Knock knock knock—
"Who is it?"
The voice was soft but wary.
Though Misha had settled into a quiet part of Lungmen, she clearly hadn't yet fully adjusted to her new life.
"…It's me."
Clang! The door flew open.
Misha looked much the same as before—still wearing her long-sleeved black top. But her scarf was gone, and her eyes—once dim and lifeless—now held a faint spark of light.
"—Big Brother!"
For a second, she looked like she might throw herself into his arms.
But after hesitating, she simply blushed and offered a polite greeting.
Though she was safe and well-fed here, the sudden change in her living situation—and the fact she had no one else—left her feeling isolated.
Only the memory of her "big brother," whom she had known for less than ten days, offered her any emotional comfort.
"Looks like you've kept your new place neat and tidy."
Revy glanced at the small but orderly room and teased lightly.
"What? Not going to invite me in for a bit?"
"Of course! I mean—yes! Please come in!"
Misha stammered nervously, even though she knew he was only joking. She still instinctively treated him with extra care and politeness.
"Relax, I was just teasing."
Revy gently patted her head.
"…I won't stay long. Just stopped by to check on you and drop off a few things."
He held up the bag in his hand—some daily supplies and snacks he'd picked up after entering Lungmen.
"Oh… I see…"
Misha's expression faltered slightly but she forced a smile.
"It's okay. I know you're busy, Big Brother… I just don't know when—"
(When the next time will be.)
"It shouldn't be long."
Revy interrupted softly.
"I'll bring it up with my boss when I get back. Then I'll come to Lungmen and take you with me."
He didn't say yes or no—because no matter what Kal'tsit thought, Revy was determined to get Amiya's approval.
As long as the bunny agreed, Kal'tsit couldn't veto it.
"You… really won't come in? Just for a bit?"
Revy blinked, looking down at her.
Misha gazed up at him, eyes full of quiet hope.
(Well… I did just buy food for her, after all.)
"All right then. I'll come in for a little while."
——Scene Break——
Rhodes Island – Command Deck
"Huh? Who's that guy?"
Several operators working on the bridge glanced up in confusion as a man strolled casually into the room.
None of them recognized him.
They didn't speak up—his clothes marked him as an elite operator, the kind with special clearance and combat skills beyond the norm.
And most of the people on the bridge were either new recruits or temporary operators still in trial periods.
No one dared question someone in that uniform.
Of course… the man was Revy.
After saying goodbye to Misha, Revy had hired a car and returned directly to Rhodes Island.
He'd considered borrowing a vehicle from the Emperor, but the penguin wasn't in the "Edge of the World" base, and Penguin Logistics staff had apparently taken all the transports.
So, he paid out of pocket.
His old outfit had been torn to shreds in the last battle, so he changed into the uniform Kal'tsit had given him earlier.
(Wonder when my ride's finally going to be shipped here…)
"Revy—is that you?!"
Hm?
Where did that voice come from?
Revy looked around, puzzled. All he saw were fresh-faced operators staring at him curiously.
Was he hearing things?
"You idiot! I'm up here!!"
Oh.
He looked up.
There, perched on the ship's mast, was a pale-skinned woman with long white hair, crimson eyes, pointed ears, and the faint shadow of blood-red wings behind her.
A Vampire.
She grinned down at him excitedly.
But standing like that up on the mast gave her an oddly eerie vibe.
"Yo, Warfarin. What did Kal'tsit catch you for this time? Stealing blood again?"
"Hey! Don't slander me like that!"
"Come on. I saw her catch you that first time. She had you strung up and scolded you in front of everyone!"
"That was years ago!! You—!"
Warfarin's face flushed red, veins bulging as she prepared to retort—only to be met with Revy's amused smirk.
In the end, she laughed.
"Some things never change with you, huh, Revy."
"Like you're any better."
Revy grinned and drew "Mortal Sin", pointing it casually at her silhouette.
Bang!
A shot rang out.
The blood mage dropped down—only to spread her wings and land gently on her feet.
"You know Kal'tsit's gonna be furious you let me down again."
"I don't care. Honestly, annoying her is one of my few joys in life."
"Seriously… you're still such a brat."
Warfarin shook her head with a tired smile.
"Still… it's good you're back. Scout's team is gone. Ace's squad suffered heavy losses. Amiya's been losing her mind these last few days…""If she finds out you're alive, the little bunny will be over the moon."
Revy chuckled.
"Yeah? I'm guessing some people won't be too thrilled to hear I'm still breathing."
"——If you're referring to me, you're mistaken."
A cold voice cut in from behind.
Revy didn't even flinch.
"I don't like you, Revy. Never have."
"But that doesn't affect my judgment."
Kal'tsit stepped onto the bridge, face as unreadable as always.
"You were one of Babel's finest operatives. Your return to Rhodes Island… is of great importance to us."
"…That's a pretty glowing review. I'm flattered."
Revy smiled faintly and turned—just in time to see Kal'tsit walking in.
And behind her—
Stood Amiya, eyes wide, her expression filled with overwhelming relief and joy.