– { Then why the tears, silly boy? }

He let out a quiet breath, the weight in his chest easing slightly.

His trembling lip folded into a nod… but the tears defied him anyway.

– { I think she told you not to cry, right? } Miko chuckled gently, wiping his cheeks again. – { Let’s listen to her… hmm? I don’t know how much time it takes, or the details. But I’m sure she’ll talk to you again. }

A quiet sob slipped out, but Ren nodded anyway.

Meanwhile, in the background—

Kaizen scanned the crystals with Haruki, checking each signature and cross-verifying it with the list in hand, while the submitted pairs waited silently a few meters away, near the checkpoint.

Kaizen narrowed his eyes. – { Everything’s fine here—Yui’s pair is still on hold. If no mismatch is found… then the 38th pair will pass instead of them. }

One by one, Sensemitters from other checkpoints began to report:

– { All fine. }

– { Perfect match. }

– { No mismatches here. }

Kaizen let out a slow breath. “I knew it… in this matter, no one’s fool enough to give others crystals.”

“Well…” He glanced sideways at Haruki, his tone firm. “We can’t do anything now.”

He paused, the word heavy in his throat. “They failed.”

Haruki stepped toward Inori, his steps hesitant as his eyes flicking toward Ren—still curled on the ground, wrapped in silence. No one moved.

Inori hadn’t taken her eyes off Ren. Her brows creased, and an uneasy ache tugged at her chest.

She whispered, “Miko-senpai… what were you talking about with him?”

Miko didn’t even turn her head. Her voice, distant but firm, said, “You don’t need to know.”

Haruki, clearing his throat, glanced away from Ren. “Inori-sama… there are no mismatches in the crystals,” he reported quietly. His eyes shifted subtly toward Yui, who stood silently watching Ren’s stillness.

“There’s no one else here to listen, right?” Inori gave a soft exhale, then turned away, her tone firm again. “Whatever the case… it still has to continue.”

“Inform the pair that arrived as the 38th.” She looked directly at Haruki, eyes unwavering. “They passed.”

But—

A voice cut clean through the moment. “Who said he failed?”

He didn’t raise his voice. But still, the silence cracked under Kazuma’s words.

Inori turned to him, surprised. “This isn’t about feelings, Azuma, I understand your concern,” she said. “But we can’t change rules for one person. Everyone will think—”

“I’m not saying to pass by sympathy, Inori-sama.” Kazuma cut in, eyes locked on hers. “I’m saying he passed. By rules.”

Haruki blinked, confusion clear in his eyes. “W-What are you talking about…?”

Yui and Sakura both turned to Kazuma.

Miko stayed seated beside Ren, holding him gently, watching Kazuma speak.

He inhaled and took a step forward. “Time favour,” he said. “The one granted by Tanvika-sama.”

“Ren’s pair earned it. Through cooking.” He looked Haruki straight in the eye. “That favour can be used in any round—even this one.”

“W-what… I didn’t hear that.” Haruki’s mouth fell open in disbelief, hands frozen at his sides.

“You heard it right.” Kazuma said, like recalling a memory carved in stone. “She said, ‘If anyone asks… tell them to say my name.’”

Haruki adjusted the list. “Inori-sama...”

“Hmph. What can I do after she already said it?” Inori folded her arms with a deep sigh. “There were thirty pairs in that room when she spoke.”

“Tanvika-sama gave a time favor. She said if it’s used today—you can extend it to 10 minutes.” Kazuma stepped forward. “But in the next rounds, where time matters, it’s only two minutes.” He gave a sharp little smirk. “Maybe... she thought this round needed it.”

“Inori-sama... I don’t know about the upcoming rounds—” He tilted his head slightly, eyes locking onto her with a mild challenge. “Is there anywhere that time is crucial? Or is it just unrelated?”

Inori glared back, that queenly fire lighting up. “I don’t have to tell you anything.”

“Okay then.” Kazuma just smiled, too calm to be casual. “But from the moment the 56th pair arrived to when Ken came—it wasn’t even ten minutes. So technically, they passed, right?”

“Almost everyone saw Tanvika-sama give that time favor for the top dish.” He turned to the others. “You all know the rules.”

As if on cue, Tanvika and Anvitha walked over toward Ren.

Miko’s eyes met Tanvika’s—soft, searching, quietly questioning.

“What’s the problem?” Tanvika placed a soft hand on Haruki’s shoulder, voice calm but firm. “You can announce the results now, right?”

“Tanvika-sama, you gave them the time favor, correct?” Haruki turned to her respectfully. “They want to use it now.”

She blinked. ‘Eh? I totally forgot about that while talking to Rina!’ she thought, quickly hiding her smile. ‘Then… that means he qualified.’

“Yeah, I gave it to them,” she nodded, her voice warm like old summer cloth. “It’s their right to use it—any time they wish.”

“Hey you!” Inori’s eyebrow twitched. She stepped forward and pointed a sharp finger. “I’m the queen here! I respect you, but suddenly handing things out—”

Tchk! Tanvika grabbed that finger mid-air and twisted it gently, a sweet smile blooming on her lips like nothing was wrong.

“Ah?” she said mockingly. “What did you just say to me?”

“Aw—AW—Aunty! Please let go!” Inori squeaked like a startled child, her voice jumping two pitches higher.

“And just now you acted like you could rule everything.” Anvitha watched the chaos unfold, grinning wide. “But now? Shaking like a scared puppy.”

“OWCH! Auntyyy!” Inori whined dramatically, then twisting to glare at Anvitha. “I am the queen!”

“Then who is she, huh?” Tanvika twisted her finger harder and pointed her chin at Anvitha. “Former queen, idiot. Show some respect.”

“Awww!” Inori jumped forward and clung to her body. “Fine, fine! I’m letting this one go. But next time, I won’t step back!”

Anvitha couldn’t stop laughing. “Then why are you still clinging to her body like a scared kitten?”

“Hey idiot,” Tanvika muttered with a chuckle, nudging her playfully, “let go already. Everyone’s watching.”

“I don’t care! If I leave you, you’ll hit me!” Inori grumbled dramatically and shouted across the field. “Hey Haruki! Announce the thirty-seven pairs without change!”

All nearby contestants, instructors and citizens had been watching from the start, whispering and smiling behind their hands.

“Go now, fool. You’re creating a scene.” Tanvika finally swatted her away with a playful flick.

“So what? They know me!” Inori shouted proudly, puffing her chest like it meant something.

Tanvika’s eyes drifted quietly to Ren, still subdued and unmoving, like a paused breath in the wind.

She walked closer to Miko and asked softly, “What happened to that boy? Is he alright?”

“He’s okay now. Nothing to worry about.” Miko gave a calm nod, her voice like still water.

Meanwhile, Anvitha kept her gaze steady, watching Ren… then Kazuma… blinking slowly as her thoughts sank deep into silence.

Hina went to Ren and without hesitation grabbed his face with both her hands, eyes locked onto his, her brows furrowed with the raw innocence only children carry. "Why did you cry, Niisan?"

“Hina! Come back here!” Esha gasped from behind. “That’s why I told you not to get down!”

But Ren didn’t pull away. His tear-streaked eyes held Hina’s gaze, and a soft, broken smile tugged at his lips.

“A good dream,” he whispered, his voice shaking like wet paper, “just vanished. And I don’t know when it’ll come again.”

The words were simple. But they trembled like echoes in a tunnel.

Ren stood slowly, brushing off his pants without a word. He looked around—Anvitha, Miko, Tanvika, Inori, Esha, Haruki—and bowed deeply.

“Sorry,” he said, voice hoarse but steady. “Because of me… you all had to stand here like this. I know it might sound stupid—tears, sudden behavior. But I haven’t slept properly in days. I didn’t know how I’d act at that moment.”

There was silence. The wind carried a leaf past them.

“Hmph. So just because of that, you cried and didn’t show up?” Inori narrowed her eyes, arms folded tight. “You could’ve come and slept afterward.”

Kazuma turned sharply and stepped forward. “Inori-sama, did you not hear him?” His voice cut the space with calm anger. “He didn’t choose it. He said it himself—he doesn’t even know when it’ll happen.”

He paused, eyes steady, voice lowering. “He has a condition… something like a disorder. Sometimes he falls asleep suddenly and cries without reason.”

Tanvika raised her hand. “Enough.” Her voice was calm, but firm. The kind of voice that makes everyone listen.

“Announce the final list. The remaining pairs are coming too.” She looked at Haruki with a nod that didn’t need repeating.

Then she turned slowly toward Inori, her gaze cool. “And you—if you still have something to say, save it later.”

****

After all the pairs had gathered where the round had started. Haruki announced the list of those who had qualified.

Some murmured in disappointment, while others nodded in quiet acceptance.

****

Scene: After Results

“Mom…” Yuta sat beside Miko, legs swinging like a scolded kid trying to look innocent. “You know how Neesan behaves. She didn’t even give me the key!”

“Mom, I think you watched us the whole time.” Yui scoffed from the other side. “Tell me—whose mistake was it?”

“Obviously hers. Say it, Mom.” Yuta leaned in instantly, eyes sparkling like the verdict was a juicy mango.

Yui snapped, “Tch, Mom, this time you know I’m right!”

Miko sat in the middle, blinking left and right like a tired referee at a pillow fight as she rubbed her temples. “Why are you both like this…? Can’t you act normal for once, you idiots…”

“But Mom, she’s older than me. Shouldn’t she help me?” Yuta pouted, voice dripping with injustice.

Yui fired back, “Aha? And you don’t have to help your older sister?”

“It’s a waste of time to argue with you.” He stuck out his tongue and turned dramatically. “Say it, Mom! Who’s wrong?”

Miko turned toward Yuta, opened her mouth to say “Y—”... but paused as he hit her with those wide, innocent eyes.

She sighed and turned to Yui instead, activating her ability. – { Hey Yui, just agree. Then the argument is over. }

– “Why should I agree?” Yui frowned, her voice grumbling inside. “He didn’t even give me the key, even though we needed two!”

– ‘Hey idiot, what will you lose if you just say sorry? He’s your brother.’

Miko chimed in, now sweet-talking like a hostage negotiator. – { Yes, Yui. Even Yuki’s telling you. Come on, I’ll say your name softly—just agree and say sorry, please? }

Yui sighed deeply. – “Hmph. You always support him, Mom.”

– { He’s younger, na? You should be the mature one. And this isn’t a serious thing—it’s a silly matter. }

Yui groaned. – “Okay... fine.”

Yuta blinked. “Mom, were you talking to Neesan with your ability just now?”

“Yeah, I was scolding her inside the mind too,” Miko replied, a sly smirk curling on her lips. “Told her clearly—it’s her mistake.” She turned toward Yui. “Say sorry!”

“Ha, sorry, you idiot. Always blackmailing us with those innocent eyes,” Yui muttered under her breath, turning away dramatically.

****

Roy walked beside Inori, quietly clutching her tunic edge like a schoolboy waiting for his exam results.

“Maa… did I act like a proper Instructor today too?”

Inori paused, turned to him with a sudden softness, and cupped his cheeks. “Yeah, my bujji.” She ruffled his hair with love that only one of her four children could get—until her tone flipped.

She squinted. “But where’s that idiot?”

Roy blinked innocently. “Who, Mom?”

“Who else?! Your Neesan!” Inori snapped, fists clenched. “She hit you for no reason earlier… I’ll show her now!”

Roy panicked, clutching her hand. “Mom, no no no! Neesan was just playing with me! That’s all, seriously!”

Inori narrowed her eyes. “You’re still on her side? After what she did?”

“Mom… you know Neesan. She did say sorry. Maybe you didn’t see that part?” He tilted his head, flashing those royal puppy eyes.

Inori huffed, arms crossed, but gave in with a Tch. “Fine. You wait here.”

She took the KRC and announced, <“To all contestants—passed and failed, to instructors, and citizens watching... Tomorrow will be the third round of the tournament.”>

A few competitors straightened up immediately, and several instructors turned her way with curiosity and caution.

<“Details will be given tomorrow, but one thing—From the next round onwards: No combat. No Kairo Energy. No powers.”>

<“Only your brain is required.”>

A sudden wave of gasps rippled through the crowd. “What?! No Kairo?”

“I know some rounds in the past didn’t allow Kairo energy, but from the next round onwards?”

“Wait... so all the way till the final round?”

“Till the final round??”

“Just brain?”

Confusion spun like a whirlpool—some looked to their teammates, others stared nervously at their own hands.

Inori smirked. <“Don’t make those faces…”>

Then she continued, <“Like before, you can act as volunteer instructors. We’ll explain your roles tomorrow.”>

<“Yes, I know we could’ve started now—it’s still morning. But we’re letting you rest today. All of you, return to your homes or quarters.”>

<“The third round begins after 10 AM tomorrow.”>

Inori’s hands on hips, her voice echoing with calm authority. <“Those who are Controllers passed this round… report here again this afternoon.”>

****

Yuta and Yui were still at it—their sibling banter flaring like usual, voices overlapping like two spoons clinking in a metal pot.

Ren approached silently and waved at them, an awkward half-smile playing on his lips.

“Oh, come come! We all know you said some nonsense earlier.” Yui rolled her eyes, voice half-teasing. “But just—we didn’t question it.”

“Yui.” Miko’s voice was sharp, but calm. “You didn’t know what happened, right? So be quiet.”

Yui blinked, a little stunned. “Hm… okay.”

“Huh? What happened, Mom? What did he say?” Yuta frowned, confusion making his voice stretch like taffy.

“Nothing,” Miko replied gently as she stood, cupped Ren’s face with both hands, and gave him a warm smile that said more than words. “Don’t worry about anything, okay?”

Ren gave a small nod. A whisper of gratitude shimmered in his eyes.

Just then, Kazuma stepped in. “Okay, are you two done talking?”

He looked at Ren and spoke through mind voice. – Don’t forget. We have important work. Come now.

But Ren just crossed his arms. – Wait for some time, I have to show the hell, right?

Kazuma narrowed his eyes. – What do you mean? Don’t do anything rash.

“Aunty, we’ll go now.” Ren turned toward Miko, voice neutral. “You three seem to be in quite a mood.”

“What mood?” Yui scoffed, folding her arms. “My mom always supports him—even when he’s wrong.”

“My mistake?” Yuta jumped in, voice rising. “Himari messed up and we lost the cooking key! Can’t you help as sister?”

Miko massaged her forehead. “Hey, stop it. It’s over now. Yuta… you’re right this time. Okay?” She turned to Yui and made a small ‘adjust, please’ expression with her brows.

As Ren and Kazuma moved away, they spotted Sakura and Hisagi nearby.

Hisagi stepped up. “Master, you said something serious—about talking with me?”

Ren gave a tired smile. “Later. In the room. You both rest for now.”

“You go ahead. I’ll come later.” Sakura held Hisagi’s arm gently, eyes not leaving Ren.