Ren leaned closer, voice sharp, “In front of the villagers… didn’t you say, ‘Because of his nature, he got that situation’?”

Daen trembled. “N-No… No—”

“So you had that much confidence…” Ren’s smile vanished like the air after lightning—cold, still. “Even if someone went to the king, you thought punishment wouldn’t reach you? ‘Precautions, not intention to kill,’ huh?”

“And the letter didn’t have a receiver, right?” Kazuma muttered, arms crossed tight. “So even if the villagers went to complain… a letter without a receiver would only create a bigger problem.”

Daen panicked. “W-We’ll give the needles! We’ll help you! Please don’t—”

“Now you beg?” Ren didn’t even flinch. “You weren’t scared when you killed him. You didn’t fear anything… until I cut you.”

Kazuma stepped forward. “Where are the needles? Did you put them somewhere?”

Daen quickly fumbled into his pants pocket and pulled one out.

A sharp flick—Ren’s blade flashed again.

“AHHH!” Daen’s scream cracked through the silence.

The hand vanished.

“Yesterday, after one incident, I wanted to kill you,” Ren whispered, voice razor-thin. “You had no concern even after killing one innocent person. I’m still holding back. You’re lucky.”

Kazuma took the needle, his eyes narrowing at the thread—grey, faintly pulsing.

He turned to the others.

“Give yours. And listen—” his voice darkened as he spoke, “From now, you work under him—for us. Whatever he asks, you do. Whoever we tell you to speak with—you have to tell them everything. The full truth. No filters. No lies.”

Daen, Kanzou, and Kyouji all nodded, shaking like broken leaves in a storm.

Ren didn’t even glance at Daen and Kanzou as he untied Kyouji’s legs.

“Stretch your legs.”

Kyouji blinked, confused. “Huh? Why?”

“I said ‘stretch your legs.’” Ren’s voice didn’t shift an inch. “You stood far and just watched, right? That needs a bigger punishment.”

“Please… we did feel bad afterward. And we thought… since the other task’s delayed, we could focus on finding the intruders. But we even planned to stop after that incident. We—”

“I didn’t ask you for that.” Ren didn’t blink. “I said ‘stretch your legs.’ I won’t repeat it again.”

Kyouji gulped and hesitantly stretched out his legs. “Hey…” he whispered to Daen and Kanzou, “Will it hurt?”

“You’ll know yourself.” Ren stepped forward, sword already moving. “Why ask them?”

SLASH.

Two clean slices.

His legs trembled once—then nothing. Kyouji’s hands flew to his mouth to trap the scream. Eyes wide, tears welling, he froze as his chest heaved in silence.

“Ken… we’ve got the information. It’s useful.” Kazuma walked closer, voice lowering. “I don’t want to say it but… we wasted time. But it’s still not too late. I only need two more answers. The rest—I can figure out.”

Ren stared at him. “But you said even the chief doesn’t know.”

Kazuma switched to mind voice. – I understand why it happened now. I think… it’s my father. Because of him, they didn’t get contacted. Even after another Sensemitter head came, he was the main for a few years.

He continued, – That’s why this whole thing didn’t start until now.

Ren blinked. – So you’re saying… your dad was searching for intruders other than us in that incident?

– Obviously. But whether he found us or not—I’m not sure. Miko-senpai said it too, remember?

Ren stepped back, looking down. – So now what?

Kazuma smirked faintly. – Don’t rush. We’ve still got time. We plan slowly—no mistakes now.

A sudden scream—snapping them both back to the moment.

“AAAAHHHH—why didn’t it still come back?!”

Kyouji thrashed wildly, like his body couldn’t understand what had been taken.

“Did I say… it’ll come?” Ren raised an eyebrow, his smirk cold and unreadable.

Kazuma’s eyes widened.

“You mean… you really cut me?” Kyouji stared at his missing limbs, eyes wide in disbelief. “But why are there no legs?! It’s hurting!”

“Hey, what did you do?” Kazuma turned sharply, eyes narrowing.

Ren just smiled—calm, like he was sipping hot soup on a rainy day.

“IDIOT, say something!!” Kazuma’s voice rose, almost shouting.

Ren sighed, unfazed. “Relax. I was joking. It’ll come back.”

Kyouji blinked. “Huh?!”

“I cut his hand a second time on purpose.” Ren waved a hand casually. “I’d already asked for the count before coming.”

Kazuma narrowed his eyes. “Say it clearly, damn it.”

“My katana’s charge is over.” He shrugged. “It increases gradually, so it’ll take time to come back.”

Kyouji’s eyes widened. “How much time?!”

“If I say…” Ren leaned in, voice low and lingering. “How do you know what pain is…”

“At least they deserved it… for what they did.” Kazuma muttered under his breath, barely audible.

“You… you’re the intruders, aren’t you?” Daen finally asked, voice shaking like his body.

“Yeah,” Kazuma smirked. “But you know? There’s more than just us. Just think—if we could pull something as kids, what do you think we’re capable of now?”

“Anyway, that part’s over.” He leaned in, voice sharp. “Now, you’ve got one task. Act normal around him. Don’t break character. Report back to me.”

“And if you try to cheat…” Ren stepped forward like a shadow with eyes.

All three quickly shouted in unison, “NO NO! WE WON’T!!”

“I know.” Ren tilted his head, calm but cold. “But even if you think of it—kill that thought. Because I can easily kill and escape.”

They nodded furiously, sweat pouring.

“From today…” Daen swallowed hard. “We’ll follow only your orders.”

“At least show some concern for what you did.” Ren rolled his eyes, voice sharp. “Don’t just beg when you’re cornered. Bastards.”

“You.” He pointed to Kyouji. “After your legs return—untie them and go. Don’t forget what happened here. And not a word to anyone unless we say.”

Kyouji nodded, voice cracking. “Yes… yes, I understand.”

****

Tanvika looked at Miko, her voice softer than usual. “Thank you, Miko.”

“Tanvika-sama, please… don’t say it like that.” Miko shook her head quickly. “I’m the one who registered them. And… honestly, I feel like a mother figure too. I understood exactly what he was feeling at that moment.”

“Miko… can you tell me… when did they come to this kingdom?” Tanvika turned fully to her, eyes quietly searching.

Miko hesitated. “T-That’s…” Her voice faded.

“Miko… please.” Tanvika’s voice cracked just a little. “I know you’re holding back. But… I’m his mother.”

“Seventeen years ago,” she looked down and whispered.

“What are you saying…?” Tanvika’s eyes widened.

“Yes… you heard right, Tanvika-sama.” She nodded slowly, like lifting a weight.

Tanvika stood still, like time stopped around her. “Seventeen…? Then… that time… why?”

“Yes…” Miko gave a small nod. “Shinrai-sama is the head of the Sensemitters. He was the one who ordered that incident to be erased.”

“My husband…?” Tanvika took a step back, her voice trembling. “Wait… I… was completely confused. I know he is… but why would he…? You mean… he knew them?”

“Aa! No no, Tanvika-sama!” She quickly waved her hands, flustered. “I never said that! I don’t know for sure. I… I think not. That was something else entirely. If you want to know, ask him. That’s all I can say.”

“Thank you, Miko…” Tanvika finally exhaled a long, trembling breath and gave a small, warm smile. “For all these years… you’ve taken care of them, haven’t you?”

“Ah… well, not really.” Miko bit her lip, hesitant. “At first, I just visited when I had time. But I didn’t actually know they were Ren and Kazuma until recently.”

“I see…” Tanvika nodded slowly, a faint resignation in her eyes. “It doesn’t matter now. I’ll talk to him.”

Miko called gently as Tanvika turned to leave, “Tanvika-sama… don’t you want to talk to them?”

Tanvika paused mid-step. Her back still turned. “Miko… you already know the answer to that.” She gave a faint, pained smile. “But me… I don’t know how they feel.”

****

Ren and Kazuma walked side by side, their steps slow, as if the silence itself pulled them forward.

The road stayed empty—until a woman in her forties walked toward them, lost in thought. Neither noticed the other until—

Thud.

Ren had accidentally bumped into her, steps snapping back to the present.

He immediately stepped back. “S-Sorry! I didn’t—”

The woman looked up. Her eyes didn’t blink. Her breath caught. A pause.

A beat later, “A-Are you… Ren?” she gently asked.

He froze, like the name pulled time into stillness.

Kazuma stiffened, eyes scanning her face. ‘She recognised us?’

Ren’s lips parted, caught between panic and memory. He squinted. “…Wait. You’re… Aa—Aar—”

“Idiot, what are you even saying?” Kazuma smacked Ren lightly on the back of the head.

Aarohi chuckled, looking at him properly. “You… You’re Kazuma, right?”

He blinked. ‘He slipped her name too. I can’t deny it now,’ he thought, and stammered, “H-How do you know that?... Please don’t tell anyone—”

“Okay.” Aarohi raised a hand casually, as if promising silence with a flick.

“You’re back then so f—ugh.” Ren scratched the back of his head, sheepish. “I mean, you changed a lot…”

Aarohi smiled faintly, eyes soft with sadness. “Why’d you stop? It’s a fact.”

Kazuma stood stunned. “Huh?... Wait… I’m going.” He turned away, already waving. “After you talk, come find me.”

“Hey! Where are you going?” Ren called out. “She knows us—we can’t do anything anyway!”

But Kazuma was already gone—faster than Ren’s protests.

“He’s like that from the start.” Ren turned back awkwardly, rubbing his neck.

Aarohi laughed gently. “So… what’s up?”

“Hey…” Ren blinked, still surprised. “You’re the only one who didn’t react. Didn’t question anything…”

“I can understand.” She smiled, voice like rain on dusty soil. “You must have your own problems.”

He awkwardly rubbed the back of his head. “Sorry… I didn’t mean it before.”

“I was fat back then anyway, wasn’t I?” Aarohi let out a breath, a faint smile. “You don’t have to apologize.”

“Hey—don’t say that.” Ren quickly raised his voice, flustered. “Look at you now… you’re so beautiful. Even back then, you were beautiful too—just a little chubby, maybe.”

“Back then, only a few ever spoke kindly to me.” Aarohi’s gaze softened, touched by the memory. “And you… you were the first. I didn’t change alone—you did too. You’re looking… younger?”

His eyes darted around—no one was nearby. “Aarohi… we actually used a forbidden art.” He stepped closer, voice low. “The situation forced us.”

“No need to explain.” Aarohi held up her hand gently. “I don’t want to know all that.”

She looked down, eyes misting. “Ren… I’ve regretted not saying this for years. Even if it’s too late—I still want to say it.”

She looked him in the eye, and her voice didn’t tremble.

“I loved you.”

Ren blinked. “Huh… what?”

“Yes. You heard right.” Aarohi chuckled, wiping a tear. “I loved you. You were the only one who never mocked me… never treated me like I was less. And I was scared… scared that if I told you, you’d stop talking to me.”

He hesitated. “I… I’m married.”

“You idiot.” Aarohi whacked him lightly on the head, eyes still soft. “I’m married too. I have two children! I just wanted to say it—at least now. After you disappeared… I felt alone. Quiet. After that things changed somehow.”

Ren’s mouth opened, but she raised her hand again.

“You don’t have to say anything. I just needed to tell you. To finally let go of that little ache in my chest.”

“Honestly… I didn’t expect to see you like this.” She continued, voice low and a little shaky. “Just suddenly… out of nowhere.”

“Aunty… she cried so much for both of you, you know.” She paused before asking gently, “Did you go home? Or… are you just wandering around?”

“T-that’s…” Ren stammered, scratching the side of his neck.

“Okay… I get it.” She smiled softly, not pushing. “You haven’t met them yet, right? Must’ve arrived recently.”

“I want to ask more, but… let’s leave it.” She looked down briefly, then met his eyes again. “Instead—come to my house? Just a small walk.”

“Um…”

Aarohi grinned. “What? Don’t you want to meet my children?”

He blinked. “Alright.”

She gently wrapped her hand around his elbow and said, “Let’s go then.”

Ren sighed, a little embarrassed but smiling. “Well… okay.”

“Hey… I won’t come into your house.” He spoke suddenly as they walked. “Just… till near the gate.”

“Hey!” Aarohi glanced sideways with a playful frown. “I’m only talking like this because it’s you, okay? I’ll introduce you normally, not like some long-lost friend!”

Ren muttered, “First of all… my name here is Ken, alright?”

She blinked. “Huh?! Are you… Yui’s pair?”

“I heard the name, didn’t see your face.” She squinted, curious. “So you’re participating in the tournament.”

She smirked. “Then you have to come now.”

“Nope.” Ren frowned, arms loosely folded. “Think for a second—how will you even introduce me?”

Aarohi crossed her arms. “You don’t need to worry about that.”

He said softly, “Please…”

“Hmph… okay, fine.” Aarohi pouted, giving in.

While walking, he gently asked, scratching his cheek. “Wait… how did you know…? I mean, no one else figured it out. I think… only one person maybe did, before you.”

“T-That’s… I don’t know. I just… felt it.” Aarohi looked down, fingers fiddling with her sleeve. “I don’t know if others felt it or not… but I…” Her cheeks flushed. “I’m getting shy now. Go away.”

Ren awkwardly pulled his arm free from her hand. “Okay, okay… I’m going.”

But she immediately grabbed his collar. “Hey! Where are you going?! You said you’ll come till the gate!”

“You just told me to go.”

“Ayy! I just said it! You’re seriously following everything like a fool?” She crossed her arms, glaring. “You’re still the same dumbhead, I swear. Do you remember? You used to ask me doubts before tests.”

“That’s because Kazuma would scold me more than teach,” Ren muttered, scratching his head. “You were soft… and explained things in a way I could actually understand.”

He paused. “Not that I understood it anyway…”

She stared at him—without blinking. “Hey… if you hadn’t said my name, I would’ve thought I bumped into the wrong person. My instinct would’ve felt wrong.” Her voice dropped slightly. “But tell me… why did you slip up like that?”

“Th-that… sorry!” Ren turned red. “I’m not saying it like that—I mean, don’t take it the wrong way. I just got confused, okay? You’ve changed a lot—I wasn’t sure if it was really you.”

“Ohh…” she smirked. “So to help my guess come true, looks like my weight loss really helped, huh?”

He looked down. “Again, you? That’s why I said sorry earlier… I didn’t see you in that way, okay? I know my words—I’m a dumb fool. I just saw you as chubby… and soft in nature, that’s all.”

Aarohi smiled faintly. “That’s why I loved you.” Her voice dropped, soft but clear. “My mistake… I never said it back then.”

****

Later that afternoon…

Under the sunlight slanting through trees, Akashiroki stood in front of the gathered contestants, clipboard in hand.

One by one, he began calling names.

.

.

.

“Ken.” He scanned the list, eyes pausing for a second.

Ren stepped forward calmly, standing still like water before a ripple.

Akashiroki nodded. “Okay… call.”

Ren closed his eyes. A soft hum flowed from his mouth—not loud, not sharp, just like a memory in tune.

A single butterfly fluttered in from the air, circling once, and gently landed on his fingertip.