The morning sun crept through the glass walls of Site 07, scattering faint rays across the sterile halls that no longer felt so lifeless.
For the first time in weeks, the air didn't carry the stench of smoke or fear.
Only the quiet hum of recovery.
Kuhaku stood by the window of his hospital room, watching the morning fog lift from the mountains in the distance. His reflection looked almost like a stranger now — the same dark hair, the same calm eyes, yet something deeper behind them.
The weight of everything that happened still lingered, quietly pressing on his chest.
Behind him, Kiana yawned loudly.
"Ugh… I slept like a rock. Do you think they'll finally let us leave today?"
Mei smiled softly as she folded the blanket. "That's what the doctor said yesterday. You should be happy, Kiana."
"I am! I just…" Kiana stretched her arms lazily, "…miss actual food. That hospital soup was a war crime."
Bronya, sitting cross-legged by the corner, didn't even look up from the small book she was reading.
"Bronya agrees. The nutritional value was insufficient for optimal recovery."
Kuhaku chuckled quietly. "So, hospital food: one, morale: zero."
They all laughed together — the kind of laughter that tried to forget the nightmares outside these walls.
⸻
A few hours later, the group stood at the facility's main gate, each holding a simple duffel bag of provided clothes and supplies.
Daichi was speaking to an officer nearby, finalizing the clearance papers. Aoi stood beside him, offering smiles to the girls that somehow made them relax, even after all they'd been through.
"Kiana, Mei, Bronya," she said gently, "you'll be staying with us for now. Until everything outside settles."
Kiana blinked. "Eh? Really? You mean… live with you?"
Aoi nodded. "My husband and I have already made arrangements. You'll be safe there."
Mei lowered her head politely. "Thank you, Mrs. Hoshizora. We'll do our best not to be a burden."
Rin tugged at her brother's sleeve. "Onii-chan, does that mean they're our sisters now?"
Kuhaku laughed. "I guess you could say that, yeah."
Bronya tilted her head. "Then Kuhaku becomes… brother unit?"
Kiana grinned. "Oh no, now you're stuck with us forever, brother unit!"
"Don't call me that," Kuhaku groaned.
⸻
As they were about to leave, Tesla caught Kuhaku by the arm. The scientist's usual smirk was gone, replaced by something more serious.
"Hey, kid." She adjusted her glasses, lowering her voice. "Listen to me. Whatever that thing inside you is — the world's not ready for it."
Kuhaku frowned slightly. "You think someone will come after us?"
"I don't think. I know. Power like that… it scares people. If anyone outside finds out about your system, they'll treat you like a weapon, not a person."
Einstein walked up beside her, calm as always. "Still, I believe that light exists for a reason. Don't let fear define how you use it."
Kuhaku nodded slowly. "I'll be careful."
Tesla sighed, stepping back. "Good. Now go. And tell your dad if any of this goes public, I'll personally throw his data vault into the ocean."
That earned a small laugh from him — and that was enough for Tesla to smile again.
⸻
The black car hummed softly as it left Site 07 behind. Through the tinted glass, the green countryside rolled past — open fields, small towns, and rivers glittering under the sun.
Inside, laughter filled the cabin.
Rin sat in the middle seat, showing Kiana and Bronya how to play Mario Kart.
"Hey! Why am I always falling off the track!?" Kiana complained.
"Because your trajectory control is as poor as your patience," Bronya replied flatly, steering effortlessly with one hand.
Mei giggled softly beside them. "At least you're improving, Kiana."
Kuhaku leaned against the window, smiling faintly at the sound of their voices. It had been a long time since the car felt this alive. For once, the world outside didn't feel like it was collapsing — just quiet roads and a warm spring day.
⸻
The car turned off the main road, following a narrow lane surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms.
And then, as the trees parted, a mansion emerged.
White stone walls stretched upward, decorated with ivy and sculpted windows. The garden was vast — ponds reflecting the sky, lanterns lining the walkways, petals floating on the water's surface.
Kiana's jaw dropped.
"This is… THIS is your house?!"
Rin gasped, eyes wide. "Onii-chan, we're secretly rich!"
Kuhaku blinked slowly. "I… what?"
Daichi stepped out of the car, smiling faintly. "This was my grandfather's estate. It's been empty for years, but I kept it maintained. It's time it felt alive again."
Aoi looked at them warmly. "He always said, a home should have room for one more heart."
As they reached the gate, a tall butler in immaculate black attire stepped forward, flanked by several maids who bowed gracefully.
"Welcome home, Master Daichi, Madam Aoi, Young Master Kuhaku, and Miss Rin."
Kiana blinked rapidly. "D-did he just call your dad Master?"
Bronya nodded solemnly. "Affirmative, Young Master Kuhaku."
"Bronya, no."
"Too late, Young Master."
Rin burst out laughing, clutching her stomach.
⸻
Dinner that night felt strangely peaceful.
The long dining table gleamed under golden light.
Kiana devoured her food like a tornado, earning a mix of laughter and gentle scolding from Aoi.
Mei spoke politely with the maids, thanking them after every dish.
Bronya ate quietly but smiled faintly whenever Kiana did something ridiculous.
Daichi and Aoi sat at the end of the table, exchanging soft smiles — their composed, noble demeanor finally visible in this home.
Kuhaku sat near the center, Rin resting against his arm, half-asleep from the long day.
He looked around at them — his family, his friends — and for a moment, it felt like the world had finally given them peace.
Then his gaze drifted toward the window.
Far away, beyond the horizon, a faint red shimmer pulsed in the distance.
It was weak, like the heartbeat of something vast and sleeping.
A warmth bloomed softly in his chest — the Blessing of Elysia stirring, faint and wordless.
It wasn't a voice, not even a whisper… just presence.
Comforting. Gentle.
As if someone was there, watching over him.
He closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the pulse fade.
"…I guess this peace won't last forever," he murmured quietly.
Outside, the cherry blossoms swayed in the evening wind — serene, beautiful, and fragile.
The calm before the next storm.
⸻
End of Chapter 2 – Part 3