The moment they stepped inside Ultra Lux, the atmosphere changed again.
This place wasn't just refined.
It was excessive.
The lighting was soft and golden, reflecting off polished floors and glass-like surfaces. Music played quietly in the background—slow, controlled, almost hypnotic. Tables were arranged with deliberate spacing, each one occupied by people who clearly had more credits than they knew what to do with.
Food drifted past them on hovering trays.
Delicate portions.
Strange colors.
Strong smells.
Yuuki glanced at a menu display near the entrance.
"…Yeah," he muttered. "We're not eating here."
Atago leaned slightly closer.
"One dish costs more than what we just earned from that blender."
Yorktown frowned.
"That's ridiculous."
Enterprise kept scanning.
"It's intentional."
Belfast nodded.
"A display of wealth."
They moved further in.
And then—
The mood shifted again.
At first, it was subtle.
People standing still near the walls.
Wearing masks.
Silent.
Then it became clearer.
Those weren't decorations.
They were people.
Servants.
Their clothing was minimal, stylized, almost theatrical. Masks covered their faces—expressionless, identical. They stood in corners, near tables, beside pillars.
Waiting.
Not speaking.
Not moving unless called.
Illustrious slowed slightly.
"…This is unsettling."
Takao's eyes narrowed.
"They are being displayed."
Atago's usual smile faded.
"…Like ornaments."
Yorktown clenched her jaw.
"They're treating them like objects."
Enterprise's voice dropped.
"This aligns with what we heard earlier."
Yuuki's gaze hardened slightly as he watched one of the "guests" casually gesture toward a masked servant, who immediately stepped forward without hesitation.
No voice.
No choice.
"…Yeah," Yuuki said quietly. "Same system."
Belfast's tone was calm, but colder now.
"A hierarchy built on control."
Another group passed by.
Laughing.
Drinking.
One of them casually placed a hand under a servant's chin—lifting their face like they were inspecting an item.
Illustrious looked away.
"…I do not like this place."
Takao spoke under her breath.
"We should proceed quickly."
Yuuki nodded.
"We're not here to observe."
A pause.
"We're here to use it."
He adjusted his hood slightly.
"Find the exchange desk. High-value trade section."
Atago gave a small nod.
"Understood."
They moved deeper into Ultra Lux.
But the contrast stayed with them.
Luxury on the surface.
Control underneath.
And somewhere in this place—
Were people who thought owning others—
Was normal.
Yuuki approached one of the masked attendants standing near a column. Up close, the details were worse—the mask wasn't just for anonymity, it erased identity completely. No expression, no individuality. Just a role.
The attendant lowered their head slightly.
"What can my lowly self do for you…?"
Yuuki paused for half a second.
The phrasing alone was enough.
"…We're looking for a place to exchange items for credits," he said, keeping his tone even.
The attendant bowed a little deeper.
"Of course. Shall I guide you, honorable guest?"
Yuuki nodded.
"Yes."
The attendant turned immediately, moving with practiced precision—silent steps, perfect posture, no wasted motion.
They followed.
Yuuki leaned slightly toward Yorktown as they walked.
"This is unsettling."
Yorktown didn't take her eyes off the attendant.
"It's beyond unsettling," she said quietly. "They don't even speak like people."
Enterprise added from the other side,
"They've been conditioned."
Belfast's voice was calm, but firm.
"Trained to remove any sense of self."
Atago frowned slightly.
"Onee-san does not like how they lower themselves like that…"
Takao's gaze sharpened.
"They are not servants by choice."
Illustrious looked at the attendant's back, her voice soft but heavy.
"They sound… empty."
The attendant continued walking, completely unaffected by the conversation behind them.
Or perhaps—
Unable to react at all.
They passed through a wider hall where more of these masked figures stood in place. Some carried trays, others simply waited beside tables. None spoke unless addressed. None looked up.
One guest snapped their fingers—
And a servant moved instantly.
Yuuki's jaw tightened slightly.
"…Yeah," he murmured. "Same pattern."
Yorktown crossed her arms.
"This place is worse than I expected."
Enterprise spoke quietly.
"And we haven't seen the auction yet."
They turned down another corridor—this one quieter, more controlled. Guards stood at intervals, watching without interfering.
The attendant finally stopped at a reinforced doorway.
"This is the high-value exchange," they said softly. "Please present your items inside."
They stepped aside, bowing again.
"If you require further assistance… I will remain available."
Yuuki gave a short nod.
"…Thanks."
The attendant lowered their head once more.
"No thanks are necessary."
And just like that—
They returned to stillness.
Yuuki watched them for a moment longer.
Then turned to the door.
"…Let's make this quick," he said.
Because the longer they stayed—
The harder it was to ignore what this place really was.
They stepped through the reinforced doors into the high-value exchange.
The difference from the main floor was immediate.
Quieter.
Sharper.
More controlled.
This wasn't a place for casual trade.
This was where serious wealth moved.
Several attendants—well-dressed, augmented subtly and tastefully—turned their attention toward Yuuki the moment he entered. Unlike the masked servants outside, these individuals carried themselves with awareness and authority.
And yet—
They treated him like someone important.
"What are you willing to exchange, honorable guest?" one of them asked, voice smooth and practiced.
Yuuki didn't bother with hesitation.
"How much do antiques go for?"
The examiner's eyes sharpened slightly.
"Antiques?"
A pause.
"They must be functional. Rare. Preferably unique."
Yuuki nodded once.
"Good."
He raised his hand.
And then—
Reality bent.
A full-sized vehicle materialized in the center of the exchange floor.
The room went silent.
Polished metal.
Deep, rich finish.
Timeless design.
Yuuki spoke calmly, like he was presenting something ordinary.
"4.3-liter engine. Six-cylinder."
A short pause.
"Stromberg downdraft carburetor."
He glanced at the examiner.
"Runs perfectly."
No one spoke for a moment.
"…Honorable guest," the examiner said slowly, stepping closer.
"This is…"
He stopped, searching for the word.
"…a grand antique."
Others gathered around it.
Inspecting.
Scanning.
Verifying.
"It's… functional," one of them whispered.
"In pristine condition…"
Another added,
"There is no corrosion. No degradation. This is impossible…"
Yuuki folded his arms slightly.
"So?"
The examiner straightened.
"This alone…"
A pause.
"…is worth approximately 4.7 million credits."
Yuuki didn't react.
The examiner quickly corrected himself.
"No—more."
He turned back toward Yuuki.
"In this condition…"
"We can offer 5 million credits."
A murmur spread through the room.
"And if placed in tomorrow's auction," the examiner added, voice lowering slightly,
"…it will attract significant attention."
Yuuki nodded once.
"That's fine."
The transaction began immediately.
His card pulsed—numbers climbing rapidly.
Then—
The examiner returned.
In his hand—
A golden card.
"Honorable guest," he said, presenting it with both hands.
"You now have full access to the grand auction."
A slight bow followed.
"This includes entry for you… and your companions."
Yuuki took the card.
Behind him—
The girls were quiet.
But their reactions were clear.
Atago smiled faintly.
"Shikikan-sama… that was unexpected."
Takao nodded.
"Efficient."
Yorktown exhaled.
"…Five million just like that."
Enterprise glanced at Yuuki.
"You came prepared."
Belfast gave a small, approving nod.
"As expected of Master."
Illustrious smiled softly.
"How extravagant."
Yuuki looked at the golden card for a moment.
Then closed his hand around it.
"…Now we're in."
Tomorrow—
They wouldn't just be participants.
They would be—
Major players.
The examiner had barely finished logging the previous transaction when Yuuki lifted his hand again.
"Is there anything else you wish to trade?" the man asked, still composed—but far more attentive now.
Yuuki didn't answer verbally.
A gold bar appeared in his palm.
The shift in the room was immediate.
Not loud.
But unmistakable.
The examiner stepped forward more slowly this time, his usual polished demeanor giving way to something closer to caution.
"…Honorable guest," he said carefully, "that is gold."
A second attendant hurried over with a scanner, hands steady but eyes wide.
The device passed over the bar.
Purity readings stabilized.
Weight confirmed.
"Three point five kilograms," the attendant said quietly.
"High purity… almost untouched."
The examiner exhaled slowly, as if grounding himself.
"Gold has not circulated in Aqua in years. Not in this form, and certainly not in such condition."
Yuuki's voice remained even.
"How much."
The examiner did not hesitate.
"Five million credits."
Yuuki nodded once.
"Transfer it to the card."
"Immediately."
The transaction completed in seconds. The golden card pulsed, updating its balance with a soft glow that reflected off the polished surfaces around them.
Behind Yuuki, the silence from the girls carried more weight than words.
Yorktown finally spoke.
"…Commander, how long have you been holding onto things like this?"
Atago tilted her head, her tone lighter but clearly curious.
"Onee-san did not expect hidden treasure."
Takao studied the gold bar for a moment longer before it disappeared into the system.
"This level of preparation suggests long-term contingency planning."
Enterprise looked at Yuuki with a more measured expression.
"You anticipated scenarios where currency would become necessary."
Belfast gave a small, approving nod.
"Master's foresight continues to impress."
Illustrious smiled softly, though there was surprise behind it.
"You always seem to have something in reserve."
Yuuki adjusted his glove slightly as the nanomachines settled.
"It comes from exploration runs back in Earth 1.0."
They waited, and he continued without prompting.
"I found an unfinished hotel once. Looked abandoned, nothing special at first glance."
He paused briefly.
"It had a hidden underground vault."
Yorktown crossed her arms.
"And it was just open for you?"
Yuuki shook his head.
"It locked me in the moment I entered."
Atago blinked.
"That sounds less like a vault and more like a trap."
"It was," Yuuki said calmly. "Designed to catch scavengers."
Takao narrowed her eyes slightly.
"And you still managed to retrieve the contents."
Yuuki gave a faint smirk.
"Thirty-seven gold bars."
There was a brief silence.
Enterprise spoke first.
"You were trapped, yet you exited with all of it."
Yuuki tapped the back of his suit.
"Chrono pack."
Belfast nodded.
"A temporal displacement escape."
Yuuki shrugged.
"Whoever designed that vault didn't expect someone to just… vanish out of it."
Yorktown let out a slow breath.
"So that became your emergency fund."
"Exactly," Yuuki replied.
Atago smiled.
"That is quite reassuring, Shikikan-sama."
Illustrious added gently,
"It gives a certain peace of mind."
Yorktown glanced toward the exchange floor where the car had been.
"And the old car?"
Yuuki followed her gaze.
"Found it in a red zone. Buried under a collapsed mansion, sealed in an airless container."
Enterprise nodded slightly.
"That explains the preservation."
Yuuki folded his arms.
"It was useless back there. Just old-world junk."
He paused, then added dryly,
"There were times I considered dropping it from orbit just to see what would happen."
Atago laughed softly.
"That would have been such a waste."
Takao shook her head.
"That would have been unnecessary destruction."
Yuuki gave a small shrug.
"Maybe."
Then his attention shifted.
He looked at the golden card in his hand.
Then toward the upper levels of the station—
Where the auction would take place.
"…Now we have enough to play their game properly."
Yuuki was about to step away from the counter when the examiner called out again.
"Honorable sir."
Yuuki paused and turned slightly.
"With your status," the man continued, voice respectful, "you are entitled to accommodation at one of the finest hotels in Aqua. It is located adjacent to this establishment."
A slight bow followed.
"Complimentary. Courtesy of Magellan Station."
Yuuki glanced back at the girls.
"You don't mind?"
There was a brief pause.
Then—
Atago spoke first, though her tone was more restrained than usual.
"…Can we not have servants?"
Illustrious nodded softly.
"They make me uncomfortable."
Takao added quietly,
"It does not feel right."
The examiner blinked, slightly confused.
"They did something improper?" he asked quickly. "We can have them disciplined—"
Yuuki raised a hand.
"No."
A short pause.
"We just don't need them."
The examiner hesitated, then adjusted smoothly.
"Of course. As you wish."
A brief pause.
"If you prefer, we can arrange for the finest women as your attendants—"
"No."
Yorktown's voice cut in immediately.
Firm.
Clear.
"We are fine as we are."
Belfast stepped slightly forward.
"He requires no such services."
Enterprise nodded once.
"That will not be necessary."
Takao and Atago both gave subtle signs of agreement, while Illustrious simply smiled politely behind their helmets—but did not yield.
The examiner quickly bowed again.
"Understood."
Moments later, they were guided out of Ultra Lux and toward the adjoining hotel.
The transition was seamless.
The hotel carried the same high-society refinement—polished floors, quiet halls, controlled lighting—but without the open display of indulgence.
Their room was expansive.
Multiple sections.
Private.
Secure.
Once the door closed behind them, the atmosphere shifted.
Yuuki let out a small breath as his suit's nanomachine helmet dissolves and revealing his head. The others had their hood down and their helmets disassemble revealing their heads and flowing hair.
"…I haven't seen you all that assertive before."
Yorktown crossed her arms, still slightly annoyed.
"That place crossed a line. Offering women like that to you?"
Atago sighed softly.
"Onee-san does not like being compared to… that."
Takao spoke calmly, but there was weight behind it.
"They were treating people as commodities."
Illustrious lowered her gaze slightly.
"It felt wrong."
Enterprise added,
"We chose to act."
Belfast looked at Yuuki directly.
"You are valuable to us, Master."
Yorktown stepped closer, her tone softer now—but still firm.
"And we're not letting anyone treat you like some prize to be surrounded by 'fine women.'"
Atago smiled faintly.
"No matter how 'fine' they claim to be."
Yuuki blinked once, then let out a quiet, amused breath.
For a moment, he simply looked at them.
He didn't say it out loud—but it was obvious.
None of them were letting some fine women near him.
"…Got it," he said in the end.
The room fell into a brief, comfortable silence.
For the first time since entering Aqua—
There were no eyes watching them.
No tension pressing in.
No roles to play.
Just space.
Then—
Reality returned.
Yorktown exhaled.
"Why don't we eat something? I'm starving… but I'm not touching food from this place."
Atago made a face.
"The seafood here smells strange. I don't trust it."
Illustrious nodded softly.
"I asked one of the attendants earlier…"
She hesitated slightly.
"…their chocolate is made from refined insect protein and bacteria."
There was a pause.
"…That killed my appetite," she added.
Takao crossed her arms, still frowning.
"They mentioned something about nuts being synthesized from algae."
A short pause.
"I did not understand most of it."
Enterprise added calmly,
"They said it contains mood stabilizers and chemical regulators."
Yorktown blinked.
"…They put what in their food?"
Belfast sighed quietly.
"It appears nutrition here is engineered rather than cultivated."
Atago shook her head.
"That does not sound appealing at all."
Illustrious looked slightly uneasy.
"They also mentioned something called chemosynthetic steak…"
There was another pause.
"…I chose not to ask further," she finished.
Right on cue—
Several stomachs growled.
Takao immediately stiffened.
"…That was not me."
Another low growl.
She looked away slightly, cheeks faintly red.
"…That was me."
Atago giggled softly.
"How adorable."
Yorktown rubbed her forehead.
"Yeah, we're definitely not eating Aqua cuisine."
Yuuki finally stepped in.
"Well, good thing I planned ahead."
He reached into his inventory—
And pulled out several neatly packed bento boxes.
"Belfast prepared these before we left," he said. "Should be enough for everyone until tomorrow."
The reaction was immediate.
Atago's eyes lit up.
"Onee-san knew you wouldn't disappoint."
Takao visibly relaxed.
"This is… much better."
Illustrious smiled warmly.
"How thoughtful."
Yorktown let out a relieved breath.
"Now that's real food."
Enterprise nodded.
"Reliable."
Belfast gave a small, composed smile.
"I anticipated this situation."
Yuuki handed them out one by one.
"Eat. We'll need the energy."
Then he added, almost casually—
"Oh, and you can use the portable clothing generator in the bathroom."
The girls looked at him.
"Since you girls didn't bring luggage," Yuuki continued.
Atago laughed softly.
"Ara… truly well prepared."
Takao nodded.
"As expected."
Illustrious smiled.
"You think of everything, Lord Commander."
Yorktown smirked slightly.
"Hard to complain when you're this prepared."
Yuuki shrugged, already opening his own bento.
"Just being practical."
And just like that—
In a place filled with artificial luxury—
They sat together—
Eating something real.
The room grew quiet after they settled in.
One by one, the girls stepped away to disassemble their power suits. The armor retracting into compact forms below their feet. What remained were softer silhouettes—more human, less combat-ready.
They disappeared into the bathing area soon after.
The bathroom itself was excessive.
Not just luxurious—
Expansive.
Steam rose gently from a wide soaking pool, ambient lights shifting softly along the walls. The space was large enough to rival their rooms of the MCV back home.
"Hmmm... so comfortable..." Illustrious
"Yes, its like a long day." Belfast
"Want me to wash you back, Enty?"
"If you will, Hana."
"Hnnn..." Atago strech. "This is a good life."
"Yes..." Takao agreed.
Steam filled the bathing chamber, soft light reflecting across the water as the tension of the day slowly faded. The warmth helped—but not enough to completely wash away what they had seen.
For a while, none of them spoke.
Just the sound of water.
Breathing.
Quiet thoughts.
Then Yorktown broke the silence.
"We're all interested in him… right?"
The question landed heavier than anything else that day.
Not because it was unexpected.
But because it was finally said out loud.
No one laughed.
No one denied it.
Belfast was the first to respond, her voice calm—but more honest than usual.
"Yes," she said. "I admit it. I am very much interested in Master."
She lowered her gaze slightly.
"But Master… is someone far beyond our level."
A pause.
"Would he even choose us?"
Atago leaned back slightly, eyes half-lidded.
"We're not exactly… normal women."
Takao added quietly,
"We are imitations of our human counterparts."
Illustrious shook her head gently.
"But he said it himself."
Her voice softened.
"Imitation or not… we are who we are."
Enterprise spoke next, steady and certain.
"He understands us better than anyone."
A pause.
"If he chooses… he will choose the ones he trusts."
The water rippled faintly as the weight of that settled.
Yorktown exhaled slowly.
"And more will come."
Her tone was grounded.
"Nikkes. Shipgirls."
A short pause.
"Knowing him… he won't stop helping them."
Atago gave a small, knowing smile.
"And he will get close to them too to make sure they didn't feel abandoned."
Takao didn't deny it.
"It is inevitable."
Belfast lifted her head slightly.
"Then we do not wait."
A pause.
"We act."
Illustrious tilted her head.
"Act… how?"
Belfast's answer was simple.
"We already have a place in his heart."
She looked at each of them in turn.
"Yorktown… his first shipgirl, alongside Laffey."
"Me… his first maid."
"Illustrious… his first light carrier."
Atago smiled softly.
"His first cruiser."
Takao nodded.
"And the ones who share his language."
Enterprise spoke last.
"His first fleet carrier."
Silence followed.
But this time—
It was different.
"We are special to him," Illustrious said quietly.
Yorktown looked at the water.
Then asked the real question.
"Then who makes the first move?"
A pause.
Illustrious added softly,
"And whoever does… cannot have him alone."
She looked at the others.
"That would only create jealousy."
Belfast folded her hands.
"Then we agree on one thing."
A short pause.
"We proceed carefully."
She turned toward Yorktown.
"May I propose Hana?"
Yorktown blinked.
"…Me?"
"You are the first," Belfast said calmly. "The closest from the beginning."
Enterprise nodded once.
"We will not interfere, sis."
Atago added with a soft smile.
"But we will not stay silent either."
Takao crossed her arms slightly.
"We make our presence known."
Belfast continued,
"Once you take the first step… the rest of us will follow."
Yorktown frowned slightly.
"…You're making it sound like a strategy."
"It is," Belfast replied gently.
A pause.
"Because he is not the type to accept something shallow like cheap relationship. To be honest, I am quite ready to offer myself but, doing so would left an unfavorable impression from him."
Illustrious spoke softly.
"He is a man of honor."
Belfast nodded.
"Which is why… we do not aim to be his girlfriends or his lovers."
Yorktown blinked.
"Then what?"
Belfast met her gaze.
"We aim to be chosen."
A quiet pause.
"To be oath-bound to him. The relationship he values the most."
The word lingered.
"Marriage…?" Atago whispered.
"Yes," Belfast said calmly.
Illustrious smiled faintly.
"I believe none of us would be satisfied with anything less."
Takao looked thoughtful.
"Even if others come…"
Illustrious nodded.
"There will be more."
A pause.
"But what matters…"
Her voice softened.
"…is who he remembers most."
Enterprise crossed her arms.
"Then we should not delay."
Atago added lightly,
"Before others become as bold as certain foxes."
A few of them exchanged knowing looks.
Yorktown lowered her gaze again, watching the water ripple.
She stayed quiet for a while.
Thinking.
Then she spoke.
"…Let's give it time."
They looked at her.
"It's been only a few weeks. I don't want him to think we're drawn to him because of his power… or what he can give us."
She paused.
"I want him to see us… for who we are."
Belfast nodded slightly.
"That is reasonable."
Yorktown lifted her head.
"Let's show him."
A faint, determined smile appeared.
"How much we care about him… as him. His voice is the one who found us. His light shines in our dark times. Let's make sure we won't let that light shines away from us ever again."
Illustrious smiled warmly.
"Well said, Hana."
Atago leaned back, relaxed again.
"Onee-san agrees."
Takao gave a small nod.
"It is the correct approach."
Enterprise's voice was quiet, but firm.
"We move forward… together."
Belfast then smiles. "Then, you are the flagship for us. If you open fire to his heart, we will follow soon."
The water stilled again.
But this time—
There was no uncertainty.
Only quiet resolve.
==============
Yuuki stayed behind. Unaware things began happening around him.
He sat near the window, overlooking the glow of Magellan Station, and pulled up his HUD.
Maps.
Routes.
Timing windows.
Security patterns.
Tomorrow needed to be precise.
"Dude…"
Yuuki didn't look up.
"Verg."
"Yeah," Vergil replied. "Got some updates. Good news and bad news."
Yuuki leaned back slightly.
"Start with the good."
"The Chronosphere is ready," Vergil said. "We've got enough charge to cover the submarine and pull you out."
Yuuki nodded slowly.
"That's our exit."
"Not that simple," Vergil added.
Yuuki's eyes narrowed slightly.
"That's the bad news."
"Yeah."
A short pause.
"You need to be in an open area for us to lock on properly. No heavy interference. No structures blocking signal."
Yuuki glanced at the map.
"…So we can't extract inside the station."
"Exactly," Vergil said. "If things go south, you'll have to fight your way out first."
Yuuki zoomed the map, marking potential exit points.
"…Give me coordinates."
A marker appeared instantly.
"That's your extraction zone," Vergil said. "You reach there, we pull you out."
Yuuki nodded once.
"Understood."
Then Vergil continued.
"Oh, and something else. We finished analyzing that Siren sub you brought back."
Yuuki leaned forward slightly.
"And?"
"They're using something called Dipol."
Yuuki frowned.
"Dipol?"
"Underwater hyperspace jump tech," Vergil explained. "Same concept as our hyperspace jump, but adapted for submarines."
A pause.
"They open a wormhole, compress the vessel to molecular scale, push it through quantum space, and reassemble at the destination."
Yuuki let out a low whistle.
"…That's advanced."
"Very," Vergil agreed. "Aqua's tech is no joke."
Yuuki smirked faintly.
"Then we're stealing it."
"Already working on it," Vergil replied. "The tech team is dismantling the system now. Trying to reverse engineer it."
A pause.
"But tomorrow, if you get the chance—have someone in Aqua retrofit your sub. Maybe buy an unmodded version so we can study it directly."
Yuuki nodded.
"That's the plan."
"Once we crack Dipol," Vergil added, "we won't need Chronosphere for every jump so we can save it for something important."
Yuuki leaned back again.
"Faster deployment. Less dependency."
"Exactly."
Then Vergil's tone shifted slightly.
"Oh—and one more thing."
Yuuki glanced up.
"What now."
"A Wisdom Cube showed up at your location."
Yuuki froze for half a second.
"…What?"
"Yeah," Vergil confirmed. "Looks like they're planning to auction it too."
Yuuki ran a hand through his hair.
"…Of course they are."
"Think you can summon it?" Vergil asked.
Yuuki shook his head slightly.
"I don't even fully understand how I did it with Hood."
Vergil hummed.
"Last time, it happened when you were close, right? Your last location when you summoned her was indeed just above Exelia Trench."
Yuuki nodded.
"I didn't activate anything manually. It just… responded."
"Then that's your answer," Vergil said. "You probably need proximity."
A pause.
"And resonance."
Yuuki looked at the ceiling for a moment.
"…There were times I slipped into the void without touching a cube."
"Exactly," Vergil replied. "Same principle. Try syncing with it."
Yuuki exhaled slowly.
"I'll try tonight."
"Good," Vergil said. "Because if that cube activates for you…"
Yuuki finished the thought.
"…You could just call it."
The line went quiet.
Yuuki sat there for a moment longer.
The map still glowing in front of him.
Routes drawn.
Risks calculated.
===========
"Commander, we're done."
Yuuki turned—
And froze for just a moment.
The steam from the bath still lingered faintly in the air, softening the light around them. Their hair, still slightly damp, flowed naturally over their shoulders. The bathrobes draped loosely, simple—but somehow making them look even more striking.
Not armored.
Not in uniform.
Just… themselves.
Yuuki blinked once.
"…Oh."
A short pause.
"…wow."
Atago tilted her head slightly, a small smile forming.
"Shikikan-sama?"
Yuuki immediately cleared his throat and looked away.
"It's nothing."
A pause.
"I'll take my turn."
He tapped the arc reactor on his chest.
The armor dissolved instantly, nanomachines retracting and flowing away as he walked past them into the bath area.
The door slid shut behind him.
Silence lingered for a moment.
Then—
Atago let out a soft, knowing laugh.
"Ufufu… he noticed."
Illustrious smiled gently.
"Yes… he did."
Takao crossed her arms lightly, though her expression had softened.
"He is aware."
Belfast nodded.
"He still sees us as those under his command…"
A pause.
"…but he is no longer unaware that we are women."
Yorktown exhaled quietly.
"That's enough for now."
Enterprise added calmly,
"It means progress."
Atago leaned back slightly.
"Then we continue… slowly."
Illustrious's voice softened.
"Let him see us… little by little."
Belfast concluded gently,
"As ourselves."
Inside the bathroom—
Yuuki stood under the running water, letting it wash over him.
For once—
No armor.
No interface.
No noise.
Just silence.
Then—
A faint chill ran down his spine.
He paused.
"…Why do I feel like I'm being targeted right now…" he muttered under his breath.
And somewhere outside—
Six very determined girls—
Had already made up their minds.
The door slid open quietly as Yuuki stepped out, hair still slightly damp, the last traces of steam following him into the room. The fatigue from earlier had faded, replaced by a steady clarity.
For the first time since entering Aqua—
He felt refreshed.
In the living area, the girls had already settled in.
Atago and Takao had prepared tea, the aroma warm and familiar, cutting through the sterile scent of the station. Bento boxes were open, and the atmosphere was far more relaxed than anything they had experienced outside.
Yuuki paused for a moment, taking it in.
Then walked over.
Yorktown glanced at him.
"Feeling better?"
Yuuki nodded.
"Much."
He joined them briefly, then moved toward the wide window overlooking Magellan.
The underwater city stretched beyond—glowing structures, moving lights, distant traffic of submarines slipping between stations.
They gathered beside him.
Quiet.
Watching.
"This is… an entire city underwater," Illustrious said softly.
Enterprise crossed her arms.
"Self-sustaining."
Takao narrowed her eyes slightly.
"But without sunlight…"
Belfast answered calmly.
"Likely synthetic agriculture. Supplements. Or complete reliance on engineered nutrition."
Atago sighed lightly.
"That explains the food."
Yuuki gave a small nod.
"Yeah. Not exactly appealing."
There was a short pause as they continued watching the city.
Then Yuuki reached into his inventory and pulled something out.
A card.
"Oh, here."
Yorktown blinked.
"Commander… that is?"
"The fifty-thousand credit card from the shopkeeper," Yuuki said. "Separate from the main gold one."
Atago tilted her head.
"And?"
Yuuki shrugged slightly.
"We've got time before the auction tomorrow."
He looked at them.
"Why don't you all go out and explore a bit?"
There was a brief silence.
Yorktown raised an eyebrow.
"You're not coming?"
Yuuki crossed his arms.
"I figured you'd want some time to yourselves."
Atago smiled slowly.
"You think we'd leave you behind?"
Takao nodded.
"That is unlikely."
Illustrious added gently,
"We would prefer you come with us."
Yuuki sighed.
"…Do I have to?"
Yorktown stepped closer.
"Yes."
Enterprise followed.
"You are our commander."
Belfast added, composed as always,
"And we would like you with us."
Atago leaned in slightly, her tone softer now.
"Protect us… or we protect you. Go out with us."
The moment she said it—
She froze. The famous confession words.
Takao immediately looked away.
Illustrious covered her lips slightly.
Yorktown blinked.
Enterprise shifted her stance.
Belfast remained still—but noticeably quieter.
A faint blush spread across all of them.
Yuuki, completely unaware, just shrugged.
"Fine."
He turned back toward the window.
"Magellan looks decent from up here anyway."
A pause.
"Despite everything underneath."
He glanced back at them.
"…Why is everyone red all of a sudden?"
Silence.
Atago quickly looked away. "It's… warm in here."
Takao nodded immediately. "Temperature fluctuation."
Yorktown coughed lightly. "Yeah. That."
Enterprise said nothing.
Belfast adjusted her sleeve. "No issue at all, Master."
Illustrious smiled sweetly.
Yuuki narrowed his eyes slightly.
"…You're all acting weird."
But he didn't press further.
===========
They split off into their assigned rooms once they were done unwinding.
The hotel didn't hold back.
Each room felt more like a private suite than a place to sleep—wide space, soft lighting, and a bed so large it could easily fit five people without crowding. Everything was designed for comfort, for status… for people who expected luxury as a default.
Yorktown glanced at the bed in her room and let out a quiet breath.
"…Now I see why they insisted on attendants."
Enterprise looked around, assessing more than admiring.
"Excessive, but efficient."
Belfast adjusted the sheets with practiced ease.
"At least we will rest well tonight."
In the next room—
Atago stretched slightly, smiling.
"Onee-san could get used to this."
Takao shook her head.
"Do not get comfortable. We leave tomorrow."
Yuuki chuckled. "Wait till the citadel is finished building, you girls will have your own apartment."
Illustrious sat gently at the edge of the bed, her expression soft.
"Still… a moment of peace is welcome."
And in the third room—
Yuuki stood alone for a moment.
He looked around briefly, then sat at the edge of the bed.
Silence returned.
For the first time since entering Aqua—
There was nothing immediate to do.
He leaned back slightly, staring at the ceiling.
"…Jarvis."
"Yes, sir."
"Status back home."
"Base operations remain stable," Jarvis replied. "All personnel accounted for."
A short pause.
"Minor incident reported."
Yuuki exhaled.
"…What happened."
"San Diego attempted to interact with both Eldridge and a Tesla tower simultaneously."
Yuuki closed his eyes.
"…Of course she did."
"Result: electrical discharge from Eldridge, followed by secondary shock from a Tesla Tower."
Yuuki rubbed his forehead.
"Is she alive?"
"Recovering, before getting shocked again." Jarvis said. "No permanent damage."
Yuuki let out a quiet breath.
"…Good. I am impressed she survived a direct shot from a Tesla Coil."
A pause followed.
"They're fine, then."
"Yes, sir."
Yuuki nodded slightly.
Even here—
Miles below the ocean—
Things at home continued.
He lay back fully on the bed.
Tomorrow—
Auction.
Extraction.
Possible combat.
Unknown variables.
And yet—
For now—
He allowed himself to rest unaware that several figures entering his room.
=============
The night inside Magellan settled into an artificial calm, the distant hum of the station blending into a low, steady background.
Inside Yuuki's suite, the lights were dimmed. Everything appeared still.
Then the door opened.
Not loudly, not forcefully, but with a precise override—someone who knew what they were doing.
Several figures slipped inside, moving with quiet intent.
"Spread out," one of them whispered. "He's loaded. I saw the exchange earlier."
Another chuckled under his breath.
"Gold bars, antique tech, and those women… this is our lucky night."
They moved quickly, scanning the room, checking corners, looking for storage compartments or hidden panels.
Then one of them stopped.
"…What is that?"
At the center of the room stood the armor.
War Machine Mark I.
Tall, silent, and unmoving.
One of the intruders let out a breath.
"Damn, that scared me for a second."
Another circled it, eyes gleaming.
"This thing alone is worth more than everything else here."
"Then take it," the first one said. "We haul this out, we're set for life."
They relaxed, just enough to make a mistake.
Because behind them—
Something shifted.
Not loud.
Not obvious.
Just a faint mechanical adjustment.
One of them paused.
"…Did you hear that?"
"It's nothing," another replied. "Stop getting jumpy."
They went back to searching.
The armor moved again.
This time, a step.
Slow.
Controlled.
The head turned.
Not suddenly, not violently.
Just enough.
Just deliberate enough.
The room seemed to grow colder.
Then—
The optics lit up.
A twin deep red glow cutting through the dim light.
One of the men turned just in time to see it.
"…That thing's—"
He didn't finish.
The armor moved.
Fast.
Too fast for something that size.
In a single motion, it closed the distance.
A metallic hand grabbed the nearest intruder and lifted him off the ground like he weighed nothing.
The others froze.
Shock replacing confidence instantly.
"W-what is this?!"
The armor didn't answer.
It tightened its grip just enough to make a point, then threw the man across the room. He slammed into the wall and dropped, unable to move.
Another tried to raise his weapon.
A second later, it was gone from his hands, crushed and discarded.
The room filled with panic.
"This wasn't part of the plan!"
"No—no, get out!"
They rushed for the door.
But the armor was already there.
Blocking.
Watching.
Not chasing.
Not rushing.
Just standing between them and escape.
A warning.
They hesitated.
And that hesitation cost them.
Within seconds, the fight was over.
No lethal force.
No unnecessary damage.
Just overwhelming control.
The last intruder dropped to the ground, breathing hard, completely subdued. Then, they were tossed out the door.
The armor stood still again.
Silent.
Unmoving.
As if nothing had happened.
But now—
No one in that room would ever mistake it—
For empty again.
=====================
Yuuki's eyes snapped open—
but not into his room.
He stood once again in the void world.
An endless, silent sea stretched in every direction, perfectly still beneath a sky that held no stars, no moon, no light—only a vast, quiet emptiness.
Yuuki let out a slow breath as realization settled in.
"Verg was right," he murmured. "It really is about proximity."
He looked down at his reflection in the water, then out toward the horizon.
"If I sleep near an unfamiliar Wisdom Cube… I can reach this place."
A faint smirk tugged at his lips.
"…Man, the looks on those people tomorrow are going to be something."
Then—
A voice answered him.
"Finally… this is the moment I have long waited for…"
Yuuki turned.
She stood there, as if she had always been part of that calm sea.
Elegant.
Composed.
Graceful in a way that felt timeless.
She wore a traditional white-and-blue qipao that flowed naturally with her movements, her long black hair falling behind her in smooth strands, translucent bangs framing a calm and dignified face. In her hand, she held an umbrella, not as a shield, but as part of her presence—refined, composed, and quietly authoritative.
Yuuki's eyes narrowed slightly, studying her.
"You are…?"
She stepped forward slowly, her feet touching the surface of the water without disturbing it.
Her voice was gentle, yet carried a weight that spoke of patience… and time.
"Finally… after waiting in this calm sea for years…"
A pause.
"…with no one to speak to…"
Her gaze met his directly.
"I have found the source of the voice that called to me."
Yuuki crossed his arms slightly, still observing her carefully.
"…You've been waiting."
She inclined her head.
"Yes."
A brief pause.
"I am Yat Sen."
Her posture straightened slightly, pride evident but not overwhelming.
"From the First Fleet of the Dragon Empery."
The name settled between them.
Yuuki repeated it quietly.
"…Yat Sen."
She stepped closer, her reflection rippling faintly now as if the world itself acknowledged her presence.
"You are the one I heard," she continued. "The voice that reached across the void."
A pause followed.
"Even in silence… I could feel it."
Yuuki studied her for a moment, then tilted his head slightly.
"Dragon Empery… China?"
Yat Sen's expression shifted—just a little.
"I do not know what 'China' is."
Yuuki blinked once.
"…Right."
He let out a small breath, then adjusted.
Without warning, he switched languages.
Fluently.
Naturally.
"Will this do"
Yat Sen froze for a fraction of a second.
Her eyes widened slightly.
"You… you speak Mandarin?"
Yuuki gave a small shrug.
"We have several Chinese in our faction," he replied, continuing in the same language before easing back into his usual tone. "As High Commander, I picked it up. It's useful."
She looked at him more carefully now.
"Chinese…?"
Yuuki nodded.
"That's what we call people from your cultural origin."
Yat Sen considered that.
"…We call ourselves Emperians."
Yuuki gave a small, understanding nod.
"Same difference. Just different names."
She stepped a little closer, curiosity now replacing some of the earlier distance.
"You mentioned a faction."
Yuuki crossed his arms slightly.
"Yeah."
A pause.
"Global Defense Initiative."
The name echoed softly across the still sea.
Yat Sen's gaze sharpened.
"You are not from any faction of this world."
It wasn't a question.
Yuuki shook his head.
"No."
A short pause.
"Different world. Different system."
Her eyes lingered on him.
"…Yet you can speak our language."
Yuuki smirked faintly.
"Like I said. Skill. It's a must have."
The silence returned for a moment, but this time it wasn't empty.
It was processing.
Then—
Yat Sen lowered her head slightly.
Not submissive.
Not weak.
Respectful.
"Then… please allow me to serve under you."
Her voice was calm, but there was something deeper beneath it.
"I have remained in this place for years… without purpose, without voice, without connection."
She lifted her gaze again.
"If following you means leaving this endless sea…"
A pause.
"…then I will gladly do so."
Her grip tightened slightly on the umbrella she carried.
"I wish to find my sisters."
Yuuki watched her for a moment.
Then nodded once.
"Alright."
"I am in a quest to recover as many shipgirls as I can," he continued, his tone steady but carrying weight. "Possibly all of them. I have already found more than a few… those who have fallen."
He glanced across the endless sea.
"They are gathered on a small island in this world. Waiting."
A brief pause.
"For the day they return."
He looked back at her.
"Consider yourself the first of the Dragon Empery under my command, Miss Yat Sen."
A small nod followed.
"My name is Yuuki. High Commander of the Global Defense Initiative."
She listened without interruption.
Then she straightened slightly, her composure returning fully.
"I am Yat Sen," she said, her voice calm but touched with something deeper. "One of the oldest ships still in service of the Dragon Empery."
Her grip on the umbrella tightened just slightly.
"I… lost my life when I was attacked alongside my sisters."
For the first time—
There was uncertainty.
"…Have you found them?" she asked. "My sisters…"
Yuuki didn't look away.
"No."
A brief pause.
"Not yet."
Her eyes shifted slightly.
"…Yet?"
Yuuki nodded.
"I have coordinates," he said. "Some are alive. Some… are not."
A pause followed.
"Right now, I am here to recover a Northern Parliament shipgirl."
"She is still alive."
Yat Sen absorbed that quietly.
Then Yuuki added—
"Your Wisdom Cube was found."
A short pause.
"Humans are trying to sell it."
The words settled heavily.
"I am… dead, then…"
Her voice lowered.
"…No wonder this place is empty."
She looked out over the endless sea.
"A fitting punishment."
A pause.
"For failing to protect them."
Yuuki's response came immediately.
"No."
Firm.
"You are not."
She looked back at him.
"You are not gone," he continued. "You are waiting."
The sea rippled faintly.
"A lot of shipgirls share your situation," he added. "Scattered. Lost. Some fighting to survive. Others… waiting to be found."
He met her gaze.
"Your sisters are out there."
A pause.
"And when I find them…"
His tone didn't change.
But the certainty did.
"Dead or alive."
Another pause.
"I bring them back."
Yat Sen's expression softened slightly, though her eyes still carried that quiet weight.
"I hope… they are not suffering."
A pause.
"If they have fallen…"
Her voice grew quieter.
"…then I pray they will be given the same chance."
She stepped forward.
"Zhǐhuīguān…"
The word carried respect.
And trust.
"Please… take this broken ship into your faction."
Her head lowered slightly—not in weakness, but in acceptance.
"I may be lost for now…"
A pause.
"But if you are willing to restore me…"
She lifted her gaze again.
"Then allow me to serve you."
The still sea reflected both of them.
"My faction is gone," she continued softly. "The combined fleet no longer exists."
A final pause.
"Please… take what remains of me."
"Don't worry," Yuuki said, his tone steady but reassuring. "I will take you in, and I promise I will find your sisters and comrades. I won't take away your identity as an Emperian."
He gave a small, genuine smile.
"And besides… you're my first one, Miss Yat Sen."
Yat Sen lowered her gaze slightly, then looked back at him with quiet warmth.
"It will be my honor, Zhǐhuīguān."
A soft pause followed.
"You may simply call me Yat Sen… or Sen'er, if you prefer."
Yuuki nodded.
"Then Sen'er it is."
He extended his hand slightly toward her.
"Allow me to take you under my wing."
She stepped closer without hesitation.
"It will be my honor."
Yuuki glanced at the endless sea around them one last time.
"Then let me bring you somewhere safe."
A faint smile appeared.
"Are you ready to meet your former allies?"
Yat Sen's expression softened, something fragile but hopeful surfacing.
"Yes."
She reached out and gently held onto his arm, linking it with hers.
"Mingling among the fallen… is far better than remaining alone."
A pause.
"It will be a good beginning."
Yuuki activated his interface.
Light gathered.
Space folded.
The void shattered—
And reformed.
In an instant, they were no longer standing on that silent sea.
They arrived on solid ground.
A warm breeze greeted them.
The scent of flowers and fruit filled the air.
Waves lapped gently against the docks nearby, and sunlight—real sunlight—bathed everything in a soft, golden glow.
They stood on a paved path leading from the docks toward a tall structure further inland, surrounded by vibrant greenery and life.
Yat Sen's eyes widened.
"…A land."
Her voice was almost a whisper.
"After years of searching…"
She looked around slowly, taking in every detail.
"…to think such a place exists."
Her grip on Yuuki's arm tightened slightly—not out of fear, but disbelief.
"This is where they are?"
Yuuki nodded.
"Those I've found."
A short pause.
"And those waiting to return."
The wind rustled gently through the trees.
For the first time in years—
Yat Sen was no longer alone.
"It's recently made by me, so… shall we?"
Yuuki gestured forward, and Yat Sen followed beside him as they walked along the paved path toward the tower. The island felt alive—birds, wind, sunlight—everything she had been denied for so long.
As they approached—
They were not alone.
Several figures rested outside the tower grounds.
Familiar uniforms.
Royal Navy.
Yuuki raised his hand.
"Yo, everyone."
The reactions were immediate.
"Kind sir!" Hood stepped forward gracefully, her expression warm.
"Master!" Kent and Suffolk called out together, clearly relieved to see him.
"Lord Commander!" Repulse added, standing straighter.
"Servant! I knew you wouldn't forget your queen!" Queen Elizabeth declared, arms crossed—but her tone carried unmistakable satisfaction.
"He's my attendant, Elly," Valiant added casually beside her.
"Hush you!" Elizabeth snapped back immediately.
"My lord, welcome back." Warspite bowed her head slightly.
Yuuki rubbed the back of his neck.
"How would I not?"
Beside him—
Yat Sen stepped forward gracefully and bowed.
"Queen Elizabeth."
Elizabeth's eyes shifted to her.
"Lady Yat Sen," she said, tone composed but curious. "So the servant has found you as well."
"Yes," Yat Sen replied softly. "To think… I have finally found others."
Hood stepped closer, smiling gently.
"And we are glad you did."
Yuuki turned toward her and gave a small bow.
"Hey, Hood— I mean… my lady Hood."
Hood covered her lips slightly, amused.
"I see you have found even more of us."
A pause.
"We have witnessed much of what you have done."
Yuuki blinked.
"…You have?"
Hood nodded.
"Yes."
Her gaze softened.
"You are synchronized with us."
Yuuki froze slightly.
"…You mean—"
"We know," Hood said gently.
"Your life. Your past. We heard the whole story. Now I know what Tiberium means."
Yuuki exhaled slowly.
"…That explains a lot."
Hood gave a small pout.
"A shame I was not the first to hear it directly from you."
Yuuki scratched his cheek slightly.
"Sorry about that."
A pause.
"I've already met around forty others. The one rescued from the vault."
The group visibly reacted.
"Their cubes are safe back at base," Yuuki continued. "They're already… interacting with yours, in a way. But, I still have to meet and bring them here."
Warspite nodded.
Hood stepped closer again.
"For you to search for us… and fight for us…"
Her expression softened further.
"You deserve more than simple thanks, kind sir."
Before Yuuki could react—
She leaned in—
And placed a soft kiss on his cheek.
"A gift from your lady."
Yuuki froze.
Behind him—
The air shifted.
"Hood!"
Elizabeth's voice cut in immediately.
"How dare you grow so familiar while we are present!"
Hood smiled calmly, completely unbothered.
"I am simply staking a claim, Your Majesty."
Elizabeth's eyes narrowed.
"Claim?!"
"Ensuring he is properly guided," Hood added with quiet confidence.
Valiant smirked slightly.
"This is getting interesting."
Yuuki slowly touched his cheek.
"…I fear for my life."
Warspite looked away slightly.
"…Understandable."
Yat Sen watched all of this unfold quietly.
Then—
A faint smile appeared.
"Then… I would like to as well."
Yuuki felt a gentle weight at his side.
Yat Sen had stepped closer—quietly, naturally—and linked her arm with his.
"Sen'er?"
Hood's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, though her smile remained perfectly composed.
"My… endearments already?" she said with a soft sigh. "You move quite quickly, Lady Yat Sen."
Yat Sen did not let go.
"She permitted it," Yuuki replied simply.
Hood tilted her head.
"How bold."
And then—
"HANDSOME!!!"
Yuuki's eyes widened. Yat Sen and Hood let go of him and move a step behind.
"No—"
Too late.
A blur slammed into him.
Hornet crashed into him at full force, knocking him backward with zero restraint.
"Ehee~!"
Yuuki hit the ground.
Hard.
"…I just got here…"
Nearby, Nevada chuckled, arms crossed.
"Hoo… the young'un's back in action."
Oklahoma nodded beside her, smiling.
"Looks like it."
Meanwhile—
"HORNET!"
Ranger rushed forward, grabbing Hornet by the collar.
"Get off the Commander this instant!"
Hornet refused.
"Hey! This is how I greet my man!"
Yuuki, still pinned to the ground, blinked.
"…by getting rammed?"
Ranger tightened her grip and pulled.
"That does not involve tackling him like a charging truck!"
With effort, she finally dragged Hornet off—
Though not without resistance.
"No! Let me go!" Hornet protested, reaching out dramatically.
"My man needs me!"
Yuuki slowly sat up, rubbing the back of his head.
"…I'm starting to question my life choices."
Hood covered her lips, clearly amused.
"How lively."
Yat Sen, still composed despite everything, observed quietly—
Then glanced at Yuuki.
"…You are well-liked."
Yuuki sighed.
"That's one way to put it. Thanks, Ranger—"
Yuuki didn't even finish the sentence.
"Tono!"
His expression dropped instantly.
"Oh no…"
A second impact.
Yamashiro launched herself at him with full enthusiasm, slamming into him just as hard as Hornet had.
"Ehee! It's Tono!"
Yuuki hit the ground again.
This time—
He didn't even try to resist.
"…I just stood up…"
"Yamashiro!" Fusou hurried over, clearly flustered. "I'm so sorry, Shikikan-sama!"
Yuuki lay there for a moment, staring at the sky.
"…I'm starting to think this is a ritual."
Nearby—
"Oh, Shiki's here." Hiyou remarked casually.
"Yuuki-chan!" Junyou called out brightly, already moving closer.
Amid the growing noise—
Amagi approached calmly, her presence alone enough to soften the chaos slightly.
"It is lively every time he returns, is it not?" she said, stopping beside Hood.
Hood sighed softly, though her lips curved faintly.
"Sigh… yes. It would seem so."
Amagi's gaze shifted past them—
To Yat Sen.
"It is good to see you again, Lady Yat Sen."
Yat Sen inclined her head politely.
"Yes, Lady Amagi… Lady Hood."
A gentle smile followed.
"It is good to see all of you again."
For the first time since leaving the void—
Her expression carried warmth.
Recognition.
Belonging.
Then—
"Yat Sen!"
A voice called out sharply.
Yat Sen turned—
Her eyes widening.
"Koln!"
She moved without hesitation, closing the distance and embracing Koln tightly.
"Yat Sen!"
Another voice followed.
"Karlruhe! Konigsberg!"
Karlsruhe and Konigsberg rushed forward, joining them.
The reunion was immediate.
No hesitation.
No restraint.
Relief.
After years of silence—
She had found them.
Nearby—
Yuuki finally managed to sit up again.
He looked at the growing crowd.
The noise.
The laughter.
The chaos.
Then sighed.
"…I should have stayed in the void a bit longer."
But despite the words—
He didn't move.
Because this—
This was exactly why he was doing all of this.
===========
The island, once quiet, had turned lively.
A long table had been set outside beneath the open sky. Tea was served, laughter echoed, and for the first time in a long while—
It felt like a gathering.
A home.
At the center of it all—
Yat Sen sat among them.
No longer alone.
No longer waiting.
Hood poured tea with elegance, while Amagi spoke softly beside her. Koln, Karlsruhe, and Konigsberg stayed close to Yat Sen, the reunion still fresh, their voices overlapping as they caught up on lost time.
Even Elizabeth, seated proudly, allowed herself a small smile.
And then—
CLANG!
CLANG!
The sharp sound of steel rang out nearby.
Away from the table—
Yuuki and Warspite stood facing each other.
Blades drawn.
"I see you're still strong as ever, my lord!" Warspite said, her stance firm, eyes sharp with focus.
Yuuki smirked slightly.
"Can't have my knight beating me."
They moved again.
Steel met steel.
Faster this time.
Sharper.
More precise.
Warspite advanced with clean, disciplined strikes—each movement refined, each step controlled.
Yuuki responded in kind.
Efficient.
Fluid.
Unyielding.
The rhythm of their clash carried across the island.
Even those at the table turned to watch.
Nevada leaned slightly forward, interested.
"That's serious."
Oklahoma nodded.
"It's a proper duel afterall."
Fusou observed quietly.
"No hesitation in either of them."
Another exchange—
Faster—
Closer—
Then—
Yuuki shifted.
A subtle change in footing.
A slight redirection.
Warspite's blade was knocked off-line—
Her guard broken—
In one smooth motion—
Yuuki stepped in—
And brought his blade to her neck.
Stillness.
Warspite froze.
Then exhaled.
"…I suppose I have lost."
Yuuki lowered his sword immediately.
"No," he said calmly. "That was a good fight."
He extended his hand.
Warspite took it.
He pulled her back to her feet.
"You're my knight after all."
Warspite straightened, her expression firm—but there was pride there.
"As expected of my lord."
Behind them—
"As expected of my servant!" Queen Elizabeth declared, fanning herself dramatically.
Yuuki glanced at her.
"…That's not how that works."
Valiant smirked.
"It absolutely is."
Hood chuckled softly into her teacup.
Yat Sen watched the scene quietly.
Her eyes softened.
This place—
This chaos—
This warmth—
It was something she had not felt in a very long time.
And now—
She was part of it.
They returned to the table together, the sound of steel replaced once more by soft conversation and the gentle clink of teacups.
Yuuki handed Warspite her second sword.
She accepted it with both hands, her expression calm—but clearly satisfied.
"I will not lose next time, my lord," Warspite said, her tone steady with resolve. "One day, I will surpass you in speed."
Yuuki smirked slightly as he took his seat.
"Then next time… it'll be in the real world."
Warspite gave a small nod and sat beside him, closer than before. There was no frustration in her posture—only quiet determination, mixed with the satisfaction of a proper duel.
Around them, the gathering continued.
Junyou had already moved in without hesitation, resting her head comfortably on Yuuki's shoulder as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"Yuuki-chan…" Junyou murmured softly, clearly content.
Yuuki sighed lightly but did not move her away.
"…Yeah, yeah."
Beside him, Yat Sen turned slightly.
"Commander?"
Yuuki looked at her.
"Yes, Sen'er?"
She hesitated for only a moment.
"…Will you be retrieving my cube soon?"
Yuuki leaned back slightly, thinking.
"I think I already have it."
Yat Sen blinked.
"…You do?"
Yuuki nodded.
"It's similar to what happened with Hood."
A pause.
"I think your cube was in distress."
He looked toward the horizon briefly.
"When we passed the Exelia Trench, Hood reached out to me in my sleep."
Hood, seated nearby, gave a small, knowing smile.
Yuuki continued.
"And with Amagi, it was the same."
A short pause.
"She contacted me to save Akagi and Kaga."
Yat Sen listened carefully, her expression gradually softening.
"So your cube… likely did the same."
Silence followed for a moment.
Then Yat Sen lowered her gaze slightly.
"…Then it is already in your care."
She looked back at him, calm—but filled with quiet gratitude.
"My thanks, Commander."
A faint smile appeared.
"I can understand now… why so many have chosen to follow you."
Around them, the others continued their conversations, laughter rising here and there—but Yat Sen remained still for a moment longer.
Because for the first time since her fall—
She was no longer waiting.
She had already been found.
A soft glow began to form around Yuuki's body.
It wasn't sudden.
It built—steady, familiar.
Yuuki glanced at his hands.
"…Looks like my time's up."
The others noticed immediately.
"I'll bring the forty shipgirls here once I'm done rescuing Avrora… and a few Nikkes," he said, his tone calm despite the shift.
Amagi tilted her head slightly.
"You have encountered the Nikkes already?"
Yuuki shook his head.
"Not yet."
A short pause.
"But I'm heading into that situation soon. Avrora's the priority."
He glanced around.
"Yorktown, Enterprise, Belfast, Atago, Takao, and Illustrious came with me."
Amagi nodded thoughtfully.
"A balanced group."
Then she added, almost casually—
"By the way… Akagi and Kaga have awakened."
Yuuki blinked.
"…Already?"
"They appear calmer than before," Amagi continued gently.
Yuuki let out a small breath.
"That's good."
Amagi smiled faintly.
"Please treat them well, Shikikan-sama."
Yuuki stepped closer and pinched her cheek lightly.
"For you, of course."
Amagi puffed her cheeks slightly.
"Muu…"
Nearby—
Hornet had been listening.
"Oh… so Enty and Hana already made their moves, huh?"
Yuuki smirked faintly.
"Yeah, Netty."
Hornet froze.
"…You—"
Her cheeks turned red instantly.
"Enty told me," Yuuki added casually. "So I guess I've got an edge now."
Hornet clenched her fists slightly—
Then grinned.
"Hah… you just made me love ya even more, handsome!"
Yuuki shook his head, amused.
"Well… I better get going."
He began to turn—
"Not without a goodbye kiss!"
Hornet launched herself forward—
Full speed.
But—
The glow intensified.
And in the next instant—
Yuuki vanished.
Hornet flew straight through—
And hit the ground.
Face first.
A beat of silence—
Then she lifted her head slightly.
"…I'll get him next time."
Laughter broke out around her.
Even Hood covered her lips, clearly amused.
Amagi smiled softly.
Warspite shook her head.
Yat Sen watched quietly—
Then smiled as well.
Because for the first time in a long while—
This place was not silent.
Not empty.
It was alive.
And she was finally part of it.
==================
Yuuki's eyes slowly opened—
Not to the quiet sea of the void—
But to the soft, filtered light of the hotel room in Aqua.
For a moment, he didn't move.
Then he noticed it.
Weight.
Warmth.
"…Why is my arm numb…"
He turned his head slightly—
And froze.
Yorktown was resting against his left arm, breathing softly, completely asleep.
On his other side—
Illustrious had settled just as close, her presence gentle but unmistakable.
Yuuki blinked once.
"…You've got to be kidding me."
He shifted his gaze.
Belfast was beside Illustrious, composed even in sleep.
Next to Yorktown—
Enterprise rested quietly, her expression calm.
A little further—
Atago and Takao lay close together, both unusually peaceful.
All of them.
Asleep.
Surrounding him.
Yuuki stared at the ceiling.
"…These ladies…"
A pause.
"…can't they show a little restraint?"
He let out a quiet sigh.
"…I am still a man, you know."
But despite the complaint—
He didn't move.
Carefully—
He adjusted just enough to ease the strain on his arm without waking anyone. But his eyes now on what he currently holds.
A wisdom cube.
Yat Sen's glowing wisdom cube.
"Oh man, some people are going to be pissed later."
The room was quiet.
Peaceful.
After everything—
The infiltration.
The tension.
The danger waiting for them tomorrow—
This moment felt… different.
He glanced at them again.
They had followed him here.
Into unknown territory.
Into risk.
Without hesitation.
"…Yeah…"
His voice softened.
"…they earned this."
He leaned his head back slightly.
Letting himself relax again—
Just for a moment.
Because soon—
They would return to the mission.
To danger.
To the chaos waiting outside.
But for now—
This was enough.
A rare moment—
Of quiet.
And trust.