Many would consider the skyscraper-infested land, whether the sun or moon was out, peaceful now that Yuri and company prevailed over the Administrator. With the victory came new allies, which Yuri was ecstatic about. She was the proclaimed Administrator now, so some could say she possessed full authority over the realm.

One of Yuri's goals was to convert the chaotic realm into one of peace and harmony. It would take a while, but no challenge was too big with the friends she had made. Given this, the first step taken was to enforce civil deportation of those wishing to leave without bloodshed of any sort. There was still much to do, but one thing was clear: her authority and determination were undeniable.

The land of high-rises could be defined as infinite if one imagined hard enough. It expanded as far as the eye could see, and with that came the possibility of unexplored areas and still unknown masks. It was only a matter of time until the light of discovery was shed upon the unknown.

Guardian Angels, better known as Angry Masks, were the first solution to this obstacle. Once serving the purpose of ensuring the creation of God was halted at all costs, they had a new task: protect those who were vulnerable and found themselves in the unforgiving realm. The eight guardians, once nine, wandered in search of civilians while also serving as mappers of the areas beyond. With a few more days of recon, they would have a mile radius of home base mapped. Civilians rescued were also a good source, given they likely explored a bit until being found.

While Kuon could've assisted, she was too busy aiding Sniper Mask in locating food and water to keep the group supplied for the days ahead. Mayuko was hesitant about leaving Yuri's side, so she remained. Being the Administrator only furthered the toll on Yuri, so Mayuko felt justified, leaving only the Guardian Angels since others had tasks to attend to as well. If that wasn't enough, she wasn't really keen to help them considering one had threatened to kill both her and Yuri if they hadn't realized their place early on.

The sun was gradually descending into the depths of the altered reality that few escaped from by a singular helicopter as someone holding a Barrett M82 in one hand walked down an empty hallway of a skyscraper. With their other hand at their side, clenching tightly, their steps were heavy despite wearing sandals. Pausing in front of a door, they firmly knocked three times before backing up, seeming agitated.

"Gambler, I told you we had to head out in fifteen minutes! Hurry it up!"

There was no answer, so the figure knocked again, but five times this time around, and more forceful than before. When there still wasn't a response, a loud sigh and growl of anger echoed in the hallway. Taking a step back, the person lifted its rifle in one hand, pressing the barrel against the doorknob. Its finger was teasing the trigger, about to press it down as hard as it could, but then a voice caused all to cease.

"What did I say about shooting my doorknob to barge into my room, Miko?" a gentle voice rang out. Its tone was peaceful, one soothing enough to encourage tranquility in the hallway. Though, it didn't work on the figure dressed in a shrine maiden outfit that was threatening the life of an innocent door. It never did.

Miko Mask, the figure who carried around the Barrett M82, lowered her weapon slowly. Turning to look at the other person, she laid eyes on the one and only Dealer Mask, another Guardian Angel. Dressed in a casino outfit, it was fitting to Miko that her partner's alias was Gambler. However, what definitely was not acceptable was how Dealer's M4 Carbine was strapped to her side rather than being in her hands where it should have been. She was holding two sundaes, which Miko didn't seem too thrilled about.

"What's the meaning of this?" she said, walking towards Dealer before halting directly in front of her. Staring down at the sundaes before gazing back up, both raised an eyebrow even though they weren't visible. Miko's set of glowing crimson eyes met Dealer's own bright set of light azure eyes.

"The same meaning as every other time, Miko. What flavor do you want this time around? Rich Vanilla or Sweet Strawberry?" she asked, offering the strawberry sundae since she felt like having a more tame flavor tonight.

"I'm feeling forget the sundaes and remember that we have a routine to uphold!" Miko replied, clearly disapproving of snacking at this time.

Unclenching her hand, she made a swat for the sundae. Dealer, expecting this, moved to block the swat with her forearm while making sure she didn't drop either sundae. At having her swat blocked, Miko rolled her eyes and lowered her hand, already abandoning her efforts at stopping her partner.

"As cute as you are when you're angry, which is like all the time," Dealer said, chuckling with a hint of teasing present, "I wish to eat our sundaes before they melt. C'mon, I know you want one, so stop making this cuter than it has to be and take one. I'll ask again: what flavor do you want?"

Grumbling, Miko put her sniper on her back and took the strawberry sundae in a swift, almost desperate motion like she didn't want it to be seen. All Dealer could do was smile as she observed her counterpart move her mask to the side, revealing that beautiful face of hers that close to none saw. Adjusting her own to the side, Dealer chuckled. "Aww, such a lovely face under there. I don't know why you always wear it even though it's not mand—"

"You've already convinced me to take the sundae, so if you're trying to convince me to throw this damn thing out the window as well, you'll find it to be a lot easier this time around!" Miko exclaimed, pointing an accusatory finger at her complimenter. However, she pressed the sundae close to her chest, seeming to secretly desire to enjoy it. She also didn't wish to admit that she took the compliment to heart, but the deep blush on her face said otherwise.

Taking a bite of her delicious vanilla sundae, Dealer gulped it down before an innocent smile covered her face. Pointing her spoon at Miko, she bounced her eyebrows once, not seeming to feel threatened at all. "Your heart seemed to have no problem convincing you to show how you feel, so tell yourself there's no problem in eating a sundae in front of me like all of those other times. I won't tell anyone. Promise.~"

Concerned by her heart apparently showcasing her feelings, Miko's eyes narrowed as her hand lowered. Turning to look at one of the numerous tall windows preventing them from plummeting thirty stories, immediately noticed was the blush that claimed her face in the reflection. Facing Dealer, she pointed at her again. "My heart or how I look has nothing to do with this! You're so annoying, I swear! Keep up your talking, and that window will have sundae all over it! PROMISE!"

Gulping down another generous portion of her sundae, she slowly walked forward. "Now now, dear. You promised you would start working on your anger management for me. I don't think throwing a sundae at the window will help." Stopping next to her, Dealer plunged her spoon into Miko's sundae, fished out the unused one, and proceeded to walk, hiding a smirk.

Grumbling again from remembering the promise, Miko focused her attention on Dealer, her head following those light blue eyes and any other noteworthy actions. Blindly observing her spoon being swapped as Dealer kept walking, it took a few moments before Miko fully processed what happened. "H-HEY, WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA, FLOOR SEVEN?!"

Letting out a small chuckle, Dealer tapped on the glass of her sundae a few times with her spoon. "Think of it as me contributing to helping you overcome your tendency to let anger get the best of you, dear."

"Some help you are, Gambler. You can just hear in my voice how much I appreciate it, GAMBLER. HOW IT'S JUST CRACKING IN ANGER AND RELIEF, GAMBLER!" Miko shouted, following the other Guardian Angel.

"Yup. I sure can, Miko. I sure can," she teased back before looking out a window. The sun was halfway down, signaling that their use of time was cutting it pretty close. However, she knew this was a perfect opportunity to mess with Miko again. "Come on, Miko, we're going to be late if we don't get a move on!" she said before going right back to snacking on her sweet delicacy, preparing her ears.

Miko paused in her tracks, one of her eyes twitching. Grabbing the end of the spoon, she waved it at Dealer violently despite her not being able to see it. "THAT'S WHAT I'VE BEEN TRYING TO TELL YOU, FOOL! THIS IS THE EXACT REASON WHY I SHOULD'VE GOTTEN A FLOOR PROMOTION!"

Sighing in an exasperated manner, she followed in silence, lagging a bit behind to ponder whether to eat the sundae or not, and if she did, to not be seen doing so. "It looks so delicious," Miko thought.

A few minutes passed, and she still found herself staring at the spoon like she was fighting her conscience. Finally, after giving in, she scooped out a bite, eating it after a bit of hesitation. As it fully melted in her mouth, she let out a small moan of mystified origin. The flavor was hypnotizing, and like every other time, she devoured it little by little, enjoying it to the highest degree.

Meanwhile, leading the pack, all Dealer could do was smirk and smile inside, knowing Miko was enjoying her sundae with every fiber of her being. With a feeling of accomplishment washing over her conscience, they neared closer and closer to their destination.