Penacony, Dream's Edge.
Dazzling golden light appeared at the edge of the sky, layering the heavens in radiant depth.
During the moment when day and night alternated, the darkness faded into clarity, shifting from deep black toward clean white.
On the rooftop of an unfinished building, two girls—one gray-haired, one white-haired—leaned against the railing together, watching the dawn rise.
Now and then, a few shooting stars streaked by with glittering tails—scenery so beautiful it could only belong to a dream.
"This is my secret base. Do you like it?"
Firefly looked toward Stelle, smiling.
"I like it a lot. It feels… different."
Stelle nodded seriously.
"I'm glad." Firefly's smile grew brighter. "Actually, I didn't want to reunite with you as a Stellaron Hunter. Back when you hadn't left yet, we promised to meet again with new identities."
"But fate is weird. I exposed myself the moment we reunited. Luckily, you still accepted me."
If she hadn't run into Silver Wolf, she probably would have stayed hidden from Stelle for a long time.
She had wanted this meeting to be a restart—pretending they had never met, letting everything begin anew, saying everything that had been held in.
Unfortunately, fate was strange—and she ran into Silver Wolf, who jumped off the script entirely.
"You're sincere, you're beautiful, and you're my friend." Stelle held Firefly's hand, gaze affectionate. "I'm just a little curious… what was I like before?"
Firefly paused, nostalgic. "You were a calm, clever companion. A few times it was your ideas that saved us from danger."
Stelle puffed out her chest with pride. "Knew it. That's so me!"
"Hehe."
Firefly's eyes curved softly; she was happy for her.
Stelle looked back at her. "Then… do you like the old me more, or the current me?"
"…" Firefly froze, troubled. "Um… I like both."
"…"
Stelle felt weird — like she was staring at a reflection of herself.
It was just like being asked to choose between March 7th and Himeko. She'd just pick both.
While the two girls were wrapped in their quiet, emotional exchange—
Firefly's phone buzzed.
She checked it—Kafka.
Stelle leaned in beside her, eyes lighting up at Kafka's avatar like a child seeing their mom and wanting to pat their belly and say they were hungry.
[Kafka: "What are you doing?"]
Firefly glanced at Stelle and replied: ["I'm with Stelle. We're watching the view."]
[Kafka: "Oh, sorry for interrupting. But I can't contact Silver Wolf. Can you reach Sol Mercer?"]
Silver Wolf had sent a message saying she was busy with her bet and would return soon, then vanished. Probably didn't want to embarrass herself before finishing it.
For such childish antics, Kafka had a headache.
Firefly shook her head. "I can't. I don't have his contact info either."
"I do! I do!"
Stelle shook Firefly's arm excitedly.
Firefly gently smiled and sent the news to Kafka.
[Kafka: "I'll trouble you then. You're a great help, Stelle."]
"You're welcome."
Stelle patted her own head proudly.
…
Soon, at The Reverie in reality.
Kafka met Sol Mercer in Room 217, with Sparkle, Stelle, and Silver Wolf present.
Firefly wasn't there due to her entropy loss symptoms.
Kafka looked around subtly, staring longer at Silver Wolf. "A pleasure to meet you. I am Kafka of the Stellaron Hunters."
"I've heard much about you." Sol nodded. "If you've come for Silver Wolf, there's no need. Once she wins the bet, she'll leave on her own."
"Of course, if you want her freedom in exchange for something that interests me, I'll agree."
In truth, teasing Silver Wolf had stopped being important. He'd vented already; now she was just being kept around as reserve stock.
Whenever he got interested, maybe he'd toy with her.
Or rather—strategizea little.
Even if she got taken away, it didn't matter. With her competitive streak, she'd just show up again anyway—like every time she broke into Herta Space Station and never learned.
"What?!"
Stelle's eyes widened as she stared at Silver Wolf. "So, you didn't acknowledge Sol as boss—you straight up became a slave?!"
All this time, Silver Wolf had bragged while they hung out, claiming she'd beaten Sol many times, saying he treated her well.
But she'd lost her freedom and hid it?! Would she be whipped every night?! Oh, proud wolf, how far you've fallen!
"…"
Silver Wolf covered Stelle's face with her hand, mortified.
Her carefully crafted image shattered instantly.
And Kafka had seen it too—before she even won her freedom back…
A lump rose in Silver Wolf's chest. Kafka had come to Penacony for her, to negotiate with someone this dangerous?! She was too good to her.
No—she couldn't cause trouble for Kafka!
Silver Wolf straightened and declared, "Kafka, you don't need to save me! I, Silver Wolf, will one day take back my freedom with my own strength from Sol Mercer!"
"Go back! Don't beg him for my sake!"
Just let me have this one, a noble sacrifice!
"…"
Kafka smiled awkwardly, politely.
This kid… was thinking too much.
She hadn't planned on interfering as long as Silver Wolf was safe. The script was already ruined—might as well give Silver Wolf a long vacation.
Kafka composed herself. "That's not why I'm here. Silver Wolf is safe with you."
"I came to ask your opinion—where is the universe heading from here?"
"…"
Silver Wolf turned to stone.
So… it wasn't about her?
Then everything she just said… WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!
"Wowwww, someone got ahead of themselves~!"
Sparkle whispered in Silver Wolf's ear, laughing joyfully.
===BREAK===
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