Renzo and Prism walked side by side along the path of deep blue tiles that gleamed faintly under the soft light overhead.
The air of the fifth floor carried a faint metallic tang—old iron and ozone—mixed with the hum of neon signs and the chatter of passersby.
Houses and small shops lined both sides of the street, stacked close together like bricks in an uneven wall. Most of the Players they passed wore simple gear and held faintly glowing weapons, their Story Marks faint—a telltale sign of Borrowed Stories.
D Rankers, maybe a few C Rankers at best. Their eyes trailed to Renzo's masked figure for only a moment before quickly darting away.
Prism glanced around, quietly taking it all in.
It wasn't loud or chaotic like she'd imagined the Black District to be, but it wasn't calm either. There was tension here—something always simmering just beneath the surface.
The stronger ones, the A and S Rankers, rarely walked this part of the city. They lived in cleaner, brighter sectors higher up the District—especially on the second floor, a place whispered to be home to the true monsters of power.
Down here, things were different.
This floor was where the middle layers of the Story World's power lived and moved—freelancers, mercenaries, and those who didn't want to be seen by the powerful.
The troublemakers who worked in the shadows of stronger names.
And among them were the dangerous ones—the ruffians tied to groups like the Cut.
They stayed in these lower levels for a reason: to stay unnoticed… and because the rulers of the Black District, the CEM Hunters, had "gently" asked them to.
No one wanted to refuse a request from the CEM Hunters.
Some kids with Borrowed Stories noticed the man the moment he stepped into view.
Whispers spread like sparks in dry grass — [Last Note of Black].
With gleaming eyes, they tugged at their parents' sleeves, got hurried nods of permission, and dashed toward Renzo and Prism, excitement lighting their faces.
"Is it true, sir?" one boy asked breathlessly. "That you fought the [Blood Witch] in the Wonderlands?"
Renzo slowed his pace, offering a calm smile as the crowd of small voices gathered around him. Prism walked quietly beside him, her curiosity sharpening with each word.
The children's questions came in bursts — about the skies that burned crimson, about rivers that turned black, about how he stood alone against the terrifying Z Ranker.
One girl, barely old enough to hold her own Story Book, whispered, "They say she promised revenge… Aren't you scared she'll come back for you?"
Renzo chuckled softly, eyes reflecting both warmth and distance — the kind that came from seeing too much.
Prism noticed that faint shift in his tone, the quiet melancholy behind the hero's smile, and found herself listening closer than she meant to.
Renzo laughed as the questions began flying faster than he could answer them.
"What did the [Blood Witch] look like?" one boy shouted.
"Did she really melt a whole mountain?" another gasped.
Renzo tilted his head thoughtfully. "Hmm… I wouldn't say melted," he replied, kneeling slightly so he was at their eye level. "Let's call it redecorated. With a little too much red for my taste."
The kids burst out laughing, even as their parents — who had been pretending not to listen — began edging closer. Soon, a half-circle of adults stood behind the children, arms crossed but eyes sparkling with the same wonder.
"What about the [Wolf King]?" a little girl piped up, clutching her Story Book. "They say he howls so loud the whole region shakes!"
Renzo's smile widened. "That's true. Once, his howl cracked the sky itself — it looked like a giant mirror shattering. I was in the middle of it, trying not to get turned into glass dust. Terribly inconvenient."
Laughter rippled through the small crowd. Even Prism chuckled softly beside him, her yellow eyes glimmering with amusement.
"And the Yang Dynasty!" someone called from the back — an older man, a D Ranker with a weathered coat. "They say they wanted your head once!"
Renzo gave a small shrug, dusting an imaginary speck off his white tie. "Wanted, asked politely, sent assassins — you know how politics work."
That earned a full round of laughter this time.
The air felt lighter.
These were people who had long accepted quiet lives, whose dreams had dulled under routine and caution — yet seeing him there, hearing his voice tell tales of danger and defiance, something stirred in them again.
He wasn't just a hero to them — he was proof that the world was still vast, wild, and worth chasing.
And Prism, walking silently at his side, realized with growing awe why the man beside her was called the People's Hero.
One small girl broke away from the crowd, stepping shyly toward Prism while Renzo continued answering the barrage of questions from the growing circle of kids — and now adults — around him.
They were all eager to hear about the Wonderlands, the most visited place in the Story World.
"Is it true teacups talk there?" one boy asked, eyes wide.
Renzo chuckled, the curve of his smile hidden beneath his black mask. "They do. Some even pour you tea while gossiping about the weather," he said, voice playful. "Though I'll admit, I never dared drink what they served."
That earned a wave of laughter, and another child quickly jumped in, "What about floating candy islands? Can you eat them?"
Renzo nodded lightly, glancing toward Prism before answering. "You can eat the islands, sure. The chocolate rivers are safe to drink too. But—" his tone lowered, teasing, "—you shouldn't try to eat the Candy People. They don't take kindly to that."
The kids erupted into laughter, several pretending to be Candy People chasing each other. Even the adults couldn't help smiling, their long-forgotten dreams flickering for a brief moment.
Amid the laughter, the small girl who had approached Prism looked up with sparkling eyes. "Your skin's so red and your horns are so cool," she said with pure awe. "You look really cute!"
Prism blinked, caught off guard. Two faint purple blush marks appeared on her cheeks as she looked away shyly. "T-thanks," she muttered, her voice small but sincere.
The girl smiled wider, rocking on her heels before asking, "Can we be friends?"
Prism blinked, surprised by the sudden question.
For a moment, she didn't answer — her gaze drifted toward Renzo instead.
He was still surrounded by the crowd, laughing softly as he gestured animatedly while recounting another of his Wonderlands tales.
The air was alive with awe and excitement, the kind that only a Z Ranker's presence could summon.
Even a few Blue Trade Information Gatherers had joined in, their crystal lenses recording every word and movement — stories told by [Last Note of Black] would sell before they even reached the Records.
Renzo caught Prism's uncertain glance and gave her a small wave, a silent "go ahead."
His voice never faltered as he continued, his tone weaving humor and warmth through the air.
Taking that as her cue, Prism nodded softly to the girl.
The little one brightened instantly and asked, "What's your name?" — then froze, face flushing red as she clapped her hands over her mouth.
"Oh no! I forgot to say mine first!" she squeaked, earning a few giggles from the onlookers. "I'm Tolly!"
Prism let out a small laugh, her earlier shyness melting into a smile. "That's a beautiful name," she said gently, her purple blush marks deepening. "And your dress… it's really pretty too."
Tolly twirled once, showing off the modest pink fabric that shimmered faintly in the lantern light. Her long blonde hair bounced with the motion, her blue eyes sparkling like tiny gems.
She couldn't have been older than eight or ten — around Prism's age, at least in appearance.
"I'm Prism," she said at last, her tone soft but clear.
Tolly grinned from ear to ear, as if the name itself was something wonderful.
She reached out her hand toward Prism, small fingers trembling with hopeful courage.
Prism hesitated — the faintest flicker of uncertainty in her yellow eyes — but then, slowly, she reached out and took it.
Their hands met — one red, one pale — and for a moment, the chatter and laughter around them felt distant.
The two stood side by side, silent and still amid the hum of the crowd, listening to Renzo's smooth voice as he continued weaving tales that glowed like stars in the air.
He spoke for another five minutes, drawing laughter, gasps, and applause from the gathered Players. But at last, he lifted a gloved hand and chuckled softly.
"That's all for today, everyone. I've kept you from your tea long enough."
A collective groan rose from the children, while the adults smiled, nodding or saluting respectfully.
"Thank you for the stories, Sir Renzo."
"Truly an honor."
"Come back soon!"
The children pouted, but with gentle nudges from their parents, they murmured reluctant thanks and began to drift away — all except Tolly, who remained rooted at Prism's side.
Renzo turned, noticing the small figure half-hidden behind Prism's arm. His tone softened.
"And who might this be?"
Tolly squeaked and ducked further behind Prism, clutching at her hand. To her, Renzo wasn't just a man — he was the [Last Note of Black], the hero whispered about in every corner of the Story World, a Z Ranker who had stood against the [Wolf King] and lived.
Prism looked back at her, then at Renzo, and said with a shy smile, "This is Tolly — my new friend."
Renzo's expression softened beneath his sleek black mask. "A pleasure to meet you, Tolly."
Tolly froze.
For a second, her knees nearly gave out — he spoke to her.
Personally.
The Z Ranker himself.
Somehow she managed to squeak out, "P-pleasure to meet you too, Mister [Last Note of Black]…"
Her voice was tiny, trembling, but full of awe — the kind only someone meeting a living legend could ever have.
Renzo couldn't help but chuckle softly, the sound warm beneath his mask. He tilted his head, his tone gentle as he asked, "And where are your parents, little one?"
Tolly peeked out from behind Prism, still gripping her hand tightly. Her voice was small, trembling. "They… work in the mines. On the Fourth Floor," she said. "They only come back at night. So I wait outside and play with the other kids till they do."
Renzo's eyes softened, the faint glint of sympathy showing even through the calm composure of a Z Ranker.
Tolly took a hesitant step back then, cheeks flushed.
"I should go… I don't want to intrude…"
Prism's face fell slightly, her purple blush marks dimming as she looked down at the girl. Renzo noticed immediately — that faint sadness in Prism's expression — and sighed quietly through his smile.
He crouched down a little and reached out, patting Tolly gently on the head.
The girl froze on the spot, face turning bright red as if struck by lightning.
"You can join us," Renzo said softly. "We're heading out for a little adventure today."
Tolly's eyes widened in panic.
She shook her head quickly, waving her hands. "N-no! I can't! I don't want to bother the Great [Last Note of Black]!"
Renzo laughed, and waved his hand. "Then don't call me that. Just 'Mister Renzo' is fine." He stood back up and placed a hand over Prism's shoulder. "And since you're Prism's friend, you're not a bother at all."
Tolly blinked, caught between disbelief and joy, her small hands fidgeting nervously. "O-okay… Mister Renzo…" she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper.
And for the first time, a bright, genuine smile crossed her face.
Renzo clapped his hands once, lightly. "Alright then, since it's decided…" He paused, looking around with exaggerated thoughtfulness. "Uhhh… now where exactly are we going?"
He turned on his heel, one hand resting thoughtfully on his chin, the other crossed under his arm. His head tilted slightly as if scanning the surroundings — though how he did so was anyone's guess.
Prism couldn't help but stare for a moment.
His sleek black mask reflected the dim blue light of the floor around them, completely smooth and without a single slit or hole.
No eyes, no gap, no sign of sight — and yet, he always seemed to see everything.
'How does he even see through that thing…?' she thought, curiosity flickering across her small face.
Renzo stopped spinning after a moment, his gaze — or at least where his gaze should be — locking on something in the distance.
"Ah," he said finally, a spark of realization in his tone.
Far beyond the clustered homes and narrow streets stood the massive blue tree — its luminous leaves glowing softly, casting rippling reflections over the tiled ground.
It towered above everything on the Fifth Floor, roots like bridges, branches stretching so high they touched the ceiling itself.
Renzo pointed toward it, a faint smile tugging beneath the mask. "The Blue Tree of Life… the heart of the Fifth Floor. Seems like a good place to start, doesn't it?"
He turned back toward the two girls, his gloved hands slipping into his pockets as the faint blue glow from the distant tree reflected on his black suit. "So," he began with a light tone, "has either of you ever been to the Blue Tree of Life?"
Prism blinked and shook her head, her small horns tilting slightly as she did. "No…"
Renzo nodded once, then looked at Tolly. "And you?"
The little girl fidgeted, her fingers curling around the edge of her dress as she looked down at her shoes. "N-No, Mister Renzo," she mumbled softly.
"My parents are just E Rankers with Borrowed Stories… so they don't earn much. I read about it though! It sounds really amazing and fun but… it's expensive, and mostly for VIPs with memberships."
Renzo chuckled, a deep, easy sound that somehow made the air feel lighter.
"True, true. The higher floors are reserved for members and big spenders. But—" he raised a finger, voice playful "—the lowest level's open to the public. Anyone can visit that part."
Tolly's eyes lit up. "Oh! I've been there a few times with the other kids! It's always so bright and full of floating lights—like a dream!"
Prism listened in silence, her golden eyes widening slightly at the description. Then, after a moment of hesitation, she tugged gently at Renzo's sleeve. "Umm… Mister Renzo," she said quietly, "can we… check it out?"
He tilted his head slightly, his mask catching the soft shimmer of the tree in the distance.
A smile curved behind it. "Of course," he said simply. "Let's go see what all the wonder's about."
Renzo then leaned in slightly, his tone shifting from casual to conspiratorial, the kind that made both girls instinctively draw closer.
The blue light of the distant tree shimmered faintly across the glossy surface of his mask as he whispered, "You know… we won't just see the first floor."
Prism blinked, her head tilting. "We won't?"
Renzo's voice dropped even lower, playful but secretive. "Nope. We're going to see everything—every single floor."
Tolly's jaw nearly dropped. "E–Everything!? But that's impossible! They only let important people go there! Like, like—Z Rankers!"
Renzo chuckled, straightening up with that familiar confident air. "Exactly. Lucky for us, you're walking with one."
Tolly's eyes sparkled like she'd just won the Story Lottery. "But how? Aren't the upper floors guarded by the CEM Hunters?"
"Of course," Renzo said smoothly, adjusting his white tie with mock seriousness. "But I've got connections. I'm not one of the Hunters myself, but [Owl]'s pretty close with them. And since he and I are friends…"—he gestured vaguely, a teasing wave of his hand—"they're friendly with me too."
Prism tried to stifle a smile, but her eyes betrayed her amusement. "So we're… sneaking in because you know people?"
Renzo nodded solemnly, as if it were a sacred truth. "Exactly. Knowing people is half the battle in life, Prism."
Tolly clasped her hands in pure excitement, nearly bouncing in place. "We're really going to see the whole Blue Tree!?"
Renzo gave a small nod, and Tolly's breath hitched so hard she nearly toppled over—but Prism caught her just in time, steadying the dizzy girl with a sigh.
"Thank you, Mister Renzo!" Tolly burst out, her voice trembling with excitement.
"You have no idea how much this means! This is literally my dream—and it's coming true! You really are the People's Hero, just like they say in the Blue Trade Records!"
Renzo waved a gloved hand dismissively, his tone calm and modest. "Ah, that title's a bit much. I'm just doing what anyone would do."
He turned toward the wide staircase leading deeper into the area and motioned for them to follow. "Come on. Let's go see it for ourselves."
They fell in step behind him, Tolly practically floating beside Prism.
After a moment, she piped up again, "Um, Mister Renzo, do you think the Blue Trade Agents will mention me in their reports? I mean—since I'm spending the day with you and all…"
Renzo thought for a moment, then replied, "Most likely, yes. But it won't bring much attention to you."
Prism raised a brow. "Why's that?"
Before Renzo could answer, Tolly jumped in eagerly, "Because Mister Renzo takes kids on tours from time to time! Right, Mister Renzo? You've done this with, like, a few thousand kids already!"
She froze mid-sentence, realizing she'd cut him off, and clapped her hands over her mouth. "Oh! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to interrupt—"
Renzo chuckled softly, his voice light with amusement. "Don't worry about it. You're not wrong."
Tolly exhaled, visibly relieved, while Prism simply shook her head with a faint, amused sigh as they continued following the masked hero down the path.
Renzo then tilted his head slightly as they walked. "Say, Tolly… how do you know so much about me anyway? Don't tell me you're some kind of secret fangirl?"
The girl's face instantly flushed bright red. She glanced away, fiddling with her hands as she mumbled, "O-of course I am! I mean… you're a Z Ranker!"
Renzo caught the small stutter and raised an amused brow behind his mask. "Oh? Then tell me this—am I your favorite Z Ranker?"
Tolly froze mid-step like someone had just hit pause on her entire system. Her mouth opened but no words came out. Her brain clearly decided to take a short vacation.
Renzo's laugh echoed through the narrow path, smooth and warm. "Ahaha—guess I hit the mark there."
Prism frowned, lightly tugging at his sleeve. "That's mean, Mister Renzo. Don't tease my new friend."
He raised both hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright, no teasing. But now I am curious. Who is your favorite Player in the Story World then, Tolly?"
Tolly's eyes darted to the ground again, her voice soft. "It's the [Grass Queen]… ruler of the Garden Kingdom in the Wonderlands. She's so kind and cute-looking, and she always helps the poor and the ones in need. My dream is to meet her someday."
Renzo gave a gentle hum, the tone somewhere between admiration and nostalgia. "The [Grass Queen], huh? That's a fine choice."
Prism smiled faintly, glancing at Tolly with a spark of respect. "She sounds like someone worth looking up to."
Tolly nodded eagerly, a tiny smile breaking through her shyness. "She really is."
...
As they walked along the cobbled streets of the Fifth Floor, the crowd slowly thinned and the sounds of chatter faded into the distance.
Renzo and Tolly talked cheerfully beside her—about stories, favorite food stalls, and the weirdest monsters they'd ever heard of.
Every so often, Prism joined in, laughing at their jokes or asking questions, though most of the time she just listened quietly.
It was still hard to believe any of this was happening.
Just yesterday, she'd been huddled in a cold alleyway, scared and unsure of what to do next.
Now, she was walking beside a living legend—a Z Ranker, no less—and sharing smiles with a new friend who felt warm and bright like sunlight.
It was too much.
Too sudden.
What if this isn't real? What if it all disappears tomorrow?
She looked at Renzo ahead of her—his black mask gleaming under the light, his easy laughter filling the air—and then at Tolly, who clung to her sleeve like an excited little sister.
This couldn't be reality… right?
And yet, as the three of them walked on, the warmth in her chest felt real enough to make her want to believe it was.
...
It didn't take the trio long to reach the entrance of the colossal Blue Tree — a living monument of glowing azure wood that stretched from the ground to the very ceiling of the Fifth Floor.
Its roots curved into the massive stone wall like veins of light, pulsing faintly with energy that seemed to breathe.
This wasn't just a landmark — it was the gateway to the upper and lower floors of the Black District.
The area around it was alive with chaos and color.
Dozens of stalls lined the streets, selling glowing fruits, scrolls, trinkets, and strange crystal vials.
Players of all kinds filled the plaza — Borrowed Story users chatting with flashy Sponsored ones, a few Inherited wandering quietly, and even some proud Originals showing off their Aspects.
The air shimmered faintly with energy from so many activated Stories clashing and mixing at once.
Prism and Tolly's eyes went wide, spinning in every direction to take it all in — the laughter, the voices, the dazzling sights.
Prism could feel her heart racing as she whispered, "It's… beautiful."
Then, everything stilled.
The moment Renzo stepped into view, the noise dropped like a wave collapsing into silence. Heads turned, one after another, until the entire plaza seemed to revolve around him.
Conversations stopped mid-sentence. Even the vendors froze, mid-haggle.
Renzo raised a hand, his tone calm but firm. "Please, everyone. Give us a bit of space, yeah?"
And just like that—people stepped back.
No one argued, no one protested.
They simply nodded, smiled, and cleared the way.
The crowd's mood didn't shift from fear, but from pure, sincere respect.
Prism blinked at that.
Respect?
Not fear of his Rank or strength, but respect for him as a person?
That idea felt… strange to her.
However, as the crowd respectfully parted, Prism found herself smiling faintly — maybe she could believe it after all.
This was real.
She followed after him quietly, her small steps echoing behind his as they approached the glowing entrance of the Blue Tree.
Along the way, Renzo's attention flicked to the side — catching a glimpse of Tolly, who had stopped mid-step.
Her wide blue eyes were locked on a nearby stall where bright-blue cotton candy spun like clouds under the vendor's lamp.
She was practically vibrating in place, biting her lip to stop herself from drooling.
Renzo's chuckle was quiet, hidden beneath his mask, but his shoulders shifted ever so slightly with amusement.
He casually veered off the main path, hands in his pockets, pretending it was just a coincidence.
Tolly blinked, confused for a moment — until she realized where he was heading.
Her mouth dropped open. "W–Wait—!" she squeaked, quickly running after him, nearly tripping on her own pink dress.
Prism followed closely behind, her lips curved into a knowing grin.
The vendor, an older man with a short white beard, froze the moment he recognized who was approaching. His eyes went round as saucers.
He almost toppled over his counter. "L–Lord [Last Note of Black]?! I–It's an honor—"
Renzo lifted a gloved hand in a calm greeting. "Afternoon. Three of those blue ones, please."
"Of course! At once! A-and the price—"
Renzo had already pulled two shimmering Green Cores from his pocket, the glow reflecting softly on his mask. "How much?"
The man's hands shot up frantically. "No, no, no! For the Hero of the People? It's on the house! Please, it would be my honor!"
But Renzo shook his head slowly, his tone light but firm. "You're working. You earn what's yours."
He placed both Cores on the counter.
The vendor tried to protest again — "Even one Core's too much for three!" — but Renzo was already taking the cotton candy, handing one to each of the girls.
Tolly was speechless, holding the fluffy treat like it was some legendary artifact, while Prism accepted hers with a soft smile.
Renzo turned back to the vendor and said, almost playfully, "Then consider the extra Core a tip for making them smile."
The man nodded, words failing him.
The crowd nearby murmured quietly — admiration and warmth replacing the earlier awe.
And as the trio walked off toward the shining gates of the Blue Tree, Tolly whispered to Prism, voice trembling with excitement, "He's… exactly like they say he is."
—End of Chapter.
-------
What is this exactly?
Gara: So, what are we doing exactly? Why is this event even called [White Severance] when the owner of the X Ranked Original Story is nowhere to be seen?
Renzo: Why are you here again? It's my event, or Prism's. Remember the Story Book System? I own the Severance Ability, that's enough of a reason.
Gara: Ummm, no? Where is the action? The Drama? This is kinda boring, you know?
Renzo: To you it is. That's why it's an event, not in the main story, we're here to enjoy ourselves and develop the world a little.
Gara: I guess? I don't know, this better pay off later somehow.
Renzo: First of all, don't threaten a Z Ranker. Second of all, it will, but you don't have to read if you're not enjoying it, go away.
Gara: Huh... Or what?
[Owl]: Stare.
Gara left the chat and sent an apology.