The vibrant streets of the Kingdom of Ryūgū bustled with life beneath the afternoon sun.
Merchants called out to passing customers from colorful stalls lining the stone roads. Children ran through the crowded avenues with wooden swords in hand, pretending to be legendary Elementalists from ancient stories. Travelers from distant villages wandered through the capital, admiring the majestic architecture that stood as a symbol of the kingdom's prosperity.
Among the countless people moving through the city were two familiar figures.
Ryūsei Ryūgū and Ryūshi Ryūgū.
The two walked side by side through the crowded streets after discussing Ryūshi's proposal regarding the upcoming Grand Shōtotsu tournament.
Ryūsei had already made his decision.
Although Ryūshi's suggestion would have greatly increased their chances of winning, it wasn't something Ryūsei could accept.
The tournament was meant to be a competition between individuals.
Teaming up would be unfair to everyone who had worked hard to participate.
Ryūsei looked ahead as the crowds passed around them.
"I appreciate the sudden idea, Ryūshi..." he muttered.
His voice carried both gratitude and apology.
"But it would be unfair to everyone who participated if we teamed up."
Ryūshi blinked.
For a moment, he simply stared at his younger friend before a smile slowly appeared on his face.
"Guess you're right, Ryūsei."
He placed both hands behind his head and let out a dramatic sigh.
"Can't argue with that."
Despite his disappointment, there wasn't even a hint of frustration in his voice.
If anything, Ryūshi seemed impressed.
The fact that Ryūsei had immediately considered the fairness of the tournament instead of focusing solely on victory was something he respected.
Then suddenly, Ryūshi's eyes sparkled.
A new idea had appeared.
"Let's go to Plan B then!"
He proudly pointed toward the sky as if unveiling a brilliant strategy.
Ryūsei tilted his head.
"Plan B?"
Ryūshi grinned.
"I'll be in the spectator area standing by to see how things go."
He gave a thumbs-up.
"If things get out of hand, I'll step in."
Ryūsei stared at him.
"...That's Plan B?"
"Of course!"
"That's not really a plan."
"It absolutely is."
"No, it isn't."
"It is in my heart."
Ryūsei couldn't help but laugh.
Despite how ridiculous Ryūshi could sometimes be, his concern was genuine.
"Alright."
Ryūsei nodded.
"That sounds fine."
"See?"
Ryūshi crossed his arms proudly.
"I knew you'd appreciate my genius."
"You just want an excuse to watch."
"...That too."
The two continued their walk through the kingdom.
As they traveled through the capital, the conversation slowly shifted away from the tournament.
The atmosphere became calmer.
More relaxed.
Yet beneath that calmness lingered a feeling neither of them could ignore.
Concern.
The mysterious energies Ryūshi had sensed several days ago still bothered him.
Although he had hidden most of his worries from Ryūsei, the feeling never truly left his mind.
Eventually, Ryūshi's expression became serious.
"Be careful, Ryūsei."
His tone lacked its usual playfulness.
"We have no idea how strong they could be."
Ryūsei understood immediately.
The unknown enemies.
The strange disturbances.
The looming threats gathering beyond their sight.
"Yeah..."
He nodded.
"I will."
The two continued walking.
Several minutes passed.
The noise of the city filled the air around them.
Then Ryūsei suddenly remembered something.
His hand reached into his pocket.
A small badge emerged.
The metallic emblem reflected the sunlight.
The Storm Stone.
The item Nendo had given him during a previous quest.
Ryūsei lowered his gaze toward it.
Ever since receiving it, he had wondered about its true significance.
Now that Ryūshi was here, perhaps he could finally learn more.
"Ryūshi."
"Hm?"
"Can I ask you something?"
Ryūshi smiled.
"Yeah sure. Ask away."
Ryūsei held out the badge.
"It's about this badge..."
The moment Ryūshi saw it...
His eyes widened.
The smile vanished from his face.
His entire body froze.
For several seconds, he didn't speak.
He simply stared.
As if he couldn't believe what he was seeing.
"I don't believe it..."
Ryūshi whispered.
His voice was filled with disbelief.
Ryūsei blinked.
"What?"
Ryūshi carefully took the badge into his hands.
His expression had become unusually solemn.
"It's the Storm Stone..."
The moment those words left his mouth, the atmosphere changed.
Ryūsei's eyes widened.
"The Storm Stone?"
Ryūshi nodded slowly.
"Where did you get it?"
"I got it from a quest back then."
Ryūshi continued staring at the stone.
Memories seemed to flash through his mind.
Ancient battles.
Old friendships.
A man whose legend had become immortal.
"This special stone..."
Ryūshi said quietly.
"...was the last jewel Arashi left behind before he passed away."
Ryūsei froze.
His grandfather.
Arashi Ryūgū.
The legendary Storm Dragon.
The hero whose stories were known throughout the world.
Ryūshi gently ran a finger across the emblem.
"The Storm Stone contains a fraction of his Elemental Art."
His voice carried immense respect.
"Basically, it contains part of his power inside."
Ryūsei listened carefully.
"A fragment of his Elemental Art?"
"Exactly."
Ryūshi nodded.
"It's waiting for someone worthy enough to harness it."
A gentle breeze swept through the street.
For a brief moment, Ryūsei felt the weight of the stone differently.
It was no longer simply a badge.
It was a legacy.
A piece of the grandfather he had never met.
"Grandpa's Elemental Art was the Storm Dragon, right?"
Ryūsei asked.
Ryūshi smiled.
A nostalgic smile.
"Yes."
His gaze drifted toward the distant sky.
"Your grandfather Arashi was a formidable foe to anyone who stood against him."
A mixture of admiration and sadness appeared in his eyes.
"There weren't many people in the world who could challenge him."
Before Ryūsei could ask another question—
A voice suddenly emerged behind them.
"Well, well, well."
The voice was calm.
Confident.
And strangely familiar to Ryūshi.
"It's been a long time since we last saw each other, Ryūshi Ryūgū."
Ryūshi immediately turned around.
His expression changed.
"..."
The person standing behind them wore a brown hood that concealed most of his appearance.
Yet despite the disguise—
Ryūshi recognized him instantly.
The stranger smiled.
"Or should I say..."
A pause.
"The Crowned Dragon of Creation."
Ryūsei's eyes widened.
The title alone was enough to shock him.
The hooded man stepped closer.
Ryūshi narrowed his eyes.
"What are you doing in this timeline, Jikan Norenzoku?"
The wind stirred.
Ryūshi's voice became firm.
"Or should I say..."
His eyes locked onto the stranger.
"The Crowned Dragon of Time."
Ryūsei felt his heart skip a beat.
Another Crowned Dragon?
The hooded figure chuckled.
"Why?"
He raised a hand.
"Can't a guy visit a friend during an upcoming special occasion?"
The hood slowly fell back.
Light blue hair appeared beneath it.
Dark blue eyes shimmered with mysterious depth.
His appearance looked youthful.
Yet there was something ancient hidden behind his gaze.
Something that felt older than time itself.
"You rarely visit."
Ryūshi crossed his arms.
"Or should I say..."
His expression became knowing.
"You rarely exist in this timeline."
Jikan laughed.
"Fair point."
Ryūsei immediately stepped forward.
"Hello, I'm Ryūsei Ryūgū—"
"You don't have to introduce yourself."
Ryūsei froze.
Jikan smiled.
"I already met you."
"...What?"
"In future timelines."
Silence.
Ryūsei stared blankly.
Jikan smiled even wider.
The statement felt completely casual to him.
As if meeting people in future timelines was perfectly normal.
Meanwhile, Ryūsei's brain struggled to process what he had just heard.
Ryūshi sighed.
"So what brings you to this timeline?"
Jikan opened his mouth.
"To watch the upcoming Grand Shōtotsu—"
A dangerous glare immediately came from Ryūshi.
Jikan stopped speaking.
The smile disappeared.
Ryūshi wasn't buying it.
"You're not fooling anyone, Jikan."
His voice became serious.
"You only visit when there's trouble in the Space-Time Continuum."
The air seemed heavier.
"What happened?"
For several moments—
Jikan remained silent.
Then he sighed.
"Nothing gets past you, Ryūshi."
His playful demeanor vanished.
"It's time to come clean."
He turned around.
"Come with me."
Without waiting for an answer, he began walking.
Ryūshi and Ryūsei exchanged glances.
Then they followed.
The three eventually arrived at a quiet park located near the center of the kingdom.
Unlike the busy streets outside, this area was peaceful.
Large trees swayed gently in the wind.
Birds chirped among the branches.
At the center stood a monument.
A statue.
A memorial dedicated to one of history's greatest heroes.
Akashino.
The legendary Crowned Dragon whose sacrifice had saved countless lives.
The park was nearly empty.
Perfect for a private conversation.
Ryūshi glanced around.
"What are we doing here?"
"There were too many people back there."
Jikan stopped beside the monument.
His expression became serious.
For the first time since arriving—
The Crowned Dragon of Time looked troubled.
"Anyway."
He turned toward them.
"You're right, Ryūshi."
His voice lowered.
"Something happened to the Space-Time Continuum."
Ryūshi nodded.
"I knew it."
His eyes narrowed.
"I'm guessing it has something to do with the three tremendous energies I sensed the other day."
Jikan looked genuinely surprised.
"You already figured that out?"
"It wasn't difficult."
Ryūshi shrugged.
"If you put two and two together."
Jikan let out a small laugh.
"Fair enough."
Ryūshi folded his arms.
"So what's the full reason you're here?"
Jikan's smile disappeared completely.
"A couple weeks ago."
He paused.
"Or perhaps a few decades from now."
Ryūsei immediately felt confused.
Jikan ignored his expression.
"There was an Elementalist who appeared in the future."
His eyes hardened.
"He was rampaging across entire regions."
The atmosphere became tense.
"A dangerous criminal?"
Ryūsei asked.
Jikan slowly shook his head.
"No."
His voice became darker.
"Worse."
The Crowned Dragon's eyes narrowed.
"He was corrupted."
A chill ran through the air.
"A puppet."
"A weapon."
"Something being manipulated and used."
Ryūshi frowned.
"Corrupted?"
Jikan nodded.
"I won't explain every detail about corruption right now."
His expression became grim.
"But yes."
"He was possessed."
A pause.
"By a Demon."
Even the wind seemed to grow colder.
Ryūsei swallowed.
Possession.
Demons.
Corruption.
None of those words were reassuring.
"So why come back here?"
Ryūshi asked.
"To get reinforcements?"
Jikan shook his head.
"At first, I didn't need reinforcements."
His confidence returned briefly.
"I could've handled him myself."
Then he frowned.
"Unfortunately..."
"That bastard had a really annoying Elemental Art."
Ryūshi immediately became interested.
"What Elemental Art?"
Jikan's expression darkened.
"In the future."
His voice became heavy.
"It's known as..."
A pause.
"'Imitate.'"
The name alone sounded dangerous.
Jikan continued.
"It's a special Elemental Art that allows the user to copy any Elemental Art they witness."
Ryūsei's eyes widened.
"What?"
Jikan nodded.
"He sees it."
"He understands it."
"He copies it."
The implications were terrifying.
Jikan scratched the back of his hand in irritation.
"I found out the hard way."
Ryūshi stared.
"Jikan..."
His tone grew cautious.
"You're saying what I think you're saying?"
Jikan sighed.
Then nodded.
"He copied my Elemental Art."
Silence.
Complete silence.
Even Ryūsei understood how serious that was.
The Crowned Dragon of Time.
The wielder of the Time Dragon.
Someone had copied his power.
"And then?"
Ryūshi asked.
Jikan clenched his fist.
"He ran."
A faint crackling distortion appeared around his fingers.
"He traveled back in time."
Ryūsei's jaw dropped.
"I tracked him."
Jikan continued.
"I followed him to this timeline."
His expression became irritated.
"But when I arrived..."
He looked away.
"I lost him."
Ryūshi sighed.
"So that's why I sensed those energies."
"Exactly."
A heavy silence followed.
Then—
Ryūsei suddenly grinned.
"A corrupted Elementalist on the loose?"
Excitement appeared in his eyes.
"I can't wait to fight him—"
"Ryūsei."
The sharpness in Ryūshi's voice immediately stopped him.
The older Elementalist's expression had become deadly serious.
"This isn't a game."
Ryūsei blinked.
"The Elementalist can imitate powers."
Ryūshi pointed toward Jikan.
"He copied an Elemental Art belonging to a Crowned Dragon."
Ryūsei scratched his head.
"I still don't get it."
He looked between them.
"What's the big deal?"
Ryūshi looked horrified.
Jikan looked exhausted.
The two exchanged a glance.
Finally, Ryūshi rubbed his forehead.
"Please explain it to him."
Jikan laughed.
"He reminds me of Akashino."
"He really does."
Jikan turned toward Ryūsei.
"Listen carefully."
His voice became serious.
"My Elemental Art is called the Time Dragon."
Ryūsei nodded.
"It allows me to manipulate time itself."
The words echoed heavily.
"If I can manipulate time..."
Jikan stepped forward.
"What happens if someone copies my Elemental Art?"
Ryūsei's eyes widened.
The realization finally struck him.
"They could manipulate time too."
"Exactly."
Jikan nodded.
"Now you're understanding."
Ryūshi crossed his arms.
"Fortunately, Crowned Dragon powers aren't supposed to be copyable."
He emphasized the word.
"Supposed."
Jikan laughed bitterly.
"That's what I thought too."
His expression darkened.
"Until that corrupted Elementalist appeared."
Ryūsei looked troubled.
"Maybe there's a limit?"
"Maybe."
Jikan nodded.
"But even then..."
His gaze shifted toward Ryūshi.
"It would become a disaster if he copied Ryūshi's power."
Ryūsei blinked.
"Why?"
Jikan looked at him.
"The corrupted Elementalist already has access to time travel."
A pause.
"If he gains Ryūshi's power..."
His expression grew grave.
"...the consequences would be catastrophic."
Ryūshi sighed.
Then finally decided to explain.
"My Elemental Art is called the Quantum Dragon."
Even Jikan remained silent as he spoke.
"It allows me to manipulate atoms within the Elemental World."
Ryūsei froze.
Atoms.
The fundamental building blocks of matter.
Ryūshi's voice remained calm.
Yet that calmness somehow made the statement even more terrifying.
"If he copied my Elemental Art..."
He looked toward the distant kingdom beyond the trees.
His eyes became cold.
"He could turn this entire kingdom..."
The wind stopped.
"...and everyone living in it..."
Silence filled the park.
"...into dust."
The words struck Ryūsei like lightning.
Every building.
Every family.
Every child.
Every friend.
Gone.
Reduced to nothing.
His face turned pale.
For the first time since hearing about the corrupted Elementalist—
Ryūsei fully understood the scale of the threat.
His excitement vanished.
Replaced by dread.
"This is bad..."
His voice trembled.
His gaze lowered toward the ground.
"This is really bad."
And standing beneath the shadow of Akashino's monument, surrounded by two Crowned Dragons whose powers could shape the fate of worlds, Ryūsei finally realized that the danger approaching their timeline was unlike anything he had ever faced before.
Somewhere within the Kingdom of Ryūgū—
A corrupted Elementalist possessed the power of time itself.
And nobody knew where he was.
The peaceful atmosphere surrounding Akashino's monument had completely vanished.
Only moments earlier, Ryūsei had been trying to comprehend the existence of a corrupted Elementalist capable of imitating the powers of Crowned Dragons.
Now, another mystery had emerged.
One even stranger than the last.
A mysterious girl from the future.
And judging by the energy Ryūshi had sensed several days ago...
She possessed an Elemental Art remarkably similar to Ryūsei's.
The wind gently rustled through the trees surrounding the park.
Sunlight filtered through the branches above, casting moving shadows across the stone pathways.
The monument of Akashino stood silently behind them, watching over the gathering like an ancient guardian witnessing history repeat itself.
Ryūshi crossed his arms.
His expression had become thoughtful.
"Speaking of which..."
He turned toward Jikan.
"The tremendous amount of energy I sensed a few days ago belonged to you and the Corrupted Elementalist."
Jikan nodded.
"That's correct."
Ryūshi narrowed his eyes.
"But there was a third presence."
His gaze sharpened.
"A third energy signature."
The Crowned Dragon of Creation looked directly at Jikan.
"Who's the Elementalist that possesses an Elemental Art similar to Ryūsei's?"
For a brief moment, silence fell.
Then Jikan smiled.
"The person who came here to help."
Ryūshi raised an eyebrow.
Before he could ask another question—
Jikan suddenly turned toward Akashino's monument.
"You can come out now!"
His voice echoed across the park.
Ryūsei blinked.
Someone else was here?
Everyone instinctively looked toward the monument.
For several moments—
Nothing happened.
Then a figure slowly emerged from behind the massive stone memorial.
The person wore a long black robe that concealed nearly every detail of their appearance.
Their footsteps were cautious.
Almost hesitant.
As though they were uncertain whether they should reveal themselves at all.
Ryūsei felt a strange feeling in his chest.
He couldn't explain it.
Something about this person's presence felt oddly familiar.
The hooded figure slowly approached.
The closer they came, the more noticeable their nervousness became.
Their hands were trembling slightly.
Their breathing seemed uneven.
Eventually, they stopped several meters away from the group.
Then—
The figure reached up.
Slowly removing the hood.
Dark blue hair cascaded down her shoulders.
Scarlet eyes shimmered beneath the afternoon sunlight.
She appeared to be around seventeen or eighteen years old.
Perhaps slightly older than Ryūsei.
Her features were beautiful.
Elegant.
Yet hidden behind that beauty was something else.
Pain.
An overwhelming sadness that lingered deep within her scarlet eyes.
The girl glanced toward Jikan.
"Are you sure we can trust them?"
Her voice carried genuine worry.
Almost fear.
Jikan immediately nodded.
"Of course."
He pointed toward Ryūshi.
"This person right here is Ryūshi Ryūgū."
His grin widened.
"The Crowned Dragon of Creation."
The girl's eyes widened slightly.
Even she seemed surprised.
Ryūshi immediately flashed one of his usual cheerful smiles.
"Hello there."
He casually waved.
"I hope I can be a good help to the problem you're dealing with."
Unlike many people who met Crowned Dragons, Ryūshi never acted prideful.
His kindness remained unchanged regardless of who he spoke to.
The girl immediately lowered her head.
"I appreciate it, Ryūshi."
She bowed deeply.
Then, to everyone's surprise—
She apologized.
"I'm sorry for involving someone like you in the situation we're facing."
Ryūshi blinked.
Then laughed awkwardly.
"That's not something you need to apologize for."
The girl slowly raised her head.
Yet guilt still lingered in her eyes.
As though she carried a burden far heavier than anyone present realized.
Before anyone could continue the conversation—
The scene shifted elsewhere.
Earlier That Day
The final bell rang throughout Aluxany High School.
Students immediately began leaving their classrooms.
Some rushed home.
Others gathered with friends.
The usual after-school chaos filled the hallways.
Inside one classroom, a familiar group was preparing to leave.
Kasai stretched dramatically.
"Finally!"
He nearly collapsed onto his desk.
"I thought class would never end."
Yuki sighed.
"You say that every day."
"Because every day feels like forever."
Sora laughed.
Shadow rolled his eyes.
Shizen quietly packed his belongings while Kayosha finished organizing her notebooks.
Eventually, the group exited the classroom together.
The afternoon sun greeted them as they left the school grounds.
Since classes had ended earlier than usual, nobody was in a hurry.
The group decided to spend some time wandering around the kingdom.
Mostly to relax.
And partly because none of them wanted to immediately go home.
As they walked through the city streets, Yuki suddenly sighed.
"Too bad Ryūsei couldn't come with us."
A hint of disappointment appeared on her face.
"Yeah."
Kasai shoved his hands into his pockets.
"Such a bummer."
Kayosha smiled softly.
"I'm surprised Professor Hex actually let him leave class early."
Everyone knew how strict Hex could be.
For him to excuse someone from class wasn't common.
Then—
Kasai suddenly froze.
His eyes widened.
"Wait..."
The others looked toward him.
"Is that..."
He pointed dramatically.
"RYŪSEI!"
Everyone immediately turned.
Sure enough—
In the distance stood Ryūsei.
Alongside two unfamiliar individuals.
One was Ryūshi.
The other was Jikan.
Neither of whom the group recognized.
Shadow narrowed his eyes.
"Yup."
"It's Ryūsei."
Shizen tilted her head.
"Who are those two with him?"
Kasai grinned.
A dangerous grin.
The kind that usually led to trouble.
"I don't know."
His smile widened.
"But I wanna find out."
Before anyone could stop him—
Kasai began marching forward.
The others exchanged tired looks.
Then reluctantly followed.
Present Time
Back at the park.
The mysterious girl remained standing beside Jikan.
The atmosphere had become noticeably calmer.
Yet tension still lingered beneath the surface.
Jikan looked toward Ryūsei.
"The boy with the white hair is Ryūsei Ryūgū."
His tone became surprisingly gentle.
The moment those words left his mouth—
The girl's body froze.
Completely.
Her scarlet eyes widened.
For several seconds—
She simply stared.
As though she couldn't believe what she was seeing.
Ryūsei blinked.
Confused.
"Uh..."
He awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck.
"It's nice to meet you—"
He never finished.
Suddenly—
The girl rushed forward.
Before Ryūsei could react—
She wrapped both arms around him.
"Huh?"
His brain stopped functioning.
Completely.
The world froze.
The park froze.
Time froze.
Everything froze.
Except the girl.
Tears immediately poured down her face.
One after another.
She buried her face against his chest.
Her shoulders trembled.
Years of emotion seemed to explode all at once.
"I've been wanting to meet you for so long..."
Her voice broke.
Filled with longing.
Filled with sadness.
Filled with happiness.
Ryūsei's eyes widened.
His arms remained awkwardly suspended in the air.
His entire body had stopped responding.
"I..."
His brain desperately searched for answers.
"Ugh..."
Nothing.
"Wh..."
Still nothing.
"What's going on?!"
The question never fully escaped his lips.
Because at that exact moment—
A familiar voice appeared behind him.
A voice that instantly filled him with dread.
"What do we have here?"
Ryūsei froze.
His soul nearly left his body.
"Care to explain yourself, Ryūsei?"
Kasai's teasing voice echoed through the park.
Ryūsei slowly turned around.
And immediately regretted it.
Standing behind him were—
Kasai.
Sora.
Yuki.
Shadow.
Shizen.
And Kayosha.
Every single one of them had witnessed the hug.
Every.
Single.
One.
Ryūsei felt his life flashing before his eyes.
Kasai's grin grew wider.
Yuki stared blankly.
Shadow looked amused.
Sora seemed confused.
Shizen appeared curious.
Kayosha remained silent.
The mysterious girl immediately realized what had happened.
Her eyes widened.
She quickly released Ryūsei.
Stepping backward.
Embarrassment flashed across her face.
She wiped away her tears before anyone could comment.
Then she looked toward Jikan.
Jikan simply nodded.
A silent signal.
Permission.
The girl inhaled deeply.
Then turned toward the group.
"Well..."
Her voice steadied.
"Since we can't hide my presence in this world anymore..."
She glanced toward Ryūsei.
Then toward everyone else.
"I suppose it'll be alright to tell all of you."
The entire group became silent.
Even Kasai stopped smiling.
Something about her tone felt serious.
Important.
The girl straightened her posture.
Then spoke.
"My name..."
A brief pause.
"...is Catherine Ryūgū."
The world stopped.
"..."
"..."
"..."
Ryūsei blinked.
Yuki blinked.
Shizen blinked.
The three exchanged confused looks.
Then simultaneously—
"R-R-Ryūgū?!"
Their voices echoed together.
The surname immediately caught everyone's attention.
Ryūgū.
The same family name.
The same bloodline.
Yet nobody had ever seen her before.
Was she a relative?
A distant cousin?
Someone from another branch of the family?
Questions immediately flooded everyone's minds.
Then Catherine spoke again.
And shattered reality.
"I am..."
She looked directly at Ryūsei.
"...the future granddaughter of Ryūsei Ryūgū."
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Nobody moved.
Nobody breathed.
Nobody blinked.
The statement was so absurd that their brains refused to process it.
Several seconds passed.
Then—
The entire group exploded.
"G-G-G-GRANDDAUGHTER?!"
Their collective scream echoed throughout the park.
Birds immediately fled from nearby trees.
Several distant pedestrians turned their heads.
Even Akashino's monument seemed as though it had been caught off guard.
Kasai's jaw hit the ground.
Sora nearly fell over.
Shadow stared in disbelief.
Shizen froze completely.
Yuki looked like her soul had left her body.
Kayosha's eyes widened.
Ryūshi burst into laughter.
Jikan immediately covered his face.
Meanwhile—
Ryūsei stood perfectly still.
Like a statue.
His brain had officially stopped working.
Future.
Granddaughter.
His.
Future granddaughter.
He slowly pointed at himself.
"M-Me?"
Catherine nodded.
A small smile appeared through her tears.
"Yes."
Ryūsei pointed again.
"Me me?"
"Yes."
His finger trembled.
"I have children?"
Catherine blinked.
"...Eventually."
Ryūsei nearly collapsed.
Kasai immediately grabbed his shoulders.
"RYŪSEI!"
His eyes sparkled with excitement.
"WHO'S THE MOTHER?!"
The entire park erupted into chaos once more.
And standing at the center of it all—
Catherine Ryūgū, traveler from the future and granddaughter of Ryūsei Ryūgū, could only watch as history took a turn she never could have predicted.