The lights of Astro Opera dimmed into a deep silver-blue as night settled over the ship.
In the Lead Room, the air felt heavy.
Seuph reached out, her fingers trembling, and pressed her palm against Untras's forehead.
It was burning.
"H-hey…" her voice dropped to a whisper. "What's going on…?"
The heat shocked her.
Too hot.
Her eyes widened.
"H-how can this happen?" she said, panic slipping through her words. "In all my life… I've never seen you sick. We've been Lead and Vice-Lead for eight years… right?"
Untras didn't answer.
He stood there, unmoving, eyes unfocused, like his mind had drifted somewhere far beyond the room.
"…Okay," Seuph muttered, forcing herself to stay calm. "Okay. You're really sick."
With effort, she guided him to the bed and carefully laid him down. His body felt heavier than usual—not in weight, but in presence, as if all the pressure he carried had finally collapsed inward.
"How can he get sick…" she whispered, almost foolishly.
Her thoughts spiraled.
Eight years. Not once. Never like this.
Astro Opera — Research Wing
The laboratory glowed with floating holograms and humming energy cores. Metallic structures stretched upward like ribs of a giant machine.
Clive stood beside Oragi, Naro, and Yuni, quietly observing everything.
"What a lab," Yuni said softly. "It's incredible."
Naro nodded. "Yeah. Really impressive."
Suddenly, Oragi stiffened.
Her red eyes flickered—just for a second.
"Guys," she said calmly, already turning away, "I'm going to my room. Have a nice day."
"So fast?" Yuni asked. "Why?"
"Bye," Oragi replied without slowing down. "No time to explain."
She disappeared down the corridor.
Naro blinked. "Well… she has the right to leave."
Clive leaned closer, lowering his voice. "You should not—"
"What?" Naro asked.
Clive froze. His cheeks flushed deeply.
"N-nothing," he said quickly. "Forget it.
Night — Residential Wing
Later that night, the corridors of Astro Opera grew quiet.
"These rooms are huge," Yuni said while walking.
"And beautiful."
"We couldn't even explore half of it," Naro replied.
"That's why warriors here grow so fast," Clive said. "The place itself upgrades you."
They stopped.
"Good night," Naro said, stepping into his room.
Yuni waved and entered hers.
Clive walked into his own room.
The door sealed shut behind him.
Darkness swallowed everything
"…Oragi?" Clive said quietly. "Are you here? Why is it so dark?"
No response.
"…She must be asleep."
He sighed, removed his upper clothes, keeping on a simple shirt, and lay down.
"I'm exhausted…"
He reached out for his blanket.
His fingers brushed against something soft.
Too soft.
"…What is—"
Something wrapped gently but firmly around his mouth.
His breath caught.
Someone was beside him.
Warm breath brushed his neck. A tongue traced his skin, slow and deliberate.
"Shut up," Oragi whispered near his ear. "Your blood… it's perfect."
Clive struggled instinctively.
"Don't try," she said calmly.
He managed to free his mouth, gasping. "H-hey—don't act like a—"
"I said shut up," Oragi interrupted. "Let me take some."
Two sharp fangs pressed against his neck.
"What are you doing…?" Clive whispered, fear mixing with confusion.
When he tried to pull his hand back, she pinned it down—gentle, yet impossible to resist.
"Who gave you permission to move?" she said quietly. "Stay still."
Her fangs pierced his skin.
Pain flared—sharp, but controlled. Almost careful.
He felt her softness against his hand.
"You should at least—"
The restraint covered his mouth again.
This must be a side effect, Clive thought. Her Skyph power… she's fully a vampire now.
After a few minutes, she pulled back.
"Thanks," Oragi murmured. "And don't move your hand. Keep it there."
"…But—"
"Shut up."
She turned away and fell asleep instantly.
Clive stared at the ceiling, heart racing.
She's not wearing anything again…
Good thing she doesn't want me to move.
After her breathing steadied, he whispered,
"Good night, Oragi."
Morning
The alarm rang softly.
Clive woke first.
His hand was still where she'd left it.
"I shouldn't wake her", he thought. She'll feel embarrassed.
He carefully slipped away, went to the bathroom, and freshened up.
When he returned, he glanced at the clock.
"…An hour already passed."
He sat beside her.
The blanket had slipped slightly. He gently pulled it back up.
"Better."
She stirred.
"Hey… Oragi," he said softly. "Wake up."
She blinked, stretched lazily.
"Morning…"
"Go get fresh," Clive said.
Then realization hit her.
Her eyes widened. She clutched the blanket, cheeks burning red.
"C-Clive… did I sleep in your bed last night?"
"Y-yes," he said awkwardly. "I didn't do anything wrong… right?"
"No—no!" she said quickly. "I'm sorry. I felt so thirsty after gaining that power… the one I took from you."
"It's fine," Clive smiled. "I'm okay."
"…Thank you," she said quietly.
"For what?"
"For not moving."
"I'll wait outside," he said. "Get dressed."
Kitchen
"Clive!" Oragi called. "Can you cook?"
"I'm trying," he replied. "But I can't."
She entered the kitchen and froze.
"…You can't even fry an egg."
"Hey—"
"Move," she said. "I'll do it."
"But you should—"
"Shut up," she snapped playfully. "Sit and watch."
Clive obeyed.
She moved smoothly, cutting and frying like an expert.
"Wow," he said. "You're amazing."
Her cheeks turned pink.
"…Thanks."
Lead Room
Untras slowly sat up, still pale.
"Why are you sick?" Seuph asked.
"I used my full potential… all at once," he said weakly.
"…Because of the uncontrolled Lightech bullet?"
"Yes."
"…Clive?"
Untras nodded.
"We need to warn him."
Suddenly, Untras leaned forward, resting his forehead against Seuph's chest.
Tears fell.
"I can't protect him the way I should," he said quietly. "I can't teach them the way they deserve…"
Seuph froze—then gently held him.
"H-hey…" she whispered. "Vice-Leads don't cry."
I've never seen him cry, she thought. Not once… in my entire life.