Hurried footsteps are heard from upstairs. The wooden stairs creak under pressure.
"Rose?" a small, uncertain voice responds. "Is that you?"
Olivia stands before them. Her hair is slightly disheveled. She rubs her eyes, appearing to have just awakened.
Rose does not answer. She runs forward and embraces her tightly.
"E-eh," Olivia murmurs in surprise.
"Are you all right, my dear sister?" Rose asks quickly, still holding her.
Olivia remains silent for a few seconds before returning the embrace. A faint smile forms on her lips.
"I am well, Sister. Thank you for visiting."
Olivia's gaze then shifts to the two figures behind Rose.
Her eyes widen.
"Mother?" she whispers.
Aunt Anne stands with a trembling smile. Tears flow slowly down her cheeks.
Olivia takes a hesitant step forward.
Then her gaze shifts to Krieger.
"A-And…?"
"My father," Rose says gently, turning toward Krieger.
"Your father? W-Wasn't he—?"
Rose shakes her head slightly. "It is a long story."
Krieger steps closer. His expression is firm but not harsh.
"I have missed you," he says softly to Olivia. "And I offer my condolences for the loss of your father. Yet you still have your mother, who loves you."
Olivia looks at him for several seconds before finally turning toward Aunt Anne.
"M-Mother…"
Aunt Anne opens her arms.
Olivia steps forward and embraces her tightly. Their tears fall without loud cries, only restrained sobs.
Rose stands quietly, watching them, then exhales in relief.
—
MAJOR EXPLOSION IN THE NOCTHOLLOW SEA—Published Under the Authority of the Central Government
Nocthollow — The political and security situation in the western region intensifies once again after a massive explosion is detected in the middle of the Nocthollow Sea earlier this dawn. The incident occurs amid instability following the death of the King of Nocthollow, whose passing was only recently confirmed by the royal court.
Previously, the continent of Gaelvorn descended into turmoil after losing its supreme leader. Now Nocthollow follows in uncertainty, particularly after the late King's biological son is officially declared a fugitive and reported to remain outside the kingdom's territory.
According to initial reports from coastal observers, the explosion is heard several miles from the shoreline. Tremors are felt in several fishing villages, accompanied by a sudden and drastic rise in sea waves. At this time, the source of the explosion remains undetermined.
The New Order Government responds swiftly by dispatching military forces to the maritime border of Nocthollow. In addition to troops, several researchers and professors from various academies are deployed to investigate the phenomenon. The primary focus of the investigation is the central coordinates of the Nocthollow Sea, the suspected epicenter of the explosion.
An unnamed military official states that the phenomenon "does not resemble ordinary volcanic activity nor common tectonic movement." However, he declines to offer further speculation.
Academic authorities have yet to release an official statement. Some sources mention the detection of an energy anomaly moments before the explosion, though the data remains under verification.
As of this report, there is no confirmation of casualties or damage to vessels passing near the area. Shipping routes are temporarily closed pending further investigation.
Communities across Gaelvorn and Nocthollow remain on high alert. Many hope that this incident is not a sign of emerging conflict or a new crisis amid already fragile political conditions.
The New Order Government urges citizens to remain calm and await further official announcements. One certainty remains: the explosion in the Nocthollow Sea adds to the long list of unresolved mysteries in the region.
—
The dining table is filled with a calmer atmosphere.
A simple breakfast is served: warm bread, light soup, and tea.
Krieger folds a newspaper he has just read. His expression is serious.
"So," he says quietly, "no one knows where the Enemy of the World, Hiro, is now?"
Rose shakes her head slowly.
Olivia also shakes hers. "There has been no news. Since the last time…"
Krieger draws a long breath.
He opens the newspaper again and shows it to them.
—
MAJOR EXPLOSION IN THE NOCTHOLLOW SEA
Nocthollow — The political and security situation intensifies after a massive explosion is detected in the middle of the Nocthollow Sea. The incident occurs amid instability following the death of the King of Nocthollow.
The source of the explosion remains undetermined. The New Order Government has dispatched military forces and research teams to the location. Shipping routes are temporarily closed.
Several witnesses report unusual waves prior to the explosion. Initial assumptions suggest that the phenomenon does not resemble ordinary volcanic activity.
Authorities have yet to provide further official statements.
—
Rose lowers the newspaper slowly.
"That recent report," Krieger says, "does it not sound unlike a typical volcanic eruption?"
"Mhm," Rose murmurs.
Olivia rereads it carefully.
Krieger continues, "The ancient war. The Sun and the Moon. Did not one of them vanish from the face of the earth? Only one body was found."
Rose falls silent.
"Paragon," she says quietly.
Krieger nods. "That is what is recorded. But what of the Sun?"
Olivia frowns. "Father means…?"
"I am thinking," Krieger continues calmly, "that he may not have been destroyed. It is possible that he was imprisoned. Sealed somewhere."
The room grows quiet.
"And I suspect," he adds, pointing to the article, "that this recent report may be the explosion of that very seal."
Rose looks at him sharply. "If that is true… then—"
"Then something great has just been released," Krieger finishes.
Olivia bites her lip. "Does that mean… war?"
Krieger does not answer immediately.
He looks out the window, toward the calm sea.
"If it truly was a seal," he finally says, "then this world has seen nothing compared to what is to come."
Rose clenches her hand beneath the table.
Hiro's name is not mentioned again in their conversation.
Yet the three of them know.
If the ancient war truly rises once more, then he—wherever he may be—will be involved in it.