Chapter 15 - Chapter 13: Attack and Arrival in Stockholm

May 13, 2021 – Thursday – 7:00 P.M.

Hakugyoku Hotel – Stockholm Branch (Outside)

The night air carried a biting chill, heavy with the faint scent of rain on cobblestones. Three figures stood at the entrance of the Hakugyoku Hotel, their eyes fixed on the man blocking their path.

Shinomiya Oko.

The name alone carried enough venom to sour the air around him. Once the eldest son of the Shinomiya family, Oko had been known for his arrogance, selfish ambition, and an insatiable thirst for power. He was the type who saw others not as people but as stepping stones, each one a rung on a ladder he meant to climb no matter the cost. His ambition had not only driven him to betray his family but had left behind a trail of blood and ashes.

It was Oko who had orchestrated the death of Riku's parents four years ago. Oko who had ordered an assassination attempt on Tenshi, Riku's closest friend, in the days following. All because reality had refused to bend to his will. His fury had been a child's tantrum amplified a thousandfold, leaving six of the Celestial Families no choice but to join forces to crush him.

(The Komeiji, Matara, Yagokoro, Ibaraki, and Hakurei families had stayed their hands, tasked with protecting civilians from the fallout of the conflict.)

When his crimes came to light—drug trafficking, embezzlement of the Shinomiya assets, extortion, human trafficking—it was the Tsurumaki family who joined the Celestials to make the evidence public. Gan'an Shinomiya, head of the family, had wasted no time in condemning him: disowned, stripped of wealth, every account frozen, every asset seized, and exiled with nothing but the clothes on his back.

Reports later whispered of him scrounging funds, gathering favors, aligning himself with syndicates who had no loyalty beyond coin. His vendetta simmered for years, culminating in a desperate gamble: hiring the Black Fang to eliminate Riku. That attempt had failed.

And now—here he was.

Riku, Youmu, and Meiling faced him across the courtyard. What unsettled them was not just the man's appearance but the fact that he stood wielding something no ordinary exile could ever hope to touch—danmaku.

Meiling squinted at him, fists clenched. "If it really is him, why show himself here in person? Hiding in the shadows was always his style."

Youmu's grip tightened on her blade. "This feels connected to yesterday's failed attempt. He's come to take matters into his own hands."

Riku, however, didn't answer right away. His gaze lingered on Oko, brow furrowing. "...Something's off about him."

Both women turned to him, brows arched.

"What do you mean?" Youmu asked, her voice sharp.

"Normally, Oko would be screaming if we ignored him this long. But he's just... standing there. Quiet. And look—" Riku's tone dropped. "He's paler than I remember."

The three observed him more closely. At first glance, Oko appeared merely rigid, but to Riku it was as though the man were a puppet waiting for strings to be pulled. Even stranger—his eyes. Once a natural black, they now gleamed with a sickly golden hue, dark irises catching the faint light like molten metal.

Meiling's frown deepened. "His eyes... gold. You think that's why he can use danmaku?"

"I don't know." Riku's voice hardened, resolute. "But we need him alive. Make sure he stays in one piece. And before either of you ask—" He raised his hand, a shimmering veil of energy unfurling around them, cloaking the courtyard in a barrier. "—if I'm maintaining this, I can't attack or defend. My focus is here."

Youmu's eyes narrowed. "Then someone has to guard you directly—"

She didn't finish. Oko had already moved.

Without warning, his hands snapped up, and the courtyard erupted in a storm of light. Bullets of danmaku, each as heavy as falling stone, screamed toward them in an endless cascade.

"Youmu!" Riku barked.

(A/N: Play the OST on top)

Already moving, the half-phantom swung her Hakurouken in swift arcs, deflecting the nearest shots, her blade flashing silver against the golden barrage. Beside her, Meiling met the incoming waves with raw strength, fists colliding with bullets in bursts of impact, each strike leaving her knuckles bruised and burning.

The assault did not ease. Seconds dragged into minutes. Every strike carved fresh craters into the stone courtyard, the once pristine ground shattered beneath the ceaseless rain of bullets. Smoke and dust billowed with each explosion, painting the air with choking grit.

Sweat beaded on Youmu's forehead as her arms trembled from the force of each deflection. "I can't hold this pace! They're too heavy!"

Meiling gritted her teeth, blood trickling faintly from a split knuckle. "She's right! We won't last much longer like this!"

Behind them, Riku's hands shook as he fed his strength into the barrier, his breath coming heavier with each pulse of power. The protective dome shimmered, straining under the relentless storm battering its edges.

"They're right. At this rate, Youmu and Meiling will burn out before we even think of a counterattack... and my magic won't hold this barrier forever. Oko's barrage is bleeding me dry. There has to be an opening—there must be."

The golden-eyed man didn't flinch, didn't gloat, didn't even sneer. His expression was vacant, movements mechanical, as though he were little more than a vessel channeling raw power. His silence was more unnerving than his fury had ever been.

Riku's mind raced. Every second stretched thin under the storm, each heartbeat echoing louder than the next. Something had to give—either the barrier, or them.

And Oko's barrage showed no sign of stopping.

The barrage raged on, gold bullets raining from Oko's hands like molten meteors. The ground was a ruin of craters and fractured stone, the barrier around them trembling with every impact. Riku's focus thinned, sweat running down his temple as he poured his strength into holding the field intact. Youmu and Meiling were near breaking point, their arms burning from every desperate deflection.

Then a voice split through the storm.

"Then allow me to assist you! Explosion Sign: Mega Flare!"

Before any of them could glance skyward, a blinding red sphere of energy plummeted from above, slamming into the space between them and Oko. The impact was deafening, the shockwave rattling the hotel windows, and for the first time Oko faltered—forced to halt his attack as the light seared his sight.

The three turned upward.

Descending from the night sky was a familiar figure, raven wings outstretched against the moonlight. Draped in a cape, with a massive wooden cannon fused to her right arm, Utsuho Reiuji—Okuu—looked every inch the embodiment of raw nuclear firepower.

"Okuu!" Riku's eyes widened. "How did you even get past my barrier?"

She landed gracefully, folding her wings behind her. "I was patrolling the skies, you know, keeping an eye out. The area suddenly went too quiet—it didn't sit right. I circled for a while, then bam! A stray danmaku shot nearly clipped me. Followed the trail right here." Her gaze darted toward Oko, eyes narrowing. "So... who's the unlucky bastard?"

Riku quickly laid out the situation, sparing no detail. Utsuho listened in silence before nodding once, stepping forward and planting herself firmly in front of him.

"Then leave the rear to me."

"Good." Relief flickered in Riku's voice. "Okuu—how many shots of Mega Flare do you have left?"

"Just one," she admitted, flexing her cannon arm with a grin. "But one's all I need, Riku-sama."

"That's enough." His eyes snapped toward the others. "Youmu, Meiling—create her an opening. Okuu will finish it."

Both women responded at once, blades and fists tightening in unison.

"Hai, Riku-kun!"

"Yes, Riku-sama!"

They surged forward. Oko, regaining his composure, answered with another ferocious barrage. His golden eyes glowed hotter, bullets spreading wide to blanket the field. Youmu's blade danced, intercepting streams of fire, while Meiling weaved between shots, fists hammering bullets to dust. Step by step, they pressed forward, their movements pushing against the suffocating storm.

Oko changed his pattern. A fresh cascade of bullets erupted—not aimed directly, but spiraling to trap them, an encirclement of light that left no safe ground.

Youmu's eyes narrowed. She closed them, inhaling deeply, both hands tightening on her Roukanken. The glow began at her feet, spreading upward until her entire form shone silver-white.

Her voice cut sharp through the chaos. "Human Oni: Slash of Eternal Future!"

And then she moved.

Blades of light traced the courtyard in every direction, her sword arcs too fast for the eye to follow. Each swing shredded danmaku from the air, silver trails burning against the dark sky. Within seconds the storm weakened, Oko's relentless barrage collapsing under her ferocity.

An opening formed.

But Oko had prepared—his body flickered, and a translucent shell of energy sprang to life around him. A barrier.

"Tch." Riku clicked his tongue. "A barrier. Troublesome... Meiling!" His eyes met hers. "Can you break it?"

Meiling planted her feet, aura flaring. "I can—and I will!" She dropped into her stance, qi surging around her like a living storm. The air thickened with the vibration of raw power as her body was wrapped in a radiant brown glow.

"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Her roar split the night. "Qi Sign: Earth Sky Dragon Kick!"

She leapt, energy coiling into her right leg, which blazed with power. The qi shaped itself mid-flight into a colossal dragon, its roaring head wrapping around her foot as she descended in a devastating arc. The kick collided with Oko's barrier, thunder cracking at the point of impact. The shield held—but spiderweb cracks snaked across its surface, the force blasting Oko back several steps, his heels gouging trenches into the earth.

Meiling landed hard, chest heaving. "Didn't break all the way through," she growled, "but that's enough for you, Utsuho!"

She dove clear, giving Utsuho an unobstructed line. The raven girl raised her cannon arm, nuclear energy spiraling within the barrel, the glow brightening until it painted her face in crimson light.

Before she could fire, Riku's hand touched her shoulder, his voice low and steady. "Okuu. Remember—alive."

For a moment, her grin softened. "Roger." She turned back, cannon aimed true. "Explosion Sign: Mega Flare!!"

The night tore open as a sphere of searing red light launched from her arm, streaking straight toward Oko. The impact was immediate—his barrier shattered in a chorus of glasslike cracks, the protective shell dissolving under the overwhelming power. The explosion followed a heartbeat later, a shockwave ripping outward, scattering debris and uprooting soil in a violent blast.

Oko's body was flung across the courtyard like a ragdoll, slamming spine-first into the trunk of a thick oak. The tree shuddered from the impact, bark splintering where his body struck, before he collapsed to the ground in a heap.

The battlefield fell quiet. Smoke coiled into the night sky, the lingering glow of danmaku fading into the shadows.

Insert Greenwich Debris (Link is below)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYlLg9KM_R8

The wind that had been carrying smoke and dust around the hotel slowly eased. Utsuho's blast had cleared away the worst of the chaos; warm embers drifted through the courtyard like dying fireflies. Youmu and Meiling moved first, limping toward where Oko had been hurled, Riku and Utsuho at their heels. Even with the threat quelled, the air hummed with an uneasy energy — the sort that sticks to the skin after something monstrous has just been kept on a leash.

Riku stepped up to the trunk of the oak where Oko had caved in like a puppet struck by a god. The man's cloak lay splayed across the soil, half-buried in dirt and splintered bark. The fabric had a strange weight to it, like it absorbed the light instead of reflecting it. Riku crouched and nudged it with the toe of his shoe. His face went still.

"This—" he said, low. "This cloak belongs to the Black Fang."

Youmu froze mid-stride. Meiling's jaw snapped shut. Even Utsuho's cavalier smirk thinned.

"Then he joined the Black Fang?" Youmu asked, disbelief and a flash of anger running together. The idea twisted worse than most: Oko, once too proud to kneel for anyone, now clad in the garb of a shadowy syndicate.

Riku barked a laugh that tasted like iron. "No. Not a chance. Oko's pride would never let him follow someone he considers beneath him."

Meiling shook her head, fingers brushing at a cut already forming on her knuckle. "Then what—"

"Look at his body!" Utsuho cut across them, alarm making her voice blunt. She pointed with the butt of her cannon.

They turned. Where Oko's torso had been sprawled against the roots, the air shimmered as if heat had never quite settled. Fine dust — no, not dust; something more like ash turned to motes — lifted from where his legs had met the earth. What had been a human body was unfastening itself from cohesion, unraveling.

Riku's heartbeat tightened. "What in the—?"

Youmu's hand flew to her mouth. "His body's crumbling."

It began at the waist, a subtle fray at first, as if someone were drawing scissors through clay. Skin fractaled, then sloughed away in small clouds that caught the light and vanished. The golden sheen in Oko's eyes winked out, replaced by the familiar hard black pupils they'd known long enough to hate. He blinked once, like a man surfacing from a long, fevered dream, and when he saw Riku he offered a smile that was more tear than grin—thin, final.

"Naga...e..." His voice scraped out, a dry rasp. "I...thank...you...now...I can...rest...be...careful...of...Ner...gal..."

"Wait, what do you mean—" Riku lunged forward, reaching for the man's arm.

"You...have...been...warned," Oko breathed, a last fog of meaning. The syllables sloughed off him like the rest of his flesh; by the time Riku's fingers touched where an elbow should be, nothing remained but the cloak and a faint, sulfurous smell in the air. Where Oko had lain, the earth held a shallow, round depression and a residue that powdered beneath their soles.

Riku switched off the barrier, letting the remaining hum of magic settle like a cloth folding shut. The hotel noise slowly returned to the world — distant traffic, a shutter clacking somewhere, the soft thud of a delivery cart — and with the mundane sounds came an ordinary, brittle relief: they were not responsible for any other immediate civilians. For now, the courtyard belonged only to them and the evidence.

"Youmu," Riku said, voice a little raw. "What happened?"

She stared at the cloak, then up at him, words small. "I—don't know. I saw his eyes change to gold, then...then he just kept firing. And then Utsuho hit him. And then he—crumbled like that." Her fingers curled into Roukanken's hilt as if to anchor herself. "I've never seen flesh do that."

Meiling knelt, inspecting the remaining fibers of the cloak with the blunt curiosity of a fighter who treats every object like a weapon or a clue. "Black Fang gear—this isn't something he'd wear by choice. Somebody put it on him."

Riku ran a hand through his hair, the physical motion offering nothing to calm the surge of questions. "Good thing I recorded everything." He tapped his sleeve, the small device warm against his skin. "I'll send this to Yukari-san and the other sages. They need to see this."

A rustle announced another arrival. Ran broke through the thinning smoke, nine tails and fox ears clear in the fuzzy light, her expression taut with concern. She read the scene in one look and came straight to the point.

"I sensed danmaku in the area and then you all went silent," she said, breathless. "I followed. What happened?"

Riku gave her a precise recounting while the others filled in the rest—Utsuho's intervention, the spell sequence, the crumbling, Oko's strangled warning about Nergal. Ran listened like a judge hearing a case, lips pressed thin.

"So the Shinomiya fought, then disintegrated, and the name 'Nergal' was mentioned. I'll inform Nee-sama." Her voice was flat with purpose; 'nee-sama' was an address that meant bureaucracy and reach. "She's already investigating the Black Fang. With this, maybe we can hasten things."

"Good," Riku said. "For now, let's head back inside. My bandmates will be worried."

Ran hesitated, ears flicking toward a set of bushes along the perimeter where leaves still trembled from the blast. "What about those two hiding there?"

Riku glanced at the disturbed foliage and saw the subtle prints left by two pairs of feet. He didn't like surprises that much; that was why he lived by a policy of control. Yet something in the pattern of the disturbance told him more than the sign itself. The footprints were too deliberate, too cautious. He made a call.

"If whoever's hiding there meant harm, they would have acted already. I'll hold off." His tone was light but firm. "Trust me."

Ran's eyes searched his face, then she nodded once as if to a plan already accepted. "Very well. Stay sharp."

They left the courtyard together: Riku, Youmu, Meiling and Utsuho, followed by Ran's cautious pace. The hotel doors swallowed them, and with each step inside the normalcy of human chatter felt more like a costume, ill-fitting and false. They moved through the lobby with the practiced composure of people who could hold their own in public even while battle-scent clung to their clothing.

Outside the hedgerow, two figures exhaled in the same instant. An old man, hair graying in thick, unkempt strands, plucked the Black Fang cloak up with a reverence that bordered on superstition. At his side a girl — younger than Riku by maybe two years — breathed a shaky laugh. Her green hair hung damp against her collar, eyes bright as a storm-swept sea. She had a black hairband that seemed to cut the light across her forehead.

"To think Riku and that fox lady would find us hiding," the man grumbled, though his complaint had the tired edge of relief.

"My heart nearly stopped," the girl said, still half-laughing. "I thought for sure they would spot us."

The old man's voice dropped when he asked the next thing. "Did you get it all?"

"Yeah." She held up a small device and flipped it to show a tiny screen. The recording — grainy, shaken, but complete — played back the barrage, Utsuho's descent, Oko's last words and the cloak falling free. On the device's waveforms the voice had come through, hoarse and brittle, the syllables of 'Nergal' fat and ugly at the end.

"Good." The man's eyes narrowed. "If the commander sees this, maybe the Fang can be brought back—brought back to what it was."

The girl's grin hardened. "Then let's not waste any time, Uncle. We'll take this to Father and my brothers."

They folded the cloak carefully, hiding it within their jacket as if the thing itself might still hold a pulse. They stepped away, careful and quick, disappearing into the alleys that radiated from the hotel like veins.

They did not see the figure that watched from deeper shadow: a man in a purple hood, standing with the casual patience of someone who knows the value of a well-timed exit. His eyes were the same wary gold that had once made Oko move like a marionette. He muttered to himself in a voice like gravel.

"To think Shinomiya Oko had to kick the bucket that early...such a disappointment. He couldn't keep his mouth shut." He paused. "I could erase the Shinomiya line with a snap, but Lord Nergal's orders are to leave Japan untouched. The sages would notice sooner. Best to retreat before anyone else turns up."

He folded into shadow and vanished with an economy of motion that made him look like smoke retreating into a chimney.

Unseen to him, a small shape waited behind a tree: Koishi. The girl — capricious, watchful — watched the man's departure with a sparkle of mischief and something like dread. She zipped her lips tight and pressed a palm to her mouth.

"Gotta tell onee-chan," she whispered, a conspiratorial gleam in her eye.

She slipped through the spaces between trunks and, with a sound like a popped bubble, faded into nothing. Where she had stood, a faint breeze sighed across the moss and a single leaf tumbled down to rest in Oko's shallow crater, as if the world was closing a book on the first page of a longer chapter.

Hakugyoku Hotel – Stockholm Branch, Player Lounge

The air in the hotel still carried the faint sting of gunpowder and smoke from their earlier battle. Riku and the others had shaken off the encounter with Oko as best they could, but the weight of what they'd witnessed still clung to them. After separating at the lobby, Meiling and Ran returned to their room, while Utsuho hurried off to check in with Satori. Only Youmu lingered by Riku's side as the two of them made their way down the quiet hall toward the player lounge.

The murmur of voices reached them first, broken by bursts of laughter and the scrape of chairs. When they stepped inside, Riku's brow furrowed at the sight before him: Taiga sprawled on the floor, arms flailing helplessly, while members of Team Liquid—everyone except zai and MATUMBAMAN—had piled onto him in what looked like a makeshift wrestling match. The scene was chaotic, ridiculous even, though the reason was obvious enough. They were punishing Taiga for his overzealous guitar performance earlier in the day.

Riku stood at the threshold, expression unreadable, then exhaled sharply through his nose.

"...You know what, I'm not even going to ask." He turned on his heel, already stepping back into the hall. "If anyone needs me, I'll be in my room. I'm tired, and I need rest."

The door closed behind him, leaving Youmu standing with quiet amusement as Johan detached himself from the melee and approached her.

"What's with him?" Johan asked in a low voice. His tone carried more concern than curiosity.

Youmu leaned closer, lowering her own voice. "We ran into trouble outside." She explained briefly—about Oko, the sudden danmaku, and how the battle ended with his body crumbling away into dust. Johan listened intently, his eyes narrowing.

"I see," he murmured once she finished. "Any injuries on your side?"

"We're fine. No scratches, though my arms feel a little numb," Youmu admitted.

Johan nodded once. "Alright. In that case, we'll switch to Plan B for the next two days."

"Plan B?"

"We take it easy," Johan said simply. "No sense showing our strongest songs too early. Better to save them for when they'll matter most."

"I understand," Youmu said, her voice soft with relief. "Then if you'll excuse me, I'll bring Riku-kun something to eat. He'll need it after everything."

"Do that," Johan replied, already turning back toward the others. "I'll explain the plan to the team."

Hakugyoku Hotel – OG's Room

Youmu balanced a tray carefully in her hands as she entered Riku's room. The rich scent of warm food rose from the covered plates. She expected to find him resting, but instead she caught sight of him on the balcony, leaning against the railing with his scarf trailing faintly in the breeze.

"Riku-kun," she called softly, setting the tray down on the table. "I've brought you something to eat."

He turned his head slightly, offering her a tired smile. "...Thanks, Youmu."

But there was something distracted in his voice, his gaze fixed on the clouded sky above Stockholm.

"Is something the matter?" she asked, stepping closer.

"Looks like a storm is coming in a few hours."

Youmu followed his gaze. At first, she saw only clouds. Then, as she looked more carefully, she noticed how his eyes had taken on a faint violet glow—the telltale sign of his power stirring.

"Youmu," he said after a moment, "can you warm the food again while I'm gone? I'll be back soon."

"Eh? What do you—" She stopped, realization dawning. Her lips pressed together before she nodded. "...I see. Be careful out there."

"I will."

He picked up his scarf and hat from the table, then with a whisper of magic, his form shimmered and vanished into invisibility. A few seconds later, the balcony was empty, only the whisper of displaced air hinting at his departure.

Riku's POV

It took less than six minutes to reach the storm's heart. The air was heavy with pressure, winds howling violently as thunder rumbled overhead. This storm was dangerous; if it reached Stockholm, the tournament would be thrown into chaos, maybe even postponed indefinitely.

Hovering in the storm's eye, I drew in a deep breath. My body thrummed with energy as violet light bled faintly from my skin.

"Alright... let's calm this storm down."

Lightning crackled along my arms, wrapping me in a halo of sparks. I spread my power outward, weaving it into the furious weather, guiding the storm's rage into something gentler. The winds began to ease. Thunder softened. Rain fell steadily but without violence.

Ten minutes later, the storm had lost most of its strength, dissolving into nothing more than a gray drizzle. I let out a long sigh, lowering my arms.

"...And now I'm drenched." My clothes clung uncomfortably, heavy with water. "Better get a bath before I catch a cold."

With a murmur, I cloaked myself in invisibility once more and streaked back toward the hotel.

When I slipped back inside, Youmu was waiting, her expression shifting quickly from relief to alarm.

"Riku-kun, welcome back. I've warmed the—ah! You're soaked!"

"I know," I said with a tired chuckle. "Bath first."

"Dry yourself off before you catch a chill. I'll warm the water for you."

She pressed a towel into my hands before hurrying to the bath. I followed after her, grateful for the simple kindness.

The hot water worked its magic, washing away the fatigue clinging to my body. When I returned, wrapped in fresh clothes, the food was waiting, steam rising invitingly from the plates. Youmu sat across from me, hands folded neatly in her lap, waiting for me to begin before she touched her own meal.

We ate quietly, the clink of utensils filling the silence. When we finished, she finally spoke. "Johan-san said we'll be using Plan B for the next two days."

I nodded. "Makes sense. It'll give me time to rest my voice. If we can reach two million by tomorrow, then Plan B will work perfectly."

"You'll be sleeping early, then?" she asked.

"Later. First I need to send the recording to Yuyuko-san and the other sages. They should see what happened today."

She nodded but hesitated, her gaze dropping briefly before lifting again. "Riku-kun... can we have another spar tomorrow?"

Her cheeks flushed faintly, mirrored by the blush on Myon's face beside her.

I reached out and gently patted her head. She closed her eyes at the touch, her blush deepening, though she didn't pull away.

"...Sure," I said with a quiet smile.

----------

Hakugyoku Hotel – Stockholm Branch, OG's Practice Room

May 16, 2021 – 9:30 A.M.

3rd POV

The steady hum of instruments being tuned filled the walls of OG's practice room. It was the morning after the group stage had ended, and though the tension of the competition still lingered, there was an unusual lightness in the air. Johan's plan to ease up during the last two days had worked to perfection, giving Yuragi the spotlight while sparing the band from overexertion. Riku had watched his teammate's growth with pride; Yuragi had risen to the occasion and held his own.

Now they sat scattered across the room, stringing, adjusting, and preparing their instruments for the coming main stage matches. Riku leaned back in his chair, scarf looped loosely around his neck, when his phone buzzed sharply against the table. He glanced down, reading the notification—ESL had sent the finalized results.

His lips curved faintly. "Guys," he called out, raising his phone. "The results are out."

The atmosphere shifted instantly. Chairs squeaked as Ammar and bzm abandoned their tuning, while Taiga leaned in with barely restrained eagerness. Johan was last to move, though his sharp eyes were fixed on the screen even before he stood behind Riku.

The numbers appeared on the display in clear, bold text.

Group A

Upper Bracket

1st – OG (WEU): 5,003,597

2nd – Tundra (WEU): 4,652,450

3rd – BetBoom (EEU): 3,709,670

4th – T1 (SEA): 3,100,674

Lower Bracket

5th – BOOM Rivalry (SEA): 2,793,655

6th – beastcoast (SA): 2,699,800

Group B

Upper Bracket

1st – Gaimin Gladiators (WEU): 4,780,644

2nd – Thunder Awaken (SA): 3,109,633

3rd – TSM (NA): 3,109,633

4th – Team Spirit (EEU): 3,109,633

Lower Bracket

5th – Team Liquid (WEU): 3,109,633

6th – Fnatic (SEA): 2,409,693

The boys blinked, and then blinked again. Their silence was punctuated by bzm's voice, incredulous.

"Wait... did Group B just end in a four-way tie?"

Taiga scratched his head. "How the hell do you even settle something like that?"

Riku scrolled down and exhaled. "I read through the tiebreaker rules last night. It says whichever band racked up the most votes on the final day gets placed higher, and the rest fall in line behind them."

Johan's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Meaning Thunder Awaken must have pulled an insane surge in votes. They were fifth before Day 3."

"Or..." Riku shrugged with a crooked grin, "they might've gone with the oldest method in the book."

Ammar tilted his head. "Oldest method?"

"Yup." Riku leaned back in his chair, smirk widening. "A coin toss."

For a beat, silence reigned. Then bzm groaned, dragging his palm down his face. "You're kidding. A coin toss? Really?"

Johan only folded his arms, strangely amused. "Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me. None of those bands want to show their best cards this early. Taking the easy way out... it makes sense."

Riku chuckled, scrolling further down. "Regardless, the brackets are locked. And guess who's waiting for us tomorrow."

The names of the matches for Day 1 appeared.

Main Stage Day 1 - May 17, 2021

Upper Bracket

OG vs Team Spirit

BetBoom vs Thunder Awaken

Tundra vs TSM

T1 vs Gaimin Gladiators

His voice dropped a note lower. "We'll be facing Team Spirit."

The weight of those words settled heavily in the room. Every player straightened, the easy atmosphere fading as focus replaced it.

Team Spirit. A band that had once hovered in the mid-tier shadows of Eastern Europe, dismissed as promising but unproven. That changed in an instant. The previous year, they had clawed their way from obscurity into the spotlight with a Cinderella run that left the world reeling. They cut down titans one after another: Alliance, Team Secret, Invictus, Virtus.pro, PSG.LGD. Each defeat sent shockwaves through the scene.

And though their miracle streak had ended in heartbreak against OG in the TI10 Grand Finals, they had proven beyond doubt that they were no longer underdogs—they were predators. With Yatoro's fearless lead guitar, TORONTOTOKYO's commanding keyboard, Collapse's devastating drumming, Mira's steady bass, and Miposhka's guiding vocals, they had forged themselves into champions. Now, as the reigning winners of the Future World Fes in Amsterdam, they stood even taller.

Riku could see the tension ripple across his bandmates' faces. He let the silence hang a moment longer before speaking.

"This is your chance," he said quietly, yet firmly. "Your chance to get some payback. And for them..." His gaze hardened. "...this is their chance to get some payback against me."

The spark of resolve caught instantly. Ammar's fists clenched. bzm's eyes lit up. Even Taiga's grin lost its playfulness, sharpening into something dangerous. They were ready to dive into practice when the door swung open with a sudden creak.

Youmu stood in the doorway, breathless, urgency in her tone. "Riku-kun! We have to go! Yuyuko-sama's plane is about to land—I just got the call!"

"Oh, right." Riku slapped his forehead lightly, muttering. "I forgot about that. Thanks for reminding—"

"Excuse me, is Riku-sama here?"

The interruption came from one of the hotel's kitchen staff, who appeared at the door in a crisp uniform, bowing hurriedly.

Riku glanced over. "I'm here. Did you need me?"

The staff member shifted nervously. "Well... we've been informed the owner will be staying here for the week, along with her guests. We planned to prepare a welcoming feast, but—"

"But?" Riku prompted.

"The pantry is nearly empty."

Understanding dawned instantly. Riku exhaled and waved a hand. "Say no more." He turned to Youmu. "You go meet Yuyuko-san without me. Tell her I'll join later."

"Eh? But what about you?"

"I'm helping the staff," Riku replied simply, already rising. "If Yuyuko-san asks, tell her I'm cooking."

Youmu hesitated, then nodded. "O-okay..." She departed quickly, leaving Riku, the staffer, and the band behind.

"Do you have a list of the ingredients you need?" Riku asked, stepping closer.

"Yes, sir." The staffer handed over a sheet of paper.

Riku skimmed it, his brow furrowing. The quantities were meager, hardly enough for a proper feast. His lips pressed into a thin line.

"Double it. No..." He looked up, eyes glinting. "Quadruple the amount."

"EH!?" The word exploded from every corner of the room.

The staffer's face paled. "B-but the budget would—"

"I'll cover the expenses," Riku cut in. His voice carried no room for argument. "Give me the bank account details. I'll wire the money directly."

"Riku-sama..." the staffer stammered, wide-eyed.

"And don't just stand there." Riku's tone sharpened. "Move. You don't want Yuyuko-san waiting for her feast, do you? You know what—forget it, I'm coming with you."

The staffer straightened instantly, nodding vigorously. "Understood, Riku-sama!"

Riku turned back to the boys, regret flickering across his face. "Sorry, but practice will have to wait. We'll continue planning tonight."

The bandmates exchanged knowing looks. Taiga snorted softly, bzm smirked, and Johan only shook his head with a faint smile. None of them were surprised. This was simply who Riku was.

With that, Riku strode from the practice room, the staffer scrambling to keep pace. The echoes of their hurried footsteps faded down the corridor, leaving the others behind to prepare in his absence.

Stockholm Arlanda Airport – 10:00 A.M.

Yuyuko's POV

A day had passed since the group stage concluded, and now our plane began its descent toward Stockholm Arlanda Airport. The hum of the engines softened, the wheels lowered, and the cabin tilted slightly forward as we approached the runway. Around me, the girls were still curled up in their seats, breathing evenly, lost in dreams. It made me chuckle softly. Ufufufu~ how adorable.

The past two days had been surprisingly delightful. I had braced myself for unease when I revealed to the girls the truth of who we were—and more importantly, the truth of Riku-kun's existence. I half-expected hesitation, even fear. Instead, they accepted everything without a second thought. Not only did they not distance themselves, but they expressed excitement, curiosity, even admiration, eager to witness Riku's powers with their own eyes. Deep inside, my heart swelled with pride. These young women were stronger than I gave them credit for.

The only true obstacle came when it was time to secure permission from their parents. Passports were easy—paperwork, stamps, and signatures. Parental approval, however, was another matter entirely. A few parents bristled at the idea of their daughters traveling so far. Their voices carried protective worry, yet once I assured them I would personally accompany the girls, most hesitations melted away. Some, however, needed no convincing at all. Rinko-chan's parents, for instance, agreed almost immediately. I knew the reason: they were already aware of their daughter's little crush on Riku-kun. Watching her cling to that hope made me smile knowingly.

As for our means of travel, there was no debate. I had arranged my private plane, far more comfortable and discreet than anything commercial. For accommodations, the Hakugyoku Hotel was obvious. Its Stockholm branch required its yearly inspection, and what better time than now, when it would also host both the tournament and my girls?

I sipped my tea, savoring its warmth, when the captain's voice announced our landing. Through the window, the morning light reflected against the silver wings as we glided smoothly onto the runway. The familiar jolt of wheels meeting asphalt stirred no one—the girls still slept soundly. So stubbornly peaceful.

That would not do.

I lifted a finger, summoning several phantoms. Their forms rippled like smoke as they slipped away toward the sleeping quarters at the back of the plane.

Moments later, the calm was shattered.

"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!"

The synchronized chorus of screams filled the cabin. I couldn't help the laugh that bubbled out of me, hand covering my lips.

"Ufufufufu~"

Ten minutes later

We disembarked onto the runway, our luggage trailing behind. Though the fresh air of Sweden welcomed us, several of the girls still reeled from their wake-up call.

Chiyu-chan glared at me with a pout. "Why can't you wake us like a normal person, Yuyuko-san?"

I tilted my head, feigning innocence. "Well, some of you were sleeping like rocks. I thought my phantoms would be more... effective. Although—perhaps I may have taken it a bit too far~"

Her narrowed eyes told me she wasn't convinced by my sweet tone. Behind her, the evidence of my little prank lingered. Lisa-chan clung desperately to Yukina-chan's arm, refusing to let go. Ran-chan huddled close to her friends as if seeking protection, while Kaoru-chan latched onto Chisato-chan, who was attempting—with growing frustration—to pry her free.

Maya-chan raised her hand timidly. "Ummm, Yuyuko-san, who exactly are we waiting for here on the runway?"

"Ah~ I requested the hotel to send a bus. It should be here any moment."

As if summoned by my words, the low rumble of an engine reached us. A long, sakura-pink bus rolled gracefully toward the plane, its paint shimmering beneath the morning sun. The door opened with a soft hiss, and from within stepped a familiar figure.

"Youmu," I greeted warmly.

She bowed politely. "Sorry for the delay, Yuyuko-sama."

"No need to worry, Youmu. You've arrived right on time." My eyes flicked behind her, scanning the bus interior. "Speaking of which... I don't see Riku-kun. Where is he?"

The girls, too, perked up at this. Their eyes darted around expectantly, yet his absence was glaring.

Youmu hesitated, then opened her mouth. "Well, Riku-kun stayed behind beca—"

I cut her off, lips curling into a teasing smile. "Ara~ You're calling him Riku-kun now? My, when did you become so bold, Youmu~?"

Her face flared crimson instantly. She waved her hands frantically in denial. "I-I-It's not like that, Yuyuko-sama! It was Riku-kun's idea! He insisted I call him that way! I only see him as the brother I never had, I—"

"Kyaaa!"

Kokoro-chan suddenly appeared, eyes sparkling. She barreled into Youmu and squeezed her tightly. "Did you just say onii-chan is like a brother you never had!? Then that means—you're going to be my onee-chan!!"

Youmu stiffened. "O-o-o-onee-chan!?!"

The force of Kokoro-chan's embrace nearly lifted her off the ground. Around us, the girls exchanged shocked glances. None had seen Youmu so flustered before.

Aya-chan tilted her head. "This is the first time I've ever seen Youmu-san act like this."

Sayo sweatdropped as she thoughtfully. "I thought she was always composed, calm, almost unshakable. But I suppose... even someone like her has their moments."

Misaki-chan stepped forward quickly. "Kokoro! Let go! Youmu-san's face is turning white!"

Realizing the truth of her words, Kokoro-chan gasped and released her. Youmu staggered backward, gasping for breath, face pale but her blush still vivid.

Sayo-chan frowned lightly. "Perhaps it's better if we simply ask where Riku-san is once we're on the bus."

Hina-chan clapped her hands. "Great idea, onee-chan!" She immediately hugged Sayo from behind, resting her chin on her sister's shoulder.

Sayo-chan stiffened, cheeks flushing. "H-Hina! Don't just hug me without warning!"

I watched the scene unfold with quiet delight. To see Sayo slowly opening her heart to her sister... it was touching. From what Youmu had mentioned earlier, it seemed Riku-kun played no small role in that. I would need to ask him about it later.

"I agree with Sayo-chan," I announced, folding my fan. "Youmu, tell us the details on the way."

Youmu, still recovering from Kokoro's ambush, managed a weak nod. "H-Hai, Yuyuko-sama."

With that, we began to board. The girls filed into the bus, some chattering excitedly, others still rubbing sleep from their eyes. Youmu stayed behind a moment longer, helping the staff load luggage into the storage compartment, before finally stepping inside and taking the seat beside me.

The doors closed with a hiss. With a low rumble, the bus pulled away from the runway, carrying us toward the Hakugyoku Hotel.

The girls pressed their faces against the windows, gazing at the scenery of Stockholm as it unfolded—the stretch of sky, the clusters of modern buildings, the hints of old-world charm in the architecture. Their anticipation was palpable, a mixture of eagerness for the performances ahead and curiosity about Riku-kun's absence.

I folded my hands on my lap, lips curved into a knowing smile. "Now then," I said softly, glancing at Youmu, "let's hear what kept Riku-kun behind, shall we?"

3rd POV

The bus hummed softly as it rolled through the streets of Stockholm. Beyond the tinted glass windows stretched a world of old-world charm meshed with modern elegance: cobblestone streets, riverside paths glimmering under the late morning sun, and tidy rows of pastel-colored buildings. The girls crowded the windows, pointing out details, their chatter filling the cabin with warmth and energy.

Yuyuko, folding her fan with a soft snap, turned her attention back to Youmu.

"So, Youmu," she asked in her usual sing-song tone, "why exactly did Riku-kun stay behind?"

Youmu folded her arms, her voice calm at first. "Well, one of the kitchen staff told Riku-kun that the pantry is almost empty, so—"

The moment the word pantry left her lips, Yuyuko stiffened. Her fan slipped from her hand, her eyelids drooping heavily as her body swayed like a candle's flame.

"M-My..." she croaked weakly, one hand clutching her stomach. "Food... gone..."

"Yuyuko-sama!?" Youmu shot up from her seat in alarm.

The girls gasped as a faint glow shimmered around Yuyuko's mouth. From it emerged a tiny sakura-pink phantom, complete with a hitaikakushi tied on its "head," floating lazily toward the window.

Kokoro's eyes sparkled as she pointed. "Look! Yuyuko-san's soul is floating away!"

True enough, Yuyuko's ghostly soul drifted straight for the glass as though determined to escape into the bus.

"AH! DON'T FLY AWAY!" Youmu cried, diving across the aisle. Her half-phantom nature allowed her to grab the tail of the wayward spirit with both hands. With a determined grunt, she wrestled it back, tugging as if hauling in a stubborn kite. The girls stared, wide-eyed, as Youmu shoved the pink phantom back into Yuyuko's body—complete with cartoonish resistance before it finally popped back inside.

Yuyuko blinked, sat up straight, and brushed herself off, as though nothing unusual had happened. "Ufufufu~ how embarrassing."

The bus fell into stunned silence.

"...What did we just witness?" Misaki muttered, staring.

Kokoro, ever cheerful, tilted her head. "Oh, that? It doesn't happen all the time. But Yuyuko-san does act like this whenever it's anything related to food!"

Masuki smirked, crossing her arms. "So she's a foodie, huh? Hmmm... maybe I should invite her out for some ramen when we get the chance."

Chiyu groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Don't even bother, MASKING. She'll wipe out your stock faster than you can blink."

"Eh?" Masuki blinked. "No way she eats that much."

Saaya, looking thoughtful, raised a hand. "Now that you mention it... Yuyuko-san came to our bakery two days ago. She bought out the entire day's stock. And not just that—she even reserved fifty pieces of each bread for next month."

"THAT MUCH!?" the girls chorused in disbelief.

Moca, however, leaned back in her seat with an impressed grin. "So that's why there wasn't a single loaf left when I dropped by~. Yuyuko-san really is my rival in bread~."

The girls exchanged exasperated looks.

Youmu cleared her throat, her voice hesitant. "It's not like that, Moca-san. Yuyuko-sama has her reasons for eating so much, and... well..." She trailed off, unsure if she should explain further.

Yuyuko placed a hand on her shoulder, gently stilling her. With a serene smile, she addressed the group herself. "That will be a story for another time. It's something you girls are not yet ready to hear. But rest assured, when the time is right, I'll share it with you." Her eyes softened, fan half-open before her lips. "For now, let us enjoy the sights around us, shall we?"

Though still curious, the girls nodded, respecting her words.

Youmu, relieved, adjusted her seatbelt and resumed where she had left off. "As I was saying... Riku-kun stayed behind to help the kitchen staff. He said he'll be in charge of tonight's cooking."

Yuyuko's eyes lit up instantly, her earlier weakness forgotten. "Ara~! Then I absolutely cannot wait to see what Riku-kun prepares for us tonight~!"

Meanwhile – Hakugyoku Hotel

"BRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!"

The sudden sound startled the kitchen staff, who turned to see Riku shivering slightly, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Is something wrong, Riku-sama?" one of the staff asked cautiously.

Riku exhaled, shaking his head. "It's nothing... just got the feeling someone was talking about me." He refocused, his eyes sharp as he surveyed the busy kitchen. Pots steamed, knives chopped rapidly against wooden boards, and the faint scent of fresh herbs filled the air. "How long until the next batch of ingredients arrives?"

"Ten minutes, sir," the staff replied crisply.

"Fast as always." A faint smile tugged at his lips. He clapped his hands together. "Alright, let's pick up the pace. We've got a feast to prepare."

The room filled with renewed determination as everyone moved faster under his direction.

Back on the bus

Yuyuko, now in high spirits, turned to the group. "Now then, girls. Is there any place you'd like to visit before we return to the hotel?"

Hands shot up instantly, but Kasumi's came first.

"Hai!" Kasumi declared brightly. "I want to see where Riku-senpai will perform!"

Her enthusiasm made several of the girls nod in agreement.

Yukina spoke up next, her voice calm yet firm. "Now that Toyama-san mentioned it, I would also like to see the venue."

The ripple spread quickly—Ran murmured something about inspecting the acoustics, Rinko fidgeted but nodded, and even Maya quietly admitted she was curious. One by one, the rest agreed.

"Well, now that's decided," Yuyuko said with a gracious smile. She leaned forward toward the driver. "Driver-san, please take us to the Hovet Arena."

The man nodded firmly. "Understood, Yuyuko-sama."

The bus turned, leaving the airport roads behind and heading deeper into the city. The girls' chatter grew louder as anticipation bubbled in their voices. The idea of stepping into the legendary arena where OG and so many iconic performances had taken place filled them with awe.

At the front, Yuyuko closed her eyes, a faint, satisfied smile on her lips. Riku-kun, I wonder what face you'll make when you see these girls cheering you on.

20 minutes later

Stockholm – Hovet Arena

11:10 A.M.

The bus slowed to a halt in front of the Hovet Arena, its polished exterior gleaming under the autumn sun. The girls leaned against the windows, their breaths fogging the glass as their eyes widened in awe. Though its outward appearance was modest, the building radiated a sense of importance that made their hearts beat a little faster.

Ran was the first to break the silence, her voice laced with quiet anticipation. "So this is where Nii-san will perform tomorrow."

Lisa tilted her head, studying the structure. She crossed her arms with mild disappointment. "I honestly thought it would be a bit bigger..."

Eve's blue eyes sparkled as she leaned forward, unable to contain her excitement. "Don't be fooled by the outside! This arena is mainly used for ice hockey matches. I've been here before, and once you step inside, you realize how massive it truly is!"

Chisato arched a brow at her in surprise. "You've been here before, Eve-chan?"

"Of course!" Eve replied with a proud little nod. "My parents took me here for a hockey match once. The energy was incredible—it felt like the whole place was alive. I can only imagine how much more amazing it will be when Riku-senpai takes the stage."

Before anyone could answer, a deep, accented voice cut across the morning air. "And what brings a group of young ladies to the arena today? The tournament doesn't begin until tomorrow."

The girls turned as one, startled by the unexpected voice. Standing a few paces away was a tall, broad-shouldered man with a clean-shaven head and a carefully groomed mustache. He wore a dark brown suit over a plain black shirt, the kind of attire that made him look both professional and approachable. His expression was stern at first, but the moment his eyes landed on Yuyuko, his face lit up with genuine warmth.

Yuyuko wasted no time. With her usual playful grace, she floated toward him and threw her arms around him in an embrace. "Ara~ Jake-kun! Ufufufu~ it has been far too long!"

The man laughed, returning the hug with an easy familiarity. "Ah, Yuyuko! It really has been a long time."

When they pulled apart, Yuyuko's eyes narrowed in mock scrutiny, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. "My, my... have you been eating properly? Hm, no, I can see it—some weight has gone missing. And your Japanese! It's improved so much since we last met!"

Jake scratched his cheek sheepishly, looking more like an embarrassed schoolboy than a man of his stature. "Well... I just followed the advice Iku gave me, and it worked wonders. He's been tutoring me whenever he can spare the time. Not just me either—he's teaching the others too."

The girls, who had been watching with confusion written all over their faces, exchanged glances. Finally, Arisa stepped forward, her voice hesitant. "Um... Yuyuko-san, who is he?"

Beaming with delight, Yuyuko turned to them and gestured toward the man. "Girls, allow me to introduce one of Riku-kun's good friends—Jake-kun."

Jake gave them a polite bow, his grin wide and inviting. "Hello there. My name is Jake Kanner. Some of you might know me better as 'SirActionSlacks'... but just call me Slacks if you'd like. I'm also a friend of Iku's. More importantly, I'll be your host for this year's Future World Fes."

The announcement dropped like a stone into a still pond. Gasps and murmurs erupted among the girls. Misaki's eyes nearly bulged out of her head. "You're... you're the host!? The actual host!?"

Jake chuckled, clearly amused by their reaction. "That's right. I've been doing this gig for quite a few years now. But don't let the title fool you. At the end of the day, I'm just the loud guy on stage who tries to make sure everyone's having a good time."

The girls were still reeling from the revelation, struggling to reconcile the cheerful man before them with the iconic host they had only ever seen on a screen. Jake, however, shifted easily back into business mode, his eyes sweeping toward the arena. "So what brought all of you here? The arena's closed today. We're just running final checks—lights, sound, cameras, the works."

Yuyuko placed her hands together lightly, her tone sweet as always. "Nothing complicated. The girls simply wished to see where the tournament would be held. I thought a quick look from outside wouldn't hurt."

"Fair enough," Jake said with a shrug. "Still, not much to see right now. Inside it's all cables, scaffolds, and overworked staff trying not to trip over one another. Tomorrow, though—that's when the magic happens."

He glanced at his watch, and his eyes widened in mild panic. "Oh, speaking of which... I'm supposed to check the cameras before rehearsal starts!"

With surprising speed for someone of his size, Jake took off in a sprint, vanishing in a blur and leaving a puff of dust in his wake.

The group stood frozen for a beat before Rokka waved a hand in front of her face, coughing softly. "Well... he was... energetic."

Misaki smirked, arms folded across her chest. "Energetic? I'd say he's practically on Kokoro's level."

Kokoro's eyes sparkled as she clasped her hands together. "Ehehehe~! Then that means we'll be the best of friends!"

The mental image of Jake and Kokoro feeding off each other's boundless energy was enough to make a few of the girls pale in amusement and horror.

Yuyuko, however, laughed lightly, her fan hiding the curve of her lips. "What you witnessed was merely the surface, Misaki-chan. Jake has been doing this for more than six years, and his stamina is unlike anything you could imagine."

Tomoe let out a low whistle, clearly impressed. "Six years of that kind of energy? That's more than dedication—that's a miracle."

The murmurs of admiration slowly died down as Yuyuko stepped forward again, reclaiming the group's focus with a clap of her hands. "Well now, since Jake-kun has made it clear there is little else to see here, shall we continue on our little adventure? The day is still young, and Stockholm has much to offer."

For a moment, the girls hesitated, unsure where to go next. Then Eve raised her hand with a bright smile. "Oh! I know a place you'll all love. Something truly wonderful, I promise!"

Yuyuko's gaze softened with approval, her voice lilting like a song. "Ara~ then lead the way, Eve-chan. Let us see this wonderful place of yours."

The driver adjusted the bus route according to Eve's instructions, and soon the engine rumbled back to life. The vehicle pulled away from the arena, leaving the towering structure behind. Inside the bus, the girls leaned into their seats, whispers of curiosity and excitement filling the air as they wondered what surprise awaited them next in their journey through Stockholm.

------------

Hakugyoku Hotel Stockholm Branch - Kitchen - 4:00 P.M.

Riku's POV

The steady hum of the kitchen had become a kind of battlefield rhythm. Pots clanged, knives chopped in unison, and the air carried the heavy blend of butter, sugar, and roasted meats. I had been at the helm for hours now, directing traffic in a place that was usually more than capable of running itself. But today wasn't just any day—it was Yuyuko-san's arrival, and that meant perfection wasn't optional, it was mandatory.

All the ingredients had arrived in time, fresh and gleaming under the lights. The bill—around twenty-five thousand dollars, or three million yen—barely registered in my mind. What mattered was the execution. Even with forty staff members in the kitchen, I knew this task would crush us if we didn't move like a single organism. That's why I called in reinforcements: Ran-san.

She was a godsend. With her experience preparing meals for Yukari-san, she moved through the chaos with grace, correcting posture, adjusting seasoning, and offering sharp, quiet guidance that carried the weight of authority. With her at my side, the mountain of work seemed... manageable. We had plowed through the appetizers and main courses, and now the final hurdle awaited: desserts.

One of the chefs approached me with trembling hands, balancing a six-layered white chocolate cake. He sliced a sample and offered it for judgment. I tasted carefully, letting the sweetness melt over my tongue.

"Not too sweet," I said at last, nodding. "This will do. Make four more of these, and we're good."

The poor man nearly dropped his knife. "F-four more?"

I raised a brow. "Did I stutter? One cake won't be enough for her. Don't worry, I'll help with this one."

He stiffened, then bowed deeply. "Hai! Riku-sama!"

And so the next hour blurred into a flurry of flour, cream, and sugar. My jacket was dusted white, my arms sore from mixing and stacking, but eventually, five perfect towers of white chocolate stood proud on their trays. By then, the staff insisted I take my leave. They could handle the finishing touches without me.

I slipped out, exhaustion clinging to my shoulders, and retreated to my room. A quick shower washed away the sweat and sugar, and soon I was buttoned back into my OG jacket, refreshed and ready to greet Yuyuko-san.

When I descended to the lobby, I expected calm efficiency. Instead, I found a crowd. Clusters of young men from different teams loitered near the reception desk, their eyes glued to something—or someone—just beyond.

"Yo," I called, slipping into the group. "What's the hold up?"

Raven from Fnatic turned, relief on his face. "Ah, Iku. There's a bunch of girls checking in."

A bunch of girls? My stomach flipped. It could only be them.

I strode toward the desk, the guys trailing behind me like ducklings.

Skitter from Tundra leaned closer. "Hey Iku! You know those girls?"

"Yeah, I know them. The one talking to the receptionist is my—AEURP!"

I never finished. A familiar weight slammed into my back, knocking the air from my lungs. I didn't need to look to know who it was.

"K-Kokoro..." I groaned, struggling upright. "Can you get off me for a bit?"

She sprang back, grinning ear to ear, her blonde hair bouncing with the movement. I ruffled her head with a sigh.

"Good grief. Well... welcome to Stockholm, girls."

The other players blinked at the scene, clearly baffled.

"You okay, Iku?" Skitter asked.

"No worries. This happens all the time," I said, brushing myself off.

Saksa tilted his head. "Who's the young lady?"

I motioned to her. "This is my cousin, Kokoro Tsurumaki. Kokoro, say hi. You remember your English, right?"

"Hai!" Kokoro chirped, bowing slightly. "My name is Kokoro Tsurumaki! I'm big brother's cousin and Hello, Happy World's vocalist!"

That set off another wave of murmurs. A vocalist? The boys' expressions shifted from curiosity to something closer to awe.

"She's in a band, Iku?" Tims from BOOM Rivalry asked, eyebrows raised.

I gave a small shrug. "Yeah, surprised me too. She's the leader of her band back in Japan. Not professional, but from what she told me, they've been performing in children's hospitals, orphanages, and charity events all across the country."

That got them. The room softened instantly, their respect for her written plain on their faces.

"Just wow," Miposhka muttered, almost to himself. "Hopefully we can do those kinds of things in the future."

His words lingered. The thought took root in my head: what if we did hold a charity event of our own? Something beyond competition, something that reminded us why people looked up to us. I filed it away, a note for later—something to bring up with Slacks.

A gentle presence drifted to my side. Yuyuko-san. She wore her usual serene smile, handing me two keycards as if they were precious artifacts.

"I want you and Youmu to bring the girls to their rooms," she said softly. "I'd love to do it myself, but... duty calls."

I inclined my head. "Understood."

As she floated away to resume her inspection, the boys gawked.

"Riku," Fly began carefully, "that was—"

"Yup," I cut him off. "That was my aunt. Yuyuko Saigyouji. Owner of this hotel."

Their collective gasp nearly echoed.

"Wait, what!?"

"Yeah," I said casually, already gathering the girls. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to bring them to their rooms. Oh, and make sure you tell your other members—and the other bands—to gather on the second floor at six."

I didn't wait for a response. Kokoro and the others fell in line behind me, luggage in tow, their chatter spilling into the hall like bright birdsong. As we made our way toward the elevators, I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. Chaos or not, this place was becoming a crossroads of worlds—family, teammates, rivals, friends. And for a brief moment, standing there with everyone's eyes on us, I felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

Hakugyoku Hotel – Stockholm Branch – 6th Floor

3rd POV

The elevator chimed softly as its doors opened onto the sixth floor. Riku stepped out first, leading the group of girls through the carpeted corridor. Their chatter filled the air, bright and energetic, echoing faintly off the high walls of the hotel. As they walked, he glanced at them with an approving smile.

"Congratulations, by the way," he said casually. "On passing your exams."

The girls blinked in surprise. "Eh? Riku, how did you know?"

He smirked, hands sliding into his pockets. "Yuyuko-san sent me the results ahead of time. Perks of having her as my aunt, I guess."

That earned a wave of excitement from the group—half embarrassment, half pride at being found out.

It was Chu² who formally introduced her bandmates, practically bouncing as she went through each name. Riku already knew Pareo well—she had been the first recruit, after all—and Rokka had been his own recommendation. But the other two, he only knew through the photos Chu² had sent him.

The first was Satou Masuki, a girl with cropped blonde hair and a fierce, delinquent-like air. Despite her sharp exterior, there was an honesty in her gaze. When she introduced herself, Riku mentioned her family connection to GALAXY.

"My aunt Yukari has some investments in GALAXY," he explained.

Masuki's eyes widened, then softened with genuine gratitude. "Seriously? Thank you, Riku. That's... really big for us." She hesitated before adding, almost sheepish, "Come by our ramen shop sometime. I'll treat you."

Riku chuckled at her sudden earnestness. "I'll take you up on that."

Next was Wakana Rei, tall and striking with her long raven hair cascading like a curtain of ink. She introduced herself as bassist and vocalist. Chu² added confidently, "Rei's voice is the real deal."

Riku believed it. Chu² had a talent for spotting talent—sharp and unyielding as his own eye for it. Another detail sparked amusement in him: Rei and Tae were childhood friends. The thought of Chu² nearly snatching Tae for her band sent a shiver of imagined disaster down his spine. Thank goodness he'd recommended Rokka when he did.

Their conversation drifted toward plans. RAISE A SUILEN intended to debut in September, a timeline that struck Riku as perfect—ambitious but achievable. They had even extended invitations to Roselia and Afterglow to share the stage. Both bands had accepted. Already, sparks seemed to fly between Ran, Chu², and Yukina. Rivalry burned in their eyes—sharp, unspoken, but undeniable.

As they turned a corner, they encountered a familiar scene: Remilia and Flandre Scarlet, standing with their maid, Sakuya, who was in the middle of reprimanding Meiling for dozing off at her post again.

"Riku!" Flandre piped up, her crimson eyes glowing with excitement. "I came to see you play! And we need another drumming session!"

He smiled despite himself. "Alright, once we're back in Japan. Deal."

"Yay!" Flandre clapped her hands, and Ako, overhearing, perked up immediately.

"Me too! I wanna join the session!"

"Fine, fine," Riku agreed with mock exasperation, though warmth lingered in his tone.

Finally, they reached the rooms prepared for the bands. The doors slid open to reveal spacious suites styled in traditional Japanese design—tatami mats, sliding doors, and low tables that seemed almost surreal in the heart of Stockholm. Each room could accommodate twenty people comfortably.

The Hakugyoku Hotel's layout was carefully planned: the third and fourth floors housed standard two-bed suites; the fifth was reserved for family accommodations; the sixth, this floor, belonged to the Future World Fes participants; the seventh held the entertainment halls; and the eighth, of course, was the domain of VIP guests.

Assignments were straightforward. Poppin'Party, Pastel*Palettes, and Hello, Happy World! were to share the first room. Roselia, Raise A Suilen, and Afterglow took the second.

The girls scattered eagerly, inspecting every corner, opening closets, and marveling at the tatami flooring. Their voices filled the air like bells. Amid the chaos, Rinko approached Riku quietly. She looked nervous, clutching her hands together as if bracing herself.

"Riku..." she began softly. "Yuyuko-san told us everything."

He turned toward her, brow furrowing. "Everything?"

Rinko nodded. "Yes. About your lineage... that you're half-youkai. She even explained your abilities, and told us about Gensokyo."

The words hung between them, heavy but clear.

Riku's voice lowered. "So everyone knows now."

Rinko's eyes trembled, but her voice was firm. "That doesn't change anything, Riku. You are you. And my feelings for you won't change." She faltered, cheeks reddening. "I—"

Her words broke off in a gasp as Riku suddenly pulled her into a hug.

"R-R-Riku!?"

He held her gently, steady but strong. "You really are a good girl, Rinko. Thank you... all of you... for accepting me."

For a moment, Rinko was too stunned to respond. Then she slowly closed her eyes, arms tightening around him in return.

Neither noticed the four shadows lurking just outside the doorway. Yukina and the rest of Roselia stood frozen, faces flushed crimson as they witnessed the scene. Riku sensed them there—his awareness sharp as ever—but chose to ignore it. Some moments weren't meant to be interrupted.

Minutes passed before he finally eased his hold. Rinko's cheeks were still glowing, her breath unsteady. He gave her a small, affectionate pat on the head, an instinct that seemed to come to him without thought.

"I've got to go," he said gently. "Tell the others to meet on the second floor at six. We'll talk later."

Rinko could only nod, still dazed from the warmth of the embrace.

With that, Riku turned and slipped away, leaving the girls to their new rooms, and the faint echo of his footsteps trailing down the hall.

----------

Hakugyoku Hotel – Stockholm Branch – Rooftop

10:30 P.M.

Riku's POV

Dinner had been... lively, to say the least.

As I'd instructed, the participating bands—along with EG, who had forfeited early in the group stage—attended. The band girls were there too, as well as the hotel's regular guests. The dining hall had been filled to the brim, buzzing with energy.

The staff had formally introduced the owner of the hotel, and Yuyuko-san—graceful as ever—gave a short but elegant speech. Afterward, I stood before them as well, offering my own words of congratulations for their performance and resilience in the group stage.

The feast that followed was a storm of laughter, clinking glasses, and endless plates of food. I'd taken charge of much of the cooking, and when TORONTOTOKYO tasted the dishes, he broke down in tears, praising the flavors as though they were divine. When the others found out that I had been the one behind the preparation, several nearly choked on their meals in disbelief, demanding I cook more often.

But even that wasn't the highlight.

At some point, the entire hall fell silent, every eye drawn toward Yuyuko-san. She was consuming dish after dish with an elegance that defied logic, each plate vanishing in seconds. By the time she had polished off her twentieth helping, she asked for seconds, and then finished not one but two six-layer cakes in less than half an hour.

The band leaders looked at me with wide eyes, mouths agape. "Is this... normal?" they whispered.

With a sigh and a hand on the back of my neck, I nodded. "Yeah. Embarrassingly enough... it is."

Once dinner had ended, I regrouped with the boys. We worked through our set list, deciding on which songs to perform for tomorrow. The practice wasn't as thorough as I'd like, but between the adrenaline and the familiarity we had built, it was enough.

Now, however, the night belonged to something quieter.

I stood on the hotel's rooftop, the city of Stockholm sprawling beneath us in a sea of glittering lights. The air was crisp, cool with the kiss of autumn, and above us, the full moon hung in radiant splendor. Its silver glow bathed everything in an ethereal light.

We weren't alone. Yuyuko-san sat serenely nearby, nibbling on dango, while Youmu stood at her side. Stacked neatly beside them were thirty boxes of dango—most already empty. Their phantoms drifted lazily in the moonlight, casting ghostly glows.

Remi lounged elegantly in her chair, Sakuya-san standing beside her as sharp and poised as ever. Flan, in contrast, sat at the edge, staring up at the moon with her crystal wings sparkling like fractured starlight. Meiling-san, predictably, was asleep where she stood, and Ran-san reclined against the railing, her golden fox tails swaying gently, ears twitching to every distant sound.

From the Komeiji family, Satori-san had opted for rest, while Koishi was darting about, playing with Okuu and Orin in a carefree dance.

We had gathered here for a reason. Youkai thrived under the moon, and on nights of the full moon, its blessing was strongest. For those like me, Meiling, and Ran, it was not only empowering but also soothing—a balm to the restless energy that often simmered inside us.

I leaned against the railing, eyes fixed on the glowing city. The lights below looked like a constellation of their own, mirroring the stars above.

The rooftop door creaked open, and I turned to see familiar figures stepping out.

"Rinko, Chisato, Ran, Kaoru, Kokoro, Chu²," I greeted, recognizing them immediately. "What brings you here?"

Chiyu crossed her arms with a faint smirk. "I had a hunch you'd be here. You know... being a youkai and all."

"Is that so?" I chuckled. "Well, you're welcome to join us. The view's not bad."

I turned back toward the city, and felt the sudden weight of arms wrapping around me from behind. Kokoro had latched onto me, chin resting on my shoulder as she admired the cityscape alongside me.

Ran stepped closer, her tone more serious. "Nii-san. Are you nervous about tomorrow?"

I considered the question, watching the lights flicker far below. "Not much. It's been a long time since I've performed on such a big stage, though."

"Don't worry, onii-chan!" Kokoro chimed, her grip tightening. "Me and the girls will be there, cheering for you with all our hearts!"

I smiled faintly. "Thanks, Kokoro."

Chisato tilted her head curiously. "But what are you and the others doing here in the first place?"

Kaoru answered before I could. Her voice carried the dramatic lilt she always spoke with, though there was truth behind her words. "I've read it in books before—how youkai grow stronger at night. And during a full moon, their power is said to magnify even further."

"You're not wrong," I admitted. "But it's more than that. The moonlight doesn't just empower us—it calms us too. It's... grounding."

Rinko hesitated, then stepped forward, her eyes softer. "That explains something. There was a time, years ago, when you stayed over at my house. You sat by the window all night, just staring at the moon. Back then, I didn't understand. But now I do."

She paused, then pulled something from her bag. "Oh right—I almost forgot. I brought you this."

She handed me a small black box. Kokoro reluctantly released her hold so I could open it. Inside lay a small, plain stick.

My eyes widened. "Wait... is this what I think it is?"

I looked toward Yuyuko-san. She gave me a knowing smile and with a wave of her hand, summoned a barrier, cloaking us from outside eyes.

Ran stepped closer, frowning slightly. "Nii-san? What's going on?"

"I want to test this out," I replied.

I moved away from the group, holding the stick firmly. Pouring my magic into it, I felt the artifact stir. In seconds, light crackled along its surface, arcs of electricity racing across my arm. The stick elongated, expanding into a gleaming naginata wreathed in lightning. Its blade shimmered in the moonlight, alive with power.

I swung it experimentally, the weapon whistling through the air. Each strike hummed with contained energy. Its balance was perfect, its weight responsive, and when I drove it into a practice stance, it withstood every ounce of pressure I applied.

"Incredible," I murmured. "Nitori and Kogasa's craftsmanship really hit the mark."

The girls stood stunned at the sight, their expressions reflecting awe.

Chisato broke the silence, her voice hushed. "So it's true... Hatate wasn't exaggerating. You can really wield lightning. This is the first time I've seen it up close."

Before I could respond, Kokoro rushed back and wrapped her arms around me again—even as arcs of electricity still flickered across my body.

"That was so cool, onii-chan!" she beamed.

Rinko nearly shouted in panic. "T-Tsurumaki-san! You're going to get electrocuted!"

I shook my head. "It's fine, Rinko. This is non-lethal. It only tickles her. Trust me—she's done this plenty of times before."

The reassurance calmed her somewhat, though she still eyed the sparks nervously.

Yuyuko, who had by then finished the last of her dango boxes, regarded me with curiosity. "Ara~... a naginata. A very interesting choice, Riku-kun."

"It felt right," I admitted. "When I first tried wielding one, it just clicked. That's why I asked Nitori and Kogasa to craft a collapsible model for me."

"Ufufufu~. As expected of you." Yuyuko's smile softened, though her tone shifted. "Still, it's getting late. Riku-kun needs his rest. Tomorrow, the real trial begins."

Her words carried the weight of certainty, a reminder that tonight's peace was fleeting.

We cleaned up what remained on the rooftop, the last traces of food and dango vanishing into their boxes. One by one, the group dispersed, retreating to their rooms. The moon shone above, steady and bright, watching us as if blessing the eve of what was to come.

And with that, I returned inside, mind set and heart steady for tomorrow's stage.

May 17, 2021 – 7:30 A.M.

Riku's POV

The morning of the Future World Fes Main Stage finally arrived. A nervous excitement lingered in the air, even though I kept telling myself and the others that we were ready. OG had practiced, prepared, and pushed ourselves to the edge. Now, all that was left was to perform.

As always, I started the day with my usual training routine. Youmu accompanied me, blade in hand, her movements as sharp and precise as the morning air itself. But this time, we had an extra participant—Eve Wakamiya. The usually cheerful girl carried an unusual determination in her eyes as she tried to follow our pace.

Eve had approached Youmu earlier with an unusual request: she wanted to become her apprentice. At first, Youmu declined without hesitation.

"You're mistaken," she had said, shaking her head. "I'm not qualified to take an apprentice. Not yet."

But Eve, to her credit, hadn't backed down. She explained her admiration for Youmu's discipline and swordsmanship, how she wanted to learn more than just stage presence—she wanted to embody the spirit of focus and balance that Youmu represented.

It was Yuyuko and I who nudged Youmu toward reconsideration.

"Don't be so stubborn," Yuyuko teased while munching on a skewer of dango, as though her words carried no weight. "You'll never know unless you try. Besides, Eve-chan's spirit shines brightly. Why not give her a chance?"

I had added, "Rejecting her without seeing what she can do isn't fair. Let her prove herself first. Then decide."

Youmu had looked between the two of us, conflicted but thoughtful. Finally, with a sigh, she relented.

"Fine," she murmured, giving Eve a sharp glance. "I'll accept you as an apprentice—for now. But know this: I will demand nothing less than complete dedication. If you falter, you'll be dismissed immediately."

Eve had bowed so deeply I thought she might fall forward, her voice bubbling with gratitude. "Yes! Thank you, Youmu-sensei! I won't let you down!"

And so, our routine that morning carried a new rhythm. Eve stumbled often, her form sloppy compared to Youmu's polished strikes. But she never complained, never hesitated to get up again. By the time we finished, she was drenched in sweat, yet smiling radiantly. Perhaps she wasn't born for the sword, but she had the heart for it—and sometimes, that mattered more.

Afterward, we gathered with the others in the dining hall. The tables were lined with plates of eggs, sausages, fresh bread, and fruit. The tension from today's performance seemed to hang above the room, but laughter from some of the girls helped ease it.

As I ate, I slipped my phone from my pocket and typed out a message. A brief one, but important.

Youmu, sitting across from me, narrowed her eyes. "What did you send, Riku-kun?"

I offered her a small smile, tucking the phone away. "Just a message to someone important. Hopefully, it reaches him in time."

Her gaze lingered, clearly wanting more, but she let it go with a soft sigh. "I see. Then we should prepare. The bands need to arrive early today."

I nodded, pushing aside my empty plate. "Right. Let's get ready."

Nagae Estate – Kyoya's Office

Japan, 3:30 P.M.

3rd POV

Far across the ocean, the Nagae estate was bathed in the pale afternoon light. Inside his office, Kyoya Nagae leaned back in his chair, speaking in low tones over the receiver of an old phone.

"That is what Riku reported to us," Kyoya said firmly. "Yes, I know he overstepped, but he's still family. In the end, blood ties remain, no matter the distance."

The voice on the other end belonged to Shinomiya Unyo, the third son of the Shinomiya Family and its current acting head. The eldest, Gan'an, was too ill to manage affairs, and the second son, Seiryu, had been cast out after colluding with Oko. Now Unyo bore the weight of his family's legacy, even as turmoil still lingered from Oko's treachery.

"I'll dispatch men to assist you," Kyoya continued, adjusting his tie. "We'll settle the remnants of Oko's schemes before they fester further. Very well, we'll speak again soon, Unyo."

He placed the receiver down with a deliberate calm, though his eyes betrayed a storm beneath the surface. The matters of family politics and betrayal weighed heavily, but before he could dwell further, the office doors creaked open.

Eiji, his most trusted retainer, stepped forward. He bowed lightly. "Oyakata-sama. I bring urgent news."

Kyoya raised a brow. "Out with it."

"The girl has woken up."

For a brief moment, the air stilled. Kyoya's sharp gaze softened, his usually unshakable composure slipping. "...Is that so?" His voice dropped, heavy with a weight only he could carry. He rose from his chair. "Take me to her. At once."

Eiji nodded. "Understood."

Yagokoro General Hospital

30 Minutes Later

The drive should have taken only fifteen minutes, but Tokyo traffic turned half an hour into a crawl of red lights and blaring horns. Kyoya remained silent during the ride, his hands folded tightly across his cane. Eiji glanced at him once but dared not speak.

When they finally arrived, a nurse awaited them at the entrance as if expecting their arrival. Without a word, she led them through the hushed corridors of the hospital until they reached a modest room at the far end.

Kyoya's cane tapped softly against the floor as he entered, Eiji trailing behind. Inside, a young girl sat propped against the bed, her delicate frame outlined by the light spilling from the window. She had long, dark violet hair that shimmered faintly in the afternoon sun, and eyes of the same shade—eyes that carried both confusion and a quiet strength.

The girl turned, meeting the gaze of the two men who had entered. Silence stretched between them, heavy and uncertain.

Kyoya's voice was steady, though tinged with something rare—hesitation. "We finally meet... Asahina Mafuyu."

Her lips parted slightly. "...Do I know you?"

Kyoya lifted a hand, a small, calming gesture. "No need to worry. I won't harm you. I came here to see for myself how you were faring. Tell me—how do you feel?"

Mafuyu blinked, her hands tightening against the sheets. "I... I feel better now. Thank you. But... who are you?"

For a moment, Kyoya simply studied her, as though memorizing every line of her face. Then, with a subtle adjustment of his tie, he spoke.

"My name is Nagae Kyoya. Head of the Nagae Family." He paused, letting the words sink in before continuing, his tone softening. "And... I am your grandfather."

Mafuyu's eyes widened, disbelief flooding her features. "Eh?"

Her voice trembled between shock and confusion, her world shifting in an instant. The silence in the room deepened, the truth hanging heavy in the air.

To be Continued...

Spell Cards used this Chapter: 3

Human Oni: "Slash of Eternal Future"

Spell Type: Offensive Spell Card

Target: AOE

Danmaku Type: Slash Bullet

Element: Metal

User: Konpaku Youmu

Qi Sign: "Earth Sky Dragon Kick"

Spell Type: Offensive Spell Card

Target: Single Target

Danmaku Type: Body Bullet, Energy Bullet

Element: Earth, Star

User: Hong Meiling

Explosion Sign: Mega Flare

Spell Type: Offensive Spell Card

Target: Single Target

Danmaku Type: Light Bullet

Element: Sun

User: Reiuji Utsuho

Pro Band Circuit World Rankings (This is before the Future World Fes Stockholm begins):

Points required for The International - 1300 Points

1st – PSG.LGD (China) – 1400 Points*

2nd – Team Spirit (Eastern Europe) – 990 Points

3rd – Thunder Awaken (South America) – 950 Points

4th – OG (Western Europe) – 930 Points

5th – Team Liquid (Western Europe) – 760 Points

6th – Quincy Crew (North America) – 660 Points

7th – Fnatic (Southeast Asia) – 580 Points

8th – BOOM RIVALRY (Southeast Asia) – 540 Points

9th – Xtreme (China) – 540 Points

10th – Team Aster (China) – 540 Points

11th – Evil Geniuses (North America) – 520 Points

12th – Tundra (Western Europe) – 450 Points

The Top 12 Bands by the end of August will receive a direct invite to The International, and the bands with an asterisk are the bands that punched their ticket to TI.