Illya was, in essence, of the same lineage as him. Their genetic similarity was likely on par with that of twins. No matter how depraved he might be, he could never bring himself to lay hands on Illya—especially with how childlike she appeared. The guilt would be overwhelming.
He wasn't some lust-driven demon king, after all.
"Oh-hohoho~ Illya! While we're out there fighting for the future with Roy, why don't you stay home and stick to flower arranging?"
Rin shot to her feet, stepping up close to Illya and letting out a loud, mocking laugh.
"What right do you have to mock me, Rin?!"
"Of course I'll help Roy! I'm not all that into this 'future of humanity' talk, but I will help him stay true to himself. And don't forget—I'm the mayor of Fuyuki! That's gotta be more useful than you, right?"
"Just a Rin, getting all high and mighty…!"
"Who're you calling just a Rin?!"
Illya and Rin were practically butting foreheads at this point, glaring daggers at each other.
Touko, meanwhile, simply watched with her usual calm. Her stance had long been decided. There was no need to even ask.
***
After the usual chaos with the girls at home, Roy headed to the bathroom to wash off the sweat and fatigue of the previous night's… intense battle.
Having not slept the entire night, he made his way toward the bedroom after his shower—only to find someone standing in front of his wardrobe, rummaging through it with her buttocks sticking out.
"Huh? Not here? Why isn't it here?"
The figure muttered to herself while digging around.
"…What are you doing, Aoko?"
Roy closed the door behind him and frowned, clearly knowing what she was up to.
"Ahaha, Roy, you're back~!"
Aoko stiffened and then straightened up quickly, flashing an awkward smile as if to laugh it off.
"I was just, you know, checking to see if you were missing any clothes…"
"There's no money here."
"What?! Why not?!"
Her expression immediately turned sharp.
"Because when Touko was here last time, she took all my savings."
"That damn Touko…!"
Unforgivable!
Aoko stormed off with a face full of murderous intent.
But before she could reach the door, Roy spoke again.
"Aoko… could you not leave?"
"If it's about paying you back, I really don't have the money."
"That's not what I meant."
Roy rubbed his temple, clearly tired, and looked at her seriously.
"I meant… I want your help too."
"Oh, that."
Aoko breathed a sigh of relief—it wasn't about debt.
"Honestly, I am pretty dissatisfied with how things are for magi and humanity… but I've never really had the urge to change anything."
Roy didn't argue. He expected that.
Aoko was like Rin—seemingly carefree and easygoing on the surface, but utterly rational and grounded when it mattered (occasional blunders aside). Neither of them were the type to meddle just for the sake of it.
Rin had also said it herself—she wasn't interested in the future of humanity. She just wanted to help Roy stay human, to stop him from becoming a monster like Zouken Matou or Uemon Ji.
"But I do think the world you're aiming for sounds nice," Aoko said, heading out. "So I'll be watching. If you ever need me, just call. I'll come help."
With that, she left the room.
"TOUKO! GIVE MY MONEY BACK!"
"What money?! Are you going crazy again?!"
Roy could only shrug helplessly, then threw himself onto the bed.
Aoko's response hadn't been a surprise. She was never one to change her way of life for someone else—especially not now, in her thirties or forties.
But getting her promise of help was good enough.
"…Just wait. I will succeed…"
With that conviction burning in his heart, Roy slowly drifted off to sleep.
***
Within the dream.
"…Hmm?"
Roy suddenly opened his eyes.
He looked around to find himself in an unfamiliar place.
It looked like a rural town somewhere in the West—brick and stone houses lined either side of the street. The scenery was vivid, far too real for a dream.
It was night. The sky above sparkled with countless stars. The streets were silent, devoid of people.
"…Another lucid dream? Who's intruding in my head this time?"
Roy sighed in mild exasperation, already suspecting the cause.
Another nightmare spirit?
A demon?
A fairy?
Clack. Clack.
Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed from ahead.
Roy's gaze sharpened.
Alright. Whoever you are, come at me head-on!
It's not like the Root would let me die in its own home, anyway!
Having such a powerful "backer" gave him confidence.
Soon, the owner of those footsteps came into view.
It was a golden-haired girl.
She looked to be around fifteen, dressed in an ornate white gown adorned with lace, high heels clicking against the pavement. Her features were doll-like, impossibly delicate and cute.
But she was running in panic, lifting her skirt to flee. She kept glancing behind her, as if chased by some unspeakable terror.
Then she locked eyes with Roy, startled to find someone else still outside.
But there was no time to explain.
"Run! If you stay, you'll be caught up in it too!"
Her voice was gentle but firm, filled with urgency.
"…What kind of cliché is this?"
Roy furrowed his brows, unimpressed.
"Trying to bait me into some hero-rescues-princess nonsense?"
Seeing his lack of response, the girl grew even more frantic.
Then—her heel twisted awkwardly.
"Ah!"
She cried out as she stumbled and fell, just a few steps in front of Roy.
That's what you get for running in high heels.
Roy grumbled inwardly, but he was already on high alert.
If something was going to strike, now would be the perfect time.
Roy subtly extended his fingers, inscribing runes in the air.
And just then—
Several shadows darted into view, landing silently on the stone-paved road before them.
Each was clad in black, their faces obscured. Their heights varied, but all gave off the air of seasoned killers. Cold eyes stared out from behind masks, brimming with murderous intent.
"Assassins rather than soldiers…"
Roy assessed them instantly.
"Kill them both."
One of the figures spoke coldly upon spotting Roy, making a swift hand gesture.
Two of the masked figures broke off, drawing weapons from their sides.
"…What kind of weapon is that?"
Roy's eyes narrowed.
They pulled out smooth, pristine white devices—more like children's toys than actual weapons. There were no visible blades, only handles.
But the next instant, Roy's eyes widened in shock.
As soon as the two figures drew their weapons, the pure white devices with only handles suddenly expanded. A guard appeared out of thin air, and a beam of light extended from the guard, transforming into a saber with a blade made of light!
***
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