[Part One] Epilogue
"How does it feel? The sensation in your new leg?"
"It’s fine, mostly. Rabia’s a hell of a mechanic."
"That’s a relief... but still."
Nearly a month had passed since the incident that shook the depths of the earth. The operation to reclaim Asuna had deviated wildly from its original course, and the Imperial Army’s response had been a series of desperate, reactive measures following Alter’s rebellion.
And then...
"Don’t cry so much. It’s not like these parts were originally mine anyway."
"I know, but still..."
"Newbie, back me up here."
"Right... Alter, they say where there's life, there's hope, don't they?"
Kazuto caught my gaze with a hollow, unfocused look, pleading for Alter to offer some encouragement. He tried to lock eyes with me through his thick lenses, but in the end, he couldn't quite manage it.
Asuna’s OYS, "The World," had completely ceased all function.
Her supernatural powers had vanished without a trace, flickering out like a fading dream, and with them, Asuna’s own eyesight had deteriorated to near-total blindness. Her eyes, once a vibrant amethyst like a geode, were now a dull, muddy color—something cheaper than even the simplest pastel.
"Heh... it’s a miracle I could even fight for as long as I did. The physical durability and maintenance requirements for an Original versus a mass-produced model are worlds apart. I’m lucky I lasted this long on self-repairs."
"Asuna..."
"Don’t cry, don't cry. There, there."
I couldn't tell if she was just putting on a brave face; after all, I haven't even experienced a fifth of the life she has. But every time she tried to comfort someone, Alter would let out a sob that sounded far too painful for someone who looked so young.
Knock, knock, knock.
"See? Someone’s here. That’s enough crying, okay?"
"Sniff... hic... okay."
"Come in!"
"Pardon us. Commander Amane, I figured we’d find you here."
"Master! I’m going to peel these apples for you today, I promise!!"
"Now, now. Yellow, let’s try to be quiet, okay?"
The rhythmic knock at the door belonged to the members of my unit: Scarlet, Blues, and Yellow.
"Reporting in. Regarding the Imperial invasion that occurred alongside the attack by Hypnos Blue... the A-rank units sent on expedition by Lady Alter's orders—six units in total—successfully suppressed the threat with minimal casualties. Furthermore, because the invasion coincided with Lady Alter’s rebellion, the evacuation of the citizens of Paradise had already been completed in advance."
"Seriously... just how many moves ahead is this hag-in-a-cradle playing?"
"I simply considered every possibility I could think of. Though I must admit, I didn't expect an S-class Slayer to make a personal appearance... and who are you calling a loli-hag?!"
As usual, a spat began between Asuna, who had started the teasing, and Alter, who had taken the bait. I asked them to finish the report before things got out of hand.
"The Heroes Estoc, acting as a separate unit, followed the instructions of a former military officer with prior command experience. They successfully suppressed multiple Avatars that had infiltrated the entertainment district."
"The first Phantasm Girls I ever looked after... and he managed to lead King and the others? Even with the gap in his service, he’s still got it."
"Yes. It seems they were old acquaintances..."
Scarlet glanced hesitantly at Alter, her eyes asking if she had known about that too.
"Even I didn't see that one coming."
"Well, in any case, I’m down to my last surgery—just the right arm left. It’s been a long road. Once I’m out, you’d better plan a massive celebration."
"You had surgery on both arms, both legs, and all your internal organs. Of course it’s been a long road."
"Don't worry, I’ve already arranged a grand feast at one of Alter's favorite spots."
"Oh... really? You actually have one of those..."
"Look, I finally got one right! Bunny apple! Eat it, eat it!!"
"Mmph—gah—hey?!"
"Perhaps we should ask the staff to mix the ones you failed at into the hospital food?"
"Would you all just shut up?!"
Somehow, everything had returned to its usual chaotic state.
"Hahaha! Well, let me say it properly this time—
I’m Lica series A-37, mass-produced Phantasm Girl of the Amane Unit! Newbie, you’re my lighter-pocket for life, okay? I’m looking forward to working with you!"
I realized I had never actually given a proper greeting upon joining. I gave him the same cynical smirk I had the very first time we met.
And there, in the middle of a hospital room, I reached out for that tiny flame—a light only three centimeters wide.
Part One: End
Author's Note
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