Chiki stepped inside Tema HQ as if nothing had ever happened.
His clothes were intact.
No visible injuries.
No signs of a fight.
He smiled, waved casually, and spoke before anyone could even question him.
"I found their base," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Destroyed it. Brought Poppy back."
Silence followed.
Then—
Poppy stirred.
Peppy rushed forward first, pulling Poppy into a tight hug, her face crumpling with relief.
Chitki joined immediately, holding her from the other side, checking her breathing, her pulse, her suit—everything at once.
Poppy was still unconscious, but alive.
Bear took a long sip of his apple juice, nodded once like this was mildly interesting, and walked outside without saying a word.
Tuka didn't stop his workout.
"One … two…"
His knuckles slammed into the floor again.
Bandri stayed quiet, fingers tightening around the dagger Chitki had given her earlier.
Tema watched Chiki.
She didn't say anything at first.
Then she turned.
"Chiki," she said calmly. "Come with me."
He froze for half a second.
"…Huh?"
"Terrace," Tema added, already walking away.
Chiki followed.
The wind was cold up there.
Tema stood near the edge of the building, city lights glowing beneath them. She didn't look at him immediately.
"You're lying," she said softly.
Chiki stiffened.
"What—no? Why would I—"
"You said you defeated everyone in the villain organization," Tema continued, turning slowly, a smile forming on her face.
Not a warm one.
"A very confident claim."
Chiki swallowed. Sweat began forming at his temple.
"Y-yeah… I mean—"
Tema stepped closer.
"Then explain something to me," she said, her voice low.
"If that's true…"
She tilted her head slightly.
"Why does it feel like you came back allowed?"
Chiki's breath hitched.
"No—no, you're overthinking it, Tema. I swear—"
Tema's smile widened.
"Then tell me," she said.
"Why are you lying?"
Chiki opened his mouth.
Nothing came out.
Far away, inside the villain headquarters—
Relix stood respectfully behind a shadowed throne.
"May I ask a question, my lord?"
"Go on," the voice replied.
Relix hesitated. "What was your conversation with the brat?"
A brief pause.
"Oh," the figure said calmly. "Something personal."
Relix bowed her head. "Understood, my lord. I won't pry further. But… you sent him back unharmed. Will that truly benefit us?"
A soft chuckle echoed through the chamber.
"Just watch the game," the voice replied.
"I'm sure it will be fun."
Back at Tema HQ—
Tema took one final step closer to Chiki.
"You said you wiped them out," she said.
"Didn't you?"
Chiki's voice cracked.
"Y-yeah…?"
Tema turned her head slightly.
"Then," she said quietly,
"what is he doing here?"
"…Who?"
Chiki turned.
The air behind him folded inward.
A portal tore open.
A tall figure stepped through, boots touching the floor like he had always belonged there.
Drayke.
He straightened slowly, eyes glinting, lips curling into a familiar, malicious smile.
Chiki's blood ran cold.
The portal snapped shut behind him.
Drayke tilted his head.
"Miss me?"