In the end, most of the rebels escaped, their resistance had already come to an end. Those who stayed behind to slow the pursuit were eventually persuaded to surrender by Soldier 11.
While tracing Mr. Mole's escape route, Wise also picked up a few details from Soldier 11 regarding how she dealt with private lynching.
Though she never stated it outright, the meaning was clear. She would not carry out private lynching on her own initiative, only following the orders given by her superiors.
So, if her superiors issued instructions on the matter, she would follow them without hesitation.
Leaving that aside, Wise led Soldier 11 and the rest in chasing down the rebels, not stopping until all of them were taken into custody.
"This... how is this possible? To be able to heavily wound my army to this extent, even the true Phaethon couldn't do it, could he?"
Witnessing the final moment, Mr. Mole's voice coming through the communicator was filled with disbelief, like someone in the darkness watching their last spark of light fade away.
"How can you say that? We are genuinely strong! Also, Brother, Soldier 11 sent a message saying they need to withdraw for now. Apparently, it's to deal with the captives."
Belle used this brief moment to exchange a few words with the other party. It could probably count as another kind of interaction with a fan.
Although it would be the first time, it would likely also be the last time.
"Wh-who's talking? That voice doesn't sound anything like the fake Phaethon..."
As soon as Belle spoke, Mr. Mole became restless on the other end of the line. Seeing no reason to hide it any longer, Wise told him the truth at the very end.
"Your plan nearly succeeded... but you made two critical mistakes. First, you underestimated Soldier 11's strength and second, we are the real Phaethon."
"W-What?!"
After learning the truth, Mr. Mole stood frozen in shock, words failing him. Wise, however, had no time to deal with him, as Fairy warned that the Hollow was about to collapse.
If they didn't leave soon, it would become dangerous. It was then that Mr. Mole spoke again.
"...Wait! Save me, Lord Phaethon, I'm willing to be your d-… Ahhh!!!"
He never finished his sentence, but Wise already knew what he wanted to say. It just wasn't worth caring about.
"Sigh, no matter how many times it happens, it still feels a little sad in moments like this," Belle murmured softly.
No matter how you looked at it, they had lost a loyal fan, even if that fan was pretty messed up and not exactly a good person.
'Uh, thinking about it that way, I'm not that sad anymore,' she thought.
Either way, the mission was over. Once Eous was retrieved, Wise returned to their usual location to finish the final handover with Soldier 11.
When they finally met, she looked a bit surprised.
"That's good, you're safe. I'm sorry, some of the captives couldn't stay inside the Hollow for long," she said apologetically.
"It's fine. The mission is what matters."
"You matter too!"
"Hm?"
"Cough, I mean, not just the mission. Teammates who fight together every day are important as well."
Realizing what she had just said, Soldier 11 awkwardly tried to explain herself. The faint blush on her face, however, betrayed her true feelings.
"Anyway, Hermit of the Scarlet Eye… no, since we're done here, I'll call you Wise. Your acting, your quick reactions, and your Proxy skills all left a strong impression on me. If there's a chance, I'd like to introduce you to my companions," she said, clearly impressed.
"You might think I'm joking, but I really am Phaethon," he said with a helpless smile.
"The act is finished. You played your role perfectly. I'm certain that one day, you'll gain the same reputation as Phaethon."
As Soldier 11 spoke, a light smile appeared on her face, making Wise wonder if she was just pretending or if she genuinely felt that way.
In the end, no matter what Wise said to prove himself, the other party probably wouldn't believe him. Since his main account had already been deleted, it was better to simply drop the topic.
"But now that the mission's over, my special witness duty is done too, right?" Wise said out of nowhere, catching Soldier 11 completely off guard.
"Hm… I guess that's true. I'll be going to the commendation ceremony, and my teammates will hear about what happened this time."
She couldn't explain it, but even though it should've been a happy thing, Soldier 11 sensed a quiet emptiness settling in her chest.
Why did it feel like this?
Those complicated feelings made her decide to find a way to forget them, at least for a while.
"Well then, I'm heading back now. Before that, I want to stop for some ramen. I heard there's a super spicy ramen place nearby that's worth trying. If it's really that good, you might see me around here more often. Oh, do you want to come with me?"
"Since it's your invitation, I'd be honored to accept."
Soldier 11 had asked Wise with a tentative tone, but the moment she heard his answer, a surge of happiness welled up inside her.
"Okay then, let's go together."
When they arrived at the ramen stall, Soldier 11 immediately ordered a bowl of super spicy ramen. The broth was a fiery red, packed with chili, looking as if it might burst into flames at any moment.
Even so, she ate it without the slightest change in expression, even seeming to enjoy it immensely.
Watching her made Wise curious enough to want a taste, but that thought vanished the moment Soldier 11 offered him a spoonful of the soup. His tongue felt like it was about to melt.
In the end, he stuck with his usual flavor.
"That reminds me, is Inky doing well at your home?" Soldier 11 asked midway through the meal, and Wise answered her honestly.
"She's pretty well behaved. She almost fought with my other 'cat' at first, but they got along in the end. Oh, and I live in the video store nearby. You can come over sometime."
Wise didn't really say who the invitation was for, but Soldier 11 nodded anyway.
Once they finished the ramen, the two prepared to go their separate ways. At that moment, Soldier 11 offered to walk Wise home, mentioning that she wanted to personally confirm his address for future visits.
Wise readily agreed.
"So this is where you live? A video store on the surface as a cover, but secretly, you're a powerful Proxy?"
Standing before the store, Soldier 11 spoke her thoughts aloud, instinctively associating the scene with the movies and shows she liked to watch.
"That's right. But it's already late, Soldier 11. You should go back early as well. Your companions might worry," Wise said, smiling softly.
"Mm."
As she watched Wise walk into the store, the emotions Soldier 11 had been holding back for so long finally spilled out.
"Wait a moment!" she called out, stepping forward.
"Hm? What— Mmph!"
Wise turned around on instinct, but before he could finish speaking, she had already grabbed his collar and pressed her lips against his.