With the matter settled, the guildhall's peculiar rhythm returned. Each of the S-Class adventurers went back to their own lazy work—sleeping in improbable positions or methodically destroying something just to pass the time.
Sasaki: Well then, see you at the place.
Just as he said that, Sasaki stepped back. Then, he suddenly vanished slowly. It was almost like he became one with the air itself. And without another word, Akari walked outside. Just as she walked—
Seraphina: Don't do anything sudden. Okay.
The warning was flat, but carried weight. With that, Akari walked outside with Arien and Shiro. The crisp mountain air of Heaven's Edge was sharp after the guildhall's stillness. As they walked past the silver-armored door guard, Akari glanced at Arien.
Akari: Arien, do you want to come along, or do you want to head out now?
Arien never expected Akari to ask that.
Arien: Eh?
Akari: Well, I've kept you for a long time, and…
Then Akari let out a heavy sigh. Some of the playful tension left her shoulders.
Akari: Well, if I tell the truth, I can't bring you to the place I'm heading now. I can bring Haku because he is family. And I already shared some hidden info about S-Class that I shouldn't have. So… you get what I'm saying, right?
Akari looked at Shiro as she said this, but he showed no reaction. He understood. The things they'd seen were forbidden to normal people. So Shiro didn't deny it. And Arien, though her heart sank a little, understood too.
Arien: I understand. And I'm more than happy that I managed to get a look at the biggest guild in the kingdom and got to see S-Class adventurers from all over.
Akari suddenly looked flustered, waving her hands a little.
Akari: Don't get me wrong. If I could, I'd be taking you too, but—
Arien: No, no. It's okay. And I have to say, being able to meet Shiro's family is another honor, too. But—
Akari tilted her head.
Akari: Is something wrong?
Arien looked down at her boots, slightly embarrassed.
Arien: C-can you send someone to walk me there? I don't remember the road.
Akari smiled at the request. Shiro, trying to keep his usual cool, also had a small smile.
Akari: Well, that's the least you can ask an S-Class.
Just as Akari said that, she looked up at the second-floor near the counter and called out to a girl standing near.
Akari: You. Come here.
The girl rushed over immediately.
???: Can I help you, Lady…?
Akari: Akari Asahina.
???: -Lady assahina.
Akari: What's your rank?
???: I'm an A-Class adventurer, my lady.
Akari pointed at Arien.
Akari: Go with this girl to the main teleportation gate and make sure she gets to Kaisen Town.
???: I will, my lady.
With that, Arien left. She waved back at Shiro and Akari before disappearing into the bustling street with the A-Class adventurer beside her.
Once she was gone, Shiro turned to Akari, his voice low.
Shiro: Can't you really bring Arien with us? It didn't seem real to me.
Akari gave a sideways smile, her face full of smug mischief.
Akari: That's because it isn't. I lied. Heh heh heh.
It was the grin of a mad scientist who'd just completed a world-ending plan.
Akari: Well, now I can spend some time alone with my shi-chi
Shiro looked back toward the guildhall, then faced forward again.
Shiro: That girl said "Lady," right?
Akari: Mm-hmm. The S-Class adventurers are considered national treasures.
Then she quickly turned and grabbed his cheeks, her hands cold against his skin.
Akari: And you are my family. So that means you're a national treasure, too.
Shiro slipped out of her grip and started walking, a faint smile on his face. As they moved through the first floor toward the back, the noise of lower-rank adventurers faded behind them.
Akari: In that fight—
Shiro looked at her. Her tone had suddenly changed, all playfulness gone.
Shiro: Hmm?
Akari: In your fight with the Stormclaw, you used Pandora's Box again, right? Don't use it again.
Shiro: Don't worr—
Akari: Don't "don't worry" me. You remember what happened last time, right? If I wasn't there, everything would've gone wrong.
Shiro: I told you I'll be okay.
Akari: The power you call Concept Art can rival an Art Style, I believe that but it's not like an Art Style. It's a monster that eats away at you as you use it. Why don't you get that?
Shiro raised his voice slightly, frustration breaking through.
Shiro: That's what I said. As long as I have parts to sacrifice, I won't lose, no matter what.
Akari looked right into his eyes. Her warm brown irises shifted into a piercing, glowing red. The air around them grew still.
Akari: "As long as"?
She was dead serious.
Akari: If that Arien girl hadn't been there to distract the beast every time it charged you, the only thing I'd have found was your head on the ground.
Shiro took a few steps back, eyes widening.
Shiro: what did you—
He suddenly covered his eyes with his hands, a flash of pain crossing his face. Akari grabbed his arm and pulled him forward, her grip firm.
Akari: Do I have to remind you again? These eyes can see everything.
She didn't look back as she led him, Shiro stumbling slightly behind her.
Akari: Don't use Pandora's Box again. Do I have to remind you what happened the last time you used it against a person?
They reached a heavy door at the end of a quiet hall. Akari paused, her voice softening but losing none of its intensity.
Akari: I don't want to see you dying trying to catch up to me. Things were fine as they were. And whatever position you put yourself in in the future… I'll be on your side.
Then she opened the door, revealing the vast training grounds where the rank examination would be held.