Sweet Mask was practically drenched in sweat as he slumped into his chair.
A chilling sensation crept up his spine, as if he were trapped in an icy cavern—even the sweat on his forehead felt like it might freeze into frost.
The King Engine… Had KING just considered eliminating both him and Atomic Samurai? Or was he confident he could?
...No, any other hero wouldn't stand a chance, but if it were KING, he'd probably lose his head in an instant. What a madman…
Sweet Mask took a deep breath, forcing his trembling hands to steady.
"Sweet Mask, do you have any experience dealing with mind-control abilities like Kafka's?" Silverfang, also known as Bang, broke the tense silence with a calm yet firm tone. "If you do, please share. We need to prepare countermeasures in advance."
As the third-ranked professional hero, Bang's mild temperament and seniority meant his suggestions were usually well-received.
"Tch, of course. There was a monster with a similar ability," Sweet Mask replied, his confidence returning slightly as he recalled his solo victory over the Demon-level monster, "Dos S."
"Dos S's whip could knock people unconscious and turn them into her slaves—similar to Kafka's control, I'd say. But Kafka's methods are more versatile. She can brainwash people with just words… which makes her far more dangerous."
"The Blizzard Group, a B-class hero organization, fell victim to Dos S. But her whip had no effect on me. In the end, it all comes down to willpower."
Sweet Mask smirked, exuding confidence. "So I suspect that if someone's mental fortitude is strong enough, they can resist Kafka's verbal hypnosis."
"...Hmm, but comparing her to a Demon-level monster's ability doesn't give us an accurate measure," Child Emperor mused, lowering his gaze.
"Though Kafka is human, her threat level is undeniably 'Dragon.' Conservatively speaking… I doubt many S-class heroes could defeat her."
"Given that they can observe our world… whether they're friend or foe, we must prepare countermeasures against her hypnosis. So—"
Before Child Emperor could continue, the sound of a baton tapping against the floor cut him off.
"Hey, if that's the case, I've got a solution," Metal Bat interjected, scratching his head in confusion. "Kafka's just a human, right? Then why not send Metal Knight or Drive Knight? If you don't have a mind, you can't be controlled, yeah?"
——
["Just a little suggestion, to make them listen to me for a while," Kafka said with a faint smile. "You know this better than anyone, Stelle."]
["This place isn't ideal. The Diviner would have to walk too far, and it doesn't benefit me either. Let's meet up ahead." With that, Kafka turned and left, leaving only two Cloud Knights to block their path.]
[Fearing Kafka might escape, the group quickly subdued the two Cloud Knights, knocking them unconscious before giving chase.]
[When they reached an open area, they found Kafka already waiting for them.]
[Seeing them arrive, Kafka smiled warmly. "Welcome, Astral Express crew. You've caught me."]
["Was this part of your plan too?" Stelle asked.]
["..." Kafka gazed at Stelle tenderly, saying nothing. There wasn't a trace of panic in her expression—only a quiet relief, as if everything was proceeding as it should.]
["Show your hand, Kafka. Our arrival must have been part of your calculations," Welt said bluntly.]
["Not calculations—the future. Among countless possibilities, we intervene to make the best outcome reality. Don't flatter us, Welt. The Stellaron Hunters are merely slaves to fate."]
["The best outcome?" March 7th looked incredulous. "Best for who? I don't believe you'd ever act for someone else's sake."]
["Heh. For the entire universe—would you believe that? No, of course: for me." Kafka chuckled softly.]
"She doesn't seem to be lying… this woman called Kafka."
In the office of Public Safety Division 4, Aki Hayakawa dropped two sugar cubes into his coffee, stirring slowly.
Across from him, near the window, sat a young red-haired woman in a white blouse and black trousers. Resting her chin on one hand, she gazed outside at a white puppy playing in the distance.
"For the entire universe, how noble… The 'universe' she speaks of must include our Earth, no?" Makima's voice was eerily calm, like the surface of a still lake.
"Though I wouldn't be surprised if she decided to blow up the planet one day. Heh."
She let out a dry laugh before slowly turning her head. Her ringed pupils bore into Aki like whirlpools in the sea.
"Aki, I've heard some in Public Safety say… I resemble Kafka. What do you think?"
"Uh… I don't see it."
"In looks? Or demeanor?" Makima smiled. "Where's the biggest difference?"
"Your eyes," Aki answered.
"...That's a novel answer. Why?" Makima's expression grew more attentive.
"Because…" Aki hesitated, unable to continue.
Recalling how Kafka had looked at Stelle in the Celestial Screen—there was care, gentleness, even a motherly warmth in her gaze. No matter what, those were human emotions.
But the way Makima looked at him, at Denji, at everyone in the office… From beginning to end, it was no different from how she watched the puppy outside the window.
["Time is running out. Hurry and act, or it'll be too late."]
[Kafka urged them like a teacher reminding students to finish their exams before time ran out.]
[The group wasted no more time, surrounding Kafka in battle formation. But just as they prepared to strike, Kafka smiled faintly and whispered, "Finally, you're here."]
[In an instant, she raised two submachine guns, unleashing a storm of bullets into the air.]
[Yet mid-flight, the silver-glinting bullets suddenly slowed to a crawl.]
[With a light step, a pink-haired girl descended like a celestial being. Facing the hail of gunfire, she casually deflected the bullets' trajectories, a third eye glowing faintly on her forehead.]
["Petty tricks. Every move you make has long been foreseen by the Eye of Foresight."]
[The moment two bullets collided behind her, time seemed to resume its flow. Yet by the time Fu Xuan landed gracefully, not a single bullet had grazed her robes.]
["The Divination Commission's Fu Xuan," the girl announced, her youthful voice carrying solemn authority. "The criminal is now under my jurisdiction."]