A few hours later, the apartment was quiet, wrapped in the warm glow of evening lights.
Axamu and Shirayuki sat together at the dining table, finishing dinner. The food was simple, nothing extravagant, but it felt… real. Calm. Domestic in a way his life hadn't been for a long time.
As he ate, Axamu's gaze drifted—not to the food, but to the faint system window hovering just within his vision. The Fate of Extra quests remained there and Axamu read it while eating.
I should start with these first, he thought calmly.
They're probably not something I can ignore.
The television played softly in the background.
A Beyblade battle was being broadcast—Ekkusū versus Omega. Axamu focus on the details of the fight, only the names, the atmosphere, the weight the announcer's voice carried. The crowd's cheers felt distant, almost unreal.
His expression stayed blank as he watched.
So that's the main character of this world…
Kamen X… no—Kurosu Ekkusū.
His thoughts continued quietly.
If I remember correctly, this world has three main characters.
Kurosu Ekkusū. (Kamen X).
Kazami Bird.
And Nanairo Multi… the only main heroine.
He took another bite, chewing slowly.
Back when I only saw this through ads…
The comments were brutal.
"Boring."
"Nothing special."
"Only the Beyblade designs are good."
"Just nostalgia bait."
A faint, almost ironic thought passed through him.
I didn't disagree back then.
The TV flashed with movement, metal clashing, sparks flying—but Axamu's eyes softened slightly.
And yet… here I am.
Living inside that same world.
His gaze shifted from the screen to the girl sitting across from him.
Shirayuki noticed immediately. She paused mid-bite and tilted her head slightly.
"...Hm?"
Axamu realized he was staring. He smiled—small, warm, unforced.
She blinked, then relaxed, returning a shy little smile of her own.
Maybe…
Even she is a character of this world I never knew about.
His thoughts lowered further, turning inward.
He glanced down at his own hands. At his body.
And maybe…
this body too…
A character that existed here long before I noticed.
The system window flickered faintly at the edge of his vision, the quests waiting patiently.
Axamu exhaled softly.
The world outside the table—heroes, critics, destiny, systems—felt far away.
For now, there was only dinner, a quiet room, a girl with star-filled eyes…
and the uneasy realization that he might not just be a visitor in this world—
but part of its story.
---
That night, after dinner was finished and the dishes were put away, Axamu stood quietly near the window.
The city lights stretched far below, calm and distant. The system window hovered faintly in front of him, no longer intrusive—just waiting.
Fate of Extra – Quest Go to X Tower, and you may find someone.
Axamu stared at the words for a long moment.
"Same like before." he murmured quietly.
"No conditions… just a place."
That alone made it dangerous.
He exhaled and turned away, already preparing himself mentally. He grabbed his jacket, movements slow and deliberate. Whatever awaited him at X Tower, he didn't expect it to be simple.
As he reached the door, a soft voice stopped him.
"Axamu…?"
He turned. Shirayuki was standing behind him, holding the hem of her shirt lightly, eyes fixed on him.
"Where are you going?"
Axamu paused, choosing his words carefully.
"…Somewhere."
Her eyes widened slightly.
"Is it dangerous…?"
Axamu silent.
"Then I'll come with you."
He shook his head immediately. "No. Stay here."
Shirayuki took a step closer, her voice firmer than before.
"I want to come."
Axamu frowned. "It's not safe. I don't know what will happen."
"I don't care," she replied quietly, but without hesitation.
"I don't want to stay behind."
For a moment, silence filled the room.
Axamu studied her face—there was fear there, yes, but stronger than that was resolve. The same kind he'd seen when she first touched Longinus. The same light that refused to go out.
He closed his eyes briefly and sighed.
"…You're stubborn."
Shirayuki's expression brightened instantly.
"But," Axamu continued, opening his eyes, "if you're coming—then you listen to me. No arguments. No running off. If I tell you to stop, you stop."
She nodded quickly. "I will. I promise."
He stepped closer and placed a hand gently on her head, patting it once.
"Stay close," he said quietly.
Shirayuki smiled, clearly relieved.
"…Okay."
Axamu straightened and looked toward the door again.
X Tower…
Let's see what kind of 'someone' fate wants me to meet.
Together, they stepped out into the night.