The familiar voice and figure left Kiana in disbelief.
This wasn't some mental space where illusions could exist. Nor was it her imagination.
Eliminating all impossibilities, the remaining truth—no matter how absurd—had to be real.
"Himeko... Himeko-sensei."
Kiana's voice trembled as she spoke the red figure's name.
Not even her battle with Kevin had affected her this deeply.
No matter how severe her injuries, how agonizing the pain, she'd never faltered.
But now, Kiana hesitated to approach Himeko.
She feared this was a dream—one that would shatter at the slightest touch.
Yet while Kiana held back, Himeko didn't.
Seeing Kiana's hesitation, Himeko smiled wryly and stepped forward.
When she finally stood before Kiana, Himeko reached out her hand.
Terrified this dream would end, Kiana squeezed her eyes shut—she couldn't bear to see Himeko disappear again.
But the feared moment never came. Instead, she felt a gentle touch on her head.
And heard Himeko's voice:
"Kiana, you've worked hard all these years. You've achieved our shared dream—turning this imperfect world into the one you wished for. You'll always be my proudest student."
"!!!"
Kiana could no longer hold back her tears.
Opening her eyes, whether this Himeko was an illusion born of longing or something else—none of that mattered now. Kiana just wanted to hold her.
As she embraced Himeko, Kiana—who hadn't shed a tear since Arc City—broke down sobbing.
"Waaah—! Himeko-sensei, I missed you so much! If only I'd been this mature back then... maybe none of this would've happened! It's my fault—I got you killed!"
Feeling her clothes grow damp, Himeko sighed.
"There there, you're an adult now. Crying like this will make people laugh at you."
Patting Kiana's head, Himeko comforted her.
After letting out her emotions, Kiana finally released Himeko and wiped her tears.
"Himeko-sensei... I wish this dream would never end. But... I know all dreams must wake."
Passing by Himeko, Kiana walked away without looking back.
She feared that if she turned around, the red figure would already be gone. She could only suppress her feelings and march forward.
Not looking back—that's the best I can do right now.
But this left Himeko utterly baffled.
Seriously? You're gonna make me look like an idiot here?
I went through all this trouble sneaking in with Mei and Bronya, and you're still convinced I'm dead?
"Hey! Kiana! Turn around! Stop walking away!"
Barely resisting the urge to smack Kiana's head, Himeko shouted at her retreating back.
But this only made Kiana walk faster.
Left with no choice, Himeko gave chase.
She runs, she flees, but she can't escape~
Eventually, Kiana let herself be caught—though Himeko could never have caught her otherwise.
"Why stop me? Wouldn't it be better to let me go? I... I can't watch you disappear again."
"Has it ever occurred to you that I never died to begin with?"
"Impossible! Absolutely impossible! That was imaginary space! And the Herrscher of Dominance took the Gem of Haste—all evidence points to your death!"
Kiana had desperately wanted Himeko to be alive—but the Gem brought by the Herrscher of Dominance seemed like irrefutable proof.
"...Alright, fine. I'll come clean. This plan was devised by Chang Yuan from the Previous Era. He..."
Over the next ten minutes, Himeko explained everything—Chang Yuan's scheme, the Flame-Chasers' involvement, even Otto's role.
Learning it was all an elaborate act nearly broke Kiana's sanity.
So you're telling me everyone was acting? You were all fucking acting?!
Right now, Kiana had only one thought: What the actual fuck.
But since no one had actually died—and the world was truly saved—she suppressed her urge to punch someone.
"Himeko-sensei, you all... sigh... I'll settle this with you after we get out."
All those wasted tears! All that emotional preparation for nothing!
Kiana decided—once they got out, she'd settle the score with each and every one of them.
As for Mei? Tch. From now on, Mei would be the bottom—Kiana would be the top!
Now she also understood what Kevin meant by "rewards" and "surprises." This truly was both.
"Then I'll wait for you outside, Kiana. There are others waiting too."
With that, Himeko left the space.
Only after Himeko completely vanished did Kiana pinch her own cheek.
The pain confirmed this wasn't an illusion.
Filled with anticipation, Kiana continued forward.
Along the way, she saw Bronya, Mei, and many others.
Unsurprisingly, they all wore slightly guilty expressions when looking at her.
Oh, so you DO feel bad about deceiving me!
After this mental complaint, Kiana went to meet the final group.
There, two white-haired figures and a blonde with white streaks stood together like a family.
"Kiana, congratulations on completing your trial and achieving your growth."
Hearing that gentle voice and seeing that familiar, kind face, Kiana rushed forward and hugged her tightly.
"Mom... Cecilia."
The owner of that gentle voice was, unmistakably, Cecilia Schariac.
Returning the hug, Cecilia spoke to Kiana in warm, casual tones.
Kiana happily chatted along—even exposing some of Siegfried's misdeeds, much to his horror.
My life is over. My future is bleak.