Haruto jumped from his chair, his hand slamming onto the table with a loud thud—shock etched across his face.
> "If that's true…"
(His voice a whisper to himself, barely holding back the rush of emotions.)
"Then I can go back… back to my little sister… my elder sister…"
Liora stepped forward, concern flashing in her amber eyes.
> Liora (softly):
"Is something wrong, my lord?"
Haruto exhaled, steadying his breath as he sat back down.
> Haruto:
"Apologies for my outburst."
> Vhalzareth (with a slight smirk, arms crossed respectfully):
"It is entirely acceptable, my lord. Judging by your reaction… I presume you already have a plan in mind—one that will undoubtedly succeed."
> Haruto (his voice steady):
"Yes."
> Liora:
"So… what do you have in mind?"
> Haruto:
"I'm going back."
Vhalzareth raised an eyebrow, tilting his head slightly in composed curiosity.
> Vhalzareth:
"Forgive my intrusion, my lord… but when you say 'back'—do you mean to return to the world from which you were summoned?"
Haruto gave a faint smile.
> Haruto:
"Yes."
Liora's expression shifted to one of deep concern.
> Liora (voice faltering):
"M-My lord… will you come back if you go?"
Haruto looked her in the eyes and spoke with firm conviction.
> Haruto:
"Of course. I have a responsibility here—my people need me. I'll return."
Liora gave a relieved smile.
> Haruto:
"Liora, we're going to hold a meeting. Call the others to the council room."
> Liora (bowing):
"As you wish, my lord."
---
Council Room – Later That Day
Haruto stood at the head of the long obsidian table, draped in a crimson cloak. Liora stood to his right, Vhalzareth to his left—both silent, focused.
Seated at the table were:
Lunara – head of development
The Craftsmen's Guild Leader
Nyx and Zephyr – his loyal arachnid generals
Fuyume – the frost-tailed beastkin girl
Aeloria – the serene high elf emissary
One seat remained empty.
> Aeloria (looking around):
"Where is Selvaria? The girl with the wolf ears?"
> Haruto:
"She's at the border. I assigned her a task there."
Fuyume's ears twitched. Her tail flicked with anxious energy.
> Fuyume (nervously):
"L-Lord Haruto… isn't it a little too early to send her there? What if something happens to her? What if she… d-dies?!"
(She frowned, voice trembling.)
"I know you've thought it through, but… please, just be sure. I don't want to lose anyone important to you."
Haruto's expression softened. He gave a rare, gentle smile.
> Haruto:
"I'm glad you're all looking out for each other."
"But hear this—if she dies, as long as I'm alive, she can't stay dead. Even if she's erased... I'll bring her back. That goes for all of you."
A quiet hush fell over the room. The air grew still with reverence and trust.
They nodded, a silent promise exchanged between them.
Haruto cleared his throat, returning to a formal tone.
> Haruto:
"Let's get to business."
"First off—I won't be here for a while. If you're wondering why…"
(He paused, letting the weight of the words settle.)
"…I'm going back to my world. I'll be bringing back materials and products to help our nation grow stronger."
Nyx leaned forward slightly, her voice calm but curious.
> Nyx:
"My lord, when you leave… what are we to do in your absence?"
> Haruto:
"I've already thought that through."
"Liora will act in my stead while I'm gone."
Great work Aeloria
Aeloria (smiling warmly):
"Thank you for your kind words, my lord—but there's no need. I truly enjoy teaching; it's one of the few things that makes me feel… useful again."
Haruto (smiling softly):
"You do more than enough."
Haruto (turning):
"Thargrim, Bruni—keep at it. Just like we planned."
They both nod firmly, their respect unshaken.
Haruto:
"Fuyume, you're coming with me."
Fuyume (her ears twitch, eyes widening for a beat, then a mischievous grin appears):
"Heh… You really don't waste time, do you, Lord Haruto?"
She flicks one of her tails playfully, voice rich with warmth.
"If you're dragging me along, I'll go—even if it's to the edge of eternity. Just don't expect me to be quiet the whole way!"
She winks, her tail brushing his arm gently.
Haruto (half-laughing):
"I wouldn't dream of it."
Haruto:
"Lunara, keep the training going. Push the others. Nyx, Zephyr—maintain security. Keep the city locked down tight."
Haruto (facing Vhalzareth):
"I need infrastructure. Builders. Monsters or people—it doesn't matter. Houses, roads, foundations. Think big."
Vhalzareth (bowing slightly, eyes sharp and gleaming):
"Understood. Orcs will serve well—strong, sturdy, obedient under a firm hand. I'll return with a force worthy of a kingdom."
Haruto takes a moment, eyes scanning each of them.
Haruto:
"Anything I missed…?"
Liora (stepping forward, voice calm but resolute):
"My lord, the city will be safe. We'll protect everything you've built. You can count on us."
They all nod, a unified flame burning in their eyes.
Haruto (nodding once):
"Good. The meeting's over."
---
Later that Night
Haruto stands before a statue of himself, carved from stone—weathered but regal. Around him, his people gather. Human. Spider. Oni. Golden-blooded. All united beneath the night sky.
The wind is calm. The moon, full and pale, watches from above like a silent sentinel.
Vhalzareth (kneeling, one fist to his chest):
"May the path ahead bend to your will, Lord Haruto. No matter what world you walk, your shadow will stretch beyond borders. Should you summon me across time, space… or even death—I will answer."
One by one, they kneel. Thargrim. Bruni. Selvaria. Aeloria. Nyx. Zephyr. Lunara.
Lunara (softly):
"Please… come back safe, my lord."
Haruto smiles, eyes glowing faintly.
Haruto:
"I'll return before you even realize I was gone."
He lifts a hand. Two swirling clouds form beside him—one red, one white, like twin mists born of divine breath.
Haruto:
"Fuyume, step into the white mist—it leads to my Pocket Realm."
Fuyume nods and steps in, vanishing as the cloud seals behind her.
Haruto (stepping toward the red mist):
"Goodbye, everyone. Hold the fort."
Everyone (in unison):
"Safe travels, Lord Haruto!"
He steps through the crimson mist—and it closes behind him like a whisper lost to the wind.
---
Elsewhere…
Haruto emerges atop a mountain, stars blanketing the heavens in infinite tapestry. The moon is radiant—silver and sharp like a watchful eye.
He breathes deeply, standing tall.
Haruto (softly):
"I'm home… for now."
The night air is crisp atop the mountain. Stars scatter across the sky like shattered glass, each one burning with ancient light. The full moon glows above, ethereal and haunting, casting long silver shadows over Haruto's figure.
He stands tall, quiet, the wind brushing against his cloak as he gazes down from the peak.
In the distance, the city breathes—its towers scraping the heavens, lights glittering like constellations born on Earth. One particularly long building dominates the skyline, dwarfing even the neighboring skyscrapers.
Haruto exhales slowly.
Haruto (murmuring):
"...Still the same world... but I've changed."
A small fox spirit suddenly poofs into existence on his shoulder, her fur ruffling with excitement.
Fuyume (eyes wide, tail swaying like a pendulum of joy):
"Woooow… these buildings are taller than the trees I used to nap in! Are we sure this isn't a giant's nest?!"
She pauses dramatically, then smirks.
"Bet I could still beat you to the top. Unless you fly, of course. Cheater."
Haruto (smirking, voice laced with amusement):
"In your dreams. I'm ten times faster than I was. You'd be eating my dust."
Fuyume laughs, the sound light and free like wind chimes in spring.
Haruto (his smile fades, eyes hardening slightly):
"Go back in."
In a blink, Fuyume vanishes, her form dissolving like a mist returning to a bottle.
A shadow snakes around Haruto's body, swirling up from his feet like ink in water. In moments, his outfit shifts—his battle gear melting into something far more mundane.
Black hoodie. Fitted pants. Crisp white shoes. The perfect blend of "don't look at me" and "try me."
Haruto tightens his hand to his chest, his heartbeat just a bit too loud in his ears.
Haruto (quietly):
"...Am I nervous? Hmph. Maybe. I mean… what's my sister gonna say?"
He chuckles dryly.
"Who knows how long I've even been gone?"
Then, his expression darkens. His eyes narrow with cold calculation.
Haruto:
"My classmates… they're still missing. If they're in another world, there's no way this place hasn't noticed by now. That means investigations. And if I walk back in alive?"
He sighs, rubbing the bridge of his nose.
Haruto:
"Yeah. I'll be suspect number one. What a treat."
The wind picks up again, as if nudging him forward. He looks to the city—bright, oblivious, and waiting.
He takes one step. Then another. The stars seem to watch.
Haruto (resolute):
"Let's go."
Haruto stopped in his tracks, staring up at the skyline.
There it was.
The towering structure of glass and gold that stood like a monument to his family's legacy. Four spires, curved and connected with bridges in the sky, wrapped in lush terraces and gleaming reflections. It hadn't changed a bit.
Elegant, massive, unmistakable.
"The Arclight."
Just saying the name in his head brought a wave of memories—late nights sneaking up to the rooftop garden, his father's voice echoing through the lobby, the scent of polished wood and jasmine.
It wasn't just a hotel. It was home.
And now… he was back.
Haruto stood at the edge of the slope, the city humming quietly below him—alive, radiant, oblivious.
Haruto (muttering):
"...Back home, I guess."
The soft murmurs of people, the whir of passing cars, the occasional blaring of horns—it all came rushing back. Familiar, yet distant. Like an echo from another life.
As he descended into the city streets, whispers started to stir like ripples in still water.
Random Voice:
"Isn't that... Haruto Satoru?"
Another Voice:
"Wait—yeah! That's him! Didn't they say he was studying abroad or something?"
Haruto tugged up his hoodie, shadowing his face. He kept walking.
---
He entered a towering building with shimmering glass doors. The golden letters etched above the entrance read: "The Satoru Grand".
The lobby was sleek—modern elegance with marble floors and chandeliers that mimicked starlight. At the front desk stood a woman in a crisp suit, her professional smile never faltering.
Receptionist (Chloe) (cheerfully):
"Good evening, and welcome to The Satoru Grand. Do you have a reservation with us today?"
Haruto (calmly):
"I'd like the keys to my room."
She gave a courteous nod and tapped rapidly at the keyboard.
Chloe:
"Certainly. May I have your name?"
Before Haruto could answer, a man in a black suit standing off to the side snapped his head toward them. His eyes widened.
He stepped forward, brushing past a few other guests, voice tight with disbelief.
Man:
"...Chloe."
Chloe blinked, glancing back.
"Huh? What is it, Gojo?"
Gojo (now composed, a smile replacing the shock):
"I'll take this one."
Chloe (raising a brow):
"It's okay, I got it—"
She paused. Gojo's expression wasn't playful. It was serious. Reverent, even. Something unspoken passed between them.
Chloe gave a confused, half-nod and stepped aside, still watching him warily.
Gojo took her place behind the counter, bowed his head slightly, and addressed Haruto with deep respect.
Gojo:
"Welcome back, Mr. Haruto."
Chloe's jaw dropped.
Chloe:
"Wait… what?"
The bustling lobby seemed to freeze. Conversations halted. Even the doormen and lounge guests turned their heads in shock.
Whispers spread like wildfire.
"Did he say Mr. Haruto?"
"That's his hotel?!"
Haruto didn't flinch. He just held out his hand calmly.
Haruto:
"My keys."
Gojo (nodding):
"Of course."
He reached beneath the desk and retrieved a sleek, ornate key from a drawer. With both hands, he offered it to Haruto like it was made of gold.
Haruto (taking it):
"…Thank you."
---
The elevator ride was silent, save for the soft jazz playing from unseen speakers. Haruto leaned against the mirror-lined wall, exhaling deeply.
Haruto (to himself):
"...It's weird being back. Everything looks the same... but it doesn't feel like home."
The doors slid open with a soft chime.
---
He stepped into a penthouse suite. The door closed behind him with a soft click as the sensor recognized his presence.
Lights blinked on automatically, revealing an expansive living room. Pristine white couches, abstract art on the walls, and polished wood floors that reflected the ceiling lights like still water.
Haruto walked slowly across the room, hands in his pockets.
He stopped in front of a massive window wall. The view was breathtaking.
Endless towers flickered with lights, stretching deep into the night. It was like staring into a sea of stars trapped in steel and glass.
Haruto (quietly, almost to the city itself):
"…I'm back."
Haruto stood still, the city reflected in the glass like a dream that had long since soured. The towering building—his family's legacy—rose into the sky like a blade piercing heaven, all curves and impossible geometry, a monument to ambition and arrogance.
His breath fogged the window.
"…So you finally returned," a quiet voice murmured behind him.
He didn't flinch, but his eyes narrowed.
"I knew you'd come here first," she added.
Haruto turned slowly. There she stood—Reika Satoru, dressed in flowing black lace, as if she'd stepped out of a painting that had been mourning him for years. Her presence filled the room like dusk creeping into daylight. Unapologetic. Unchanging.
"You haven't changed," Haruto said.
"And you have," she replied. "But not enough."
Silence hovered between them like a blade balanced on its edge.
"Is Father still—"
"Alive?" Reika cut in, her tone as soft as silk and just as cold. "Barely. But he won't be the one asking questions."
Her gaze flicked to the window, to the empire of glass and steel.
"You disappeared without a word," she said, her voice as flat as glass. "Then reappear when the storm has passed. A coward's timing… or a tactician's?"
Haruto gave a faint smirk. "I prefer strategist."
She stepped closer, and for a moment, her voice dipped to something almost human. "Next time you leave us behind… don't expect me to look for you."
He looked into her eyes. They were emotionless—but not empty.
"…I didn't expect you to, Reika."
And yet, she had.
Reika's heels clicked against the marble floor as she stepped beside him. Her reflection joined his in the glass, both staring out over the shimmering skyline.
"Get dressed," she said, brushing an invisible thread off her sleeve. "You're coming with me."
Haruto didn't turn around. "Where?"
"To the Nachtveil household."
He blinked once.
That name—it hadn't left him. Couldn't. It echoed through memories he'd locked away, wrapped in velvet and thorns.
Reika saw the shift in his posture. Subtle. But telling.
She smirked, lips curving like a cat who knew exactly where to scratch. "What's wrong… afraid of meeting Velmaria?"
He didn't answer.
"I don't blame you," she added, voice lilting. "She did ghost you for three months."
A breath caught in his throat, then slipped out as a quiet sigh. He finally turned to face her, eyes unreadable, but far too calm to be indifferent.
"…I just want to know why," he said simply.
Reika paused, surprised by the lack of spite. No anger. No mockery. Just that hollow space where answers should've lived.
"She's still the same," Reika said, watching him carefully. "Beautiful. Cold. Maybe even a little... afraid."
Haruto gave a soft, rueful smile. "Yeah. Me too."
He walked past her, opening the wardrobe and pulling out a clean shirt. Each motion was precise, silent—like someone preparing for a duel he didn't want, but couldn't walk away from.
"You could still say no," Reika said, leaning against the doorway.
"I already did. Three months ago. This time… I want to hear it from her."
Reika's expression softened just a bit, the teasing edge in her tone fading. "Then let's go see if she's ready to talk."