From when we were little, we were always rivals, just like our parents.

Amber and I used to compete over everything we could get our hands on.

Whether it was something important, like spelling bees or flash arithmetics.

To something trivial, like skipping stones.

To even the smallest of stuff, like who could eat more rice during dinner.

When it came to anything physical, I always lost to Amber.

That gremlin was way too good at running and climbing trees, so I could never keep up with her.

She used to scurry up the oak tree in her ranch and mock me, saying I couldn't reach her.

Most of my grazes and bruises growing up was from trying to catch up to where she was...

Conversely, she always lost to me when it came to anything mental.

I always beat her in quizzes, scored higher than her on tests, and, of course, was better than her at Vanguard.

We both loved the game, so we competed over that the most.

Gaining a sense of pride from finally having one up over her, I wanted to maintain that gap and feel superior over her.

But also, I wanted to be better than her to give her a serious challenge whenever we fought, since I could see just how earnestly she was trying to overcome me.

Amber would throw herself into it, giving it her all to beat me without relying on luck, and simply asking for a rematch if she lost.

If there's one thing she's good at, it's leaving crumbs on my Big One, as well as not giving up.

I knew she wouldn't be satisfied with an easy win, so I strived to keep getting stronger as well.

These days however, our skill difference in Vanguard was pretty big, since Amber became more interested in mechanics, and that became her main hobby.

But... those days we spent in our youth, going back and forth until we were exhausted, were incredibly fun.

Apparently, we used to tucker ourselves out so much from playing, we would end up falling asleep together.

Just like our parents, we became close friends because of this rivalry.

However, there was one conversation we had that oddly stuck with me, even after all these years later.

We were at her father's ranch, feeding their pet falcons on the porch.

"Hmm... if you were a bird, what kind of bird would you wanna be?"

While resting her head on the railing, Amber posed that question to me.

"Oh, that's a good question! There's so many to choose from..."

I pondered while stretching my hand out to the falcon, letting it peck away at the bird feed in my palm.

"I wanna be an albatross! They have the biggest wingspans, so they have the most freedom!"

Amber laughed.

"No way, you're too much of a runt to be that big. Minoru's definitely a cute li'l budgie."

I pouted, looking up at her. Even as kids, she was taller than me. Well, I suppose that part didn't change...

"Huh? No way, that's so freaking lame! I wanna be a bird of prey!"

"Nuh-uh. With how much you cry, you'd definitely get eaten up by a bigger animal."

Amber licked her lips and made a pawing gesture, like she was a lion or tiger.

"Then what about you, Amber? What bird would you wanna be?"

"Hm. A woodpecker or toucan. Their beaks are unique and look cool."

I tried to imagine her with a long or oversized beak, and bursted out laughing.

"Oh, a hummingbird would be good too. No wait, a blue jay would also be good...!"

"Amber keeps listing out all the funny looking birds... it doesn't suit you at all."

"What can I say? I'm a goofy gal."

"Nah, you're the most dangerous person I know. You're more reckless than the boys in our class!"

"And that's what makes me not like the others."

Amber crossed her arms and puffed out her chest proudly.

"Your self-interpretation is really messed up."

"Right back at ya, wannabe-albatross."

"Oh yeah? Then what bird do you think I should be then?!"

Amber blinked, putting an index finger to her chin.

"Hmm. Minoru reminds me of a songbird. A cute songbird with a lovely singing voice, still trapped within a birdcage."

"Huh?! That's what I remind you of?!"

"Mhm-mhm. What about me then? What do I remind you of?"

Amber leaned in with a cheeky smile. Wanting to wipe it off her smug face, I struck back.

"Ah, I know! Amber is a raptor! A big, fat, ugly raptor that's stupid and wild and stupid and ready to scrap!"

"You said stupid twice, nincompoop."

Amber deadpanned before ruffling my hair as she could see me start to cry.

"Honestly... with that sort of personality, how do you think you could ever be a bird of prey?"

"Well... if I look weak and harmless on the outside, then they'll never see it coming when I get one over them!"

I sniffled, wiping away my tears before sticking my tongue out. Amber laughed, shaking her head.

"You really are a songbird, Minoru."

"And you're a big raptor, Amber!"

In hindsight, I think we were right about each other.

Because standing across from Amber and looking at her now...

Compared to how we were back then, it was hard to believe we're the same people.

A crybaby like me becoming someone bold and fearless.

A reckless girl like her becoming someone mellow and nonchalant.

So much has changed, but we continued to be good friends despite it all.

...but that's exactly why I dreaded this match up so much.

If there was anyone I was going to have this fight against...

She was the last person I wanted it to be.

"Hey, Amber."

"Yeah, Minoru?"

"Out of curiosity... who would you have liked to go to the Lindwurm with?"

"Huh... I've never thought about that, to be honest. I mean, it'd be cool if Astra could join us..."

"I mean, from the people here."

Amber looked around at everyone else and gave a puzzled look.

"I don't really know many people here besides you, Hotaru-san, and Yuuma-san."

"Oh, true. Whoops, sorry to put you on the spot like that."

"It's cool. Though, if you're asking me that..."

A smug smile appeared on her stupid gremlin face.

"That must mean you've got in mind an idea of who you wanted to enter the Lindwurm with, right?"

"Eh? I mean, yeah... am I really that easy to read?"

"You're as obvious as an open Duel Runner."

"I'll kindly ask you to refrain from poking my insides then."

"The only insides I want to poke are your Big One and Astra's—"

Before she could say something raunchy, I cut her off.

"The moment I saw everyone gathered here, I could already tell what my dream line up for the Lindwurm would've been."

"Oho? Care to spill the beans?"

I scratched the back of my head and smiled a little.

"Me, you, Yuuma-san, Reona-senpai, Kuyou-san, and Taro-san. I wanted it to be the six of us."

"For a second there, I thought you'd choose only girls."

It's a good thing she doesn't know Kuyou's actually a girl, otherwise she'd probably say "you included Taro as a diversity hire", or something like that.

"I'm not that shallow... well, not like it matters, since we ended up matching together."

"Same with Yuuma-san and Taro-san. The rest is completely possible though."

I extended a fist to Amber.

"If only one of us can make it through, then let's give it our all and have fun doing it."

Amber smirked, fist bumping me.

"I was thinking exactly the same thing, bud."

"Good luck!"

"You too. You'll need it more than me."

A blue card each descended in front of us, with me grasping at mine and Amber swinging at hers like she was holding a baseball bat. A burst of special effects ignited the cards, realising our decks.

A sangria crest of bird wings appeared over my deck, while a dark purple crest of a falcon head appeared over Amber's deck.

"Stand up, (the!) Vanguard!"

"Absolute Zero, Rix!"

"Estacion!"

The system decided Amber would go first.

"Stand and draw. I ride Legend of Chaotic Dance, Estacion! I get the Energy Generator and end my turn."

Amber:
Hand: 5
Damage: 0
Energy: 0
OXO
OOO

Minoru:
Hand: 5
Damage: 0
OXO
OOO

"Stand and draw! I discard to ride Absolute Zero, Claio! I get the Energy Generator with 3 energy! Kraali goes to soul! Claio's skill, I scry 7 and add Kashua to hand! Rix's skill, I draw! Claio attacks! (8000)"

"No guard!"

"Drive check! (Sky-coloured Tranquility Judge Maiden, Arkha)"

"Damage check! (Rusdiana of Spring Sun)"

"Turn end!"

Amber:
Hand: 5
Damage: 1
Energy: 0
OXO
OOO

Minoru:
Hand: 8
Damage: 0
Energy: 3
OXO
OOO

"Stand, draw, and charge. I ride Legend of Uprising, Estacion! Chaotic Dance's skill, I soulblast Estacion and reveal a grade 3 Estacion in my ride deck to call a Blast token to my centre back row rear-guard!"

From behind Amber, a flock of sleek black shrikes and fiscals swarmed the sky, flying past us before coming together as one, weaving their wings together to form a massive lanius that lurched overhead.

"The Blast token can't move to other circles, and since I have an Estacion vanguard, it's unaffected by all your card effects!"

While it was immune to removal, the Blast was still vulnerable to being attacked, which was important. This meant her deck had very niche counters, including Clarissa, Sacrifice Glass, and a generic order in Dragon Empire called Flame Dragon Bombardment.

Clarissa had a brawler effect to attack multiple units on board, so she could punch the Blast every turn. Sacrifice Glass played Saccharine Bait, a card that affected the opponent, meaning it's skill strip applied to the Blast, allowing you to retire it with Grandogma.

And the strongest counter, Bombardment, allowed your units to attack the back row, which was where the Blast laid. The strategy was to play it and basically just concentrate all your attacks on the Blast, forcing the Estacion player to guard it, otherwise their strategy would crumble and their deck would literally stop functioning.

"Man, you must be real glad that you didn't get matched up into Kuyou-san. His deck can straight up search the out for your token."

Truth be told, I don't know if Kuyou runs it, but the mental image of Amber instant losing to it was still amusing to me.

"It would be a rough day at the ranch, lemme tell ya. Uprising's skill, I add a Vital Blaze, Blast from deck to hand! Then, I'll play that Vital Blaze! Since I have an Estacion vanguard, I soulblast to put it as a plant gauge on my Blast token, then I scry 5 to call a card with grade equal to or less than my vanguard. I call Burrow Mushrooms! Granolind of Autumn Dawn's skill in drop! When I put a plant gauge during my main phase, since I have an Estacion vanguard, I counterblast to revive him! And when Granolind's called, since I have an Estacion vanguard, I call a Plant token to rear-guard! Mushroom's skill, I put it into soul to call two more Plant tokens! Next I'll use Blast's skill! I put two, up to three, rear-guards on it as plant gauge, which be all my Plant tokens, to draw! Then, I'll call Deeplands, Meydith! Meydith's skill, I soulblast to scry 5 and call Rusdiana of Spring Sun! Rusdiana's skill, since I have an Estacion vanguard, I energyblast 3 to call another Plant token!"

"Dang... despite going -2 to set up your plant gauges, you still managed to form a whole board on turn 2! I really don't look forward to getting tri-laned this early on."

"It's just what we do. Boosted by the Plant token, Meydith attacks! (10000 > 15000)"

"No guard! (Loving Pink, Francette)"

"Boosted by Blast, Estacion attacks! (10000 > 15000)"

"No guard!"

"Drive check! (Vital Blaze, Blast)"

"Damage check! (Cooling Heart, Yuika)"

"Boosted by Rusdiana, Granolind attacks! (10000 > 18000)"

"Misa guards! (23000)"

"Turn end."

Amber:
Hand: 6
Damage: 1
Energy: 0
Gauge: 4
XXX
XXX

Minoru:
Hand: 7
Damage: 2
Energy: 3
OXO
OOO

"Stand, draw, and charge! I discard to ride Absolute Zero, Kashua! Arkha's skill, energycharge! I play Truehearted Ruby! I counterblast to put it into soul, draw 2, and discard 1! Arkha's skill again, energycharge! Energy Generator's skill, I energyblast 7 to draw! Kashua attacks! (10000)"

Even though I had the tools to call down a board and rush back, I decided to restrain myself to limit her options next turn. This is because, if I gave her more than one damage, she could use Granolind's revive skill again, giving her another body to utilise.

Technically, I could just straight up damage choke her and deny both skills, but I found attacking her rear-guards would be pointless since she has so much innate recursion and field building.

It would result in a greater loss of tempo for me than her, mainly since my deck doesn't have an aggressive push to make up for not dealing a damage this turn.

"No guard!"

"Drive check! (Absolute Zero, Sagitta)"

I was a little startled seeing Sagitta enter my hand.

"Damage check! (Fire Regalis)"

I was glad to see her, but...

"Turn end!"

...even after all this time since my fight with Agon, something still felt off about holding her in my hands.

Amber:
Hand: 6
Damage: 2
Energy: 0
Gauge: 4
XXX
XXX

Minoru:
Hand: 9
Damage: 2
Energy: 1
OXO
OOO

"Stand, draw, and charge. To supersede the future, one must pull up the stubborn roots of fate and break every rule. By overlaying spring, summer, winter, and autumn together, the seasons will change into one that's never seen before! Rank up, my avatar! I ride Legend of Celestial Fury, Estacion!"

Behind Amber, the digital world began to be filled with the appearance of two seasons. On her left was spring, with swirling cherry blossoms dancing around, and on her right was autumn, with ruddy dry leaves falling onto the floor.

"Blast's skill, I turn Granolind, Meydith, and my Plant token into plant gauges and draw!"

Instantly, the season shifted purely to spring, causing a burst of sakura to explode behind Amber like fireworks. It seems her seasons corresponded to which dragons were on board.

"Next I'll play Vital Blaze, soulblasting to turn it into a plant gauge, then scrying 5 to call Maple!"

"What the— what's Maple doing in your deck too?!"

Talk about a jump scare... I've seen this card way too many times from playing against Yuuma alone, I wasn't expecting Amber to also run it.

"It's a special tech that will help me later. Estacion's skill! I counterblast to call a Plant token, but since I have a Blast, it becomes a plant gauge instead! Then, while I would normally scry 3, because I have 6 or more plant gauges, I can scry 5 instead and add a card among them to hand! Let's see... mhm-mhm, we have options alright."

Amber grinned before adding a card to hand. Because she didn't need to reveal, it was a complete unknown to me. For all I know, she could've added a sentinel, a combo piece, or discard fodder in anticipation for Sagitta's skill.

"I'll pick this one. I'll call Mushrooms and put him into soul, calling two Plant tokens! And since I'm now at grade 3, my Blast's skill is now active! For every 3 plant gauges on her, my front row gets +5k! Since I have 9 plant gauges, that's +15k! (10000 > 25000) (13000 > 28000) (5000 > 20000) Boosted by Rusdiana, my Plant token attacks! Rusdiana's skill, when he boosts, since I have 6 or more plant gauges, he gets +2k! (20000 > 28000 > 30000)"

"Damn, not even Palvi can stop that now... no guard! (Truehearted Ruby)"

"They call it a magic number for a reason. Boosted by a Plant token, Maple attacks! (25000 > 30000)"

"Here comes another one... no guard! (Fluffy Lady, Godelieve) Critical trigger! All to vanguard! (10000 > 20000)"

"Boosted by Blast, Estacion attacks! Estacion's skill, when he attacks, I discard two plant gauges to call a Blast unit from deck or drop! Season change! I'll discard Granolind and Vital Blaze to superior call from deck... Solitariofrio of Winter's End!"

It became freezing as the top half of the digital world turned into winter, introducing heavy snow and hail that pelted down like bullets, before melting into the spring that remained in the bottom.

"Because my gauge dropped to 7, my front row will only get +10k now. (28000 > 23000) (13000 > 23000) And when Vital Blaze is discarded as a plant gauge, I choose one of my Blast, it gets +5k! I choose Solitariofrio! (23000 > 28000) Solitariofrio's skill! When he's called by card effect, since I have 5 or more plant gauge, until the end of your turn, you can't choose him for card effects, and he also goes critical! (28000/1 > 2) Soar forth, Estacion! (23000 > 28000) Chaos Rebirth Chaser!"

"Palvi guards! (40000) Two to pass!"

"Twin Drive!! (Custodial Dragon, Amicable Maiden, Alvina) No triggers. Solitariofrio attacks! (28000/2)"

"Fabiola guards! (35000)"

"Mhm-mhm. Turn end."

Amber:
Hand: 8
Damage: 2
Energy: 3
Gauge: 7
XXX
XXX

Minoru:
Hand: 7
Damage: 3
Energy: 1
OXO
OOO

"Stand, draw, and charge!"

As I reached out to my ride deck, my hand stopped just short of grabbing the last card there.

The tips of my fingers were shaking.

Even though I was hovering over right it, I couldn't close the distance and reach her.

I gasped a little.

How could I have fallen this far...?

To the point I can't even hold my avatar without hesitating...

My chest tightened, the feeling of estrangement flooding in again.

I've never felt this useless before.

A sole drop of water fell on the table in front of me.

Pulling my hand back, I wiped my chin of the lonesome trickle, before curling it into a fist.

Shaking my head, I pulled my hand back and plunged in again.

This time for sure... I'll...!

"Become enraptured under the sweet starlight and dance to your death as you listen to the feathered diva's rising melody!"

Snapping my head up, I forced myself to snatch up the last card in my ride deck, before bringing it down in a rushed arch.

"Return to origin... I ride... my avatar! Absolute Zero... Sagitta!"

However, the moment I slammed that card on the table, Amber raised an eyebrow.

"Minoru."

"What?"

"What happened to Sagitta?"

"Huh...?"

"She's not here."

Despite pouring everything I had into even getting here, I was walled off and met with those harsh words.

"What... do you mean?"

A bead of cold sweat ran down my neck.

"Your Sagitta. She isn't here."

I blinked, letting out a nervous chuckle.

"What are you talking about, Amber?"

Without realising it, while touching the card on my vanguard circle, I was gritting the back of my teeth.

"She's right here..."

"She's. Not. Here."

As I looked up at her, Amber shook her head.

"No, she is..."

Even though I wanted to rebuke her accusation, saying this aloud...

I wasn't even sure if I believed in what I was saying either.

"She's right here, in front of me!"

Amber looked down at me.

Her static gold eyes burned.

"Ah... is that so?"

She placed a hand on her Blast token, before putting it to her heart.

My eyes widened.

I covered my mouth, realising mistake.

"That's not what you would normally say."

Peeling my hand away from Sagitta, I felt sick.

"And that's not what you would normally do either."

Amber pointed at the scenery around us.

The one dominated by her freezing cold winter.

The moment I went into Sagitta, it should've been my freezing cold winter.

But the seasons never changed.

Instead, they died one after another.

Until all that remained was that space we were floating inside.

The basic digital world, unchanged.

My circuits jammed up, unable to move.

"...you're right."

I chuckled, putting a hand to my face.

I couldn't help but agree with her.

With one simple gesture, Amber shattered those cheap, half-baked words of mine.

It was pure sophistry.

There was only one correct answer.

「Sagitta is in my heart.」

That should've been it.

Those were all the words I needed to dispel the doubt.

But pathetically, I couldn't even conjure up that much.

"Minoru has changed."

I lowered my head, feebly continuing my turn.

"Kashua's skill... I call her and Claio from soul! Arkha's skill, energycharge!"

I felt that if I looked behind me, the shadow of that day would come up to catch me.

"Did winning the Tri-deity Circuit get to your head?"

So I kept recklessly running forward, trying to outpace it.

"I play Radiance Caliburn... drawing 2!"

I didn't want to face the truth.

"Was it because you declared yourself as the one who will become the next Reaper?"

Even taking a peek over my shoulder was unacceptable.

"I call two Yuika and Francette! Yuika gets +5k! (8000 > 13000)"

Because the moment I even acknowledge that tentacle lurching towards me...

"Or were you just instilling yourself with false confidence to not get buried under the burden of becoming Category Zero?"

I flinched as I reached out to my Energy Generator, before forcing myself to move it.

"S... Sagitta's skill! I energyblast 4 to get +10k and a drive! (13000 > 23000/2d > 3d)"

...I know that my time, my lie, would run out.

"You can't even use her skill without hesitating. The avatar that was so precious to you..."

I closed my eyes, not wanting to hear anymore.

"What changed, Minoru?"

But I couldn't turn away from it.

"I saw you move on from your impostor syndrome of not being able to live up to Saionji-sama's legacy."

Because Amber stood in front of me, laying it all bare.

"I saw you stop being a crybaby and find your confidence by participating in tournaments and learning how to riding duel."

In this chase between myself and that blob of death, she ended up being the one who caught me in this web of lies.

"I saw you grow up to become the only man aside from my father that I truly love and respect."

After all, she knew me better than anyone else here.

"And it was thanks to her, wasn't it?"

And now, my path forward had been blocked off too.

"Sagitta. She gave you those wings to break free."

Because without those wings, I am no one.

"But now, you can't even go anywhere. So, what happened?"

0.

The Fool.

The Arcana bequeathed upon me.

"I... I don't know, Amber..."

I sighed, putting a hand over my vanguard circle to cover the card sitting on there.

"No. You do know."

I grit my teeth, shaking my head.

"I don't... I don't, I really don't!"

Amber leered over me.

"This isn't like you."

I knew that already.

"To so readily abandon the harsh truth for a comforting lie... this isn't like you."

Amber straightened her back, clenching her fists.

"You, who I've watched grow up alongside me, this entire time..."

I was scared to look at her face.

"Doing things properly, avoiding the easy road, defying the path that was presented to you..."

Because I tell she was furious with me.

"And now you want to be spoiled?"

I took a deep breath, raising my head to meet her eye to eye.

"I won't let you."

Amber grabbed me by the collar, dragging me up.

"I'm going to pull you up, Minoru."

I was shaking as my feet were lifted of the ground.

"I... I don't think you can..."

Amber head butted me.

"I will."

My eyes widened a little as our foreheads touched.

"I'll nip your doubts in the bud and change your gloomy season into a moody one."

Hearing her her resolute words, I realised Amber was giving me two options.

I could either succumb to the darkness and let it drag me into a reality I didn't want.

"I won't let you give up."

Or, I could stand up for myself and provide her with a satisfactory answer.

One that will let me supersede this rotten future.

"Not until you've been buried by your rival."

And in turn, find a way out of this web that she— no...

That I've been holding myself in.

"Because that's the only person I'll allow you to give up against."

With a burning gaze, Amber grinned and pointed at herself.

"Me."

She really does take after her father...

Was this what having a rival was like for you, mommy?

"You're stuck with me for the long haul, so you better keep up. Otherwise, I won't forgive you."

As Amber let go of me, I fell on my feet and stumbled back.

Taking a deep breath, I wiped the sweat on my forehead and smiled a little.

"I hear you... thanks for digging my head out of that hole, Amber."

Removing my hand from the vanguard circle, I could see Sagitta clearly once more.

That cold feeling of alienation was still there.

Undeniable proof that what I once had with her had been torn away from me.

However... that doesn't mean I can't get it back with my own will.

"If I'm being forced to restart from zero, then I'll just rebuild it back up."

That warmth might not be the same, but it was still Sagitta's warmth regardless.

"I'll regrow my wings and fly once more."

That's more than enough, isn't it?

"It's time to take flight! Kashua attacks! Her skill, +5k! (10000 > 15000)"

"Solitariofrio's skill! When you attack, since I have a Estacion vanguard, I'll send him to drop at the beginning of the guard step to give the attacked unit +10k power! (13000 > 23000)"

"Kashua retires and I draw! Boosted by Claio... Sagitta attacks! (28000 > 31000/3d) Arkha's skill, she revives from drop! Yuika's skill, +5k! (8000 > 13000) Repent Wing Frenzy!"

"No guard. Give me everything you've got, Minoru!"

"Triple Drive!!! (Surreptitious Prayer Judge Maiden, Kraali, Sigh of Relief, Fabiola) Heal trigger! I recover a damage and give power to Francette! (10000 > 20000) (Astecise, Misa) Critical trigger! Power to Arkha, critical to vanguard! (10000 > 20000) (31000/1 > 2/3d)"

"Damage checks! (Granolind of Autumn Dawn, Burrow Mushrooms)"

"Boosted by Yuika, Arkha attacks! Her skill, +10k! (20000 > 30000 > 43000)"

"Rothion and Dual Pressure Dragon guard! Maple intercepts! (48000) Rothion goes to soul!"

"Yuika's skill, soulblast to bounce Arkha! Sagitta's skill, I discard to let Francette attack boosted by Yuika! Her skill, +5k! (20000 > 25000 > 38000) Arkha's skill, energycharge! Sagitta's skill, counterblast to draw!"

"Battle Siren, Dorcea and Alana guard! (43000)"

"Yuika's skill, soulblast to bounce Francette! Francette's skill, I bounce Yuika! Turn end!"

Amber:
Hand: 4
Damage: 4
Energy: 3
Gauge: 7
OXO
XXX

Minoru:
Hand: 12
Damage: 2
Energy: 2
OXO
OXX

"Stand, draw, and charge. To supersede the future, one must pull up the stubborn roots of fate and break every rule. By overlaying spring, summer, winter, and autumn together, the seasons will change into one that's never seen before! Rank up, my avatar! Persona Ride, Legend of Celestial Fury, Estacion! (13000 > 23000) Maple's skill, she revives from drop! (10000 > 20000) Estacion's skill! I counterblast to put a plant gauge, scry 5, and add one to hand. Granolind's skill, I counterblast to revive him (10000 > 20000) and call a Plant token!"

Once more, spring remained on Amber's left, while autumn appeared on her right.

"Blast's skill, I turn my two tokens and Maple into Plant gauge and draw!"

"So that's why you run Maple... as long as you find your Persona Rides, she's basically infinite fodder for plant gauge!"

"Mhm. Next I play Vital Blaze, soulblasting to turn it into a plant gauge, scrying 5, and call Ignacio of Summer Heat!"

From the bottom, summer came bursting up like flames, turning the already hot atmosphere even more humid. Because it shared half of the bottom with spring, autumn was able to take up the entire top half.

"Ignacio's skill! When he's called by card ability, since I have 3 or more plant gauge, I choose one of your rear-guards and stun it! I choose the Yuika you've left vulnerable on field."

"That's fine with me. Even if she can't stand or intercept, I can just call over her next turn!"

"I don't think you have the facilities to afford that, big man. Ignacio also gets +5k power and shield because I have an Estacion vanguard and a Blast token on board! (10000 > 15000) With three of the four seasons assembled together, it's time to grab the missing puzzle piece of this board and complete this cycle."

Amber smirked, the circuits in her body blazing deep red, bleeding into dark purple, as it soared up her body, passed through her face, and concentrated on her forehead to reveal a Roman numeral.

XIII.

"Death ability, activate."

"Hibernating Kali-Yuga! I choose a card in my drop, call it, and at the end of the battle it attacked, I can swap it's position with another unit! Come back, Solitariofrio of Winter's End! (13000 > 23000) Solitariofrio's skill, you can't choose him and he goes critical! (23000/1 > 2)"

Finally, winter descended once more, sharing the top half with autumn.

Now that all four seasons were gathered, Amber took a step forward, causing Solitariofrio to burst from winter, Granolind to burst from autumn, Ignacio to burst from summer, and Rusdiana to burst from spring.

Hovering behind her, they flapped their wings in unison, permitting the co-existence of the once clashing seasons. This made me take a cautious step back as Amber was now able to unleash the never before seen fifth season which she promised to show earlier.

The one heralded by the massive lanius that circled the sky, haunting us like a bad omen.

The four dragons moved to the side, creating space in the central point that Amber stood directly in front of.

At that moment, a huge gust blew through the digital world, causing the system to briefly overheat, as Estacion burst from the heart of the four seasons.

He rode with the downstream of wind, dropping in with a howling roar. In succession, the other dragons also roared, while the Blast flew in circles overhead, cawing loudly along with them.

As the dragons and birds harmonised, their cries sounded like a song of death.

This was the fifth season— "Blast".

Instead of forming a strong bond with a single unit, like Sagitta and I, Amber opted to have strong ties with multiple units. As such, she was able to complete her set-up with all six of her star units, making them stare down at me while inside their own territory.

"Blast's skill! There are 12 plant gauges on it, so my front row gets +20k! (23000 > 43000/2) (23000 > 43000) (25000 > 45000) Let's take flight. Solitariofrio attacks first! (43000/2) First Blast - Extreme Blizzard!"

"Fabiola, Misa, and Kashua guard! (48000)"

"Season change! Solitariofrio exchanges places with Ignacio. (15000 > 45000) Ignacio attacks! (45000) Second Blast - Rising Drought!"

"No guard! (Soapy Splash, Riviena)"

"Season change! Boosted by Rusdiana, Granolind attacks! Rusdiana's skill, +2k! (40000 > 50000) Third Blast - Arsenal Tornado!"

"Palvi and Olpirais guard! Olpirais's skill, I put Kashua and Rix back into the ride deck to give her +15k shield! (53000)"

"Sagitta's skill, I discard to let Estacion attack boosted by Blast! Estacion's skill, I discard 2 plant gauges to superior call Granolind from deck! Season change! (10000 > 20000) Granolind's skill, I call a Plant token! (5000 > 15000) My gauge dropped to 10, so my front row will get +15k now. (20000 > 35000) (23000 > 38000) (15000 > 30000) Vital Blaze's skill, Granolind gets +5k! (35000 > 40000) Soar forth, Estacion! (38000 > 43000) Chaos Rebirth Chaser!"

"Elementaria Sanctitude, perfect guard!"

"Twin Drive!! (Harvest Elf, Dual Pressure Dragon) Critical trigger! All to Granolind! (40000 > 50000/1 > 2) Season change! I discard to let the Plant token attack! (30000) Fourth Blast - Brave Bud!"

"Godelieve and Francette guard! (33000)"

"Season change! Once more, I discard to let Granolind attack! (50000/2) Fifth Blast - Ultimate Rainstorm!"

"No guard! (Want to Behold That Profile, Orpha, Sky-coloured Tranquility Judge Maiden, Arkha)"

"Turn end."

Amber:
Hand: 5
Damage: 4
Energy: 6
Gauge: 10
XXX
XXX

Minoru:
Hand: 3
Damage: 5
Energy: 2
OXO
OXX

"Stand, draw, and charge!"

My fingers gripped tightly around the leftmost card in my left hand.

"Become lost under the punishing moonlight and freeze to your death as you listen to the feathered diva's final judgment!"

Narrowing my eyes and gritting my teeth, I forced myself to pull it into my right hand.

"Return to origin... Persona Ride my avatar...!"

The alienation was still lingering, but I had to push past it and try to take a step forward.

"Absolute Zero... Sagitta! (13000 > 23000)"

Because if I didn't... if I ended up taking the path of least resistance, like Amber called me out for...

"I call Yuika, Francette, and Kashua! (10000 > 20000) (10000 > 20000) Yuika gets +5k! (8000 > 13000)"

Then I really will lose control over this outcome, and everything will actually end here.

"Claio's skill! I discard the last card in my hand to give my front row rear-guards +5k! (20000 > 25000) (20000 > 25000)"

If I didn't at least try to change it, then all those claims about me being the Absolute Fraud would become— or rather, be true.

"Resorting to jazz hands, huh? I didn't realise you were in such a desperate pinch."

There's no way I can allow that to sully my achievements.

"A desperate pinch, huh...?"

And I know you wouldn't want that either—

"—Sagitta!"

I put a hand on my vanguard, feeling the once frozen circuits in my body begin to warm up as they emitted an extremely dim light.

"Her skill... I counterblast to draw!"

Amber raised her eyebrows before she smiled a little.

"Oh, good... looks like ya perked up a little."

"And her other skill! I energyblast 4 to get +10k and a drive! (23000 > 33000/2d > 3d)"

These wings may be fraying and thin now, but as long as their remnants remained along with me...

"Let's take flight... Kashua attacks! Her skill, +5k! (25000 > 30000)"

...then regardless of how many times or how long it would take, I could at least nurture them back.

"Solitariofrio's skill, I put him to drop and get +10k! (13000 > 23000) Then I intercept with Granolind and guard with Elf! (33000)"

I won't let anyone have the satisfaction of permanently bringing me down.

"Kashua retires and I draw! Boosted by Claio, Sagitta attacks! (33000 > 41000/3d) Arkha's skill, she revives from drop! (10000 > 20000 > 25000) Repent Wing Frenzy!"

If you drag me down, then I'll thaw myself back up and get my revenge!

"Custodial Dragon, perfect guard!"

"Triple Drive!!! (Soapy Splash, Riviena, Fluffy Lady, Godelieve) Critical trigger! Power to Francette, critical to Arkha! (25000 > 35000) (25000/1 > 2) (Loving Pink, Francette) Boosted by Yuika, Arkha attacks! Her skill, +10k! (25000 > 35000 > 48000/2)"

"Over guard! Source Dragon Deity of Blessings, Blessfavour! (63000)"

"Well, that's out at least. Yuika's skill, soulblast to bounce Arkha! Sagitta's skill, I discard to let Francette attack... your Plant token!"

Amber smiled wryly, like she was expecting that.

"Damage denying me, huh? That's really unlike you, Minoru."

"I like swinging face as much as the next guy, but I lose too much if I give you that fifth damage."

Even though I would've levelled out the playing field by pushing her to five, since she had no face up damage, Amber would be more than glad to take it so she could use Estacion's skill next turn. This would net her another plant gauge and card in hand.

"Arkha's skill, energycharge! Francette's skill, +5k! (35000 > 40000)"

Considering she was already at one card in hand, Amber would be compounded by both Blast and Sagitta making her go -1 to do her plays, meaning the extra card from Estacion could genuinely make all the difference on how potent her offence was, as well as my ability to survive next turn.

"Better pray I don't run Tearing Malice then. My Plant token retires!"

"There's no way you do... right? Francette's skill, I bounce Yuika! Turn end!"

"Don't you remember, Minoru? I'm not like others. That's why you said I'm a big, ugly, fat raptor, yeah?"

I blinked, my cheeks going red.

"You... y-you remember that conversation as well?"

"Course I do. That was the first time I said aloud my true thoughts... about you being trapped inside that birdcage."

"No way..."

At the time, I didn't grasp the meaning of her words back then.

But now, looking back at the shadow of my past...

I too, could see the birdcage I escaped from.

"I really can't hide anything from you, can I?"

I laughed.

"You're too honest of a person... but that's a good part about you. One that I like very much."

Amber:
Hand: 1
Damage: 4
Energy: 6
Gauge: 10
OXO
OXX

Minoru:
Hand: 7
Damage: 5
Energy: 2
OXX
OXX

Without even realising it, a thin layer of sweat had built up all over my face.

Wiping it off while taking a breath to recompose myself, I wondered when did things become so intense?

I wasn't expecting this game to be so close, and yet...

"Damn it... when the hell did you get so good..."

I narrowed my eyes at Amber as she continued to wear a blank expression.

"Amber!"

As she picked up her card for turn, her gold eyes burned with an appetite for ambition.

"I'm going to blast you away, Minoru."

She was seriously going to try and kill me on this turn...!

"Not if I freeze you in your tracks first, Amber!"

It was around this time that some of the others began crowding around our table. From the corner of my left, I could see Yuuma and Taro join us, and from the corner of my right, I could see Tsukioka with her hands clasped together in front of her.

I couldn't see Kuyou with her, so I wondered where she went... wait, this isn't the time to be thinking about that. Granted, knowing her persona as "Kuyou Aru", she probably won her fight, thought the rest of us weren't worth her time, and left.

"Stand, draw, and charge. To supersede the future, one must pull up the stubborn roots of fate and break every rule. By overlaying spring, summer, winter, and autumn together, the seasons will change into one that's never seen before! Rank up, my avatar! Persona Ride, Legend of Celestial Fury, Estacion! (13000 > 23000)"

Once more, the digital world transformed into spring.

"Sheesh, you even got Persona. Was that a top deck, or were you saving that in hand?"

"I was saving it, don't worry. Maple's skill, she revives from drop! (10000 > 20000)"

At the same time, I could see Yuuma's eyes widen as she muttered to herself.

"W-wait... it couldn't be..."

Was she really that surprised to see a Thegrea card used in a deck other than hers?

"Rusdiana's skill, I energyblast 3 to call a Plant token. Blast's skill, I turn Maple and my Plant token into plant gauges and draw."

Amber raised her eyebrows at the card she drew into.

"Oh. Well, that's convenient. I call Amicable Maiden, Alvina! (8000 > 18000)"

"Crap, that's a seriously godly top deck!"

"Alvina's skill, I energyblast 3 to return Vital Blaze from drop to my hand, then play it! I soulblast, turn it into a plant gauge, and scry 5 to call Meydith! (10000 > 20000) Meydith's skill, I soulblast to scry 5 and call Harvest Elf! Looks like my luck hasn't run out just yet."

"Now I'm really glad I didn't give you that damage, because what the hell..."

Despite limiting her options as much as possible, Amber was still able to spawn a whole board out of one card.

"Alvina gets +2k and Elf gets +5k. (18000 > 20000) (5000 > 10000) Blast's skill! There are 13 plant gauges on it, so my front row gets +20k! (20000 > 40000) (23000 > 43000) (20000 > 40000)"

Yuuma gasped, covering her mouth with both hands.

"N-no... it is..."

Is she going to accuse Estacion of stealing Thegrea's gimmick because of the +30k to front row, before calling it Green Thegrea?

"What's wrong, Yuuma-san?"

As I posed that question to her, Yuuma squeaked, noticing how she accidentally drew the attention of everyone present due to how loud she was. As all eyes fell on her, she panicked and hid behind Taro, using him like a human shield.

"Ha-ah!"

Taro moved around her, putting Yuuma back into the spotlight. She squeaked again before lowering her head, her knees trembling together as she clutched her rising and dipping chest.

"Yuuma-san...?"

I paused, noticing the glint in Yuuma's downcast gaze.

At that moment, I understood why she was trying to avoid looking at us.

There was a fear I'd never seen before penetrated in Yuuma's eyes.

"Minoru-san..."

She lifted her head slightly, her vulnerable irises meeting mine.

"Your opponent, Amber-san... s-she's... she's..."

Swallowing the lump in her throat hard, the rest of Yuuma's body began trembling. Taro gave her a side glance.

"Amber-san is...!"

A strand of Yuuma's hair came loose, falling over her face like a windy breeze had just passed through the room.

"The Fast Chase!"

Amber's eyes lost their shine, going blank.

"What...?"

I looked up at Amber with wide eyes.

"H-her deck... her hair colour... that voice... after seeing it all a second time... I'm confident there's no mistaking it!"

The corners of Amber's lips lifted slightly as she smiled the same ominous way her father does.

"S-she's... she's the one who beat us... Amber-san is the one who beat all of Q Class!"

I blinked, my head scrambling as I tried to reconcile the information being thrown around.

"What...? There's no way... there's no way, that doesn't seem right... Amber wouldn't do that, she's..."

I put a hand to my head, gritting my teeth.

Amber stared at me, her face an undecipherable slate.

I remembered the image sent to me, along with the threat that I would be next.

What left the most harrowing impression on me was the way how everyone was splayed on the floor, reduced to the same level as the knocked over desks and chairs, like they had been swept up in a whirlwind of chaos.

I could clearly recall each of their individual expressions. Humiliation for Kuyou. Writhing for Momoka. Anguish for Iori. Regret for Busujima. And, the one that pissed me off the most... hopelessness for Yuuma.

All of that...

Was Amber's doing...?

"Amber..."

"Mhm?"

"Is it true...? Are you... are you the one behind the Fast Chase?"

Amber looked to her right briefly, avoiding my gaze, before looking straight into my eyes.

"Being outed like this isn't how I wanted to do things, but... alright, I can roll with the punches."

She stretched her shoulders, loosening them before giving a firm nod.

"Mhm-mhm. That was me."

My heart dropped.

"Why...?"

"Now that's a loaded question."

Amber sighed.

"You're a unique bunch. I'm sure even all of you are aware of that much. After all... you're members of a class that shouldn't exist."

Amber pointed at the purple coloured ties we wore compared to the other students.

"That's why I wanted to confirm it for myself. Why does this class exist? Why were you all chosen for it? What's the secret behind Q Class? And the easiest way for me to do that was by hunting down every single one of you."

I narrowed my eyes, glaring at her.

"What the hell kind of reasoning is that? If you wanted to fight us, you could've just asked! We would've happily accepted it! Why did you go about doing things in such a roundabout way?"

"Because I was saving you for last, Minoru. Considering how close we are, I didn't want to tip you off on what I was doing. After all... you're the one who deserves to be hunted the most."

"What a headache... if you only wanted to fight me, you could've just said so! You didn't have to hurt everyone else!"

"It was a necessary procedure. A puzzle can't be solved with just one piece, so I first had to gather clues from the others before I proceed. With that, I could then move onto you."

Amber raised her finger, pointing it squarely at me.

"The key behind the mystery that is Q Class. Everything that exists here... connects back to your Arcana."

My eyes widened.

"The Fool...?"

"Mhm. Have you ever considered this?「Q」and 「0」look awfully similar."

A chill ran down my spine.

"That's... even if that were the case... wouldn't they call us O Class instead? That's more round than Q!"

"That would be too obvious. You know what this school is like."

"Tch... fair enough. GEN Academy sure does love being enigmatic."

"In any case, hunting you will help me find the answer I'm searching for. While the current circumstance isn't what I was aiming for, we might as well speed along the process for our inevitable confrontation and settle things here."

Shining bright red, Amber's Roman numeral - XIII - burned on her forehead, giving off the impression of a third eye.

"Allow me to reintroduce myself to everyone. I am Amber Rose of the Fast Chase, daughter of the boss of team Gran Kaon, Logan Rose. And I'll hunt everything down, until all is revealed. Let's take flight... boosted by Elf, Alvina attacks! (40000 > 50000)"

"Francette intercepts! Palvi and Godelieve guard! (53000)"

"Elf's skill, I retire her and Alvina to draw! Boosted by Rusdiana, Meydith attacks! Rusdiana gets +2k! (40000 > 48000 > 50000) Meydith's skill! When she attacks, since I revived a unit this turn, which would be Maple, I energyblast 2 to stun Yuika and get +5k! (50000 > 55000)"

"That attack's massive... and you have two or three more lined up afterwards too... at five damage, I'm basically a sitting duck..."

I lowered my head, checking my hand, drop, and damage to see what resources I still had available to me, as well as all of Amber's public zones to figure out her chance of ripping a trigger during her Twin Drive.

"Indeed. If you can't contend against it all, it will be your loss. Both at entering the Lindwurm and stopping the Fast Chase."

Let's just say, after all the filtering and deck thinning she's done with Estacion, Vital Blaze, and Meydith, the chances were skewed high in her favour. We're talking Eva and Luticia levels of compression.

"What will you do, Minoru?"

Running the simulations in my head, it was clear that I didn't have enough shield to stop her here.

"Are you going to give up on entering the Lindwurm? Or are you going to put an end to this Fast Chase once and for all?"

Under Amber's condescending stare, I raised my head.

"Come on... are you seriously asking me that? We've known each other since we were literal babies... the answer should be obvious."

The corners of my lips curled into a smirk. Amber raised her eyebrows before smiling lightly.

"Screw whatever outcome comes from this qualification. I'm going to force my will through. For this Lindwurm... I want both of us to make it through!"

I grinned.

"Now this is a twist. You still want me to participate alongside you, even after everything I've done?"

From the corner of my eye, I could see that Momoka and Hotaru had also joined us, standing on the same side as Yuuma and Taro. It seems we were the last one to wrap up our fight, since everyone but Kuyou was now spectating us.

"Damn right I do. I mean, just look at how our fight has gone. It suddenly makes sense how you managed to beat everyone else... you've come a long way since we were kids. If we want to win in the Lindwurm, then I want someone like you on our side!"

"I'm flattered, but I don't think you can overturn the very nature of this qualification just to abide your whims, Minoru. Regardless of what strings you may pull... it's not happening. Only one of us is going through."

"You might think that now... but I'll make it happen one way or another, so just shut up and watch me! Riviena, perfect guard!"

"Mhm-mhm. Boosted by Blast, Estacion attacks! Estacion's skill, I discard 2 plant gauges to superior call Granolind from deck! Season change! (10000 > 20000) Granolind's skill, I call a Plant token! (5000 > 15000) My gauge dropped to 11, so my front row will get +15k now. (20000 > 35000) (23000 > 38000) (15000 > 30000) Vital Blaze's skill, Granolind gets +5k! (35000 > 40000) Soar forth, Estacion! (38000 > 43000) Chaos Rebirth Chaser!"

"And I'll kickstart it off... with this!"

I inhaled deeply, exhaling a frosty breath.

"Sorry Amber, but we're ending things on my terms. I'm unfreezing the zeroth authority!"

The crystal blue circuits in my heart began lighting up, before swirling together and surging to the rest of my body. Channeling its overflowing power into my right arm, I raised it to reveal the Roman numeral engraved on the back of my right hand.

0.

"Fool ability, activate."

"Nightingale Fader! Until the end of my turn, all of your unit's power, critical, drive, shield, and grades are set to 0!"

"Mhm-mhm... (40000 > 0) (38000 > 0) (30000 > 0) (5000 > 0) (8000 > 0) For a moment there, I nearly thought you wouldn't use it against me... that Arcana you hate so much."

"Yeah... you're right about that much. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't deploy something like this so casually. But this game has gone beyond far that by now. From knowing you're my rival... to wanting you in the Lindwurm... to learning that you're the Fast Chase... and seeing what you've done to my classmates— my friends..."

I squeezed my fist, lowering my head.

"I can't leave things as they are. Just like how you pulled me up when I was down... I'm going to pull you up, so you don't do something like this ever again. Because that isn't the kind of person you are."

"And how can you be so sure of that?"

"I'll borrow your words for a sec."

I raised my head, putting a fist on my chest.

"Because you're not like other people, Amber! You're better than this!"

Amber released a tense breath.

"You..."

"So, as the person who has the honour of being your rival... as the only person who has the right to bury you... I refuse to let things end this way! If it's to save you... then I don't care how many times I have to become the Fool!"

Amber's burning Roman numeral faded away, leaving her with a softened expression.

"Oh... I think I finally understand why that Arcana chose you now, Minoru. Turn end."

Amber:
Hand: 3
Damage: 4
Energy: 1
Gauge: 11
XXX
OXX

Minoru:
Hand: 3
Damage: 5
Energy: 2
OXO
OXX

"Stand, draw, and charge! I'm going all out! Sagitta's skill, energyblast 4 to get +10k and a drive check! (13000 > 23000/2d > 3d) Claio's skill, I discard to give my front row rear-guards +5k! Sagitta's skill, I counterblast to draw! I call Yuika, Yuika, Francette, and Riviena! (10000 > 15000) (6000 > 11000) Both Yuika get +5k! (8000 > 13000) (8000 > 13000) Let's take flight! Boosted by Yuika, Riviena attacks! (11000 > 24000)"

"No guard! (Vital Blaze, Blast)"

"Yuika's skill, I soulblast to bounce Riviena! Boosted by Claio, Sagitta attacks! (23000 > 31000/3d) Arkha's skill, she revives from drop! (10000 > 15000) Repent Wing Frenzy!"

Scanning the cards in her hand, Amber took a deep breath before puffing out her chest.

"No guard!"

"Triple Drive!!! (Truehearted Ruby, Amantes Amentes, Octavia, Absolute Zero, Kashua)"

"Alright... damage check!"

Amber looked at the sixth card in her damage zone and chuckled.

"They would've been my drive checks, huh? (Legend of Celestial Fury, Estacion)"

She extended a hand to me.

"Good game, Minoru."

Instead of shaking it, I pushed it to the side.

"Good game, Amber!"

And hugged her instead.

"Congrats on going to the Lindwurm. Regardless of whether I'm there or not, I'll be rooting for you."

"It was a close call, that's for sure... more importantly, the Fast Chase is over. No more hurting others, okay?"

To be honest, it was surprisingly anticlimactic. I guess I hyped it up more in my head, especially after receiving that threat and seeing that photo... or maybe, after learning that it was that gremlin Amber, the Fast Chase became far less intimidating for me.

Ah well, it doesn't matter now. If anything, it was probably for the best that it was her than some horrible person, especially since I knew she was a good person at heart. As long as she learns from her mistake, I can forgive her for this incident.

"Mhm. Well, it's over at least for me."

I raised an eyebrow.

"What do you mean?"

"How do I put this... you may have won the battle, but the war is still going. This only just the beginning."

"Come on now, I know you're stubborn, but you don't have to keep doing it like this... like I said earlier, if you want to challenge us, you can just ask straight up. We'd be more than happy to fight you, so there's no need to do all this cryptic stuff."

"I appreciate the offer, but that's not what I meant. The Fast Chase is over for me. I have no intentions of doing it again."

"Really? Then... I think you should apologise to everyone for what you've done."

"True. I did hurt them after all..."

Amber sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. She went up to Yuuma and bowed deeply.

"Yuuma-san. I'm sorry for what I did to you during the Fast Chase. I hope you can forgive me."

"A-Amber-san..."

Yuuma gazed at her bowing figure before looking at me since I was the closest here to Amber. I shook my head, not wanting to influence her decision. Though, knowing what kind of person Yuuma is like, I could already tell what her reply would be.

"I... I accept your apology. Just... just please, never hurt or threaten anyone like that ever again..."

"I'm not sure if I can promise the part about hurting others, but I can definitely guarantee I won't threaten anyone."

Amber deadpanned, giving a thumbs up.

"I-I can't tell if that's reassuring or not..."

Amber whizzed around, facing me again.

"Alright, that's me done."

"Huh? What about the others, like Momoka-san, Iori-san, and Kuyou-san?"

Amber shook her head.

"I didn't fight them."

"You... what?"

I blinked. Stepping forward, Iori raised her hand.

"Yeah, uh... I didn't how to break it to you, Minoru-san, since I didn't want to interrupt the two of you in such a passionate fight... but the person I fought wasn't Amber-san."

Momoka nodded in agreement.

"Same here. They used Stoicheia like she did, but their avatar wasn't Estacion. I honestly thought they named themselves Fast Chase after how their deck plays."

Hearing that, Yuuma's face went pale.

"Wait, wait, wait... so you're telling me there's more than one Fast Chase?"

"Apparently so."

"Ugh, suddenly Amber's words make a ton of sense... this is gonna be troublesome if there's like... five of them!"

I looked over to Amber who had her back turned to us, whistling innocently.

"Oi, you could at least do us a favour and tell us the name of your accomplices..."

"Sorry, but I can't say. Rules are meant to be broken, but promises are meant to be kept."

"Y'know what... fair enough. Guess we should probably start coming through who uses Stoicheia and start narrowing the suspects down... I seriously don't look forward to getting attacked by a bunch of different Fast Chases."

I groaned, knowing I was the last on their hit list.

"U-umm, Minoru-san..."

"Yeah?"

As Yuuma called for me, I glanced at her.

"I... I think... I might I know... who a Fast Chase might be..."

"Eh? Already?!"

She nodded, shuffling over to stand by my side.

"I-I might be wrong, but... from Momoka-san and Iori-san's description... I feel strangely confident that it's this person..."

"Who is it?"

Yuuma gulped, weakly turning her head.

"It's... him."

As we traced her direction, all our gazes fell upon the only other man here.

"Ha-ah!"

With his back turned to us, Mikazuchi Taro laughed.

***

In an undisclosed location, at the dawn of dusk.

As the sun was setting, the sound of clacking heels filled the dry air.

Following it was a gentle hum, one so soothing and calming, it could make anyone fall into a sleep-like trance.

Her silky blonde hair fanned out behind her, each long strand carried over her shoulders by the gentle fall breeze.

She stopped at the edge of the rooftop, leaning forward while releasing a frosty breath.

A melody more chilling than the air rang out.

A flock of crows gathered on the railing, enjoying her song.

Even though she was merely singing to herself, a short clap followed.

Looking over her shoulder, her dark red lips turned into a smile.

Her cloudy blue-grey eyes sparkled.

"Daddy..."

She turned around, running up to the man clad in black and hugging him tightly.

"I'm home."

He smiled, wrapping his arms around her, before stroking her head.

"Your singing voice is as lovely as ever."

She blushed a little.

"You flatter me... thank you."

"Not at all. If anything, I would be the one thanking you for the free performance."

Releasing her from his embrace, he leaned down and kissed her on the forehead.

"I feel so blessed to be greeted by such a beautiful song sung by my wonderful daughter."

"Then I'll sing even more for you, daddy. I'll sing as many times as you want me too."

"Oh... you really are one darling angel."

He chuckled, kneeling down to caress her warm cheeks with his hand, before planting a kiss on it.

"In that case..."

As he pulled away, he whispered into her ear.

"All daddy wants is for you to show your song to the entire world. If everyone could hear your singing voice, that would make daddy the most happiest person in the world."

"Daddy..."

"So, can you do it? Will you show the world your song? For me?"

"Of course.. of course I can do that, daddy!"

Nuzzling his hand, she nodded fervently.

"Thank you, my darling angel... my precious daughter..."

Standing up, he kissed her.

"My Rui."

Rui giggled, clasping her hands to her chest.

"I am for you... and you are for me... daddy."

The sun set.