watched him. Snow's eyes lingered on the skyline—on the towers half-rebuilt, the cranes moving across the fractured skeletons of what once stood tall.
"I see the construction is still ongoing," he murmured.
"Yeah. Thanks to your negotiation with the Chronos Avatar, who closed all the gates, casualties were minimized," CLAIR said. "Because of you, Texas and places like this weren't wiped off the map like the Oceania and Atlantic continents."
Snow remained expressionless. "The thanks should go to the hunters."
He looked down at his hands. "I don't deserve it. If I'd been stronger... none of this would've happened. The world wouldn't have lost two continents."
CLAIR's voice rose, gentle but firm. "You're blaming yourself for something the Association should be held responsible for. They ignored your warnings."
The waitress returned then, carrying trays. She placed plates of pasta and chicken before each of them, along with two parfaits set delicately before Star and Light, who clapped softly in delight.
CLAIR met Snow's eyes again.
"I don't think you're to blame for any of this. So stop carrying it all alone," she said.
Snow didn't answer.
He only looked at her—really looked. And for a moment, the weight he carried seemed to lift, even if just a little. There was something about her words, her gaze, that made the ache in his chest pause.
Warmth.
Relief.
But just as he allowed himself to feel it—
His senses stirred.
A familiar presence was approaching.
"Look who we have here," a smug voice rang across the room.
KYLE stood by the entrance, arms folded, flanked by RUCIEL, SILVIA, and MARIA.
"If it isn't the runaway buffer," he sneered, eyes locking onto Snow like a predator spotting prey.
"Watch it, Kyle," LOLA said sharply.
Kyle gave her a mocking smile. "Still clinging to him, huh? You must really want him back. I heard you even resigned from your guild."
Snow turned, surprise flickering in his eyes. "You quit your guild?"
"Yeah," CLAIR answered for her, sighing. "She did, two days ago while I was working on the island paperwork."
"That has nothing to do with you," LOLA shot at Kyle, clearly irritated.
Kyle scoffed. "Well, for a runaway F-rank like him, being hospitalized was probably the best thing that could happen. Kept him out of our way."
A sudden shift in the air.
CLAIR's tone dropped several degrees. "You must really love life, running your mouth so freely in front of me."
Her icy stare made even the air around them feel heavier.
"That's enough," MARIA interjected, pushing Kyle aside as if brushing away dirt.
She stepped forward, eyes soft with concern. "You... how are you now?"
Snow blinked.
He wasn't particularly close to Maria—certainly not enough for this kind of reaction. He studied her warily.
"I was discharged today," he said flatly. "They brought me out just a few hours ago."
"I see... I apologize. I wasn't able to visit. The Association classified everything as top secret until tomorrow, so I couldn't—" she paused, clearly flustered.
"Did something happen between us?" Snow asked, confused.
"She's the one who tried to heal you," LOLA explained. "During the chaos."
"Heal me?" Snow echoed.
"Yeah, but it didn't work. Even potions were useless. We had to rush you to the clinic for emergency surgery."
"All of that was pointless," Snow said, his tone distant. "But I appreciate the gesture."
Maria smiled brightly, seemingly relieved. "I'm just glad you're alright."
"Thank you."
"Will you be at the summit tomorrow?" she asked hopefully.
"Perhaps."
"Well, if you need anything... let me know," she offered.
"I will," Snow nodded, before his tone shifted. "Actually, how are Arthur and Ibrahim?"
"Their injuries were minor," she replied. "Ibrahim even volunteered to help clear out the monsters in the Oceania Continent. He should be back soon, just in time for the summit."
"I see..."
Before he could say another word, a flame-colored blur leapt over his shoulder.
Khew!
A small lizard—its scales gleaming faintly with magic—climbed onto his chest, staring at him with intelligent, fiery eyes.
"...Scarlet?" Snow murmured in disbelief.
But something was wrong.
The proud aura once belonging to the majestic dragon-form Ego was gone. In its place stood something diminished, something broken.
"What the hell happened to her?!"
His voice thundered like a roar.
All eyes turned to RUCIEL—who flinched in surprise.
"Hey! Don't yell at my fiancée over a lizard," Kyle barked.
"ANSWER ME!" Snow's voice boomed.
The building shook.
The lights dimmed, and a weight pressed down on everyone's shoulders like gravity itself had turned against them. One by one, they dropped to their knees—unable to bear the sheer pressure of his anger.
"I—I did nothing!" RUCIEL stammered, trembling beneath his crushing aura.
No one had ever seen this side of Snow before.
Gone was the gentle, composed man. In his place stood someone terrifying—someone primal, whose rage could tear down cities.
And yet—
"/Pa...pa.../"
A weak voice called to him.
A child stepped forward—her clothes tattered, wings barely clinging to her back like torn fabric, her tail dragging behind her, scorched and limp.
She looked as if she had crawled out of a burning world.
Snow's heart cracked at the sight.
He dismissed the pressure instantly and knelt down, pulling out a small dagger from his inventory. Without hesitation, he sliced across his palm and held it out to the girl.
"You'll be fine... alright?" he whispered, gently placing a hand on her head.
She drank slowly from his palm.
And then—she glowed.
Light poured out from her like liquid dawn, washing away the burns and brokenness. Her wings mended, her tail swayed softly, and her cheeks puffed up with a childlike radiance.
She was whole again.
She was Scarlet again.
In his mind, a familiar female voice echoed:
//"What a poor ego... it would have evolved, had it not been accepted that wench of a girl as her master."//
(Shut it. Wasn't this your punishment?) Snow replied internally.
//"Indeed. But that punishment affected the Ego—because her master was not faithful to you."//
(So... what are you saying?)
//"All Ego-bearers who are loyal to you shall become your blades. Together, you will surpass the limits of mortals. The Zodiac Avatars will fall before you like dust in the wind."//
(So as long as she's no longer Ruciel's Ego, Scarlet will be fine?)
//"Yes. But the bond must be severed. Either the master willingly lets go... or the Ego deems the master unworthy."//
(And if I take her by force?)
//"She could become defective. The risk is great."//
Snow clenched his fist, the blood still trailing down his hand.
He looked at Scarlet—no longer a lizard, but a radiant little girl with dragon eyes and a spark that shone like starlight. She giggled softly, clutching his shirt like a child reunited with her father.
His heart ached.
His fury had not cooled. But for now—he simply knelt there, brushing her soft hair back from her glowing face.
"/Papa!/"
The little girl threw herself into Snow's arms, her tiny form radiant and full of warmth. Her voice was light, pure, and full of joy—so different from the fragile creature that had stumbled toward him minutes earlier.
The others could only stare in awe. The child glowed like a divine flame, her beauty and innocence capturing the moment entirely.
Snow smiled faintly, brushing her soft hair back.
"Are you okay now?"
She nodded eagerly, and just then, STAR and LIGHT approached her shyly, each holding out their parfait. Scarlet took a bite, and her cheeks flushed with delight. The smile on her face was bright enough to melt anyone's heart.
Snow exhaled, tension draining from his shoulders. The chaos from earlier faded, replaced by soft laughter and the sound of children playing.
Looking around, Snow noticed the others had started to rise slowly, recovering from the weight of his earlier outburst.
"I... apologize for the outburst," Snow said with a subtle gesture of his hand.
"It's fine," LOLA replied. "You did the same with AURA, remember?"
Snow fell silent at her words. His eyes briefly clouded with something unreadable. He said nothing more, simply returning to his seat, his gaze drifting toward the children.
"You can leave now."
His words cut through the room like a cold gust of wind.
"What?" KYLE frowned. "You're asking us to leave?"
"Don't make me repeat myself."
Snow's voice was quiet, but it chilled their spines.
Even KYLE, ever arrogant, fell silent at the coldness in his tone.
"...And Scarlet?" RUCIEL asked hesitantly.
"She stays with me. until the summit," Snow said firmly.
"A-alright." RUCIEL quickly nodded, shoving Kyle toward the door.
SILVIA remained still, silently observing Snow. He had changed—dramatically. His body was more defined, his presence heavier. And his strength... It far surpassed her own now. All that, and still he carried himself with such calm... until provoked.
MARIA gently tugged at Silvia's sleeve, bringing her back to reality. She gave Snow a small wave before following the others out.
None of them knew that the masked man hailed as a hero—the one who had fought the S-rank dungeon boss alone—was standing right there. Only a few did.
MARIA was one of them.
Had Arthur and Ibrahim not confirmed it with their own eyes, even she might not have believed it. Snow's power, his composure in the chaos, the overwhelming aura—it was the same.
She didn't know why, but she found herself drawn to him. Not by obligation... but something else. Something deeper. A quiet admiration that bloomed unnoticed.
Meanwhile, Snow silently watched the three children play. Joy bloomed in their little circle, and yet, he felt a weight settle on his heart.
Scarlet had been through so much. And now... she had to start again.
He sighed and picked at his food slowly. LOLA and CLAIR sat near him, quietly watching his expression.
There was something... lonely about him.
Something unspoken.
LOLA glanced at CLAIR.
Their eyes met. An understanding passed between them.
"Snow," Lola called.
"Hm?" He responded, finishing a bite of pasta.
"Since you don't have a place to stay in Texas... how about you stay with CLAIR?" she said, her tone light, casual—as if suggesting a walk in the park.
Snow choked mid-bite, coughing hard.
"Are you serious?" he asked, still trying to clear his throat.
"It's fine," LOLA shrugged. "Just until the summit is over."
"I'll visit tomorrow with IRIS and LISA" she added.
"You also need time to recover. We already finished most of the paperwork while you were hospitalized, so it was easy to get you released when you woke up almost thanks to the ORACLE"
"You don't have to worry about anything. Just rest" Lola said
Snow glanced at CLAIR.
"I'm fine with you staying," she said plainly, avoiding his gaze.
"...If you insist," he finally said.
Hours later
They arrived at a large modern apartment complex. The building gleamed like something out of a designer's portfolio—wealth and elegance merged together.
CLAIR had personally guided them in.
Inside, the kids were already exploring, giggling and chasing each other. Snacks were provided, and for the first time in days, there was peace.
Snow stood by the glass door to his room, gazing out at the night skyline. The city lights glittered below, casting reflections across the silent room.
He didn't bother turning on the light.
The stillness suited him.
//"Are you wondering why those two girls qualified as Ego Bearers?"// pathfinder said
The voice shattered the quiet—smooth, feminine, ageless.
"Somewhat," Snow murmured. "I understand CLAIR. But I don't understand how LOLA qualified."
//"She devoted herself to you when you needed her the most. Though your past with her makes you question her sincerity... I guarantee you—if given the chance, she would be a golden asset."// pathfinder said
"Hmph... That's easy to say. But coming from you, I suppose it's part of your larger plan, right?"
//"I simply wish for you to have at least one Ego Bearer before the six months pass."// pathfinder said
Snow narrowed his eyes.
"Then show me what I'm preparing against."
//"You're not ready."// she said
//"But I promise, when you claim your first Ego Bearer... the truth will begin to reveal itself. Why this path was forced upon you. Why you were chosen."// pathfinder added
Snow didn't answer. He simply stared into the night.
He didn't trust easily.
But... PATHFINDER had never led him astray. Even in its cryptic silence, it had always spoken true.
"By the way... is there a reason I don't feel tired? I don't even feel like sleeping."
//"Because you cannot."// Pathfinder sai
//"You can no longer sleep. Nor can you be harmed, nor killed... unless you will it."// Pathfinder said
Snow's eyes slowly widened.
"...This is because I've become a Sovereign?" snow asked
//"Yes."//
"...I see."
He stood in silence, the distant stars reflecting in his eyes.
The world slept below him.
But Snow... could not.
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to be continued....