The sun was dipping low over the horizon, dyeing the sky in shades of orange and soft crimson. The light reflected off the windows of Hyperion Headquarters, making the building glow like it was alive with purpose.
After the sparring matches, laughter still echoed faintly in the corridors as Team 1 wandered around, exploring every corner of the newly built base.
"This place is huge," Kiana said, stretching her arms above her head. "It's like a school campus!"
Her words made Kuhaku glance around. Wide open fields, classroom-like halls, even a gym that looked suspiciously similar to one you'd find in an academy. The air smelled faintly of mana and fresh concrete.
"You're not wrong," he said with a faint smile.
Daichi, walking behind them, chuckled. "That's because it was supposed to be one."
"Huh?" Mei blinked, tilting her head slightly.
Daichi folded his arms, his expression soft. "Before the Impact… I was planning to build a campus here. A place for people who lost everything—a place to learn new skills, rebuild their lives, and find jobs." His voice lowered slightly, nostalgic. "Then the world changed, and so did the plan."
"So it became a guild," Bronya said quietly, ever straightforward.
Daichi nodded. "Yes. A new kind of school, I suppose."
Kuhaku laughed lightly. "Then what, we're students now?"
Daichi smirked. "If you are, that means you'll have to pass my exams."
"Eh?! No way!" Kiana yelped. "I'm done with school!"
"Oh?" Daichi said, the corner of his mouth curling. "Then you'll have to take my special test. Since you're my son, it'll be the hardest one."
Kuhaku groaned. "Why do I feel like I just got punished for existing?"
Mei giggled softly behind her hand while Kiana clutched her stomach from laughing too hard. "Pfft—captain gets detention from his dad!"
Even Bronya's lips twitched slightly. "Acceptable punishment."
Daichi only smiled knowingly, the kind that fathers had mastered over decades.
⸻
They continued their tour until they reached a large, apartment-like complex connected to the guild building. The evening breeze carried the scent of fresh paint and mana dust.
"This will be your living quarters," Daichi explained. "Kiana, Mei, Bronya, and Cocolia will stay here for now. The rooms are soundproofed, equipped with kitchens, and the walls are reinforced with mana—so try not to blow anything up."
Kiana whistled. "Now this is what I call living! Mei, we can cook here! And Bronya can… uh, do Bronya stuff!"
"Such as cleaning up after you," Bronya said flatly.
Kuhaku raised a brow. "Wait… if they're staying here, then where are we—"
Daichi turned to him with a faint grin. "We'll be living somewhere else. I bought us a new house closer to Hyperion."
Kuhaku blinked. "You bought a new house?"
His father nodded. "You didn't look comfortable staying in that mansion. It's beautiful, yes—but not home. I thought this might feel better."
Kuhaku's chest warmed at that. "Thanks… Dad."
⸻
As the sky deepened into twilight, the group gathered by the main gate. Cocolia remained behind to oversee the living arrangements, while Kiana, Mei, and Bronya waved them off.
"Can we visit sometime?" Kiana asked, almost shyly.
Daichi smiled. "Of course. You're all part of the family now."
"Family, huh…" Mei said softly, a smile tugging at her lips.
Bronya gave a small nod. "Acknowledged."
As they waved goodbye, Kuhaku and his father began the short drive toward their new home.
⸻
When they stepped out of the car, Kuhaku froze for a moment. The house looked almost identical to their old one—the same structure, the same wooden porch, even the faint scent of sakura wood. Only everything was new, polished, reborn.
He stood there quietly, a faint ache in his chest. "It feels like déjà vu…"
Daichi placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "We lost a lot that day," he said quietly. "But this—this is a new beginning. The old memories will always be there, but we can make new ones too."
Kuhaku smiled faintly. "You sound like Mom."
Daichi chuckled. "That's because she's usually right."
⸻
When they stepped inside, the faint sound of humming came from the living room.
Aoi was arranging some flowers on the counter, her hair tied back. She turned at the sound of the door opening—and her eyes softened instantly.
"Welcome home," she said warmly.
Before Kuhaku could even respond, a blur of pink hair jumped at him.
"Onii-chan!" Rin cried, hugging him tightly. "You're back!"
He laughed, the sound light and genuine. "Yeah, I'm back, Rin."
"Come on, come on!" she said, tugging his hand. "Let's play! You promised to beat me this time!"
"Did I?" he said with a grin. "Guess I'll have to keep that promise."
As they rushed toward the living room, Daichi leaned against the doorway beside Aoi, watching them. The warm glow of the lamps bathed the house in soft gold.
Aoi's smile wavered slightly. "He still looks tired sometimes… like something's weighing on him."
Daichi nodded slowly. "He's been through more than anyone his age should. But he's still our son." He smiled faintly. "That hasn't changed."
Aoi placed her head against his shoulder. "Then we'll make sure he remembers that."
In the next room, laughter filled the air—Rin's playful cheers mixing with Kuhaku's mock groans of defeat.
For tonight, at least, there were no monsters.
Just a family, safe and together again.
And for Kuhaku…
that was enough.
⸻
End of Chapter 2 – Part 7