"This place is…"

"Honestly, I've lost count how many times we ended up here…"

The 'here' that Kuroyukihime spoke of was of course the Highest Level.

"Well, of course, you two seem to have developed some sort of affinity for this place. That too, without Beings to guide you here."

"…! That voice…", Haruyuki exclaimed…

"Of course, you have it as well.", while Kuroyukihime remarked in an indifferent manner.

That clear-as-crystal voice, which possessed a saintly attribute, was none other than the Transient Eternity, White Cosmos – Kuroba Enju herself.

As Haruyuki continued staring at her, seemingly unable to comprehend her ephemeral beauty, he hastily asked:

"U-Umm… so what brings you here this time?"

"Something that had just awakened thanks to the enormous Incarnate power you two generated in your fight."

Following Enju's line of sight as she said that, Haruyuki and Kuroyukihime gazed at all the stars cluttered in the birds-eye view of the Highest Level, most notably centered around BB. As they expanded their view, they looked past AA, BB, CC and even DD… then they shifted their attention to a faint star glowing in the farthest distance.

"What… is that place?", Haruyuki and Kuroyukihime asked in unison.

"I'm not really sure of it myself either.", Enju responded with a gentle smile that seemed to be completely genuine. "But that was the place which Okaa-sama was searching for all this time, and she then entrusted that task to me. All I can say is… it's a world that transcends systemic laws, a place that's neither real nor virtual."

"What does that mean?"

"It's best for the both of you to experience it yourself. Perhaps TFL herself can guide you there once you free her."

"But-"

"Even if I could join you, I don't have the right to anymore. After all, Lotus – Sayuki-chan defeated me and showed me the power of hope. I believe that… is what is necessary to enter that place, something which I sorely lacked."

"…As always, you are one to put things in a vague manner. You share that aspect with Graph."

"Oh really? I always tell whatever I can. It's Yuuji-kun's fault for leaving out important details."

"Graph himself said: 'Whoever frees TFL would bring about a major impact on the real world'. Perhaps this is what he meant by that."

Enju blinked a few times, appearing to be visibly hurt for the first time, and got back at her younger sister:

"…Well, I guess we'll leave it at that. But first…"

She got closer to Haruyuki and whispered (though she didn't appear to use her mouth):

"Did you forget about our promise already?"

Just then, Haruyuki remembered. Two weeks ago, Kuroyukihime had received permission to study at a high school in Suginami from her parents, on the condition that they meet Haruyuki in person.

"N-No, I didn't forget at all! I'll meet you later today!"

"Mmm, good. You better hold on to that. Okaa-sama is known to be rather impatient herself. Well then, I'll see you both after school. Bye-bye."

With those last words and a wave of her hand, Enju vanished from the Highest Level, leaving not a single trace of her behind, as if she were really an illusion.

"Wait… 'see you both'… is she asking me to bring Senpai along, or does she know I'll bring her anyway?"

"It's best not to think too much about her words.", Kuroyukihime whispered, appearing to read his thoughts.

They soon returned back to the duel field and the huge flash of light stopped.

After a few tense seconds, Black Lotus was down on her feet.

"Khh…"

At last, Kuroyukihime – the Black King, known and feared as World End – was close to defeat, but even Haruyuki hesitated to deliver the final blow, knowing what it would mean for her.

"…Honestly… you're always like this. But… I'll accept it for now."

Kuroyukihime opened up her window and pressed the Resign button.

With that, the duel had stopped, and the results screen was shown. It was a clear loss for Black Lotus, given that she had less HP than Silver Crow. However, because she had not lost all her HP, she didn't end up losing Brain Burst in the end.

At that instant, Haruyuki had returned to the real world. He slowly blinked his eyes and saw Kuroyukihime who was still unconscious. She too opened her eyes rapidly in a brief second and gazed straight at him.

"Umm… Senpai…"

She placed her hands around his.

"Well done, Haruyuki-kun. You've finally reached the peak of your potential. I couldn't be any happier."

"You too, Senpai. I honestly didn't expect you to master your Incarnate to such a degree. It was almost too even for me to keep up."

"Hehe, well, I guess you could say I learnt it just from watching you. Besides, it isn't just me who looks up to you. Take a look."

He looked around and saw Chiyuri and Takumu in the distance waving at him, and just behind them was Megumi who flashed a smile at him.

They were all encouraging him… that no matter how hard the road was, they would all be by his side supporting him. All Haruyuki had to do was respond to their wishes in kind and show them the way forward. Kuroyukihime too used everyone's hopes as her strength and went out of her way to protect their dreams.

"Alright, I'll do my best!", Haruyuki mentally told himself.

"Then, see you later. Ahh, I'll be stopping by your house later today and make preparations."

"Y-Yes…"