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

“Good. Can you call more?” Akashiroki watched calmly, eyes sharp and steady.

Ren thought, ‘AKUU, YOU?! Idiot… well, I’ll call.’ He nodded slowly and hummed again—this time deeper, slower.

Ten insects floated toward him like they were answering a whisper, gently surrounding him in a soft ring.

“Okay… pass.”

.

.

.

“Next—Takeshi.” His voice cut the quiet like a page turning.

“Call,” Akashiroki instructed.

In an instant, a swarm of insects spiraled around Takeshi like they’d been waiting.

“Pass. Next.”

.

.

.

Aviru stepped forward, calm and steady. With one command, his insects responded—perfectly in sync.

“Pass.”

Like this, One by one, every passed Controller who hadn’t used their ability in Round 2 stepped forward. Each one passed—under Akashiroki’s watchful, silent eye.

****

Ren and Kazuma sat side by side on the edge of the bed, the silence between them was warm, but heavy.

Sakura quietly slipped in, a bowl in hand, and sat beside Ren without a word.

She gently scooped up a bite and held it to his lips. “Eat. Today, I’ll feed you,” she whispered, her voice firm but her eyes soft.

Kazuma gave a faint smile at the sight.

“No need, Sakura…” Ren shifted slightly, hesitant. “Why are you doing all this?”

She didn’t even blink. “You said you haven’t slept, right? I don’t believe that completely, but… I know yesterday, and even the day before… you didn’t rest properly. So eat. Then sleep.”

“Master already said, Sakura…” Hisagi spoke from nearby, voice calm. “You don’t have to do it, right?”

“Hmph. Today’s his birthday.” Her glare stayed sharp, eyes flashing with stubborn pride. “Don’t I have at least that right?”

“Just eat, idiot,” Kazuma said with a lazy grin, voice softer than usual. “You never ask for anything anyway.”

“See? Even Master agrees.” Sakura gave him a firm nod, victory in her smile like she’d just won an argument.

Ren let out a sigh… not annoyed, not tired—just... soft. The kind that slips out when your chest is too full.

After a while, Sakura stood and quietly slipped away to her room like a whisper.

As the door clicked shut, a faint chill spread from Ren’s katana hilt at his side.

‘Huh…? Why are they calling me now?’ Ren blinked, glancing toward the katana. ‘Don’t tell me… they’re also calling to wish?’

“Come with me.” He turned to Kazuma, already on the move. “And you—Hisagi, wait here.”

The moment Ren opened the portal to the vast space—and it closed behind them after they stepped in—bam! Saku and Amaya ran in, throwing their arms around him.

> ‘ “Happy Birthday, Niichan!!” ’ they greeted him in unison, their voices full of joy.

Amaya grinned, > “Also, you used my ability soooo well today!”

Kazuma leaned against the tree, eyebrows raised. “Honestly… I still think you really cut them.”

“Hey, I already told you—I was in control.” He smiled softly, tilting his chin with quiet defiance.

> ‘Niichan… actually, we called you for something else too.’

Ren tilted his head. “Hmm? What?”

Saku hesitated, fingers nervously picking at her sleeve. > ‘That… that…’

He squinted. “Is there any problem?”

> “That idiot hesitating. Listen.” She folded her arms tightly. “That girl—Reha! We think… she might be Sakuragi-san’s daughter.”

Ren froze. “Huh…? “What are you saying…?”

> “Dumb nii-chan.” Her arms stayed folded, voice sharper now. “Think about it—her age matches. And remember when Sakuragi-san's baby was lost? This girl said her mother abandoned her. Everything lines up.”

“Wait—you didn’t tell me this.” Kazuma blinked and turned to Ren, surprise flashing through his face.

Saku nodded slowly. > ‘She… kinda does look like Sakuragi-san too, right?’

“…I did think that.” Ren said while looking down. “But she’s not exactly the same. There are differences too.”

> “Baka. Of course, we’re not sure.” She stepped closer, her tone softening. “But after that conversation with those guards… we couldn’t hold it back. You had the right to know.”

> ‘Even if she’s not her daughter, that’s okay.’ Saku’s voice turned gentle, every word wrapped in that soft kindness she always gave. ‘But what if she is, niichan? Then… Sakuragi-san forgets that pain and it will make her smile.’

“But she said she was abandoned, right?” Ren’s words dropped quietly, as if repeating it made it more real.

> “Maybe her family feels like that. Talk to everyone involved. Call their family”

Ren looked into their eyes, then slowly turned to Kazuma.

“Then let’s find out properly. No more guessing.” Kazuma’s expression didn’t shift. His voice was stone. “If it’s true… you won’t need to carry guilt anymore.”

****

Ren and Kazuma stepped outside into the room.

“Master! From morning onwards, you seem totally busy…” Hisagi’s voice called from behind, arms crossed, slight sulk in every word. “You didn’t even talk properly with me…”

“I will, Hisagi. Don’t worry.” Ren gave a small smile over his shoulder. “We’ll talk properly later. For now, take a rest.”

“But Sakura said you should take a rest, Master. I’m totally fine!”

Kazuma glanced back with a little twitch of his brow. “We’re going out with a purpose. Be quiet and stay here.”

“Hmph…” Hisagi pouted, shoulders slightly slumping like he was five seconds away from stomping.

“Don’t worry.” Ren chuckled softly, turning slightly before walking on.

****

A few minutes later, they arrived at Miko’s room.

Inside, Airi was munching snacks like she was born with a bag of chips. Yui blinked up from her side of the bed.

“Eh? Still Sakura didn’t come.” She looked up, blinking. “I didn’t even get to talk with Airi properly.”

“What?” Airi raised a single brow, like she was too busy snacking to care.

“Miko aunty… can you come with us for a minute?” Ren stepped in, voice calm but serious enough to pull attention.

Miko blinked. “Huh? What happened suddenly?”

“Please.” Ren looked around the room with care. “Or… you two can step out for a few minutes.”

“Wait, what?” Airi froze mid-bite, chip still halfway to her mouth. “Why do we have to go?”

Yui tilted her head. “Is it important?”

“Yeah. It’s important.” Ren nodded once, steady but not dismissive.

“Okay, okay.” Yui sighed, already moving. “Let’s go, Airi.”

“Why though? This is our room, you know.” Airi frowned deeply. “I get that he’s your partner, but that round is over now, isn’t it?”

“Airi… please? Just a few minutes.” Yui turned back, flashing the sweetest fake smile. “They need to talk with my mom.”

Miko added gently, “Airi, please go.”

Airi sighed and reluctantly followed Yui out.

The door clicked shut.

“Is it really that important?” Miko turned to Ren, her voice softer now, concern shadowing her usual calm.

Ren nodded. Kazuma took a deep breath.

The room grew quiet.

“Senpai… what was the name of that girl?” Ren looked up, voice calm but serious.

“Huh? Which girl?” Miko blinked, her head tilting slightly as confusion laced her brows.

“Idiot, if you ask like that, how will Senpai even understand?” Kazuma sighed, turning to her with an eye-roll that still held care. “I mean, Senpai… the girl involved with Sakuragi’s baby being lost that day.”

“Why are you bringing that up now?” Miko’s expression shifted instantly, eyes narrowing as her voice dipped low. “She’s still carrying that guilt. Their family moved to the other town too… and even if it was her fault, she didn’t do it on purpose.”

“Senpai, we didn’t mean it that way.” Kazuma quickly replied. “It’s just… we’re starting to doubt something. We think some girl might be Sakuragi’s child.”

“I talked to her… and she said she was abandoned.” Ren added softly, eyes low. “So we thought… if we bring that hospital girl and the family face to face, we can figure it out.”

“She… who?” Miko blinked again, stunned into stillness.

“Reha.” Ren said the name quietly. “I think you might’ve seen her.”

“W-What are you talking about… are you two crazy?” Miko’s eyes widened, voice rising in disbelief. “Abandoned?”

“You know her, Senpai?” Ren leaned forward, his voice gentler now. “She said that to me… when we were in the vast space. And she didn’t tell anyone else.”

Miko froze.

“Senpai… why are you making that face?” Kazuma noticed, voice calm but curious. “Do you know her?”

“She’s really innocent…” Ren added, his voice even softer now. “She said she’d complain to her aunty and mom if anything happens to her.”

Miko swallowed hard. “You… are you sure she said that?”

She looked at the ground, voice trembling, then whispered, “B-But…”

“Senpai, then let’s just clarify it.” Kazuma stepped closer. “If we’re wrong, fine, but if not—”

She cut him off sharply. “It’s not about being wrong, idiot.”

Her eyes slowly lifted to meet theirs. “You want to know her family?” she asked.

Then her voice cracked, not with anger, but with something deeper—hesitation wrapped in heartbreak.

“After I tell you… you might not react the way you expect… so think first—do you really want to know?”

“Senpai… what so-called family?” Kazuma’s voice lowered, holding back emotion like a glass about to overflow. “Do you know… Sakuragi attempted suicide last night?”

Miko’s eyes widened. “W-What?! Why would she—?”

“She’s safe. She’s in Inori’s room right now.” Kazuma gently cut in, his eyes steady and voice calm. “But… if we could confirm that girl is truly her daughter… it might give her strength.”

Miko’s shoulders slumped, then she looked at them with a long breath. “Alright then. I am saying this for Sakuragi. Listen carefully.”

“That girl’s name… it’s not Reha.” She stepped closer, voice turning serious, her spine straight.

A pause.

“It’s Yuna.” Her voice didn’t shake. “She’s Diya’s daughter.”

Both Ren and Kazuma froze.

Ren stammered, “D-Diya’s… daughter?”

“Yes.” Miko nodded, eyes fixed on them. “That’s why I warned you. Now tell me—how are you planning to face them? Are you prepared?”

“She… she does behave like Diya.” Ren exhaled slowly, trying to steady his breath. “Honestly, I guessed that… but I wasn’t sure.”

Miko immediately smacked the back of his head. “You! Of all times, you’re cracking jokes now?”

“Well, Senpai… they don’t know the truth, right?” Kazuma rubbed his forehead. “We can talk to them. We already met Rina yenge and Mom. We were going to go anyway… but we’re unsure how much to say. How will they react?”

‘Idiot. Your mom already knows you.’ Miko sighed, shaking her head. ‘She’s just waiting for you both to speak first. Everyone’s hiding from each other, and I’m stuck in the middle like ghee between two burning rotis!’

She clasped her hands. “Okay then, I’ll call. Come here after one hour.”

Ren and Kazuma nodded wordlessly, the moment too heavy for more words, and walked out with quiet steps.

Just outside, in the corridor—

Airi was already leaning against the wall, one leg crossed, casually munching on chips.

She raised an eyebrow. “Hmph. Are you two done talking?”

“Airi…” Yui called out with a sweet smile.

Ren smiled slightly. “Well… we’ll come later.”

“Huh? Again?” Airi narrowed her eyes, chip held up like a sword. “Do you two think this is your personal guest house? This is the girls' room, got it?”

“Then why are you there in that room, huh?” Kazuma folded his arms casually, leaning in with that classic teasing grin.

“You—! I’m a girl, idiot!” She blinked, genuinely taken aback. “You want me to tell my mom? She’ll grab your ears and twist like noodles while yelling, ‘Manners!’”

“Oh no~! Then we’re so scared! Save us!” Kazuma gave a dramatic gasp. “And who said we will use your room?”

Airi glared toward Kazuma, chip packet crackling like thunder. “You! You don’t even know what basic manners are!”

“Yui-san, do you really have a friendship with them?” She crossed her arms tightly. “Did you see how he talks?”

But Kazuma and Ren were already out of sight, walking off in silence.

Miko stepped out, giving a small sigh.

Yui blinked. “Mom? Where are you going now?”

“It’s something important.” Miko paused mid-step, her eyes soft but unshaken. “You don’t need to worry.”

Yui frowned. “That’s not an answer…”

But Miko had already moved.

****

Yui and Airi went into the room.

Yui gently held Airi’s hand. “Airi… would you mind shifting your room?”

“Huh? Yui-san… did I do something wrong?” Airi blinked, visibly confused. “Am I making you uncomfortable? Was it because I called them like that?”

“Hey, no, no! Wait—I didn’t mean it that way.” Yui quickly shook her head. “You know Sakura, right? She wants to come into our room.”

“Okay… we’ll adjust. It’s not a problem.” Airi tilted her head. “This room is big enough.”

“I mean… they might come too. Yuta, maybe.” Yui hesitated, eyes flicking away. “So I think you might feel uncomfortable.”

“I don’t feel discomfort. I know Yuta.” Airi let out a soft breath, her voice calm and clear. “If I know, I’m fine. But those guys… that’s why I reacted like that.”

Yui nodded slowly. “That’s why I’m saying—they might come agai—” She stopped mid-sentence.

“Aunty knows them, right?” Airi narrowed her eyes slightly. “So I don’t mind.”

Yui sighed in thought. ‘She won’t budge… but at least she agreed to let Sakura come.’

One hour later, in Miko’s room. Rina, Diya, Mira, Yui, and Airi had gathered.

“What’s going on here?” Airi narrowed her eyes, scanning each face. “Why are you all here? What did they even say?”

“Miko-san, you said it was something important, so I came here!” Diya leaned forward. “Now tell us!”

“Diya, be quiet.” Rina said with a sigh.

Diya pouted. “Yenge, even you too?”

“Miko-san… I’m a little confused.” Mira tilted her head, gentle confusion clear in her voice. “Why did you call me here?”

Miko placed her hand on her forehead. “Just wait a few minutes. Yui, unlock the door first.”

At that exact moment, a knock echoed.

‘Uff… they come.’ Miko sighed in her thoughts.

Yui unlocked the door. Ren and Kazuma stepped in.

Rina’s eyes widened slightly, her thoughts racing. ‘Why are they here?’

Airi stood up with a glare. “I knew it! Hey! You said you wouldn’t use our room again!”

“I’m still saying that. This isn’t about that.” Kazuma, calm and serious, replied before turning to Ren. “Ken, open it.”

Ren unsheathed his katana, and the vast space opened in front of them.

Kazuma gestured. “Go in. Sit.”

“Who are you people?!” Diya blinked rapidly, half rising from her seat. “Miko-san, can you please tell us what’s happening?!”

Rina grabbed Diya’s arm. “Come on, let’s just go in.”

“Uff…” Diya sighed dramatically,

One by one, they entered. When Yui stepped forward, Ren held out a hand.

“Wait. You two… you don’t need to be part of this conversation.”

“Huh?! Please—I won’t interrupt anything!” Yui frowned, her voice quick, defensive but honest.

Airi clung to Yui’s sleeve. “Me too!”

“Fine.” Ren sighed deeply, voice dropping. “But when I say ‘leave,’ you have to leave. No arguing. Deal?”

Both nodded quickly. And together, they stepped into the vast space.

****

Inside a wide, quiet room. Cushions and soft sofas lined the space. Diya bounced lightly on one, calling out:

“Yenge, where is this place?”

Suddenly—

A tiny stone fell on her head with a soft ting.

“Huh!? Who threw this?”