No sound. No magic.
Only an empty space of greenish-grey — its walls made from soul-dampening magical glass that devours all forms of emotion, sound, and magical vibrations. This is where Mimiya is imprisoned.
Three days had passed since her blood-soaked world was destroyed… and she was saved.
Yet Mimiya's expression hadn't changed at all. She simply sat cross-legged on the smooth floor, her empty eyes staring into a corner no one could tell what was there.
At her small fingertips, a few drops of blood trickled — not from a wound, but fragments of her old magic. They formed tiny figures one by one — some resembled people, others were only imperfect shapes.
"This one... Llione… this is Toshi… this is FaYzu…ma…"
Mimiya's voice was very soft, as if she was only speaking to the shadows of her thoughts. She chuckled — not joyfully… just to fill the silence.
But...
Each time a blood figure formed — the cell's glass walls began to glow. Lines of magic runes slowly absorbed the figure's form, turning it into dust and erasing it before it could be completed.
Schhhp... ching... — like the wind swallowing something that should not exist.
Mimiya stopped.
She went quiet for a moment.
Then, she picked up one last tiny figure — unfinished, only half a face.
She cradled it like a baby.
"Why… does everything I create… have to disappear?"
No one answered.
She looked up at the high ceiling — where a narrow beam of light from the outside world shone through.
Her eyes welled up, but it was blood that dripped, not tears.
"If I'm not human… can I still ask to be forgiven?"
That last figure, too, was absorbed.
Nothing remained.
Mimiya simply bowed her head, hands covered in red… sitting alone.
Outside the cell, two magic guards stood still. They did not speak. Did not dare. Only bowed their heads slightly — not out of fear, but perhaps… pity.
The world outside never stopped moving. But for a girl in that cell… time felt still — as if frozen, along with the blood that never got to become a figure.
Moments after that last figure was absorbed by the glass, a red crystal light outside the cell blinked slowly.
The guards only glanced briefly. They knew — a decision would come soon.
And somewhere else, someone was fighting for her…
—
Llione's footsteps echoed down the main corridor of Thyrus Core. The crystal stone hallway shimmered blue like a current of water frozen by time, and every reflection on its walls held the echoes of old tales — of guardians, traitors, and kingdom protectors.
But today, a new story was being written.
The tall doors engraved with the symbol of Thyrus' seven regions opened slowly. Magic dust floated in the air. Llione stepped in — and the eyes of the seven highest figures in the kingdom turned directly toward her.
They sat in a circle on high thrones, each representing one direction of the world.
Above them, standing a bit higher and dominating the view, was the Head of the Council — dark-robed with gold trim, his face hidden beneath the shadow of the central crystal light shining from the ceiling.
Llione stood in the center of the hall. No opening statement.
She spoke at once, her voice calm… but unable to hide the heavy burden she carried.
"I didn't come with a report. I came with hope. Two of the resonances — Toshi Yazura and Azure Latch — did not attack, but instead... saved."
Shuna, sitting cross-legged atop her throne representing Kaikoku, waved lightly. "I like the tall one. But I like you more, Llione. You make me feel… mature."
Some faces cracked small smiles, but they quickly faded when Validir of Nocturvale raised his grim face.
"If you're wrong, lives will be lost. Not everything 'calm' is safe," he said, voice cold like night mist.
Llione didn't waver. She simply nodded, her resolve like an unsharpened sword that still gleamed clearly.
"That's why I'll watch over them myself. If they become a threat, I'll stop them… not as a swordmaster, but as someone who understands them."
Kaliuz Armida of Aetherun adjusted his glasses, his hoarse voice layered with the wisdom of age. "If you vouch for them, you bear the consequences."
Zhonshu of Qinyan raised two fingers silently — a full gesture of support.
Val Iris of Vermora, with a smile like a blooming flower in the calmest season, softly said, "I see no evil roots in those two resonances. Only… roots that have lost direction. Let them grow under your care."
Finally, the Head of the Council lifted his hand just an inch. But the entire hall fell silent.
"Full guardianship of Toshi Yazura and Azure Latch… is approved."
The central crystal in the hall lit up — two shadows accepted.
Llione bowed respectfully, but she did not leave.
Slowly, but clearly, she spoke once more.
"I ask for one more thing. Daily visits to Mimiya's prison cell. Not to tame her… but to touch what might still be alive within her."
Kaliuz raised his head. "She's not like the other two. She's not an alien being. She's an experiment. Unstable. Her emotions are weapons — even her body's form isn't guaranteed to stay."
Llione did not budge. Her eyes were steady.
"That's why she must be approached as a human. Not as a creature to be studied. If no one offers a hand… who will pull her from the fall?"
Val Iris looked down at the floor. "If a leaf grows in the mud… that doesn't mean it doesn't want the light."
The Head of the Council stared into the reflection of Mimiya's face in the central crystal. That red hair, those blood-colored eyes, the small body sitting stiff within the glass — like a piece of history nearly erased, but refusing to vanish.
Finally, he spoke.
"Visitation… approved. Once a day. Under full supervision. You come not as a savior… but as the last chance left."
Llione bowed. Not long, but deeply. And in her heart, she knew — this was not an easy promise to carry.
"Thank you… not for me. But for her. So she can still believe… that the world hasn't shut its door."
---
The resonance cell beneath Thyrus Core was silent — not like night, but like a heartbeat that had forgotten how to beat. Two grey-robed guards stood firm before the magical dampening glass door, their faces blank, years of training having erased all sympathy from their eyes.
In front of them, Llione stood tall. Her teaching robes were absent today — only simple training clothes, with no mark of authority. In her hand, an official letter bearing the golden seal of the Council Head — a ticket that allowed her to reach out again to the soul nearly buried in silence.
"Break the seal. Confirmed visitation under full supervision," Llione commanded calmly, but firmly.
One of the guards nodded slightly. He pressed his palm against a rune carving on the wall — and at once, four magic seals lit up, the sounds klikkk… schmm breaking the silence. The blue glow of the barrier glass began to fade slowly, releasing the space from the restraints of sound and emotion.
But before Llione could take a full step in —
Tssspppp!!
Seven fine blood needles shot rapidly toward her throat — silent, sharp, and precise enough to kill anyone.
Llione wasn't afraid. She didn't move at all. But around her, a layer of translucent mirror appeared without a sound. Each needle was absorbed, vanishing like dipped into clear water.
Inside the cell, Mimiya raised her head.
Her ruby-red hair trailing on the floor now looked tangled, and her eyes… no longer burned. They glowed dimly, like a light that had forgotten how to shine again. There was suspicion. There was confusion.
"You… still came, huh?"
That tone wasn't threatening… but neither was it welcoming. Like someone just starting to learn how to speak as a human again.
Llione stepped inside. The mirrors around her faded slowly, as if understanding — this battle hadn't started. And maybe never needed to.
"If I didn't come… who else would?" Llione replied, soft but firm. Each step carried no power… only resolve.
Mimiya looked at her fingers. A few drops of blood began to flow — not from a wound, just remnants of old magic. They formed a tiny head, almost like someone's face she didn't know… but felt familiar.
But just like before —
Schhhhpp… ching.
The glass runes lit up. The figure was absorbed slowly, until it vanished as though it had never existed.
Mimiya wasn't angry. But her voice dropped low.
"Do you know… everything Mimiya makes… has to disappear?"
Llione sat down slowly, not too close, but close enough that their voices could meet in a space without echo.
"I know. I saw it myself."
Mimiya gave a faint smile — not one of joy… but the smile of someone used to loss. She drew something on the floor — the letter 'L', then 'i'... but it was absorbed too.
"The world hates it when Mimiya puts someone else's name in her world…"
Llione looked on calmly.
"You know what's the difference between you, Toshi, and Azure?" she asked.
Mimiya looked to the side. "They… are beautiful. Mimiya… is not?"
Llione shook her head.
"They came from the outside. But you… were born of this world. And this world was supposed to protect you. But it failed."
Silence fell. Magical dust floated slowly in the air.
"…If one day Mimiya loses control… and Mimiya's world appears again… …if Mimiya scares people…"
The voice faltered. It wasn't a threat, not a warning — but like a child who didn't know how to ask for a hug.
"Will you… kill Mimiya?"
Llione didn't answer immediately. She simply placed her palm on the same floor.
"If you really lose control… I won't let you fall alone. I'll go down into that mud… and pull you back up."
Mimiya was silent. Her eyes opened wide, and this time — real tears fell. But only one, because her body was still… half a creature.
She covered her face with her small arm.
"Don't… don't be too kind to Mimiya… Mimiya doesn't know… how to return it…"
Llione slowly stood up.
"I didn't come to be repaid."
And just before stepping out, she turned slightly.
"If you still remember my name… that's already enough."
Her steps nearly reached the doorway when a small voice echoed from behind.
"…Llione… don't come every day…"
Llione paused, then replied softly.
"…or Mimiya might miss you…"
—
Llione descended the spiral stairs from the underground detention level of Thyrus Core, flanked by Toshi and Azure behind her. Daylight shimmered faintly through the towering structure, casting delicate shadows along the path.
The corridor was lit by bluish crystals embedded in the walls — pulsing slowly in sync with Thyrus's magical heartbeat. Each step was made from a blend of light metal and living stone, softly resonating with every touch.
Azure brushed one of the stones. "This place… feels like walking inside a dragon's belly lined with ice," he said, half in awe.
Toshi replied flatly, "This place is quiet."
Llione glanced back. "Good. As long as you two are lively enough to joke or complain, it means I didn't fail my job."
They arrived at the central station — the ceiling opened wide to reveal the veins of Thyrus's airlift system. Several floating transport lines hung like nerves within the tower. A soft-glowing blue crystal platform hovered in the center.
Llione touched a small pad on the side panel.
SHMM—SSSSHH.
The platform descended from above, accompanied by a soft hum. They stepped onto it, and as Llione placed her palm on the center control pad, it began to rise — carrying them from the underground depths to the open skies above.
At the top, a glass door to the balcony slid open slowly.
The midday breeze greeted their faces. Sunlight poured generously into the clear blue sky.
Toshi blinked. "It's vast."
Azure looked around and whispered, "I want to copy this place into my memory. Like a floating museum."
Llione walked to a small metal panel beside the floating rock and pressed a round button.
Click.
Blue light formed a line in the air.
SHHHHHH.
A magical pod appeared from afar — shaped like a sleek capsule with small wings and arcane hover wheels. It glided gently, hovering in front of them. The door opened automatically.
"Get in," Llione ordered.
Toshi entered wordlessly. Azure jumped in, patting the plush seat.
"Wow! Way better than my cell."
Llione sat at the control seat, fingers gliding across the magical display.
"We're heading to Kaikoku. Take the scenic air route. We've got… a short break. Even a little will do."
Azure raised an eyebrow. "Sword teacher taking time off?"
SPLING!
A small dagger struck the pod pillar behind Azure's head. His hair fluttered slightly.
Llione remained relaxed in her seat.
"That mouth… I'll cut it off before you crack another joke."
Toshi nodded approvingly. "Agreed."
Azure raised both hands. "Okay, okay. Silent mode."
—
The pod glided gently through a glowing aerial corridor — as if sliding through the sky's arteries in peace. Below, the lands of Thyrus spread out — glimmering rivers, green hills, and a mix of modern and classical structures.
Llione leaned back, closing her eyes for a moment.
Azure was still gazing outside. "I like this world. It feels… like it truly exists."
Toshi leaned back. "I don't hate it."
Llione smiled faintly. "Good. Because Kaikoku… is a little different."
---
Upon arriving at Kaikoku Air Station, the pod slowly stopped on a platform roofed with translucent fabric and natural wood. Wind chimes swayed gently, ringing softly in the breeze. They stepped down.
Kaikoku's atmosphere was lively and rich in culture. Noon here welcomed them with the aroma of tea, fish broth, and dango. Lanterns hung from shop to shop, children in yukata played with paper fans and magic balls. Around them, sakura trees with pale green-brown leaves swayed gently under the light.
Llione took a deep breath.
"Now this is what I call a break."
Toshi watched the children playing. "What's the point of running in circles?"
Azure laughed. "That… is the meaning of life, bro."
They walked through a narrow alley — calligraphy shops, wooden sculptures, old games. Llione bought two sticks of dango and handed one to Azure.
"Try this."
Azure took a slow bite. "...I feel... alive."
Toshi simply waved it away. "Watching is enough."
"This guy is seriously weird…" sighed Llione.
But a cheerful voice nearby caught their attention.
"If you want the best dango, pick the one with sweet miso sauce in the middle~"
They turned around.
A small girl with twin buns sat licking dango at a roadside stall. Her outfit blended kimono and simple pants — elegant, yet youthful.
Shirimimatsu Shuna — 13 years old. The youngest official in Kaikoku.
"LLIONE-SAMAAAAA~!!" She bounced excitedly.
"Oh no..." Llione muttered.
Shuna ran over. "Wow! We meet again! Toshi-chan, Azure-chan~"
Llione sighed. "Don't call me that."
Shuna stuck out her tongue. "If not me, who else will remind you you're still sixteen?"
Azure whispered, "Is she… your crush?"
TAP!
A dagger struck the ground right at Azure's feet.
Llione was still looking forward. "Watch your mouth…"
Azure raised both hands. "Peace. No repeat."
Shuna giggled, hugging Llione's arm. "Still as feisty as ever. I love it~"
Toshi sat slowly on a nearby bench.
"This place... is it okay to sleep?"
---
Shuna was still hugging Llione's arm, her golden-yellow eyes sparkling with hope. The dango in her other hand was half-eaten, but her energy — undiminished.
"Llione-sama~," her voice turned cuter. "The hot springs' duel area just reopened. Just a friendly match! I've always wanted to fight you, even just once~"
Llione glanced lazily. "No. I came here to rest, not to flex muscles."
Shuna pouted — but didn't give up. "But… if you agree… I'll treat you to Velvet Luna Cake for a whole week. The real one from Kaikoku palace kitchens. The one with the honey cream cheese layers~"
Llione's ears twitched slightly. Her eyes — focused.
"A week?"
Shuna nodded eagerly.
Llione looked forward again. Inhale. Exhale.
"…Five days."
"Deal!!" Shuna shouted, raising her tiny hand. "Let's go now!"
Azure chuckled. "Kinda want to see this kid get slashed."
Toshi rose from the bench. "If everyone's going… I'll come too."
Less than ten minutes later, they arrived at Kaikoku's friendly duel arena — a round open space surrounded by low stone walls, adorned with wooden lanterns and a viewing platform. On the tea-dust-and-sakura-strewn ground, clean duel lines were marked.
Shuna stood in the center with a confident smile — no weapon, but her magical aura gradually formed a small curved bow made of light energy.
"Alright!" she said cheerfully. "Three against one! Attack me together!"
Azure laughed. "You serious?"
Toshi tilted his head. "Lethal?"
"No, no, no!" Shuna replied quickly. "Just for fun! No need to go full force, just enough to make me 'hold my breath'. I just want to test Llione's reaction~"
Llione drew a small dagger from her waist — her only weapon in casual wear. "If I think you're getting too cheeky, I'll find an angle to cut you from behind."
Shuna flashed a peace sign. "I'm ready~!"
The midday sun poured light onto the arena. Sakura petals drifted down from the trees.
Azure gripped his Sword of Shard Memory — teasing Shuna from the side.
Toshi stood silently — adjusting his footing.
And Llione…
She gave a slight smile. "Stubborn kid."
Three versus one.
But the happiest one there… was Shuna — the lone opponent.
And the soft chime in the breeze…
Marked the beginning of the strangest friendly duel… in the peace of Kaikoku.
TINGGG~
The wooden bell on the main pillar rang softly in the wind — signaling the duel's start.
Azure stepped aside, placing his hand on his sword. "I'll go first."
ZING!
He moved — vanishing in a blink, appearing at Shuna's right with a feint low-flame slash.
But Shuna...
Tap!
With just a light fingertip touch to the ground — a circular light barrier formed below her. Azure's slash veered off to the side.
"Too flashy, fire-bro~" said Shuna, sticking out her tongue.
Toshi approached slowly from the left. No drastic move, just a straight punch toward Shuna — like knocking a kid's head.
Shuna looked up, her golden eyes widening slightly.
"Eh… too slow!"
ZAP!
She turned and kicked Toshi's back foot — not strong, just enough to make him wobble.
"Playful move," commented Toshi, unfazed.
"Of course! This is for fun," replied Shuna as she spun back to center.
And finally…
Llione moved.
No sound. No warning.
Just a flash — and her small dagger was inches from Shuna's neck. But in that moment…
VRMMM!
The sakura petals around them suddenly ignited — purple-orange flames forming a swirling vortex!
Llione had to retreat in a split second.
Azure and Toshi turned at once.
Shuna stood still. But the light around her started to go wild.
"W-what is that?" Azure asked, ready to defend.
But before the flame could lash out — a tall adult figure in a dark kimono leapt into the center of the arena.
ZRAAAKKK!
He slammed a crystal staff into the ground — instantly extinguishing the flames, and the arena fell silent.
"SHUNAAA!!"
Shuna flinched. "Eh?!"
"How many times have we told you, no Flare Bloom during casual practice?!"
"Err… it was an accident…"
"ON PURPOSE!"
Kaikoku's senior advisor — apparently assigned to watch over Shuna — grabbed the collar of the little girl and began dragging her out.
"Awww… I was just about to get serious…"
"THERE IS NO 'SERIOUS' IN A DUEL BETWEEN A 13-YEAR-OLD AND A SWORDMASTER! Go home! You've got files piled on your desk!"
Shuna struggled slightly. "But Llione-samaa~"
Llione gave a small wave. "Next time, Shuna. If the world doesn't burn down."
Shuna stuck out her tongue as she was dragged away. "I hate paperwork!"
And so, the three of them were left once again in the slightly scorched arena, surrounded by half-burned sakura.
Azure sat at the edge. "Kaikoku is… weird."
Toshi nodded. "Hot."
Llione sat cross-legged on a viewing bench and took a deep breath.
"A break… yeah, right," she said.
But her lips still held a small smile.
The skies of Kaikoku had begun to turn golden, signaling the approach of evening. Outside the dueling arena, Llione let out a long sigh as she brushed sakura dust off her shoulder.
"My Velvet Luna Cake… I hope she remembers it."
Her tone resembled a child trying to accept that their candy had been blown away by the wind.
Azure walked beside her with his hands behind his head.
"One day we've got to see what's inside Kaikoku's palace fridge…"
Toshi, as usual, remained silent, but his steps were steady and in sync.
The three of them began walking back to Amarashik — not using any transport or magic pods. Just their feet, and the cobblestone path that stretched across flower fields, tea trees, and gentle hills bathed in the soft light of the setting sun.
Along the way, they passed a local farm stall known for selling high-quality organic fertilizer.
Llione stopped and turned into it.
"Sacri likes this kind... the one rich in natural earth elements," she said.
She picked up two small bundles tied with leaf twine and stored them directly into a mirror-space — a special technique allowing her to store items in a mirror dimension without bearing the weight.
Azure gaped. "Whoa. It's like Llione's version of a galaxy bag."
"Keep talking and you'll lose a hand," Llione replied calmly.
A few minutes later, they arrived at a small souvenir stall — and Llione was drawn to a small handmade flaming phoenix figurine, crafted from treated wood and enchanted ruby stones.
Without hesitation, she bought one.
"For FaYzuma. He likes glowing things."
Azure leaned down to look at the figure, then chuckled and said,
"A phoenix, huh? Symbol of rebirth... kinda like Llione when someone bothers her in the morning."
TAP!
A small dagger stabbed into the rack beside the second phoenix statue. The stall owner jumped. Azure raised his hands, grinning sheepishly.
"Okay, not funny. My bad. Thanks for the feedback."
Llione took a deep breath. "Good. You learn fast."
Finally, they arrived at the forest border of Amarashik. Sunlight filtered through the trees, painting shadows on the ground. The path turned to roots and grass. The air was quieter… more peaceful.
At the treehouse, Llione's perfect clone — assigned to guard the area — emerged from the side of the main tree. Her face and clothes matched Llione's, but her aura was calmer.
Llione nodded to her.
"You've done enough. Rest now."
The clone returned the nod, then slowly dissolved into the mirror attached to the tree trunk. Its magic aura faded away.
On the main platform of the treehouse — FaYzuma was sitting, giggling as he played with Sacri in mini tree form. Sacri's little roots curled and twisted like toys.
Llione climbed up and approached them slowly. She knelt down and offered the phoenix figurine to FaYzuma.
"This… is for you. A new friend."
FaYzuma's eyes widened. He took the figurine with his tiny hands and began to laugh, pointing at the softly glowing flames in its eyes.
Sacri danced slowly, swaying its leaves in rhythm with the light.
Llione smiled. "It's been a long day… but if that smile's still here… it's worth it."
And the evening slowly faded into night…
—
The sky grew darker.
Llione gently patted FaYzuma's head after he laughed softly at the glowing phoenix figurine. "Go inside. I need to freshen up."
She turned and signaled to Toshi and Azure.
"I'll show you your rooms first, before I change."
They entered — stepping into the treehouse interior, full of fine-veined aged wood and modestly elegant furniture. Azure spoke softly.
"Wow... this place looked small from the outside… but inside… damn."
Llione responded with a faint smile and a short reply, as if hiding something she didn't want to say aloud.
"This house… was built with someone's magic. Someone kind… who vanished like a whisper in the night and left a legacy behind."
Azure looked like he wanted to ask more, but seeing Llione's expression shift… he just gave a small nod.
Toshi, meanwhile, quietly stepped toward the sofa — where a floating skull with glowing blue eyes appeared.
It was Almagamate — the skull Toshi used to fire gaster blasters and amuse himself when bored. Without a word, he followed Llione again.
Llione opened a door on the left hallway.
"Toshi, your room. Don't break anything, okay?"
Toshi entered without a sound.
She opened another door.
"Azure, yours."
Azure stepped in and immediately flopped onto the bed. "A bed without prison bars… this is heaven."
Llione shook her head slightly. "Be downstairs in ten minutes. Help me."
"Yosh!" Azure replied, legs crossed on the bed.
Llione stepped into her own bedroom — untying her long hair, removing her outer clothes, and changing into a simple silver-toned nightdress. She tied her hair into a low bun, then opened the window — the night breeze carried the sweet scent of tea trees from the valley.
She stepped back into the kitchen. Azure was already there, hands ready.
Llione handed him an apron. "Put this on. We're cooking together."
"You sure you can cook?" Azure teased.
Llione pulled a kitchen knife from the rack — and flung it into the shelf behind Azure. It stabbed precisely between two spice jars. Phoenix Azure's body began to regenerate, ashes re-forming.
"Should I tie your mouth shut just to keep you quiet?"
Azure let out a short laugh. "Got it, got it. Help, not sass. Ma'am Llione."
They began preparing the meal — in a light-hearted atmosphere.
Llione made fine chicken porridge for FaYzuma, using gentle ingredients — including white ginger extract and shredded boiled chicken breast.
Azure prepped a high-protein meal for Toshi — slow-cooked herb beef with a half-boiled egg and a splash of sesame oil.
For Sacri, Llione brewed a thick herbal fertilizer — its earthy aroma strong enough to make any plant grow overnight.
And for themselves?
Rice curry for Llione — thick, spicy, packed with roasted chicken and sliced potatoes.
Azure whipped up his favorite noodles — stir-fried with crispy vegetables and scrambled eggs, all while whistling some random tune.
Drinks were served too.
Warm milk for FaYzuma.
Fresh water for Sacri.
Condensed milk for Toshi, without question.
Hot green tea for Azure.
And finally — a glass of cold chocolate milk, topped with whipped cream and a cherry, for Llione.
Dinner was served at the low table in the living room. The woven rattan lamp glowed softly above. Toshi sat cross-legged, his Almagamate floating around, while FaYzuma giggled and tapped his plate.
Sacri moved its leaves toward the bowl of fertilizer, full of interest.
Their dinner began without interruption — only small laughter, slurps of soup, and the gentle clinking of spoons.
No war, no shattered mirrors, no screams or blood — just a quiet moment of rest.
Afterward, Llione cleaned up everything. She wiped the table, stored the leftovers, and brought FaYzuma to his small room. She laid the child down gently, pulled up the blanket, and sat beside him, humming softly.
FaYzuma clutched the phoenix figurine, its glowing eyes blinking like a gentle moon. Sacri slept at the foot of the bed, its roots curling affectionately around the bedpost.
"…Tomorrow's a new day. Don't wake up late," Llione whispered gently.
She kissed FaYzuma's forehead, then rose and left the room quietly.
Before bed, Llione brushed her teeth. Then she sat at her wooden desk, opened a small orange notebook, and began writing the day's journey with a slight smile.
She closed the book.
Pulled up her blanket.
And the night drew its curtain — as the treehouse in Amarashik breathed quietly in a world still uncertain about tomorrow's peace.