Earth.
Japan, Nagazora.
Cafe.
Inside a cafe, one which had fewer people in it. Seated at a table were four people dressed in casual wear. Laurel dressed with an inner shirt, long trench coat and matching trousers.
Following him was Lux, who wore modern-like clothing like Laurel, sporting a casual white T-shirt, then a navy jacket on top of that, along with black trousers.
Luminous, oddly yet fittingly, wore casual clothing that made her appear younger than she already was, wearing a white short-sleeved shirt, along with a black skirt and black socks that reached all the way to her upper knee.

Even Laurel couldn't help but admire her beauty and youthfulness with said outfit, and much to that, she had proudly accepted his compliment when he'd complimented her.
They sat at a four-seater table, with Mei being the last, wearing what seemed to be her uniform. Both Lux and Laurel sat at one side, and the remaining two sat at the other side, and at this moment, their order just arrived.
"Here are your orders."
The waiter approached with a tray serving them a varying set of snacks that Luminous and Lux hadn't seen before.
On Laurel's part, he ordered an ice cream sundae, something he hadn't eaten in a long time. As for brain freeze or subsequent negative effects... he never has to worry about it, ever.
And so, he indulged in it.
Luminous, on the other hand, had originally asked for their finest wine; however, Laurel commented that they didn't sell wine here, and after their rally, both would get wine, and Laurel would do his job by freezing it over.
This, naturally, was a mutual understanding between them. But for now, she settled for an ice cream sundae, much like Laurel.
From them was Lux and Mei, who had ordered cake and something to go with that. And now. They discussed.
"By the way, what happened to that little female you robbed back then?"
Luminous started the conversation, indulging in the sundae, before pointing the silver spoon across the table at him.
"Well, I believe she has already learnt her lesson."
Both Lux and Laurel raised their gazes upwards, as though they were looking at the ceiling to recount what had happened back then.
It wasn't shortly after the reformation of what is now known to be the Capital City Cocytus that Hayes had surrendered herself completely to Laurel.
Now, she was back in her original world, to continue her job stirring up things as per Laurel's command. Naturally, Níðhöggr was still with him, but knowing Hayes, she can procure another Divine Drag Ride anytime she wants.
Laurel's specific recommendation for her was: Azi Dahaka.
"It's a drag machine that can steal the energy of other drag machines. A much more suitable drag machine for her."
At this point, Laurel had his elbow on the desk and his head propped on it. Hearing his words, Luminous couldn't help but narrow her eyes at him.
"...And you, will you continue letting this abomination mess with your world like that...?"
Luminous had looked towards Lux. Her, for one, didn't hate Laurel; it was simply the way he was simply altering every course of event to happen. She wasn't against it; however, she was more curious as to what Lux felt towards it.
"Well, while I have come to learn many things about my world... at this moment, compared to the Guild's grand goal of uniting worlds together... the problems of my world are insignificant."
"Besides, I believe Laurel won't put my world in trouble... So, I'm not against it."
Laurel was pushing the agenda of Atismata conquering Heiberg early after the purge of nobles in the New Kingdom.
Consecutively, Laurel and Hayes had planned set events that would take place so as to keep some things relative to what he originally remembers.
Even as he spoke, Lux was eventually going to get admitted into the Royal Knights Academy to raise his ranks, and that's if Relie follows his plans.
Of course, Lux could also raise his ranks by joining the military, but with such prejudice against the old prince, Laurel didn't recommend that.
'To play with fate as though it is but mere pieces on a chessboard...'
Luminous thought irritably. But this is one of the perks of knowing future events. And now, being part of the "SINGULARITY", she wasn't one to complain.
"Well, enough of that. Let's go down to why we're here."
"Yes. Mei."
Mei, who had been enjoying her dessert beside Luminous, blinked, looking at them. She, for one, wasn't in a rush. However, since Luminous insisted, she let out a nod.
"Cocolia and Anti-entropy. Some time ago—"
Laurel began, giving them a rundown of things, about how Raiden Ryoma was an executive for an organization called Anti-Entropy, along with some anti-Honkai organizational complexities of this world.
"I see, Cocolia, huh...? Regardless of your dilemma, to mess with my Mei like this, I won't forgive you."
"Still, I don't advise us to make much of a ruckus."
"That's rare, Laurel." Lux side-eyed.
"Well, this is a modern world, so as not to drag prying eyes, after all, this world isn't fully aware of the supernatural side of things."
That was relatively the only thing he was worried about. As for the rest, people like Otto, Welt, and Durandal – honestly, he couldn't care less.
Perhaps the only thing he'd worry about was Oath of Judah; however, that is even if it could recognise another source of energy to seal it.
If not, then it's pretty grim for them. After all, he hadn't even begun to use his other unique skill [Harbinger], which basically allowed him to win battles in unconventional manners.
Of course, except for if they had ultimate powers, like the ability to manipulate luck, fate, and other abstract concepts that can overpower it, then it's he won't lose.
[Unique Skill: Harbinger]:
- [Calamity]: As the avatar of calamity, the user can inflict disasters or misfortune upon opponents. This includes manipulating an opponent's luck, by inflicting misfortune on them. This ability can manipulate luck, logic and probability.
But currently, there wasn't anyone on earth capable of contending with the four of them. Heck, Lux alone would be enough for Durandal.
"So? What's the plan?"
"Hm. Currently, our goal is simply to determine where Cocolia is and subdue her. From there, we take a visit to the Lord of Anti-Entropy; he's a very sensible person. I'm sure he'd agree to our reasonable request."
Laurel said that, looking over at Mei, who looked back at him gratefully in return.
Originally, all she had thought of was breaking in and demanding her father. She wasn't dumb; she was smart. However, she didn't have the information he did.
Additionally, she herself knew she wouldn't be in any state to hold a hostage like Cocolia while striking a deal with whoever the Lord of Anti-Entropy is.
There were also many other factors to consider, and ultimately, Laurel had the solution. That was all that mattered.
"I see; it is indeed simple enough."
'However, there's one more thing I'm worried about... And that would be... Tuna herself, But all things considered, I can also use Welt to tip Theresa off about Kiana too.'
Although things weren't like the original. Some things can still be set in motion. As much of a "fatebreaker" he was. He cared for his fellows and their world.
However, anything outside that can crumble to pieces for all he likes.
"Well, since it's not that much of a plan, we can get to it without wasting time. What do you say?"
As those words fell, the eyes of each and every one of the four glowed.
Lux's grey eyes shone silver, Luminous's with blue and red, Mei's with purple, and Laurel's with blue bordering silvery white.
- ME CORP -
It was a normal day in the ME corp.
A massive skyscraper building sprawling up past more than twenty floors. In addition to other small buildings that surrounded the tall building.
Inside the main building, however,
The receptionist, a woman with tidy hair tucked behind her ear and rectangular glasses perched neatly on her nose, was typing away, updating internal schedules and organising paperwork.
Nothing out of the ordinary...
Well, currently that is. After all, around a month ago, their CEO was suddenly framed.
Although the details were odd when comparing records, however, they'd learnt to keep their mouth shut.
Considering who accused their former CEO.
During the past days, the hush and shush about this had also calmed down, and the researchers and staff continued with their work.
Today really was peaceful until the doors hissed open.
A handsome young man in an elegant trench coat walked in, flanked by a silver-haired woman dressed in smart formal attire.
For some odd reason, they had that commanding presence around them, and at a glance, she could tell they were important people.
Hence, she straightened as they approached.
"Good afternoon."
The man greeted, placing his hand lightly on the counter. His eyes were gentle, but something about him carried an air of importance.
The receptionist blinked, momentarily distracted by his smile, before adjusting her glasses.
"Y-Yes? How may I help you?"
"We're from HQ; we've been given directives to.... Check up on things."
The silver-haired woman chimed in. Her tone was smooth, as if she were stating a matter of fact; however, the receptionist tilted her head.
"HQ? Which HQ, if I may ask?"
The man leaned slightly forward, his voice still gentle, but for some reason gave her chills, as though trying to ask her why she was questioning him.
"Must the headquarters notify every subsidiary before arrival?"
A short pause.
Her brows furrowed as she checked her screen, scrolling through the day's meetings schedule, nothing out of place.
Checking other planned records too... She eventually relented, and with a flustered nod, she retrieved two visitor passes and handed them over without another word.
"Thank you."
He gave a polite smile, accepting the cards.
Like that, both the male and female went past the receptionist desk towards the elevator, and as they stepped into the elevator.
As the doors slid shut, Luminous glanced at him, lips curling into a smirk.
"You handled that smoothly. Playing the mysterious superior card, hmm? If I didn't know better, I'd think you were actually one."
Laurel chuckled lightly, not bothering to correct her. "You give me too much credit."
"Mm, no. Just the right amount."
She replied, folding her arms, clearly pleased. He might be a control freak; however, he has the necessary style or elegance to him, if she may add.
They ascended in silence for a moment. The elevator hummed softly, smooth and unshaking. It wasn't long before a soft chime rang out.
The highest floor required a level of clearance beyond the pass they'd received. Laurel reached forward, inserting a separate, nondescript black card into the reader.
[Beep.]
[Access granted.]
The elevator continued upward. Then, Ding—! The doors parted with. Both had kept their gazes forward when—
"Laurel, who is that?"
"Huh?"
A silver-haired girl stood in front of them. Her twin drills framed her youthful yet stern face. A high-tech cannon was aimed directly at the two intruders.
"Unauthorized access detected. Annihilating target."
Came the sharp mechanical voice along with the cannon, which had begun to gather firepower for launch.
"Bronya Zaychik. Tsk."
Laurel muttered. Of course he should have expected this. Additionally, she was also on his [Keep Safe] list, which meant—
"Stop spacing out, you fool!"
Breaking him out of his thoughts, Luminous suddenly stepped forward and hugged Laurel from behind, wrapping her hands around his chest, resting her head on his shoulders.
And before any of them could speak further.
BOOM—
A blinding flash filled the hallway..