"Kiana, can you help Bronya find Seele?"
Bronya didn't trade barbs with Kiana. Right now her calm voice carried a trace of pleading.
Kiana, who'd been nudged to the edge of the bed, was about to explode and pinch Little Dot's cheeks.
But… hearing those words, Kiana slowly shelved her mischievous thoughts.
Turning her head, she saw Bronya's petite figure burying her face in a plushie, looking so helpless that Kiana's eyes softened involuntarily.
"Tell me, Bronya. If I can help, I won't refuse."
Kiana reached out to ruffle Bronya's hair, smiling gently, a flicker of heartache in her eyes.
Normally, Kiana touching Bronya's head would earn an instant counterattack.
Yet at this moment Bronya stayed unusually quiet, not rejecting Kiana's touch.
"Seele is Bronya's little sister from the orphanage… She was lost to the Sea of Quanta because of an experiment…"
Bronya began softly, recounting her past—Cocolia's orphanage and the subsequent X-10 Experiment.
Bronya spoke for a long time; Kiana listened quietly without interrupting.
Finally, after a brief pause, Bronya added the mission Cocolia had entrusted to her.
After unburdening herself, Bronya felt her entire body lighten, as though every weight had slipped away.
"So… Kiana, I've told you everything. Can you help Bronya bring Seele back…?"
Bronya looked at Kiana, her calm eyes shimmering with hope.
She no longer saw much chance of recovering Seele through Mother Cocolia.
But Kiana was different now.
She was a high-ranking being of a super-power in the universe.
Such a colossal force must have a way to enter the Sea of Quanta; if she could find that way… she could go retrieve her lost sister herself. Meanwhile Kiana searched her memories for anyone who knew about the Sea of Quanta.
Across the cosmos, as far as she knew, the genius who researched the quantum realm was only Genius Society's #23, Acha.
And the conceptual counterpart to the Sea of Quanta—the imaginary tree—was merely a cosmic theory proposed by Genius Society's #1, Zandalar.
Its authenticity was unverifiable; rumor said only the Elation had ever climbed the Tree—who knew if that was true.
As for those two… she barely knew Acha.
She did know where Zandalar's avatar Lygus was, yet instantly vetoed the idea.
Only when she had a way to shut down that bastard Nous would she seek him out—then he might be a temporary ally.
Maybe in the future she could ask the lady whose beauty and wisdom coexist—pointy-head.
Of course, that was only what her memories recalled of the universe at large.
On Earth, teeming with hidden tigers and dragons, Kiana knew the Sea of Quanta had long since been conquered back in the Previous Era.
Namely, the Abyssal City.
And in the current era, Otto had not only proven the imaginary tree's existence but had also charged straight into it.
With the power of an Ultimate Devoted Warrior of Love, he'd rewritten a new tale for the one he loved.
"If it's impossible, Bronya will find a way herself. Sorry to bother you…"
Seeing Kiana silent for so long, Bronya's heart chilled; disappointment flashed in her eyes as she prepared to get off the bed.
Before Bronya could leave, Kiana gently tugged her into her arms.
"I was only thinking who I know that could help you. I never said I wouldn't, Little Dot."
Pressing Bronya's face to her chest, she smiled down at the gray head nestled against her.
Even if the geniuses of the Genius Society were stumped, Otto would never tell her, and the Abyssal City remained sealed.
She still had options—though they'd take longer.
After all, she was now virtually the complete Second Herrscher; reaching the Sea of Quanta was trivial.
The hard part was locating that one-and-only Seele who belonged to Bronya within the boundless Sea.
"…Thank you."
Receiving Kiana's reply, Bronya nuzzled her face into Kiana's chest and murmured in a muffled voice.
"It might just take some time."
"Bronya can wait a little longer…"
"Good. I'll definitely help you bring Seele back, so rest easy."
As she spoke, Kiana felt Bronya's tense body soften, her breathing evening out into sleep.
Kiana raised an eyebrow, then gently laid Bronya beside her and pillowed her head on an arm, studying that adorable face.
"Pretty cute when you're asleep."
Kiana smiled softly, drew Bronya into a light hug, and slowly closed her own eyes.
At first they slept like affectionate sisters, wrapped in each other's arms.
Deep into the night, the deeply sleeping Kiana sprawled inelegantly, limbs akimbo.
Until—
Clatter—
(◉‿◉)
Bronya, kicked off the bed, rubbed her eyes while sitting on the floor and stared at Kiana, who now occupied most of the bed alone.
After watching for a while she did nothing, simply climbed back onto the bed.
Surveying Kiana's body, Bronya found the softest, comfiest spot and lay down again.
Just as Bronya drifted off once more, Kiana—drooling and seemingly lost in a sweet dream—suddenly furrowed her brow.
In her dream her chest felt heavy; breathing became difficult.
Bronya, meanwhile, dreamed she and Seele were lying together on fluffy clouds.
Thus the night passed, dawn slowly tinting the sky.
"Kiana, have you seen Bronya—"
Raiden Mei, apron on and spoon in hand, pushed open the door, then fell silent at the sight of the two sleeping together.
Though puzzled, she refrained from waking them and quietly withdrew, returning to the kitchen… Time flew, and soon the day to return to Warahip arrived.
Raiden Mei and Bronya watched the fully packed Kiana with reluctant eyes.
Dragging a huge suitcase, wearing an off-shoulder tank top and shorts, sunglasses on, she looked ready for vacation.
Beside the two stood Murata Himeko, eyes half-lidded in exasperation.
Himeko was staring at her superior and so-called eldest niece in their casual outfits.
Theresa had said she'd be away on business for a while, leaving the Far East Branch temporarily in Himeko's charge.
Himeko refused, but Theresa forced her; she had no choice but to accept.
The most bewildered of all was Fu Hua.
She'd packed her luggage and followed the Headmaster after hearing her explanation.
From the conversation she gathered they were going somewhere, but thankfully Kiana was coming too.
As long as her surveillance target was present, Fu Hua didn't refuse; accompanying as a private tutor would make contacting Kiana easier.
"Mei, Bronya, once Aunt picks a site for the branch campus I'll come get you."
"All right, we'll wait for you."
Mei forced back her reluctance, eyes glistening as she answered.
"Theresa, come back quickly. If the Far East Branch falls apart I'm not taking the blame."
"Got it, Egg-Burst Girl. I'll be back once the serious stuff is done."
Theresa waved dismissively, looking thoroughly annoyed.
As if she were running off to slack and dump all responsibility!
"Then we're off. Miss me, okay? Mei, Little Dot, Sister Himeko~"
Hmm? Leave? From where? Isn't this Murata Himeko's apartment?
Fu Hua frowned, unable to figure out how—or where—they were going.
The next instant she understood—and realized she—
Whoosh—
Fu Hua's view lurched, depositing her in a place whose architecture resembled that of Shenzhou.
She'd boarded a pirate ship—