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Sixth Street.
A motorcycle pulled away from the front of the Random Play Video Store.
From inside the shop—currently hanging a [Closed] sign—came faint, on-and-off screams.
Hmm, the shop's soundproofing wasn't bad.
Sol brushed off his sleeves after finishing the job, hiding both merit and name.
After thinking it over carefully—Baal was staying at the Cunning Hares, Belle was already strengthened to a formidable degree, all sorts of supplies were prepared… there shouldn't be anything he'd overlooked.
Then, only the last matter remained.
On the motorcycle heading toward Hollow Zero, he dialed Hoshimi Miyabi's number and said, "Miyabi, it's Sol. Do you have time today?"
…
Hollow Special Operations Building, Hollow Special Operations Section 6 Office.
Hoshimi Miyabi was still quietly training.
Ever since receiving the secret manual called [Edge of Taixuan], she had immersed herself in it, and her swordsmanship had advanced greatly.
It was as if she had been born for the sword—possessing extraordinary talent in this field.
[Edge of Taixuan] held five essences: Heart, Form, Will, Soul, and Spirit. Once all five were mastered, one could unleash the ultimate technique, Taixuan Eminence—its power was honestly not unlike a nuclear blast.
For Miyabi at this stage, the Taixu Form Essence and Taixu Soul Essence sword techniques had already reached the introductory level and could be executed smoothly.
As for the internal techniques of Taixu Heart Essence and Taixu Will Essence, she had also made significant progress.
Taixu Spirit Essence, however, was still far beyond reach—an ultimate technique that could only be performed once the preceding four essences were perfected.
Even so, after this period of training, Hoshimi Miyabi had already learned to control the cursed blade [Tailless]. Even if she encountered that sort of abnormal state again, she could now forcefully suppress it.
"What a divine art…"
Miyabi stroked the cursed blade, once again sighing in admiration.
Only by truly practicing it could one understand just how incredible this [Edge of Taixuan] was.
It involved the four major aspects—mind, body, skill, and energy. Every part of it was exquisitely crafted. Aside from the near-harsh requirements on talent, this divine art had no flaws.
And as for the person who gifted her this divine art, he must have been just as extraordinary.
Her fox ears twitched slightly, showing a bit of restlessness.
He clearly said he would come find her for "romance training," and yet he hadn't shown up even now.
Ever since being awakened, she kept missing that warmth in his embrace—that comforting feeling, like a mother's reassurance.
Just then, her phone suddenly rang. She glanced at the caller ID: [Sol · Teacher · Hug], and quickly answered.
[Sol: "Miyabi, it's Sol. Do you have time today?"]
Hoshimi Miyabi glanced at the documents in front of her and replied very straightforwardly, "I have time."
Though she had been busy with training these days and had put aside some documents that needed quick processing—
Right now, she had time.
So… was she being asked out?
After two whole weeks, was romance training finally happening again?
Her fox ears trembled, and her ruby-colored eyes held both anticipation and shyness.
Being held felt wonderful, but if it was romantic in purpose, then it was both impossible to resist and impossible to know how to handle.
Sol extended the invitation: ["Let's head to Hollow Zero together and settle Nineveh."]
Finally, he was going to take on Nineveh.
"Oh."
Miyabi's tone flattened.
So, it wasn't romance training.
She let out a breath of relief, yet also felt a bit disappointed.
After calming down, Miyabi asked curiously, "Why did you suddenly decide to go after Nineveh?"
If she remembered correctly, Sol had never entered Hollow Zero, and naturally had never met Nineveh.
The only one connected to Nineveh was Belle, who had vast connections as captain of the independent investigation team.
"As fireworks before I leave."
Sol thought for a moment and said casually.
When he first arrived in this world, the only boss he remembered was Nineveh—and he had once even set Nineveh as his objective.
Taking it down before leaving was also a way of fulfilling that goal.
Arriving with it, leaving with it—it had a sense of ritual.
And leaving a bit of intimidation behind would keep certain people well-behaved, prevent them from doing anything stupid.
"You're leaving?"
Miyabi blinked, asking softly.
She had already learned last time that Sol would be going on a long trip, so this wasn't too surprising.
But parting with Sol in Hollow Zero somehow felt sad—like being promised candy in the evening, only for Mom to cancel it because of cavities.
Sol nodded with a smile. "Yep. Once Nineveh is taken down, it'll be time for me to go. Next time we meet will probably be in a month."
"This time, I'll show you [Edge of Taixuan]—and show you how to use a sword that devours its master."
A disciple he had taken in, a fox girl he intended to undergo romance training with—she needed to be taught carefully.
Otherwise, how could he expect the fox to repay him later?
"I understand." Miyabi's brows relaxed as she agreed, "I'll file a quick report and head over."
Her progress with [Edge of Taixuan] was fast, but she still inevitably ran into many problems—having Sol demonstrate it would unquestionably help her advance faster.
That master-devouring sword should be the one he showed her last time in the training chamber—also worth studying.
"I'll be waiting for you in Hollow Zero."
Sol looked at the giant black sphere drawing closer and hung up.
…
Hollow Special Operations Section 6.
Miyabi put away her phone and let out a barely audible sigh.
Seeing him in a month… an entire month without that warm embrace—it made her a little forlorn.
Tsukishiro Yanagi and Soukaku were already standing beside her, while Asaba Harumasa lay on the desk like life had lost all meaning.
Clearly, they had heard the earlier conversation—Sol was planning to team up with Miyabi to take down Nineveh.
"Chief, are we going on a mission? I'm already ready!"
Soukaku was bursting with energy, eyes shining with hunger for battle, tears of excitement at the corners of her mouth.
Well—more like hunger for food.
For some reason, Big Brother Sol's candy was especially delicious—and getting better and better!
And the red bean buns, and the melon treats—they were all amazing!
She really wanted Chief to recruit Big Brother Sol into Section 6, and for Sister Yanagi to bring him home—living together would definitely be wonderful!
"Yes. We're going on an external mission. Everyone, prepare."
Miyabi nodded gently.
"…" Tsukishiro Yanagi helplessly patted Soukaku's head, then looked toward Miyabi with a now-serious face. "The report is already written. We can depart immediately."
A temporary report—very simple.
"Mhm."
Miyabi nodded slightly. As expected, Yanagi was the most reliable friend—always prepared in advance.
"Overtime! Overtime!"
Asaba Harumasa perked up, trying to muster enthusiasm, though he still looked sluggish.
With Sol and the recently terrifying-as-ever Chief taking action, Nineveh clearly had no tomorrow.
After this round, the long-term periodic clean-up operations on Nineveh would be over—that was good news!