Renzo led the way inside, the glow of the blue tree washing over them as the two little girls followed close behind, each holding their cotton candy.
Tolly was clearly the more excited of the two, almost bouncing as she ate, her eyes shining with every bite. Prism took smaller, more careful bites — it tasted good, sweeter than what she was used to, but still not quite her kind of candy.
Still, she didn't dislike it either.
Renzo finished his quickly, tossing the wooden stick neatly into a nearby bin before continuing forward.
Inside, the vast interior of the Blue Tree was alive with light — veins of soft blue energy ran through the living walls, casting a gentle glow over the crowd.
The people didn't approach as he passed.
They'd heard his amplified voice earlier, and none dared disturb him now.
Instead, the Players parted quietly, giving him room as he walked — a Z Ranker among them, with two small girls trailing behind, the sound of their soft footsteps blending with the calm hum of the great tree.
Prism still couldn't believe it — that they all simply listened.
The people hadn't moved because they were afraid, but because they understood. That kind of respect felt strange to her; rare, even.
She had read a little about him before, though only the basics.
Information from the Blue Trade Records didn't come cheap, and she'd never had enough Cores to afford the full entries.
But even from the fragments she'd purchased, it was enough to understand why people looked at him that way.
[Last Note of Black] — the People's Hero.
Not just of the Black District.
Not just of the Wonderlands.
Of the entire Story World.
The entry she had bought mentioned that no matter where he went, he always stirred trouble — but it was never the kind that came from malice.
It was the kind born from trying to help someone else.
She didn't know much about Shizu — [White Severance].
The name alone was famous, whispered with quiet awe in the Records, but Prism had never bought the full entry.
She didn't have the Cores for that kind of luxury.
All she knew was that Shizu was Renzo's wife — and if she was married to him, then she was likely someone just as extraordinary.
But that only made things harder.
Because Prism couldn't tell them who she really was.
Or what she was.
Or why she'd ended up here in the first place.
They'd been kind to her.
Kind enough to take her in, to treat her gently when they didn't have to.
But she knew this wouldn't last.
She wasn't family — not truly.
And once Renzo and Shizu left again, off to whatever place called them next…
She'd be sent to an orphanage.
She didn't want that.
Every part of her wanted to scream it.
But she wouldn't.
Renzo wasn't the kind to stay still — and she refused to be a burden.
Not to him.
Not to Shizu.
Renzo seemed to pick up on her mood almost instantly — the way her steps slowed, the faint shadow that crossed her face.
Without missing a beat, he launched into a string of lighthearted jokes, his tone as casual as ever.
Tolly burst out laughing at every single one, sometimes before he even reached the punchline.
Prism couldn't help but chuckle, and bit by bit, the heaviness in her chest faded away.
The sound of their laughter mingled with the low hum of voices around them, and for a fleeting moment, the worries that haunted her were gone.
They had finally entered the first floor of the Blue Tree of Life.
The air felt different inside — fresh, almost sweet, like the scent of morning dew after rain. Shops lined the circular hall, each one glowing under the ethereal blue radiance of the walls.
No lamps, no bulbs — just the living light of the tree itself.
The wooden walls shimmered faintly, veins of light running through them like the lifeblood of some ancient being.
At the far end of the vast wooden hall, Prism's eyes caught sight of a large metallic door embedded into the tree's trunk — its frame pulsing faintly with blue light.
It looked almost out of place among the glowing wood and gentle atmosphere, but she quickly realized what it was: the elevator leading up to the next floor.
A lone figure stood guard near it — a Player dressed in black imperial-style clothing, his sword resting lazily at his side. His posture screamed boredom, but his aura betrayed something sharper, steadier.
Prism felt it at once — D Rank.
Her eyes lingered on the insignia etched into the chestplate of his uniform — the mark of the CEM Hunters.
She recognized it immediately.
Not all members wore the official attire, most preferred their own combat gear, but this one had chosen to wear it in full. The black and silver design gave him a sense of quiet authority, even if he looked like he'd rather be anywhere else.
Most of the lower-Ranked Hunters wore that uniform proudly — or rather, strategically.
In a place like this, flashing the insignia of the CEM Hunters was an unspoken shield.
After all, who in their right mind would dare insult or provoke a Hunter in their own territory?
The Black District belonged to them, plain and simple.
That didn't mean they acted like peacekeepers though.
The place was still a mess of chaos, gangs, and back-alley duels — every floor had its share of danger.
The Hunters didn't waste time policing street fights or petty crimes; instead, they left such matters to the Mercenary groups that thrived here.
It was one of the reasons those companies had become so common — people paid for safety because no one else would offer it.
But that didn't mean the Hunters turned a blind eye to everything.
When things went too far — when someone started leveling houses for amusement or causing large-scale destruction — the Hunters descended.
And when they did, no one ever saw the troublemaker again.
Fortunately, the Fifth Floor of the Black District — where they currently were — was relatively safe, even with an evil group like the Cut of the Seven Wounds nesting here.
The reason was simple: Renzo lived here.
Everyone knew exactly what kind of man the [Last Note of Black] was, and because of that, most people tried their best to avoid trouble.
Of course, it wasn't as if nothing happened — that would've been impossible in a place like this — but it was still far safer than anywhere else in the Black District.
That peace, however, only lasted when Renzo was actually around… and that was rare.
A few weeks, maybe two months at most, before he'd vanish again on some journey that could last a year or longer.
If Renzo had wanted to, as a Z Ranker and one of the thirty strongest in the Story World, he could likely have claimed the entire floor for himself.
Yet he didn't.
He settled instead for a modest apartment, living there quietly with his wife, an X Ranker.
Prism couldn't comprehend why he chose such restraint, but she didn't question it.
She simply trailed behind him, her eyes taking in the shops lining the floor as he casually introduced each one.
...
Tolly hesitated for a moment, then finally asked, her voice small but curious, "Mister… [Last Note of Black], are you really among the top 30 strongest?"
Renzo chuckled lightly behind his black mask. "I told you to call me Mister Renzo, remember? But… it's fine, it's fine."
He paused, then added, "Yes, I'm technically ranked among the top 30, but that doesn't necessarily mean what you think it means."
Prism frowned slightly, tilting her head. "Wait… what does that mean?"
Renzo continued, his tone calm but thoughtful, "The list… that's compiled by the Blue Trade Organization. According to them, yes, I'm in the top 30."
He shrugged lightly behind the mask. "But it's just an estimate. We can't really know how strong I am compared to the other Z Rankers."
Tolly frowned, tilting her head. "Why not?"
"Because," Renzo explained, "some Z Rankers only fought once, while others have fought countless times. Some have grown far stronger since they last showed their power. And abilities… they change everything. Take mine, for example — the ability to Sever. It can be tricky for some to deal with… but for others, it's easy."
Renzo nodded slowly, his voice calm but firm behind the black mask.
"And thus," he said, "it's impossible to truly gauge who'd win in a fight. There are exceptions, of course."
He glanced at the two girls, letting the weight of his words sink in. "The three known strongest… without a doubt, they are the three strongest. That doesn't mean they can't be defeated, but it would take an incredible effort."
Tolly froze, her eyes widening as she mumbled, barely above a whisper, "That means… the [Gold Emperor], the best among all good Players… and the [Dark Emperor], the best among all evil Players… and the best Reader Player, the [Grey Rose], Duke Ren… they're really the strongest?"
Renzo simply nodded.
He continued, his tone light but confident. "I'm still among the strongest of Z Rankers, though… top thirty? That's not so certain."
Tolly and Prism both nodded, satisfied with the answer.
It didn't really matter—they weren't here to measure strength or seek out the strongest. And besides, [Last Note of Black] was more than strong enough.
Renzo added with a faint chuckle, "I also happen to be one of the more active Z Rankers. Most of them stay in one place—ruling domains, researching, or just existing. Few actually venture out, explore the Sea of Fragments, or fight their way through the Story World like I do."
Tolly thought of a name and couldn't help but ask, "What about the [Traveler]?"
Renzo's words carried a hint of amusement as he recalled, "Ah, the [Traveler]… yes, I met him, but only once, and very briefly. The man's always busy, you know. Odd fellow, but highly respectable. He's full of grand ideas."
Tolly's eyes widened with curiosity, "W-what did you talk about?"
Renzo shook his head lightly, smiling beneath his black mask. "Not much time to dive deep, but it was… very interesting. The things we touched on were worth remembering."
Tolly hesitated, biting her lip, then decided not to press further.
I'm just an F Ranker with a Borrowed Story… talking to a Z Ranker, she reminded herself, feeling the weight of the gap between them.
Prism glanced at Tolly, who was still curious about the [Traveler], but she didn't ask either—Renzo clearly didn't want to dwell on it.
Instead, she tilted her head and asked, "What about… Mister [Owl]? The Z Ranker we saw at the tavern… is he as strong as Mister Renzo? Or stronger?"
Renzo chuckled softly behind his sleek black mask. "I don't know," he admitted.
"We've never fought, and I don't plan to. [Owl] is a friend… though he might not think the same. Still, he's not someone you want to mess with. Even among Z Rankers, he's one of the strongest—of that, I'm sure."
...
They continued weaving through the bustling stalls, chatting here and there about this and that, until Renzo shifted the conversation.
"Tolly," he asked gently, "do you think you'll create your own Original Story someday?"
The question made the little girl pause, her cheeks coloring as she glanced down, shy under the gaze of a Z Ranker.
After a moment, she nodded firmly. "Y-yes… I want to become a True Player, explore the Sea of Fragments, slowly rise through the Ranks… and make sure my parents can live amazing lives because of me."
Renzo's masked expression softened, and his voice carried a warmth that seemed to fill the space around them. "Tolly… that's incredible. Ambitious, brave, and… really impressive. Dreams like that aren't easy to have, let alone chase. You should be proud."
Tolly's cheeks flamed as her heart raced.
Being praised by a Z Ranker—the legendary People's Hero no less—was almost too much to process.
Her small chest swelled with nervous excitement, a jumble of disbelief and elation spinning through her thoughts.
He… he actually said that to me? The great [Last Note of Black]—he noticed me, and he… congratulated me?
She could barely hold herself from bouncing in place, so shy she kept her hands folded tightly in front of her, unsure whether to speak or simply melt into the ground.
Prism, standing quietly beside her, offered a soft congratulation, "That's amazing Tolly. I'm sure you'll make a great Story."
The little girl turned and glanced at Prism, her shyness still palpable. She hesitated for a moment before asking, "W-what about you… Prism? Your Story…?"
Prism's gaze flickered down, her small fingers twisting together.
She hesitated, uncertainty clouding her expression.
Renzo noticed instantly, curiosity sparking behind his mask, but he said nothing, giving her space.
"I… I can't tell you about it," Prism admitted softly, the words almost apologetic.
Tolly's face fell immediately, guilt and worry flooding her. "I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to—"
Prism shook her head gently, her voice calm, reassuring. "It's okay. No worries."
The two girls fell into step beside Renzo again, the conversation quietly settling as they continued walking through the Blue Tree of Life.
The moment passed without tension, carried forward by the soft rustle of the bustling first floor around them.
...
Players naturally made way as Renzo guided the two girls through the first floor, the flow of traffic bending around him without a word spoken. Stalls lined the interior in neat rows, each glowing faintly under the soft blue light of the Tree.
Tolly slowed near one of them, her attention instantly captured.
Cards were displayed behind a glass case, each one etched with symbols and faintly glowing inscriptions.
Powers, abilities, fragments of Stories sealed into thin rectangles.
Most were F Rank, a few E Rank, and here and there a D Ranked Card—but nothing beyond that. It was only the first level of the Blue Tree of Life after all, a place meant for beginners and low-Ranked Players.
Renzo noticed her gaze and smiled beneath his black mask. "So," he asked casually, "once you finally create your Story… planning to get a Story Book?"
Tolly didn't even hesitate. She nodded quickly, almost too quickly. "Of course! Story Books make it way easier to collect abilities, and you can build your Story faster, and—"
She stopped herself mid-sentence, heat rushing to her face as she realized who she was talking to. Her words tumbled over each other as she looked away, embarrassed.
Renzo let out a light chuckle. "No worries," he said easily. "I'm interested. Keep going."
Tolly swallowed, her blush deepening, but her eyes shone with excitement as she stood there, surrounded by cards that felt just a little closer to her future now.
Seeing Tolly grow shy under the attention, Prism hesitated for a brief moment before quietly speaking up. "Are they really that useful?"
Tolly turned toward her so fast her eyes went wide. For a second, she simply stared, as if she couldn't believe what she'd just heard.
Prism immediately froze, taking a small step back, suddenly feeling as though she'd said something strange—or wrong.
Before the moment could grow awkward, Renzo reached out and gently ruffled Prism's hair. "Yup," he said easily.
"They're incredibly useful."
The two girls looked up at him as he continued. "In fact, the reason I can use Severance at all—even though it isn't my own ability, but Shizu's—is because of a Story Book and a Story Card."
Prism's eyes widened slightly.
"All of that," Renzo went on, "is thanks to [Library of Power]. Because of him, Players can share abilities without losing them. They can exchange techniques, learn from one another, and grow stronger together instead of alone."
He glanced at the cards on display as they walked, the faint glow reflecting off his black mask. "It changed the Story World more than most people realize."
Tolly hesitated, slowing her steps for just a moment before gathering her courage.
"Mister Renzo… is it okay if I ask about… Severance?"
Renzo turned toward her and gave a small nod.
She didn't ask how it worked, nor did she press for details. Instead, her question came out soft and careful. "How was Madam [White Severance] able to share her Core Ability with you? Isn't that… kind of taboo?"
Renzo went quiet.
For a heartbeat, neither girl knew if she'd crossed a line.
Then he laughed lightly and reached out, ruffling Tolly's hair. She flushed immediately, the tips of her ears burning as she looked away.
"She's my wife," he said at last. "So she trusted me enough to share it."
His tone was warm, unguarded. "And that trust is the reason I have such a useful ability now."
He continued as they walked. "It isn't exactly taboo. It's just… sacred. A Story's Core Ability is what defines it. It's what makes someone them in a Story World this vast."
Renzo glanced ahead, his voice steady. "Most people don't want to share something like that. But some do. When they trust someone enough."
He smiled beneath the mask. "And Shizu trusted me enough to share hers."
Tolly's face burned even redder as she mumbled, almost to herself, that they must be a really lovey-dovey couple.
Renzo laughed at that, an easy sound, but didn't add anything.
Prism, on the other hand, remembered the night before—Shizu's fierce voice, the way she had practically yelled at Renzo without holding back.
The memory made her pause for half a second.
She didn't say anything either, and the three of them continued on.
After a short while, Renzo spoke again. "Want to head up to the next floor of the Blue Tree of Life?"
Tolly spun around and nodded immediately, her earlier shyness completely forgotten.
Prism followed with a smaller, quieter nod.
With that settled, Renzo led them toward the back, where the elevator stood—and beside it, the D-Ranked CEM Hunters member waited on duty.
The moment the guard caught sight of who was approaching, his body stiffened—and then nearly gave out.
"H–Hero—! I mean—Sir!" he blurted, snapping upright so fast it looked like his spine might crack. He immediately lowered his gaze, eyes fixed somewhere around Renzo's shoes, clearly not daring to look anywhere near the sleek black mask.
"W-Welcome to the Blue Tree of Life! Is— is there anything I can assist you with?!"
Renzo paused in front of him, hands tucked casually into his coat pockets. "Yeah," he said lightly. "We're heading to the second floor."
The guard froze for half a heartbeat, then nodded so hard it was almost violent. "O-Of course! Right away, Sir! Please, this way—!"
He didn't ask for identification. He didn't ask for clearance. He didn't even think about memberships, permissions, or regulations.
He simply rushed ahead, pressed his palm against the elevator panel, and stepped aside, gesturing stiffly toward the open doors.
"P-Please, go right in! Take your time, Sir!"
Renzo gave him a small nod and stepped inside, Prism and Tolly following closely after him.
The doors slid shut with a soft hum.
Only then—when the elevator was already ascending and the blue light faded from view—did the guard finally blink.
"…Wait," he muttered to himself. "Is… is Mister [Last Note of Black] even cleared for the second floor?"
He stood there for a second, staring at the closed doors.
Then he swallowed, shoulders slumping in relief. "…Doesn't matter," he whispered.
"He's a Z Ranker."
A pause.
"…And even if he's kind," the guard added quietly, "I'm not about to question that."
...
The elevator ride was brief—only a few quiet seconds accompanied by a soft hum and the faint glow of blue light crawling along the walls. Then, with a gentle chime, the doors slid open.
They stepped onto the second floor of the Blue Tree of Life.
For a moment, neither of the girls spoke.
Prism blinked, taking in the space before her.
To her, it was… nice, but not overwhelming.
She didn't know much about the Blue Tree of Life to begin with, so the difference between floors didn't fully register.
It felt calmer, quieter—different, but not shocking.
Tolly, on the other hand, nearly short-circuited.
Her eyes widened so much it looked like they might actually fall out as she slowly turned in place, staring at everything at once.
This was a floor she had only ever read about or heard whispered about. A place she'd imagined, dreamed of—but never thought she'd actually see.
The second floor felt like a relaxation lobby carved straight into the heart of the blue tree.
Smooth wooden floors spread out beneath their feet, warm to the touch.
Steam drifted lazily from sauna rooms lining the sides, the air filled with a calming scent that Prism couldn't quite place.
Soft seating areas were scattered around, and Players—mostly D Rankers and above—rested, chatted quietly, or simply enjoyed the peace.
Tolly clutched her dress, barely containing herself. "Th-this… this is actually Floor Two…" she whispered, voice trembling with awe.
Prism glanced around again, then looked up at Renzo. "…Can we try one of those?" she asked, pointing hesitantly toward the saunas.
Renzo followed her gaze and chuckled behind his mask. "You can," he said easily. "But maybe later. That's something you should try with Shizu."
Prism nodded, accepting that without complaint—then paused. "Can Tolly come too?" She asked quietly.
Renzo nodded in reply.
Tolly, on the other hand, like usual by this point, froze, again.
"W-W-WITH—?!" she squeaked, face instantly turning red as she stared at Prism like she'd just declared something unbelievable.
Renzo burst out laughing. "Careful," he said teasingly. "You're gonna knock her out if you continue like that."
Tolly stood there, completely overwhelmed, while Prism simply watched her with a small, calm look—already used to saying things that made the girl short-circuit.
Several C Rankers paused mid-conversation and turned, eyes widening as recognition set in.
One of them stepped forward instinctively. "Mister—"
Renzo raised a hand lightly. "Later," he said, tone easy. "I'm showing them around."
That was all it took. The C Rankers straightened, nodded quickly, and stepped aside without another word, watching with quiet awe as he led the two girls onward.
They returned to the elevator.
As it rose again, Renzo began pointing things out, almost casually, as if this were all perfectly ordinary.
"Third floor is training and simulation," he said. "Controlled combat zones. Good place to practice without losing limbs. Kind of like the [Training Grounds] Fragment but way less useful."
Tolly swallowed. Prism leaned closer to the glass.
"Fourth floor's entertainment," Renzo continued. "Illusion theaters, Story reenactments. Some people come here just to relive famous battles."
The elevator chimed.
"Fifth is crafting and modification," he added. "Weapons, Story Cards—if you've got the Cores, they'll shape almost anything."
Another soft hum.
"Sixth is rest again," Renzo said. "But quieter. Story Stabilization rooms. Good for Players who've pushed themselves too hard."
By this point, Tolly had completely given up trying to react normally.
She just nodded along, eyes sparkling, hands clenched tight at her sides as if afraid this would all vanish if she blinked.
Then—
The elevator slowed.
Floor Seven.
The doors opened, and the atmosphere changed instantly.
The space was wide, refined, and unnervingly calm.
Five figures sat within the lounge-like floor, each one radiating a weight that pressed gently—but unmistakably—against the air itself.
SS Rankers.
Three wore the insignia of CEM Hunters.
The other two bore the mark of the Cut.
The moment the Cut members turned—
They froze.
Their eyes landed on Renzo, and whatever they saw made the color drain from their faces.
Memory flashed through them: not Renzo himself, but a moment not long ago, when another Z Ranker had released just a fraction of intent.
A lesson burned straight into instinct.
[Owl].
The resemblance wasn't visual—it was positional.
That same untouchable distance.
That same certainty.
The two Cut members didn't hesitate.
They stood up so fast their chairs scraped loudly against the floor, and nearly fled, disappearing toward another exit without daring to say a word.
Tolly watched them go, stunned.
The CEM Hunters, meanwhile, rose calmly and offered respectful nods.
"Mister [Last Note of Black]."
Renzo sighed softly. "Really, there's no need to—"
"You are a Z Ranker sir, we must offer greetings to you." One of them spoke up.
The other pointed toward an empty table, "Please, let us invite you to lunch."
Renzo stared at the table, then at the two girls standing beside him.
"Well, this seems as good a place as any."
With that, they took a seat.
Lunch was brought out shortly after—dishes so well-prepared that even Prism paused mid-bite, eyes narrowing in quiet surprise.
Rich flavors, perfectly balanced, food meant for people who had pushed their bodies and Stories to the limit.
Tolly ate like she was afraid the plate might vanish, trying to act polite while very clearly losing her mind internally.
Renzo simply ate with them, relaxed, as if sitting among SS Rankers on the seventh floor of the Blue Tree of Life was just another afternoon.
—End of Chapter.
-------
Tolly?
Tolly: Umm, hello everyone... I... I will become great in the future, probably.
Prism: Don't add probably at the end, and be more confident. C'mon, try to impress the Readers.
Gara: Wow, they grow up so fast. Look at them already trying to steal my thunder.
Renzo: You do know that this isn't your story, right? Like this event happens way before you even enter the Story World. So, like... Why?
Gara: Cause... Idk honestly, I just wanna talk.
Renzo: Fair enough.