Me and the others are resting in our respective rooms inside The Nexus. Our mission is complete, and we'll be leaving tomorrow morning. For now, we're allowed to stay the night.
Meanwhile, the Cyberwatch has already taken Ryuuto into custody. His fate was already decided—a death penalty for infiltrating one of the most highly classified facilities.
The room is quiet. The kind that makes your thoughts louder than they should be. I lie on my bed, arms behind the head, staring at the ceiling. My mind is stuck on Ryuuto's words.
"Please save her."
I should be relieved—we won, didn't we? We stopped him, captured him, and now he's with the Cyberwatch. The job is done. I should be feeling accomplished, maybe even proud. But I don't.
Because I keep thinking… was he telling the truth?
Arisu… his daughter… ten years old… locked away somewhere in this facility.
I exhale sharply, rubbing my face. This is ridiculous. He's a criminal, a wanted man with a ten-million bounty. He broke into a highly classified facility, fought us, resisted arrest. And yet…
Yet, he didn't seem like a man fighting for himself.
I remember the way he stood back up, bloodied and exhausted, still throwing punches like his life didn't matter—like something else did. And that thing he said… "She's different. Despite being human, she holds a Seishinsu stronger than any Vorixa or Oscuro."
If that's true, then what exactly is she?
I turn on my side, staring at the faint light seeping through the window blinds. My gut tells me something is off. If Ryuuto was lying, why would he go so far? Why risk everything, only to ask me to save a daughter who doesn't exist? But if he was telling the truth… then that means—
No. I shake my head. It's not my problem. I did my job.
Then why does it feel like something is still unfinished?
Seconds pass. Then minutes. Sleep doesn't come. My chest feels heavy, like something is pressing down on it. I let out a frustrated sigh.
"Ugh, fine. Just a little check."
I sit up, running a hand through my hair. I tell myself I'm just stretching my legs, just taking a quick look around before bed. Nothing serious. No deep thoughts. No unnecessary trouble.
With that excuse in mind, I slip on my jacket, open the door quietly, and step into the dimly lit hallway.
I move carefully. The halls are quiet, but I know better than to let my guard down. After the whole Ryuuto situation, the security is back in full force—guards stationed at every critical point, watching, waiting. These guys aren't just for show; they're trained, disciplined, and if even one of them spots me sneaking around at this hour… I'm done.
Where do I even start?
I pause, scanning my surroundings. If there really is something hidden in this facility, I need to find a clue. Somewhere suspicious, somewhere restricted…
Ah. Right.
My mind flashes back to earlier—Assistant Manager Hidaka-san standing in the central command room, her sharp voice cutting through the air as she scolded Yora and me. She wanted us out of there badly. Almost like she was afraid of what we might find.
It makes sense, doesn't it? If something's being covered up, where better to start than the very place that controls everything?
The central command. That's where I need to go.
Damn it!
There's a CCTV camera mounted in the corner. Crap. Someone's probably already seen me. I can't just turn back now—that would make me look even more suspicious.
Think, think…
Right. I force my shoulders to relax, rubbing my eyes like I just woke up. Then, with the most casual walk I can manage, I change direction, heading toward the nearest restroom.
Just a guy half-asleep, minding his own business. Nothing to see here.
I just have to act natural. If I hesitate even for a second, I'm done.
---
Stepping out of the restroom, I take a quick glance around. Alright, no one's paying attention. Now, I need a way to move without getting caught on every damn camera in this place.
I scan the hallways, looking for a path with low light and fewer security eyes watching. Too many cameras here… too bright there… Ugh, this isn't going to be easy.
Then it clicks. The backyard area.
Earlier, when we arrived, I noticed there were barely any cameras there. It's darker too, which means I can slip through without being seen.
Yeah. That's my best shot.
Taking a deep breath, I quietly make my way toward the backyard, keeping my steps light and my head down.
In the backyard,
Crap. Someone's here?
I freeze in place, my heart skipping a beat. Who the hell would be standing in the backyard this late at night?
I take a careful peek. Wait… isn't that Hidaka-san?
She's just standing there, staring up at the sky, completely still. The dim light from the lamps barely reaches her, making her silhouette look even more eerie.
Why is she just standing there like that?
Whatever. If she sees me, I'm dead. Another scolding? No thanks. She was scary enough last time—I don't need a repeat of that.
Igotta find another way—
"Who's there?"
Hidaka-san's voice cuts through the silence.
Shit.Shit. SHIT.
She flashes a torch at my location. The bright beam of the flashlight blinds me for a second. Crap, I'm caught.
"Oh, it's you." Hidaka-san narrows her eyes. "What are you doing outside your room this late?"
Think. Think. "Ah, nothing. I'm just an… insomnia patient wandering around."
Damn it. What am I even saying?
She raises an eyebrow. "Insomnia patient?"
"Yeah, you know… the ones who can't sleep at night?" I force a laugh, trying to act casual.
She doesn't seem amused. "Whatever. This is no place to wander around. I would appreciate it if you go back to your room right now."
Oh boy, here we go again. If she sends me back, I'm done for. I have to keep this conversation going somehow.
"So, Hidaka-san… what are you doing here?"
Her expression hardens. "None of your business."
Man, she's mean.
I clear my throat. "Uh, about earlier… We're really sorry for entering the central command room without—"
"Don't ever talk about it." Her sharp voice cuts mine. "And just forget it. Both of you."
I blink. "Why? Is there something—"
"Did Ryuuto tell you guys anything?" she suddenly asks, narrowing her eyes.
"Ryuuto?"
"Did he mention anything?"
Oh, so she's worried about it huh? "Uhm… no. He didn't say a thing to us."
"That's good if it's true." She exhales, but her face is still tense, like she's relieved and worried at the same time. "That man is a crazy guy. Super manipulative and intelligent. If he did tell you something, I highly recommend you don't believe a word of it."
Her expression is stiff and her eyes sharp—like she's afraid he might have exposed something.
Man, this is getting more and more confusing.
Should I believe that guy… or this lady?
Both of them seem crazy.
She sighs, crossing her arms. "Anyway, I think you should head back now."
Honestly? I think she's right. There's probably nothing here. That guy should be lying.
"Uh, alright. I'll be going then. Good night."
She doesn't reply—just turns and walks off.
I sigh, rubbing my head as I head back to my room. Man, what a night… My brain feels scrambled, like a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces. Ryuuto's words, Hidaka-san's tense expression—none of it adds up. Who am I supposed to believe?
I take a few more steps toward my room.
Hidaka-san looked way too anxious. Like she was worried I'd figure something out.
Wait-
I turn on my heels. She's still visible in the distance, walking somewhere with purpose. Where is she going this late?
Without a second thought, I start following her, keeping my steps light and steady. No sudden movements. No hesitation.
I straighten my back and walk with confidence, not sneaking, not hiding—just casually strolling behind her. But I have to make sure she doesn't notice me.
If the CCTV guys are watching, they'll think I'm just walking with her. Nothing suspicious at all.
Damn. I'm a genius.
She walks with steady steps, following a path that leads straight to the central command room.
So she really is heading back there…
I follow, keeping my distance. But just as I'm about to turn the corner—
I hear footsteps.
Two guards are approaching her from the opposite direction.
Shit.
I press myself against the wall, peeking out just enough to see them.
One of the guards salutes. "Assistant Manager, it's late. You're still working?"
"I had to check on something." Her voice is calm, but there's an edge to it. "Any reports?"
The other guard hesitates before speaking. "No changes. Still in containment."
"Good." She crosses her arms. "And the… situation?"
The first guard lowers his voice. "No progress. She hasn't reacted to anything yet."
She exhales sharply. "It's only a matter of time. Make sure no one unauthorized gets anywhere near her."
"Yes, ma'am."
There's a brief silence. Then—
"…Are you sure about the decision?" one of the guards asks cautiously.
Hidaka-san doesn't answer right away. When she does, her tone is cold. "There's no other choice."
What the hell are they talking about?
I strain my ears, trying to catch more, but their voices drop lower. The conversation fades into hushed whispers.
Dammit. I can barely hear anything…
A few seconds later, the guards give a final nod and leave. Hidaka-san, on the other hand, keeps walking toward the central command room.
What did she mean by 'no other choice'?
And more importantly…
What exactly is being kept in containment?
Is that girl really here?
I wait until the guards are gone before slipping out of my hiding spot.
Hidaka-san keeps walking. Whatever they were talking about, it's clearly weighing on her.
I follow, keeping to the shadows, careful with every step.
She reaches the central command room and steps inside.
I wait a few seconds, then move closer. The door is still slightly open. Just enough for me to peek inside.
She walks straight to the main console and starts typing rapidly. The monitors flicker and streams of data flash across the screens.
What is she doing?
I squint, trying to make sense of the visuals. At first, it looks like standard security footage… but then I notice something.
One of the screens is displaying a dark room. A single figure is sitting there, barely visible.
Wait… is that—
Before I can process it, Hidaka-san suddenly speaks.
"Status?"
A distorted voice replies from the speakers. "Still stable. No unusual activity."
Hidaka-san exhales, rubbing her temples. "We don't have much time. If something happens, we execute the plan immediately."
Plan? What plan?
She continues typing. The data on the monitor shifts, and the dark room disappears, replaced by what looks like… a biometric scan?
The image shows vitals—heart rate, brain activity, energy levels—but for who?
"The tests are almost complete," the distorted voice from the speakers says. "We'll know soon enough."
She clenches her fists. "We better know soon enough. I won't let this drag on any longer."
The voice responds, "The higher-ups want confirmation before taking action. If we act too soon—"
"There is no too soon," she snaps. "If we wait any longer, it might be too late. You know that."
The line goes silent for a moment. Then, "Understood."
Hidaka-san exhales sharply, rubbing her forehead before shutting down the monitors one by one.
I press myself further into the shadows, holding my breath as she turns away from the console. She stands there for a moment, deep in thought, before finally stepping out of the room and locking it behind her.
She walks off.
I stay hidden.
Something is definitely going on here. And whatever it is, she's right in the middle of it.
It's confirmed now—this place is hiding something. And Hidaka-san… she's not just some strict authority figure doing her job. She's involved in whatever is happening here.
Ryuuto's words echo in my mind.
"Please save her."
I wanted to believe he was lying, that he was just some manipulative criminal playing with my emotions. But now? I can't ignore the signs.
That dark room—the one on the monitor—it must be here, somewhere in this facility. And if I don't check it out now, I might never get another chance.
No matter what, I have to find out the truth.
That's it.
---
I move through the hallways, no longer caring about the damn CCTVs. If someone sees me, so be it. I'll deal with it when it happens. Right now, there's something more important than rules, orders, or even my own safety.
If I have to search all night, I will. I will find that room. And I will save Arisu.
Ryuuto, a father who had everything stolen from him, placed his last hope in me. And I won't let him down.
Because at the end of the day, what kind of world is this if a child can't even exist freely? If someone different is seen as a threat instead of a life to be protected? Every human—no, every being—has the right to breathe, to eat, to laugh, to live without being locked in some cage like an experiment.
Even if Arisu is different… so what?
Difference isn't a crime. It's what makes us human.
And if these people—these so-called researchers—think they can decide who deserves to be free and who doesn't, then they're dead wrong.
Because tonight, I'm going to find Arisu.
And I'm going to expose everything.
As I move through the dimly lit corridors, my mind races back to Hidaka-san's conversation with the guards. I couldn't hear everything, but the bits and pieces I caught were enough to tell me one thing—there's a plan.
Something is happening behind these walls, and Arisu is at the center of it.
But what exactly are they planning? Are they experimenting on her? Transferring her somewhere? Or worse… eliminating her?
I clench my fists. If they're moving her, then time is running out. If I don't find her soon, I might lose the only chance to save her.
Think, damn it. Think.
Hidaka-san was heading toward the central command room. That means whatever they're planning is probably happening soon. Maybe even tonight.
If I can just figure out where they're keeping her before they make their move… I might still have a chance.
I take a deep breath. No more second-guessing.
I have to act now.
After like hours of searching—ducking behind walls, slipping past patrols, and even knocking out a few guards when necessary—I finally find it.
A heavily guarded section of the facility.
The hallway is dim, but the sheer number of guards standing in front of a high-security door makes it clear—this is it.
This has to be where they're keeping Arisu.
I press myself against the wall, trying to stay in the shadows as I observe. Unlike the other rooms, this one is different. The security is on a whole other level. Multiple guards stand alert, their hands resting near their weapons. The electronic lock on the door looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. No ordinary ID card is opening that thing.
My pulse quickens. It is confirmed now. Ryuuto wasn't lying. His daughter, Arisu, is indeed locked in here.
Now, the real problem—how the hell am I supposed to get in?
I take a deep breath, thinking through every possible way to get in. There has to be a way.
After a moment, I come up with a plan. A risky one. But high risks bring high rewards, right?
I materialize a fiery ball in my hand, keeping it small but bright enough to be noticeable. Then, with a quick flick, I send it flying across the hall, making sure it lands far enough to cause panic but not start an actual fire.
BOOM!
The flames burst on impact, illuminating the dark corridor. The moment it happens, the guards snap to attention.
"What the hell was that?!"
"Go check it out!"
Like moths to a flame, most of them rush toward the source, leaving only two behind. Perfect.
I take advantage of the confusion, swiftly closing the distance between me and the remaining guards. Before they can react, I strike. A quick blow to the neck drops the first one, and the second barely has time to turn before I knock him out cold.
I exhale, grabbing an ID card from one of them. Now for the door.
Sliding the card through the scanner, I expect the door to open—
ACCESS DENIED. PASSCODE REQUIRED.
Oh, come on.
I stare at the keypad, my heart pounding. Think, think! I didn't come all this way just to be stopped by some stupid numbers!
I stare at the keypad, biting my lip. Come on, brain... you've gotten me out of weirder situations. I take a step back and glance around—nothing obvious, no sticky notes with passwords (ugh, lazy security), no hints.
But then something clicks.
Wait… passcodes aren't random. Not when it's set by someone like Hidaka-san.
She's sharp, calculative… but also a creature of habit. Back when she scolded me and Yora for entering the command room, there was a plaque on her desk. A silver one. I remember reading it because the name was engraved with a weird date under it.
"Hidaka K. – Appointed: 17.02.31"
Could she…? No way she'd use that as a passcode. That'd be dumb. But then again, people in power get cocky. Confident no one will try something this insane.
I give it a shot. 1-7-0-2-3-1.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
Click.
The door unlocks with a cold hiss.
I blink. You've got to be kidding me… That actually worked?!
"Man, Hidaka-san, you really need to up your cybersecurity game."
I slowly push the door open, heart pounding like a drum. Alright, Arisu… I'm coming.
It's pitch dark inside.
The air feels… heavier.
I take a step in, slowly. My shoes barely make a sound on the cold, metallic floor. I form a small flicker of flame above my palm. Just enough light to see a few feet ahead.
What I see gives me goosebumps.
Metal walls. Reinforced glass panels. Monitors lining the side like silent sentinels. It's like a lab... or maybe a prison.
There are rows of chambers… sealed pods. Some are empty. Others are frosted over, hiding whatever—or whoever—is inside.
I swallow hard. What the hell is this place?
In the center of the room, there's one chamber… different from the rest. Bigger. More secure. With more wires and machinery connected to it than I can count. There's a label on it, scratched out. But just above it... I see a number: #091-A.
Could that be…?
I step closer, holding the flame near the glass.
And then I see her.
A young girl. Her body curled up inside. Pale, unconscious. Floating in some kind of suspension. Wires stuck to her like she's some test subject. Her face is calm… too calm.
She looks like she's dreaming… or maybe... trying to forget the nightmare.
My flame flickers.
"Arisu…?" I whisper. My voice cracks.
This is real. Ryuuto wasn't lying. This girl is being kept here like a lab rat.
My hands curl into fists. My mind's a storm of anger, guilt, confusion, and something else—resolve.
No one… no one deserves this.
Not her. Not any child. No matter how different she is.
I take a step back. I know what I need to do now.
I'm going to get her out.
I press my palm gently against the glass. It's cold—so cold it stings my skin. The faint glow from my flame dances across her face.
"Arisu…" I whisper again. "Can you hear me?"
No response. Of course not. She's asleep… or sedated. My eyes scan the pod's interface. Complicated buttons, digital locks, some kind of biometric scan system. Definitely not made for someone like me to crack open.
I tap the glass lightly. "Hey… Arisu. It's me. I'm a friend of your father's. He told me about you."
Still nothing. Her chest rises and falls softly in the fluid. Peaceful… too peaceful. It doesn't match the madness surrounding this whole place.
I take a shaky breath and crouch beside the chamber.
"You know, your dad… he really went through hell to get to you." I force a weak smile. "He fought all of us. Took hits like a monster and kept standing. Even after we took him down, he wouldn't shut up about saving you."
I pause, watching her sleep.
"He said… you're different. That you're strong. But not just in power. Strong here…" I tap my own chest. "In your heart."
My fingers clench. "He told me to save you. And… I will. Even if I don't know how yet. Even if this place is guarded like the gates of hell. I'll find a way. I promise."
I rest my forehead against the glass, the heat of my breath fogging up the surface.
"You don't know me, Arisu. But… your dad asked me to find you. And even though he looked like a total maniac, and we fought like wild beasts, I saw it in his eyes."
My voice cracks a little. "That look… like someone who's lost everything but still clings to a tiny hope. He called you his daughter. Said you were special. That you were being used. And I didn't believe him at first… but now? After all this? I'd be an idiot not to."
The room hums softly. Machinery buzzes and pulses around us. The lights on her pod flicker faintly, steady like a heartbeat.
I look at her again—still floating in that eerie glow. Peaceful, calm… like she's dreaming.
"But even if you're different, even if you're something no one's ever seen before… you're still just a kid. Ten years old. You should be out there… going to school, running in the rain, eating too much candy, losing your socks, and yelling at your dad when he forgets your birthday."
I swallow.
"You don't belong in a glass coffin like some lab rat. No one does."
My voice lowers, softer now. "You deserve the sun. You deserve freedom. You deserve to laugh and cry and live, Arisu. Not this. Never this."
A silence follows. I stay quiet, letting those words linger.
Then—
A faint beep. A flicker of red across the biometric pad on the chamber's side.
I blink.
"…What was that?"
Another soft pulse. Almost like… a heartbeat? No, wait—that's a muscle signal monitor.
And then… the tiniest twitch. Her finger.
Just once. A small, gentle movement. Barely noticeable, but enough to make my breath hitch.
"Arisu…?"
I shoot up to my feet, pressed against the glass.
"Did you just—?"
The monitors begin to shift. A subtle glow washes through the chamber. Something's changing.
I don't know what's happening.
But one thing's clear now.
She's alive.
And maybe… just maybe… she's waking up.
My fingers hover over the panel. The pod hums, its glow faintly pulsing like a breath.
She moved.
I saw it.
"I think she can hear me…"
A million thoughts start racing through my head. She might still be unconscious. Maybe that twitch was reflex. Maybe it was just hope playing tricks on me. But no… something changed.
I scan the pod. The glass is thick. Reinforced. Definitely alarm-wired. I could melt it with my En Seishin—but the second I do, I know every alarm in this facility's going to scream.
Cameras will light up. Guards will flood in. I'll be dead in ten minutes. If I'm lucky.
Every second I wait, she stays trapped in that thing. Every moment I hesitate, she slips further into whatever these monsters have done to her.
I clench my fists.
"Even if I run now and bring help later… what if I come back and she's gone?" I whisper. "What if they transfer her? Or worse… shut her down?"
No. I didn't come this far to chicken out now.
I stare at the chamber's control panel. Heat-resistant, locked with a biometric and passcode combo. Maybe there's a failsafe? An override?
Or maybe… I just blast the whole thing open.
I breathe deep, flames flickering slightly from my fingertips. The room is dead silent.
"One move," I mutter. "One move and everything blows up."
But then I remember her finger. That slight twitch.
That… life.
I look back at her face, calm behind the glass. Peaceful. Fragile.
"I'll wake you up," I whisper. "Even if the world burns around us."
I take a step back, eyes locked on the chamber. My hands light up—embers flickering between my palms.
Just one hit. Just one spark. Just one chance.
Just as I take aim—flames coiling in my hand like a viper ready to strike—
BANG!
The doors slam open behind me, throwing a flood of harsh white light into the pitch-dark room.
"DON'T MOVE!"
A dozen boots storm in, stomping like thunder. Flashlights blind me. Weapons aim straight at my head.
I freeze mid-step, my fire flickering out instinctively. My heart doesn't stop pounding—but this time, it's not from courage. It's panic.
Then her voice cuts through it all. Cold. Sharp. Familiar.
"You are under arrest," Hidaka-san says, stepping into the room with an expression that could freeze lava.
Cyberwatch agents fan out behind her, guns raised, ready to shoot if I so much as twitch.
"You've broken over six major security protocols, infiltrated a restricted zone, and attempted to tamper with classified containment."
Her voice is clipped, like she's trying not to yell. "Step away from the chamber. Now."
I glance back at Arisu. Still. Silent. That one twitch feels like a dream now.
Cyberwatch closes in, and the cuffs click cold around my wrists.
And just like that… everything goes dark again.
My hands are shackled. My powers sealed.
They drag me out of the room, past all the guards I'd silently snuck past like some kind of hero. Past the halls I thought I was outsmarting. The same halls that now feel like a cruel maze designed just to mock me.
No one says a word to me. Not a whisper. Not even Hidaka-san.
I glance back one last time. Toward that room. Toward Arisu.
She's still trapped. Still alone.
And now… I'm the one in a cage.
---
The walls are gray. Cold. Sterile.
They toss me into a small cell at the Nexus Detention Block like I'm just another file to be archived and forgotten. A Vorixa gone rogue.
The door slams shut with a metallic clang that echoes louder than my thoughts.
I sit in the corner, silent. The floor's cold beneath me, but my blood still simmers with rage… with guilt… and confusion.
Was I really wrong?
Or did I just get too close to the truth?
I close my eyes, and her face flashes again—still, silent, yet somehow… awake.
This isn't over. Not yet.
Even behind bars, I swear on every flame in my soul…
I'll come back for her.