Renzo smiled beneath his mask as he read the two messages.
For a brief moment, he just stood there, the faint glow of his Story System Interface reflecting in his eyes, before he started typing his replies.
Renzo → Arden: Yup, I'll be there, no worries. Make sure you don't die before I get there… Oh, and I have a surprise coming with me. Don't be too shocked, okay?
Renzo → Shizu: Heyo, love. I was giving Prism a tour of the Fifth Floor, and now I'm heading out to eat at Mera's stall. I'll be meeting the gang there. You coming?
He sent both messages and waited.
Only a moment passed before replies came in from both of them.
Arden: Oh? A surprise? Heh. Alright, now you've got my attention, Ren. Looking forward to it. Lorcas just made it here too. We're waiting on you, lil bro.
Shizu: What do you mean, "you coming"? Do you mean… I… go with you?
Renzo let out a quiet chuckle under his mask.
He hearted Arden's reply without typing anything back to him, then focused on Shizu's message and answered.
Renzo → Shizu: Yeah. Mera misses you. And it's the perfect time for you to meet them again after so long.
For a while, Shizu didn't reply.
Renzo and Prism continued walking through the Fifth Floor. Above them, the artificial lights kept dimming one after another, the slow transition into night settling over the district with every passing second.
Prism didn't ask what he was typing, or anything else. Renzo still hadn't answered her question about where they were going—he was waiting for Shizu to reply.
They kept walking in comfortable silence.
Soon enough, his Story System Interface lit up again.
Shizu: Fine. I will be there. Send me the coordinates. But don't you dare tease me, okay?
Renzo → Shizu: No promises.
Shizu: 💢💀.
Renzo smiled beneath his mask, and a quiet chuckle slipped out of him.
Beside him, Prism glanced up, slightly confused by his reaction, but didn't ask.
The two of them simply continued on their way as the lights above dimmed further, night fully settling over the Fifth Floor.
Finally, he turned toward the little girl walking beside him and answered her earlier question.
"We're eating out tonight."
Prism blinked, surprised—but a small spark of excitement lit up inside her.
"Where?" she asked.
Renzo smiled beneath his mask, though she couldn't see it. "At my little sister's place."
That made her stop walking entirely.
"Little sister?" she said, stunned. "You… you have one?"
Shock spread across her face, and Renzo couldn't help but let out a quiet chuckle. His hand moved to the back of his neck, rubbing it lightly.
"Well," he said after a moment, "we're not related by blood. And it's supposed to be a secret, so no one comes after her… or the others. But yeah. I have two older brothers—and one younger sister."
He glanced down at her. "And you'll be meeting them tonight."
Prism didn't react right away.
After a moment passed, she asked quietly, "Is that… okay?"
"Yes," he replied without hesitation. "Don't worry. I trust you, Prism."
She stayed silent for a moment before whispering, "Thank you."
Renzo reached over and ruffled her hair.
"Come on," he said. "Let's get moving."
And with that, the two of them continued forward.
...
In a far-off corner of the Fifth Floor of the Black District, along a dimly lit, quiet street, the area was nearly empty. The only signs of life were a small food stall and a nearby table where two figures sat, laughing together as they waited.
At the stall stood another figure, focused on preparing food with practiced ease.
She was the owner of the small shop—Mera.
A Half-Cat with red skin, a C Ranker, and the owner of the Original Story [Bizarro Chef].
She was also Renzo's little sister.
The two figures sitting at the table, waiting for her, were her two older brothers—not by blood, but bound by something deeper than even some blood families.
One of them was Arden—the Half-Wolf X Ranker with the Original Story [Eyes That Never Sleep], the same one who had been messaging Renzo earlier.
The other was a Half-Dragon with golden skin. Another X Ranker, the owner of the Original Story [Golden Scales], and Renzo's other older brother—Lorcas.
The Half-Golden Dragon couldn't help but burst into laughter as he repeatedly slapped Arden's shoulder.
"Hahaha! You mean he's bringing us something cool?" Lorcas said. "Come on, Arden, do some digging and figure out what it is with your—" he grinned wider, "—Hahahaha, Eyes!"
At that, even Mera, busy cooking behind the stall, couldn't help but chuckle.
Arden's ears flushed slightly as he pulled himself away from Lorcas' heavy slaps.
"I will not," he said firmly. "First of all, that would be digging into his privacy, and I'm not doing that to my little brother. And second, he said it's a surprise. I don't want to ruin it for myself."
Arden huffed and crossed his arms.
Mera and Lorcas both stared at him silently—the kind of stare that clearly said come on, just say it already.
Arden sighed, his shoulders dropping.
"Fine… I tried to look when I contacted him earlier, but… I couldn't."
Lorcas straightened slightly, now interested.
"How come?" he asked.
"Well…" Arden muttered, "he severed the space around him. So… I couldn't see a single thing."
"Ahahahha!"
Lorcas burst into laughter again, slapping Arden's shoulder once more, while Mera quietly chuckled to herself behind the stall.
Arden's blush deepened. "Tsk. That Severance ability of his… it's really annoying for someone like me."
Lorcas nodded, still grinning. "But it's insanely useful for him. And it's all thanks to Shizu."
He laughed again. "Ahahaha! I guess getting married does come with some benefits after all!"
Arden could only sigh in reply, deciding to change the subject as he turned toward his little sister.
"So… what are you making for us tonight?"
Mera instantly understood what he was doing and played along like the good little sister she was.
"Today, I'm making something I haven't made in a long time," she said, stirring something in a pan. "Can you guess what it is just from the smell?"
She paused, then smirked. "Oh wait… you use your eyes, I think, right?"
She stuck her tongue out playfully and touched her hair in an exaggerated, silly pose.
"Bufahahahahaha!"
Lorcas nearly fell off his chair laughing, pointing straight at Arden.
The Half-Wolf only sighed, ignoring the laughter around him. He activated his ability for a brief moment, eyes sharpening as he analyzed everything around him.
"…You're making Void Honey Chimera Skewers," he said calmly.
It was a bizarre dish—skewered cuts of tender Chimera flank, marinated in fermented Dreamroot oil and slow-roasted over low Phantom Ember heat, then glazed with thick, dark Void Honey harvested from abyssal hive beasts.
The final touch was a dusting of crystallized Star Salt, which caused the meat to release waves of alternating sweet, smoky, and slightly electric flavors with every bite.
Arden continued, his voice softer now, "You haven't made it for us since… back when we used to travel together in the Wonderlands."
Lorcas' laughter faded at that.
He leaned back slightly, his expression turning quieter, more nostalgic, and then serious.
"…Have either of you heard anything about her recently?" he asked.
Both of them instantly understood who he meant.
There was only one woman capable of making Lorcas turn serious like that.
The [Blood Witch], Cecile.
The Z Ranker infamous for terrorizing the Wonderlands—and for her countless clashes against [Last Note of Black], their brother, Renzo.
They had known her personally once, back during their travels together… before they truly understood what kind of person she was.
A person who ate children.
A person who bathed in the blood of girls.
A person who had done so much evil in the Story World that she was classified among the Top 25 Most Evil Story Owners.
She was also one of the greatest thorns in Renzo's side—and she hated Shizu with a burning obsession, believing Shizu had stolen the man she loved.
And of course… there was the revenge she had sworn against him.
A revenge that had not yet come to pass.
Because of that, the three of them made sure to stay informed about anything related to her.
But for the past few years, she had vanished from the public eye.
Arden thought back on everything he had heard from his colleagues.
After a moment, he slowly shook his head.
Mera spoke next, her tone quieter. "I don't know many high-Ranked people like you two do… but from the ones who sometimes visit my stall… no. I haven't heard anything about her."
Lorcas could only sigh in reply.
"She hasn't been seen in years now," he said. "And her last appearance was only through a Blue Trade Information Gatherer who saw her speaking with a member of the Shadow Circle… in Chaos City."
Arden nodded, continuing from where his brother left off. "The Z Ranker known as the [Silencer]… Another one classified among the Top 25 Most Evil Story Owners."
Mera kept cooking, though she couldn't help asking, "Do you two think she'll join the Circle?"
Arden shrugged slightly. "I'm not sure. Maybe. If she does, it'll be huge news everywhere…"
He paused. "And it'll also mean trouble for Ren."
Lorcas nodded, his expression still serious—something rare for the golden Half-Dragon outside of battle.
"Normally, I'd say no, she wouldn't," he said. "But then… [Silent Blade] joined Bleed when everyone thought he never would. Back when rumors of him talking with the two Z Rankers of Bleed were still just that—rumors."
Arden sighed quietly.
"Agreed," he said. Then his voice lowered slightly. "What I'm more afraid of… is those kinds of people helping and enabling someone like the [Mad Scientist] to reach Z Rank."
Lorcas immediately nodded.
"You're still after him, right?"
Arden gave a short nod in return.
"And how's the hunt looking?" Lorcas pressed. "Anything?"
Arden shook his head slowly.
"So far… it's like the man doesn't even exist," he said. "Even his Core Students are insanely slippery. Sometimes I start doubting if there are really ten of them… or just two playing games with everyone."
His gaze drifted slightly, distant, thoughtful.
"He's… deep inside the Sea of Fragments," Arden continued. "Probably deeper than even where the [Traveler] has gone."
Mera listened in silence as the two of them spoke, feeling a quiet sense of awe settle in her chest.
She was a C Ranker.
And yet… she was connected to three X Rankers.
And even a Z Ranker.
People whose every move sent ripples—no, shockwaves—through the entire Story World.
While she… lived here.
On the Fifth Floor of the Black District.
Making bizarre food for a living.
It felt crazy to her.
Whenever she tried to imagine Renzo fighting in apocalyptic battles—battles that reshaped landscapes, battles that erased entire regions from existence—her mind simply refused to paint the picture.
She had seen him fight, of course.
Many times.
But never against truly strong opponents.
And Renzo was known as one of the most active Z Rankers.
A Z Ranker who had fought other Z Rankers countless times.
Some of those battles… to the death.
Mera could only sigh, trying to push the conversation from her mind.
After all, by now, she was used to hearing about it—the talking, that is.
The actual things themselves?
That was another matter entirely.
No matter how many times she saw her brothers' battles or the things they had done, she could never get fully used to it.
Arden and Lorcas continued their discussion, their voices low but intense, analyzing the evils of the Story World.
Who was doing what, who might rise to Z Rank next, which alliances would crumble, and which betrayals might strike first.
After a while, they both paused, and Mera lifted her head. Her eyes widened slightly as all three of them noticed two figures approaching the stall at a slow, deliberate pace.
The first was unmistakable—a young man with short black hair, a black shirt patterned with white roses, sleeves rolled up, black pants, black gloves, and a sleek black mask that hid all expression.
It was Renzo, their brother.
But it was the second figure that drew more attention.
A young girl.
Red-skinned, with short red hair, black horns, and striking yellow eyes with black irises.
Arden tried to recall if he had ever seen a species like hers in the Story World—but nothing came to mind.
Lorcas, however, was more intrigued by the question burning in his mind: Who was she?
And why had Renzo brought her with him?
The [Last Note of Black] waved toward them, probably smiling beneath his mask, though no one could see it.
Lorcas immediately stood and started walking toward him.
When they met, Lorcas didn't hesitate—he pulled Renzo into a big, hearty hug and lifted him off the ground.
Renzo chuckled. "Big bro Lorcas, c'mon now… put me down, please."
Lorcas laughed, a deep, booming sound. "Hahaha! Fine, fine. I won't embarrass you in front of the kid."
With that, he set Renzo back on the ground.
Then, without missing a beat, he turned toward the girl and pointed. "So… who's this little fellow you brought?"
Renzo gestured toward her. "Her name's Prism. And she's the surprise I mentioned."
Lorcas took a step back, confusion written across his golden features.
"Huh? What do you mean?"
Prism pointed at herself, stepping back nervously, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I… I'm a surprise?"
Renzo laughed softly between the two of them, the sound warm and teasing.
Arden, still sitting a few steps away at the table, turned his gaze toward the little girl.
He almost used his abilities to analyze her, but paused when he noticed Renzo waving subtly at him.
Mera, still focused on her cooking, stared in shock at the little girl before breaking into a smile.
"She's… super adorable. And she's just like me—red too," she said.
Prism blinked, a little surprised by the comment.
Mera waved warmly at her, and Prism's cheeks flushed a soft violet.
She instinctively stepped back, hiding slightly behind Renzo's leg, before waving back tentatively.
Renzo chuckled softly. "Alright, let's sit first."
Lorcas nodded, returning to his seat, while Renzo guided Prism to sit beside him at the table.
Mera glanced over her shoulder as she continued cooking. "I'll be done in a few minutes, alright?"
Renzo nodded, then added casually, "Oh, right. Shizu's coming tonight, so make sure there's enough for her too."
At that, all three of his siblings turned to stare at him, wide-eyed.
Arden pointed at him, incredulous. "You… you actually managed to convince her to make it?"
Lorcas was silent for a moment, then burst out laughing.
"Ahhahaha! Alright, it's settled—I'm arm wrestling her again, and this time I'm winning for sure!"
Renzo chuckled in response. "Big bro Lorcas… don't say things you can't actually accomplish. You'll set a bad example for Prism."
Lorcas frowned slightly, puffing up his chest. "What do you mean can't accomplish? I got stronger, alright? Tsk! Hmph… Little brothers these days, no faith in their older brothers at all… Wait… Is this a Rank thing? Because you're Z Rank and all mighty now?"
Before Renzo could even reply, a small laugh escaped Prism.
She couldn't hold it in, hearing Lorcas' dramatic outburst.
Lorcas glanced at her and smiled, though a hint of annoyance still lingered at Renzo.
Arden raised his hands, trying to put a stop to the playful infighting, while Mera simply watched, smiling at her brothers' usual banter.
She then turned back to Renzo, curiosity sparking in her tone. "How come Shizu's coming?"
She added quickly, a hint of excitement in her voice, "Though it's shocking… I'm actually really looking forward to it! Also, why didn't you tell me sooner? I could've made something amazing for her! Tsk tsk, big brothers these days."
Prism laughed hard at that, and Mera couldn't help but join in.
The atmosphere around the stall became warm and comfortable, filled with the laughter of the four siblings bantering—and Prism, quietly listening, chimed in with a laugh here and there, feeling completely at ease.
Once Arden noticed that Prism no longer looked so shocked or afraid, he turned to Renzo and asked, "So… who's the little missy?"
At the question, both Lorcas and Mera paused, their attention sharpening.
Prism, meanwhile, tucked her face slightly behind Renzo's arm, nervous but curious.
Renzo glanced down at her before answering calmly. "I met her yesterday after we talked. I don't know much about her yet, but I'm working with [Owl] to try and help her. I'll tell you more later."
At that, Lorcas' usual laughter faded almost entirely.
For a moment, he became serious.
Mentioning that Renzo was working with [Owl]—a Z Ranker, and one specialized in information—was not trivial.
It signaled that Prism wasn't just a child Renzo wanted to spoil with gifts like he sometimes did for kids in the Story World.
This was different.
This was serious.
Renzo was kind and generous by nature. He often gifted children amazing things or gave them experiences they would never forget—like he had done with Tolly earlier.
But Prism's situation clearly required more than kindness.
A Z Ranker's involvement meant that someone with incredible skill and influence was personally ensuring her safety and growth.
Lorcas, though intrigued and slightly concerned, didn't press.
Instead, he allowed himself to relax, leaning back in his chair as Renzo's voice returned to its lighter, teasing tone.
"So, Prism," Renzo said, smiling under his mask as he glanced at her, "ready to see how fast you can eat one of Mera's creations? Don't worry, I'll cheer you on—strictly for motivation, of course."
Prism giggled softly, feeling safe and included, while Lorcas and Arden shared a small, knowing look.
Mera, still busy at her stall, felt her pride prickled.
"Wow, would you look at that?" she said, arms crossed. "As if you three haven't been eating my cooking for ages… Hmph! Ungrateful older brothers."
Arden leaned toward Prism, lowering his voice like it was a state secret. "Don't tell anyone… she says that, but in reality, we're just her test subjects."
Prism burst out laughing at the comment.
Renzo and Lorcas couldn't help themselves and exploded into laughter as well.
Even from a few steps away, Mera caught Arden's whispered remark. Her eyes instantly turned icy as she glared daggers at him.
Arden froze, dramatically wide-eyed, and turned away, pretending to be terrified.
Prism couldn't contain herself—she laughed even harder at his exaggerated reaction, doubling over as Lorcas chuckled beside her and Renzo shook his head with amusement.
As time passed, Lorcas and Arden tried to learn a little about Prism, joking with her and nudging her to relax.
Slowly, she started opening up, speaking a bit and even laughing along with them.
Soon, Mera appeared to have finished cooking.
She carried two plates in her hands with ease, while three others floated atop summoned, blurry red hands—a sight that immediately fascinated Prism.
Mera smiled at the girl's wide-eyed stare. "This is an ability of mine," she explained. "Since I'm a chef, I obviously sometimes need to handle many things at once. And… well, what's better than having a few extra hands?"
Prism's eyes gleamed as she watched the red hands float gracefully, moving with precision and speed, amazed at just how practical—and cool—such an ability could be.
Prism's eyes were still wide with fascination as Mera approached the table, carefully placing the plates in front of each person one by one.
On each plate rested an unusual yet mesmerizing dish: skewers of Chimera flank, the meat perfectly tender and glistening with a dark, glossy glaze.
The scent was intoxicating—rich, smoky, and faintly sweet with an undercurrent of something electrifying that made Prism's mouth water instantly.
Tiny crystalline flecks sparkled atop the skewers, catching the light like scattered starlight.
As Mera placed them down, the skewers seemed almost alive with aroma, each one promising a strange harmony of flavors that danced between sweet, savory, and just a hint of shocking tang.
Prism leaned forward, her voice full of awe. "Wow… what is it called?"
Mera grinned, her hands brushing a loose strand of red hair from her face.
"Void Honey Chimera Skewers."
Prism's eyes widened even more. "Did… did you create it?"
Mera shook her head, smiling gently. "I didn't create it exactly. This is my version—I made a few changes to the original recipe to suit our tastes."
Prism nodded, absorbing every detail, before her gaze shifted to Renzo.
He gave her a small nod, his tone calm and warm. "This is something Mera used to make for us back when we lived together," he said.
Prism's curiosity and awe deepened, the exotic aroma of the dish only making her anticipation grow.
Mera settled beside Arden, the warm smell of her cooking filling the air as they all waited for a moment.
Soon, a figure appeared in the distance, walking toward the table with calm, deliberate steps.
It was a young woman with short hair, a long X-shaped scar etched across her left cheek, and piercing crimson eyes.
She was dressed entirely in black—gloves, pants, and a long coat dotted with white roses. Underneath, a crisp white tie and black shirt completed her ensemble.
Her gaze alone carried an unmistakable intensity.
This was Shizu, X Ranker and owner of the Original Story [White Severance]—Renzo's wife.
She didn't wave.
She didn't speak.
Her eyes met no one's as she moved straight to the table and took a seat beside Renzo and Prism.
Then, in her calm, steady voice, she finally spoke.
"Hello, everyone."
The table fell silent for a moment.
Then, Mera couldn't contain herself anymore.
She sprang to her feet and ran toward Shizu, her voice bright with excitement.
"Shizu!!! You're here!"
Shizu didn't step back or dodge, though she easily could have. Instead, she opened her arms and received the red-skinned Half-Cat girl into a warm embrace.
The two held each other tightly, like long-separated sisters reunited after years apart.
A faint, quiet smile graced Shizu's lips as she gently brushed Mera's hair aside.
"Yes… I'm here."
Arden laughed, his voice easy and teasing.
Lorcas, not one to hold back, immediately chimed in, his tone loud and playful. "Haha! Look who finally decided to show up! You sure it's okay? Aren't you afraid I'll embarrass you?"
Shizu's crimson eyes locked onto him, cold and unwavering.
Then, with a faint, mocking tilt of her head, she replied, "Embarrass me… or yourself? You don't even know how to phrase simple sentences."
Renzo couldn't help but chuckle at her response, and Arden joined in with a quiet laugh.
Lorcas, already fuming, spluttered in frustration. "You… Y… I… Augh!"
He muttered some words under his breath, crossing his arms and turning sharply away, cheeks red from anger.
Arden waved casually at Shizu, who gave a subtle nod in return.
Mera, having finally released her grip on Shizu, scooted her chair closer and settled beside her, a soft smile on her face.
Renzo leaned slightly toward his wife, his voice gentle beneath the mask. "Took you a while, love… something happen?"
Shizu shook her head, her tone calm. "I just had to punch some people on the way. Nothing much."
Prism peeked up from behind Renzo, eyes wide, and thought to herself: Scary!!!
She then ducked behind Renzo's leg, making him chuckle softly.
Shizu, unused to this level of adorableness, felt a faint twinge of awkwardness, glancing down at Prism with a small, almost imperceptible smile.
Lorcas grinned mischievously, spotting his chance to tease Shizu. "Wow… you're so scary, even Prism's hiding from you!" he laughed, nodding toward the little girl crouched nervously behind Renzo.
Shizu's crimson eyes narrowed, and she almost growled.
"I… I'm not scary… right, Ren?"
Renzo chuckled softly under his mask, the sound teasing and warm.
That only made Shizu fume, her lips twitching in irritation as she pointed toward him, ready to scold. But then she noticed Prism shrinking even further behind Renzo, eyes peeking out nervously.
With a quiet sigh, Shizu let some of her anger fade, straightening herself and composing her expression as though nothing had happened.
She glanced down at the dishes in front of them.
"Can you get me some too, Mera?" she asked calmly, her voice measured but with the slightest warmth beneath it.
—End of Chapter.
-------
Finally back, huh?
Gara: Aye! Look, the characters from the first and second chapter are finally back.
Leif: The story is named after Shizu's Story Name, you'd think she'd play a bigger role.
Renzo: Huh... You too now, Leif? I'm somewhat disappointed.
Leif: I got infected, it happens when you hang around Gara too much.
Gara: Wow... What a friend you are.
Prism: I will remember this when I meet you two, hmph! Nero is cooler than either of you.