Across several worlds where stories unfold... be they fated tales, digital dreams, or works of painted memory... there're those who hold glowing devices in their hands as they pass by.
They wander through realms altered beyond recognition, each one a branch grown from what they call the Canon—or the Origin—of their story.
And yet, despite the distance between them, they remain connected. A single group chat spans the borders of their realities, letting their words travel to places even their imagination cannot reach.
「Group Chat name: Good Eggs」
「Member available: 7/8 」
「Admin: Yuki Haru (Deceased)」
!!!Start appointing a new one or disband the group!!!
「Members Online: *7」
「Yukinoshita Yukino」: Good morning, everyone.
「Leon S.K.」: Hey, it's the Asian high-schooler. How's your science project going?
「Yukinoshita Yukino」: Hello, Mr. Leon. It's pretty rare for you to be online at this hour.
「Leon S.K.」: Can say the same for you. Though... I'm still not sure what time it is when you said this hour. Anyway, looks like almost everyone's online, huh? Hello? Guys? Don't leave me stuck here with just the teenager.
「Hatake Kakashi」: Long time no see... or maybe no chat? Sorry, I've been busy handling some business in the Village, so I haven't shown up much lately. How's everyone doing?
「Gojo Satoru」: Always healthy, man.
「Yukinoshita Yukino」: Kakashi-san, it's nice to see you online again.
「Hatake Kakashi」: Thank you, Yukino. It feels nice to be welcomed warmly.
「Gojo Satoru」: (Sad Emoji)
「Yukinoshita Yukino」: Nice to see you online too, Gojo-san.
「Gojo Satoru」: (Happy emoji) Well! Can't be helped if you're being polite like that, Yukino-chan. I've been busy lately dealing with Cursed Energy matters in my own world, so it's not surprising that my other brother here has been tied up with his ninja missions too.
「Hatake Kakashi」: I have no idea how you came to that conclusion.
「Leon S.K.」: Wait, aren't you two supposed to be brothers from different worlds? That kind of sibling bond thing?
「Hatake Kakashi」: I still don't get it.
「Echidna the Greed」: It's nice to see the children playing together.
「Yukinoshita Yukino」: Hello, Echidna-san.
「Echidna the Greed」: Hello to you too, Yukino-chan. I'm glad you're always the one to greet us kindly. Would you like me to teach you a little magic that could make a human's intellect grow even sharper?
「Yukinoshita Yukino」: I'll reconsider the offer.
「Peroro-sama's fan」: Umm... if I may, I'm the one who actually wants that kind of magic.
「Yukinoshita Yukino」: Oh dear, Hifumi-san. Did you get another red mark on your test?
「Peroro-sama's fan」: Sadly... yes... (Sad emoji)
「Fujimaru Ritsuka」: Same here, Hifumi. Mash ended up scolding me again.
「Yukinoshita Yukino」: Hello, Fujimaru-kun. So even humanity's last master couldn't ace his test, hm? Rather than raising your charisma to impress your female Servants, perhaps you should invest a few more points in intellect instead.
「Echidna the Greed」: Well, you're just a little short of brilliance.
「Gojo Satoru」: You should work on your charisma—after you learn to be more like me, of course.
「No, this is Patrick」: Hello, is this Krusty Krab?
「Yukinoshita Yukino」: No, Patrick-san. For the last time, this isn't.
「Leon S.K.」: Hey Patrick, my funny pink guy! How's your yellow friend doing?
「No, this is Patrick」: What is yellow? ahg!%&^UAfaijuitinvmosi..)!(*@
「Leon S.K.」: ...Did he drop his phone again?
「Yukinoshita Yukino」: I'm more surprised that there's even a functional phone beneath the ocean in the first place.
They are beings who come from different worlds—and even different dimensions. Their backgrounds, their struggles, their powers, and countless other things set them apart.
But within the Group Chat, none of that matters.
And now, all of them are haunted by the same problem.
「Admin: Yuki Haru (Deceased) 」
!!!Start appointing a new one or disband the group!!!
「Yukinoshita Yukino」: Since everyone happens to be online right now, I'd like to ask permission to bring up the matter written next to Haru-kun's name on the group list and discuss what we should do next.
「Hatake Kakashi」: I might be repeating myself here, but dying during a mission and being unable to send any report back... that's not unusual for a shinobi.
「Gojo Satoru」: True. Sometimes the information written in those mission documents isn't even accurate. You think you're walking into a small threat, and then suddenly you're facing something way stronger. Of course, that's only in the worst-case scenario.
「Yukinoshita Yukino」: I know that... but you all know how strong Haru-kun is, don't you? Do you really think he'd kick the bucket just like that? Especially on another mission given by this Group Chat itself?
「Leon S.K.」: Yeah, he's a monster. I doubt even an RPG could scratch him.
「Peroro-sama's fan」: Well... if it's RPG...
「Echidna the Greed」: Before we go further, since I'm still considered a new member here, I'll only speak when I'm asked to. I haven't been in this Group Chat as long as the three of you. My apologies for interrupting. Please continue.
「Fujimaru Ritsuka」: In that case, me too.
「Yukinoshita Yukino」: Thank you for your understanding, Echidna-san, Fujimaru-kun. But please, Gojo-san, Kakashi-san, and I would still like to hear your opinions as well. If it's true that Haru-kun has... gone, then I honestly don't know what we're supposed to do next.
「No, this is Patrick」: Where did he go?
「Yukinoshita Yukino」: It was during the last Group Chat Urgent Commission.
[System Log — Urgent Commission #47]Status: ArchivedPreferred Member: 1/1Participant: Yuki HaruClient: —
Mission Title:Voidborn Womb
Mission Brief:
A place forgotten by many has opened.Within lies the treasure of countless worlds... and souls beyond imagination.No matter the energy you wield, the purpose you chase, or the good and evil within you—this place holds what is perfect to complete you.
Will you dare step into the garden guarded by the Evil Snake?
And will you become the master of that domain... just like the Old Exalted?
[End of Record]
「Yukinoshita Yukino」: It's been months since he left… the messages I sent were never read, and when I finally opened the group chat again, things had already turned out like this. He used to bring miracles and always managed to overcome anything…
「Hatake Kakashi」: Maybe he got too confident for that very reason.
「Gojo Satoru」:
You're not wrong, man. He's a good kid, always was... but yeah, he believed too much in his own strength. Especially now that what we're dealing with isn't just our worlds anymore.
「Hatake Kakashi」: We're talking about forces beyond anything we can touch. And the client didn't even have a name. My bad… if I'd been there when he accepted that mission, maybe I could've stopped him.
「Yukinoshita Yukino」: I highly doubt that Kakashi-san. He wouldn't listen to me or to anyone back then. Is the creature that defeated him truly that powerful? Does anyone here actually know anything about this "Evil Snake"?
「Leon S.K.」: Sorry, nothing from me. I do get bitten by snakes sometimes, though. But why're you looking for it? Wait, don't tell me, little girl, you're planning to bring a chair and talk to it, right?
「Hatake Kakashi」: Don't. That's the best advice I can give you right now.
「Gojo Satoru」: And remember what I said, there could be something else in there besides the snake.
「Echidna the Greed」: Pardon me for interrupting. As for this "Evil Snake," it's my first time hearing about it. But in my world, there are serpent-like beings that might serve as a reference.
「Peroro-sama's fan」: I think there's one in mine too, though it's not exactly called "Evil" or "Snake."
「Fujimaru Ritsuka」: I'll ask Da Vinci about it. Doing it right now.
「Yukinoshita Yukino」: Thank you everyone, please just Direct Message it to me. Since if we shared it to this Group Chat it'll bother those who doesn't want to read it. I'll sort it and compile the file for later. Now... let's talk about this Group Chat next.
[System Alert]⚠️ Start appointing a new Admin or disband the group immediately. ⚠️
「Peroro-sama's fan」: Uh... what happens if we don't do either?
「Yukinoshita Yukino」: There's an FAQ I found in the HELP section about that. In short, if this Group Chat has no Admin, then every member will be automatically logged out, and all memories, traces or proof connected to this chat and other linked worlds will be erased.
「Peroro-sama's fan」: EH?! That sounds really bad!
「Yukinoshita Yukino」: Fortunately, we still have about a year since the warning appeared. Well... maybe less than a year now. But aside from that, there's another issue, as long as we don't have an Admin, all Commissions and Missions remain locked.
「Echidna the Greed」: That's a problem! Putting a limit on limitless possibilities is something I can't tolerate. So then, why don't you become the Admin, Yukino-chan?
「Yukinoshita Yukino」: Actually, I was thinking of recommending Kakashi-san for the position.
「Leon S.K.」: Since you're pretty much our helper in this Group Chat, that sounds like a good idea. You've been helping me with a bunch of stuff when I firstly arrived as well, Lil Yuki.
「No, this is Patrick」: But I wanna be the Admin!
「Gojo Satoru」: In your dream bud, no way I'm letting it happen. Yukino-chan pretty much my first candidate aside from my ninja brother. So, what do you think? Kakashi.
「Hatake Kakashi」: Yukino's more skilled and knowledgeable than I am when it comes to technology. I support her. Besides, she knows every member here better than I do.
「Gojo Satoru」: Haha, yeah! Guess we'll have to power Yukino-chan up after this.
「Peroro-sama's fan」: But... will Yukino-san really be alright? That's a huge responsibility, isn't it? Besides, we're both still students and have our schoolwork to handle.
「Leon S.K.」: What?
「Yukinoshita Yukino」: Thank you for your concern, Hifumi-san. But it's true, we can't just sit idly and let time pass us by. Moreover, I've been haunted by this feeling… something's watching us. I don't know if it's the System, or the Client from our last Commission.
「Echidna the Greed」: Better to trust your instincts and be wrong, than to ignore them and miss what's coming.
「Peroro-sama's fan」: If Yukino-san's okay with it… then I'll support her!
「Fujimaru Ritsuka」: No need to ask me. I know Yukinoshita can handle it.
「Yukinoshita Yukino」: Thank you, everyone.
————————————————
「The Void/ Realm: Voidborn Womb」
All things died there.
Men and women, small and great alike, erased without trace.
Beasts too met their end, those towering and savage, those slight and cunning.
Even the ones who had chained their souls to gods, angels, or demons—each who dared to cross that threshold found the same ending, carved clean by the blade that waited for them.
That sword, a colossal nodachi forged from the remains of an Elder God, was named Mikage.
"You... let me go... I still want to live..." 「A man with dual gun」
"You should think better before getting in here." 「Sengoku」
"...We... we don't even... have any grudge to... you!" 「A man with dual gun」
"I don't give a fuck, die like a pawn." 「Sengoku」
STAB
It was made to erase the incomprehensible—those things beyond reason—while remaining unsullied by the filth it destroyed. Its creator had designed it so that no matter how much blood it spilled, the blade itself would never stain.
Its purity was so absolute it mocked the corruption of the one who wielded it.
"H-How long have we been fighting this person?" 「Flying person with wooden stick」
"I don't know… the space-time continuum in this realm is… weird. He really doesn't let anyone—or anything—get past him. Even those god looking people got obliterated when teaming up againts him." 「Woman with white hair」
SLASH
"Huh... huuu| |uuuuhhh?" 「Flying person with wooden stick」
"How can he| |see us... from this far..." 「Woman with white hair」
Mikage possessed a cruel property.
In exchange for its power to slay the unknowable, it demanded a price: every time the blade cut through one of those beings, the taint it refused to absorb would be passed to its wielder instead.
That taint corroded the user's flesh like rust devouring steel, spreading slowly, relentlessly.
The blade would remain pure forever, while the one who swung it rotted away.
Who, in their right mind, would wield a sword like that—except a fool?
"THAT'S… IT! How many thousands left before I'm done with this damned task?!" 「Sengoku」
He stood amid ruin, where the remains of the living and the dead alike had fallen and were slowly swallowed by the realm itself. His body was drenched in dirt, blood, rust, and something darker—something that wasn't entirely his own.
It had become a tapestry of stains.
Layer upon layer of corruption, until no light could ever hope to wash it away.
"OY! Answer me!" 「Sengoku」
By now, an eerie calm had returned to the Void.
Unlike before, when everything had been chaos and death. The danger had subsided just enough that they could pull up beside Sengoku and speak without shouting through the storm.
SCRICK
The sound of steel ground to a halt beside him.
Much like how a tank had stopped in brakes.
"For fuck, it really is a tank." 「Sengoku」
He couldn't see the one he was calling to, but he knew they were there. When the heavy steel hatch creaked open, Sengoku immediately jumped aside as the vehicle's stealth field shimmered and deactivated.
"Hello, Sengo! My apologies—ghuah?!" Amour barely got the words out before Sengoku's fist met his face, knocking him backward into the tank's interior. "Gheck! Gdhuh! Brugh! Eeeehhh...."
"What took you so long!" 「Sengoku」
A strange yet soft voice chimed in between,
[All of His Feather retrieval completed. Sengoku, get in.]
The moment he saw her face, his breathing steadied.
"We keep defending or pull out?" 「Sengoku」
[...Amour suggested a retreat for now,] Moriarty's eyes flicked toward the other Persona, still unconscious below. [There will be stronger enemies ahead—far stronger than those System Users you just fought, or so he said. What do you think?]
Sengoku exhaled. "Then we withdraw. His decision is Zei's decision."
[But this Realm… isn't it a place that means something to you?]
"With her gone, nothing here matters anymore," Sengoku said quietly.
His gaze hardened as memories surfaced of the other presence that had always remained with him in this forsaken place, besides the snake. He had turned this thought over again and again throughout the battle.
There was no point in staying.
Not after Cera vanished.
The balance of this realm—its fragile thread of existence—could endure only while she remained. Without her, it would all unravel, collapsing like the dream of a dying god that stirs and opens its eye once more.
"We'll retreat to your world first, Moriarty." 「Sengoku」
[Huh? But why? Why not head to the one where Machi is right now?]
Sengoku gave the tank a light kick.
It shuddered, and several startled voices yelped from inside.
[Careful, there are girls in here. You want to meet them or something?]
"No. Just hurry up and explain it to her." 「Sengoku」
Only then did Amour reappear, climbing out through the hatch and standing beside Moriarty's form, his face still bruised from earlier. The timeless girl who noticed the bruises then lightly tapped it.
It had healed.
"Your world is safer, Moriarty," Amour said. "It's been stabilized—not just with you as its Guardian, but also with several Wedges that have grown independent within it. Unlike the world where Zei is now. One small mistake there, and poof... it'll vanish."
"Both His Feathers and that world." 「Sengoku」
[But… I want to meet him.]
Amour glanced at the woman beside him. The Persona of Love found it hard to speak, his usual composure faltering for a moment. The Persona of Wrath was no better, though he hid it behind his silence.
"Uhmm… uhh… I know that, but—ugh—I know I shouldn't stop you, that I should just let you meet him as soon as you want, but… ughghhh! Being the Persona of Love from the Fool is way harder than I thought it'd be!" 「Amour」
"Sorry, Moriarty," Sengoku said quietly, "but he needs to finish his task in his own way."
[…Can't I at least watch him? Please? I can't hold myself back anymore. I want to see him. Maybe I sound like I'm just being troublesome, but please believe me… I don't mean to. I just want to see him.]
"Ugh," Amour groaned, his expression twisting.
"Oy." 「Sengoku」
The Persona of Wrath turned toward him.
The Persona of Love was crying, eyes shining in quiet ache. To snap him out of it, Sengoku did what came naturally, he punched him again. Amour stumbled back with a yelp, and the bruises bloomed before fading just as fast.
Moriarty had already healed him.
"Hm… is that lolicon done with the preparations yet?" 「Sengoku」
Amour rubbed the back of his neck. "Is it alright for you to just watch through a screen? But don't worry! It'll be streamed live, so you'll be seeing—and hearing—him in real time! Uh… so… how about it?"
Both Personas tensed, waiting for what Moriarty would say next.
[…But I also want to hug him…]
Without hesitation, Amour wrapped his arms around her.
[Not enough, I need one more.]
Sengoku sighed. "My body's filthy like this. Maybe next time."
[One short!]
For once, Moriarty's voice came through firm and unyielding.
Reluctantly, Sengoku climbed onto the tank and wrapped his arms around her—just a little.
As expected, Moriarty's clothes and face were soon smeared with the grime from his. But the Timeless Girl merely closed her eyes and breathed, resting her body gently against the two of them.
[Pat my head.]
The Persona of Wrath hesitated but carried out a tactical head-pat anyway.
[...Touch your cheek with mine.]
"Hm? Like kissing you, you mean?" Amour asked.
[No. Just place your cheek next to mine. I want to kiss… somewhere, sometime special.]
"I told you, even my face is filthy. Rusted over," Sengoku muttered.
[It's alright. Because in the end… both of you are him. For now, this will be enough,] Moriarty whispered, lowering her head until their cheeks met. Her voice softened, almost fading.
[But still… I want to meet him. I want to see him read this letter I've carried, then hold him—no matter how he reacts. Because I can feel it… he's hurting right now. That feeling only grew stronger when I touched the both of you.]
The Persona of Love felt a crushing guilt as she looked at the woman's face. Born from the Fool's remnants of love and compassion, Amour understood all too well—perhaps too well—what Moriarty had just said.
"If it's just reading..." 「Sengoku」
[Not for this one. I want to see the real you… the one who holds all of you, reacting to this.]
"Hmm… hey, give her the tablet." Sengoku's voice was steady, almost too casual.
Without needing another nudge—or a kick to the tank—Amour handed over a flat device roughly the width of her chest to Moriarty. It was a touchscreen tablet, the kind the Timeless Girl had seen a few times back in Soukai City.
At first, she thought they were mocking her because her chest was equally flat.
But once Amour explained, she finally understood.
Through this device, she could see what the man she loved was doing right now.
"That Simp… I mean, Zei actually wanted you to have this too. After getting buried in his work over there, he said you should start preparing for all the changes and progress happening in this era." 「Sengoku」
"Furthermore," Amour added, "since you already have a world of your own, you could technically be considered a Patron or Client Deity, as long as you connect yourself to one of the existing partners that use the System."
"Patron Deity is just the lowest of the lowest, so don't let it get to your head." 「Sengoku」
[I may be a Deity somehow, but what does that even mean? Sorry, I still don't understand. He only mentioned a bit about the Champion and the System Users before leaving for his world.]
The other Persona gently pushed Sengoku aside, just enough to take his place in front of Moriarty. This time, Sengoku didn't punch him. He simply sat beside the tank instead, feeling the weight of a pair of eyes watching him from within its metal shell.
"You're… the driver of this tank?" 「Sengoku」
"N-Nice to meet you. I'm Nishizumi Miho, this tank's leader." She lifted her head slightly from the hatch. "Are you… the Zeimachi-san who was with us before? Because that version said he wasn't the Zeimachi we knew."
"Hmm. I'm not the one you mean either." 「Sengoku」
The Fool lies as naturally as he breathes.
"I-I see… that's unfortunate. I thought we'd finally meet again after all this time. By the way, are you alright? And which part of Zeimachi-san are you? Don't worry, we already know about him splitting himself." 「Nishizumi Miho」
Setting aside the fragments of the past that had resurfaced, the tank began moving. Apparently, Sengoku had asked Nishizumi Miho to drive instead of just sitting still. Then, they kept talking among themselves, even as the vehicle rumbled to life.
"Since you're still new to this, I'd suggest picking VIREALIS," Amour said. "They're basically the biggest platform out there—used by almost everyone. Pretty friendly to newcomers too, surprisingly."
[Then… I just need to become a Patron or Client Deity within this VIREALIS? And I'll be able to see him through that Live Stream platform? Somehow… this whole system feels like a corporation from my own world.]
"That's actually a pretty common reaction, because the founder of VIREALIS was human—or maybe it's better to say a Champion. Anyway, I'm glad you already understand the basics." 「Amour」
[Champion… like Machi then. Are all Champions great people?]
"Uhh… sorry, I'm not too sure about that. The memories Zei gave me don't cover much about them. But as far as I know... every Champion is someone great, though not every great person can become a Champion." 「Amour」
The Timeless Girl tapped carefully across the tablet's surface, following each step as instructed by Amour and the device itself. For some reason, the whole process made her feel strangely human, like one of the countless mortals who once lived in her world.
〈Registration Complete〉
Name: Moriarty
Tier I — Patron Deity
Gender: Female
"Now, you're pretty much above most System Users in authority. But still, when it comes to strength, some of them might surpass you. So remember what Sengoku said earlier—stay cautious," Amour's tone turned half-serious, half-teasing.
[Can I change my name?]
"Sure? What for?" 「Amour」
Moriarty's fingers hesitated for a moment before she began typing.
〈Profile〉Name: Moriarty his wifeTier I — Patron DeityGender: FemaleAffiliation: NoneRegistered Domain: [Pending Initialization]Realm Synchronization: 99%System Link: ActiveCommission Granted: 0Mission Completed: 0Balance: 1 Finix | 10 000 Coins | 1 000 MeritAccess Privilege: Limited Guardian AuthorityCurrent Alignment: Neutral / Observation Mode
"Uhh… well, as long as you're happy," Amour sighed, half-smiling.
[How do I top up my funds? Or is this enough to use the Streaming feature? What other functions can I access? And what's Machi's username on this Platform?]
The Persona leaned closer, focusing his power to weave a small portal linking this realm to Moriarty's world. It shimmered faintly, unstable at first but he managed to hold it open in the end.
Amour was never as deft with such manipulation as the others.
"Those funds are just your registration rewards, the All-Seeing Eye seems to be working fine. For now, why not start by browsing some of the other streamers on the Platform? You'll learn faster that way. I'll give you a nudge here and there when you need." 「Amour」
[Hmm, thank you. Then… ah? Hey, Amour. I just got three sudden requests of friendship—from someone named Herald of Little Light, Qushui?, and Double D. Do you know who they are?]
Before Amour could even open his mouth, Sengoku cut in sharply.
"It's fine for Little Light and Qushui. Blacklist Double D." 「Sengoku」
[Alright… anything else I should do?]
"Yeah. Use your real picture. Let them see that face of yours." 「Sengoku」
There was a pause. A faint blink.
[...Alright?]
Suddenly, Moriarty's tablet buzzed, vibrating softly against her hands.
A cascade of notifications lit up the screen—gifts, messages, and friend requests flooding in at once. The streamers and accounts she hadn't even met yet were already acknowledging her presence.
She blinked, a mixture of surprise and awkward amusement settling over her.
"Welcome." 「Sengoku」
"To VIREALIS." 「Amour」
[Somehow... it's like Insta. Sirin also got a lot of notification as soon she creates her own profile.]
"Combined with utube." 「Amour」
This—this was the world Amour had promised her: alive, noisy, full of tiny connections, even for someone who had only just arrived. Bracing herself for this new reality, she finally felt like she had returned to her homeland.
But out of sudden...
"!!!" Sengoku suddenly stiffened, sensing something behind him.
When he turned, a young woman with long hair had stepped into the Void, her gaze fixed on them. She smiled sheepishly, much like when someone founding an old best friend.
"Konlulu~" Suzuhara Lulu
Fortunately, just as their eyes met, the portal snapped shut.
Then, the scene shifted… to the middle of Soukai City. The Timeless Girl smiled softly again, serene as if she had finally returned home. Meanwhile, the two Personas had vanished without a trace.
[I suppose it's my turn to say welcome. But… Amour, why did we end up in the middle of the city? Hmm? Amour? Sengoku? …Where did they go? How can they just leave without saying anything…]
"Wh-wha?! Is that a tank?!" 「Rozaliya」
"That's definitely a tank. A German Panzer, I think," Bella added, squinting.
"And on top of that… hmm? It's Lady Moriarty! Whoa!" Liliya's eyes widened.
"That's true! It is Moriarty! Come on, Liliya! We have to get her to kiss our cheeks!" 「Rozaliya」
"Hold on! I want to photograph her first! Bella-san, you should come too! It's not often Lady Moriarty shows herself like this, so we have to make the most of it!" Liliya waved her camera excitedly.
"Well… I think I could ask the goddess to bless Sirin's gacha luck," Bella muttered, already scheming.
As expected, appearing right in the middle of the city drew countless eyes. Ordinary citizens, tourists, even law enforcement and public order officers all turned to look.
The officers, in particular, arrived with remarkable speed.
"Moriarty? What is the meaning of showing yourself like this?" Theresa called out, her voice sharp.
"Miss Moriarty! How many times have I told you not to just appear wherever you like without informing us first?! And on top of all… this… tank? Basically, please stay behind us until this crowd settles down," Major Himeko knocked twice to the tank.
[…Hmm, where did those two disappear to?]
"That's a tablet? You don't usually use human technology," Theresa said, narrowing her eyes. "D-Don't tell me! The Goddess got infected by online games?! This is bad! It'll be catastrophic if she ends up like Kiana!"
[Don't worry, it's not what you think.]
Using her authority as the Guardian of this world, Moriarty scanned the area, searching for the two missing Personas. She quickly spotted them—standing quietly, waving down at her from the rooftop of a skyscraper.
The two had clearly decided to remain hidden within this world, keeping their presence subtle yet visible to those who could perceive it. They wanted Yjor to notice them too, and this was their way of signaling it.
"She chose the friendly, close approach?" 「Sengoku」
"So it seems. This way, she can get close to the people in this world… though, of course, there will be some sad times ahead as well. Now then… I'll rest a little before deciding whether to return to Zei. How about you?" Amour replied, squatting down.
"I'll watch her for now. When we left the Void, I sensed Suzuhara entering that realm." 「Sengoku」
"That's scary." 「Amour」
The wind whipped around them, carrying the distant hum of the city below.
From their vantage point, the Personas of Love and Wrath began quietly planning their next moves. Meanwhile, Moriarty was surrounded by a group of mortals, each seeking her blessing, their faces alight with hope and awe.
Not only had she chosen not to vanish into the shadows or hide behind screens, the Timeless Girl had embraced life itself—walking, smiling, and touching the hands of those who lived on this planet.
She had chosen to love and live among them.
[Hey, Theresa... do you want to met him?]
"H-Huh?! Who—Hey! Don't think just because I'm small you can shove me around like this!" Theresa snapped, jostled by the crowd while keeping an eye on the tank behind her. "Who are you talking about?!"
[You know it, him.]
The people around them assumed that Moriarty would bless anyone whose cheeks she kissed, but in truth, she could bestow her blessing in any way she wished. A word, a gesture, even just her presence in the world was enough.
Still, the people of this city had grown accustomed to such customs, treating them with reverence and expectation as if they had always belonged to the rhythm of everyday life.
"I can feel their love for her," Amour murmured, almost reverently.
"I can feel their anger at her," Sengoku replied, voice low, steady.
They watched the crowd, attuned to the ebb and flow of emotion that pulsed through the air like an invisible tide.
"Hehe… I guess this world is the same after all," Amour said, a hint of irony in his tone. "Welp! So what about it? A world is nothing but a collection of resources without the people in it. I care less about a world being special… and more about the people who are."
The Persona of Love glanced at the Persona that had long since rusted, noting the contrast between the world's vitality and the corrosion of his companion.
"And I don't give a shit about that," Sengoku said bluntly, eyes fixed on the city below.
"Do you think this time Zei will act differently?" 「Amour」
"No. We're the Fool. Worlds change, people change, everything changes. But we don't. That's it," Sengoku replied, eyes fixed on the city below. "What we need and must do never change at all."
"Sigh… we really are at odds with each other. But I'm pretty sure you're wrong about that. Our Fool—the Sakura Zeimachi he is now—does change somehow. I can feel it, changes that's been brought out by people for him." 「Amour」
"We had once those kinds of people in the past. What makes the people of the present any different?" 「Sengoku」
The Persona of Love laughed softly, plopping down and staring at the sky. Sengoku, as always, kept his focus below, watching the world unfold. One sought possibility, the other sought certainty.
"They're not a Fool, Sengoku. You said it yourself. They… are not a Fool. Not truly," Amour whispered, letting the weight of those words hang in the wind. "They'll find their own way in changing our Sakura Zeimachi."
Sengoku didn't respond. He simply leapt down from the other side of the building.
"Just like what you've done, Cher… Cera," Amour murmured, a faint smile touching their lips as he watched him go. "What do you think, Yjor? Am I right… or completely off?"
"I don't give a shit about that… but whatever Madam did, it wasn't for nothing," said a small snake that appeared and then casually settled on top of Persona's head. "Don't you dare let it go to waste if you understand the reason behind her move."
"Oh? You're getting cheeky now. Did something good happen to you in this world?" 「Amour」
"Just some strange girl chasing me. It's nothing serious. Just another prank from the Will of This World. Nothing that big," Yjor replied, tail swaying occasionally. "She's a good girl… and she reminds me of someone."
The Persona of Love smiled softly, letting the snake stay perched on his head.