In the end, Yoshinon chose a body almost identical to her own.
They were sisters now—twin reflections, each carrying a hint of the other.If you ignored Yoshinon's gentlemanly pride, the resemblance was actually satisfying.
The cloning process of the Phoenix Project completed within seconds. A single strand of hair was inserted into the culture unit, and light rippled through the glass chamber. In the blink of an eye, a human form began to grow—first an embryo, then a perfect replica.
The new body's hair was a shade darker than Yoshino's pale blue, her eyes set with a vivid red gleam—an expression more fitting for Yoshinon's lively personality.
Following the procedure, Yoshino guided a portion of her spirit into the new body. The rabbit doll in her hands fell limp, its once-bright aura fading away.It was just a toy now.
Yoshino flinched, panic flickering in her eyes.Haruto gently placed a hand on her head, steadying her.
"She'll be fine," he said softly. "Give it a moment."
And then—a voice came from the chamber.
"So this is what it feels like to move on my own… huh? Everything feels so strange!" It was unmistakably Yoshinon's tone, cheerful and teasing.
The chamber doors opened, releasing a soft hiss of mist. Yoshinon stepped out, blinking against the light.
She moved with unsteady grace, a mischievous grin spreading on her face—then froze.
Her eyes met Haruto's.
"E-Eh?! Don't look over here!" she yelped, spinning around and covering herself with her hands. Her cheeks went crimson, steam practically rising from her head.
Only a moment ago, she'd been the picture of confidence and bold remarks—but that was when she was just a spirit sealed inside a doll. Now, with a real body, modesty came rushing back all at once.
Haruto let out a small laugh. He had half-expected Yoshinon to get into trouble the moment she gained physical form. Instead, she looked more like a flustered child than the "gentleman" she always claimed to be.
"Don't worry," Haruto said, smiling faintly. "You're doing fine."
Yoshinon puffed her cheeks, glaring weakly, still too embarrassed to answer. Luckily, Yoshino stepped forward, blocking Haruto's view with an awkward little shuffle.
From the divine storage field, Haruto summoned a simple dress and set of clothes, leaving them by the chamber door.
"I'll wait outside," he said, stepping out.
A few minutes later, the sound of quiet shuffling came from within the room. When the door opened again, two petite girls emerged—hands linked, twin smiles on their faces.
Their hair and eyes differed only slightly, amplifying each other's charm.
"Well, Haruto," Yoshinon said with a grin, making a playful pose. "How does it feel? Pretty impressive, right?"
Haruto couldn't help but smile. "Congratulations, both of you. Looks like the Phoenix Project succeeded."
He said it lightly, but inside, he felt something akin to an unexpected warmth, like watching children take their first steps.
At that moment, Murasame Reine entered the room, clipboard in hand. Her calm, clinical expression returned as she began to take notes, walking a slow circle around the two girls. Her pen scratched briskly over the page.
Haruto sighed.
"Reine, you're supposed to be on break today."
Reine didn't respond at first. Then, realizing he was staring, she fidgeted slightly and lowered the clipboard. "I… was just checking the data integrity. For documentation."
"Right," Haruto said dryly, knocking her lightly on the head. "For documentation."
Reine looked away, cheeks tinged with faint color. Even for her—usually so composed—the sight before her was something she couldn't treat as a mere experiment.
The twins approached her, curiosity sparkling in their eyes. Yoshinon tilted her head and suddenly sniffed.
"Onee-chan, you smell… familiar."
Before Reine could respond, both girls suddenly hugged her. The gesture was small, clumsy, but full of sincerity.
Reine stiffened at first—then relaxed, smiling softly as she placed a gentle hand on their heads.
Haruto watched the three of them in silence.
For once, there was no crisis, no containment alarm, no cosmic threat. Just a moment of fragile humanity among all the machinery and protocols.
He turned to leave quietly, giving them the moment to themselves.
Later, in a distant containment wing of the Foundation—
A single light flickered above a metal table.
"Mr. Alto Clef," the investigator began, tone clipped and formal. "Based on your testimony, we conducted verification. SCP-166—the succubus girl—confirms she knows you and interacted with you during your GOC tenure."
Clef's expression was unreadable, the deep scars on his face catching the cold light. He didn't answer immediately.
The investigator continued. "Then tell us this: why didn't you execute her when you had the chance?"
Clef's voice, when it came, was low.
"Because she's my daughter. And I love her."
The room went silent.
Even the hum of the lights seemed to fade for a moment.
The investigator wrote something down, then stood.
"Thank you for your cooperation. Your testimony will be forwarded to the O5 Council for judgment. Please remain in containment."
He turned to leave—but Clef spoke again.
"One request."
The man paused.
"State it."
"If you're going to execute me," Clef said, "let me see her again first."