It's been three days since Dragon Shower.

Not much has changed, apart from the fact that Kyoto is now an open cemetery.

Once, a city of hopes and dreams, with nights and atmosphere that can't be replicated anywhere in the World. All that remains from the glory of Kyoto is the lifeless buildings and shrines, ravaged by mythical entities Humanity has revered as fairy tales. The casualties skyrocketed after the first day, understandably, as Dragon Shower ended in a firework unseen in the history of Mankind.

One of the most hazardous places in the current apocalyptic world, as breathing itself has become some kind of cruelty, also referred to as the punishment from Gods we haven't prayed enough to. Nevertheless, Kyoto still stands proud, even if it lost the charm it once had. Its citizens are still loyal to the motherland, and will forever defend it, as though their enemy is the world itself.

Yet, morale is all that matters in Apocalypse. One can't survive without being optimistic, their mind will not let them, as infamous as Japan is when it comes to its citizens taking their own life, Apocalypse only contributes to this number.

People don't want to believe that we indeed reached the end of the World, I understand them, as I was once one of those people, desperately clinging to the comforts of the modern world, unable to accept the new status quo.

Nevertheless, there is still hope, people only need someone to remind them of this. That humanity hasn't given up.

In every cycle, residents of Kyoto unite as one due to one woman's dedication and ferocity, to fight against the beings that dared to disturb our way of life, no matter how helpless they are. I admire them and I will forever be here to help them as much as I can, even if I know how that ends.

The Resistance, also known as the declaration of Kyoto's new sovereignty as Japan's only hope, formed in the suburban regions of this metropolitan city by inhabitants of the bright star of Asia.

I have been there, along with hundreds of thousand survivors, scavenging for supplies, providing safety to the elders, recruiting people to our cause.

Why bother for a cause that never ends in my favor? Wouldn't that be, a waste of time?

It's my declaration of love to this beautiful country and its people. I know first hand how hard it is to even grasp the concept of Apocalypse, let alone having enough sanity left to resist our damnation. Thanks to them, to anyone that puts their body on the line, I can continue to be motivated in my futile attempts to reverse the doomsday clock. Everyone must do what they can, and only then will we be able to resist.

Meanwhile I don't directly devote my life to them anymore, I still do my part to contribute to a better society in times of need. If enough brave souls contribute, Kyoto will manage to survive, it has and will always rise from its ashes more powerful and united. That is the rich history of our city, and one Beast can't take that away from us so easily.

It's enough to make a grown man cry, the way those who regard Kyoto as their only home keep their head high even in the face of danger, to protect the prosperous rise of our generation and nation. Definitely sends chills down my spine, whilst making me feel patriotic. You better not underestimate how nationalistic Japanese people can be, whether their enemy is Human or not, they feel inclined to commit war-crimes if it means Kyoto gets to live another day.

That is the beauty of Kyoto, a city forged through bonds that are only shared in battles and religion.

In fifteen minutes, declaration of Kyoto happens and the Kyoto Incident begins, spanning three consecutive years of ethnic cleansing against Dragons and countless other species of Beasts, only to end in failure.

Yet, I'll keep contributing, for the sake of a better future for the next generation.

People of Kyoto, of Youkais and Humans. Dō kokumin

It has begun, as numerous magic circles assemble at the airspace of Kyoto, countless survivors take their guidance and listen to the words of a wise lady, whom they will later refer as Amaterasu's Ambassador. In times of desperation, Japanese people have always found one banner to unite under, this time is no different. We, the Japanese, will prevail.

Even I, marvel at the sight of this lady. Her golden hair and eyes spark such sadness that reflects to her words, that she indeed values us as her fellow countrymen. That she also resents the way Kyoto has become after Dragons did their trick on the land we call home. It does not matter whether we are human, or whether they aren't, for us, for those that set their hearts on the bloodshot red and white marbles of our flag, there's no greater pride than to fall whilst trying our utmost to save our home.

I am Yasaka, the Leader of Yokai.

My people, my fellow citizens, I salute you.

I beg for your forgiveness, as I failed to protect you from dangers afar.

Make no mistake, my people, I am indeed upset.

That I can't save more than I already have.

Our shrines and temples will guide you to safe havens, my people.

For Ōhirume no Muchi no Kamiis with us.

In my second cycle, I, along with the rest of the survivors, have figured out that Gods indeed exist at this very moment. It's a very disturbing experience that they now show up, as most of the survivors have already lost so much. I understand the lady, as Supernatural and Humanity weren't meant to co-exist.

Nonetheless, for we are united, for we love every bit of this country, Youkai and Humanity adapt, we learn to tolerate and to cooperate in the face of Apocalypse. Neither Youkai nor Humanity can resist on their own, we don't have the means, they don't have the numbers, through the unholy convergence of our people, then we will finally be able to resist.

Oh Humans, Heed my words.

Only through unity shall our homeland stand proud.

For Yokai needs you, For you need Yokai.

Kyoto belongs to us, it always has been.

The Great Palace of Kyoto is ours.

Shimogamo-jinja is ours.

Toji Temple is ours.

Castle Nijo is ours.

All the richness of this magnificent city, is ours to share.

Not for anyone, but for People of Kyoto.

Youkai are as nationalistic as Humans, who would've thought. It's rather ironic, actually, both Youkai and Humans are distinct yet they share almost every belief regarding Japan, the only difference is the species. That's how Kyoto survives, because of unity in diversity.

My people, Yokai.

My fellow citizens, Humans.

Together, we shall overcome.

Together, we shall make our ancestors proud.

Yokai are relentlessly fighting, for we haven't given up yet.

We never will.

Until death do us apart, we shall never back down from fighting for our land, Nippon.

Until we die, bleeding, Yokai will never stop loving the land we were born in.

For we are the same as you, lost souls seeking peace.

Dō kokumin.

Humans.

I invite you to fight for our land, to never give up.

Brothers and Sisters!

I promise you.

In the name of Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi and Susanoo.

We shall do the same.

Even if we fail, we shall give our life back to this magnificent land.

For Kyoto!

For Motherland!

Yasaka's speech.

It plays such a controversial role in Apocalypse that it affects the survival of Kyoto so much that I can't even give her enough credit. This single act of revealing the existence of Gods to the ordinary citizen in such a way that Resistance of Humans and Youkai form in a single night, uniting under Yasaka's banner to fight against Apocalyptic Beast.

Youkai and Humanity prove that with enough love, everything can be overcome, even such concepts as race feel irrelevant in the sight of two distinct beings fighting side by side for their dedication to Kyoto. That we are kokumin, in comparison to Kyoto, everything falls insignificant.

How can one feel such dedication to just a chunk of land? For Youkai, For the people of Kyoto, they would rather be buried in the lands of our ancestors than to abandon the motherland. We are raised by our elders as such, Youkai are guided by their ancestors by this very sentiment, that Kyoto, no, Nippon, is the only place in the World that we can be at peace. Emotions can't be explained through reasons, I stand firm on this matter.

I have long abandoned the concept of patriotism, yet I can't help but feel as though my blood boils at the thought of Kyoto facing destruction. I know that my brethren and Yokai feel the same, people of Kyoto will lay their lives on the line before witnessing that sight, they would rather embrace death like an old friend, just like I had, I have.

Through my educational phase, I also wanted to learn whether Yasaka-san, nor Takamagahara have any intention of guiding this resistance in the wrong direction, to usurp the power of commoners for another cause. As expected, I couldn't find any, I had no reason to doubt Yasaka-san, as she puts her heart on the battlefield, falling before Kyoto does. Yet, I felt conflicted about Gods, I haven't heard anything good about them from my talks with Vali. That Takamagahara only cares about themselves.

Boy, how wrong have I turned out to be.

I told you that Trihexa doesn't descend on Japan for three years, I wouldn't have been surprised had Beast itself decided not to cross our names from the list this early into the Apocalypse. It doesn't, that's no surprise, Trihexa is the benefactor of Humanity as I coined. However, in the beginning days of Apocalypse, the only reason we don't have to deal with the Beast is because Gods too, feel.

They feel, they resent. Gods are not that different from Yokai and us, they are beings that can and have experienced countless emotions. They too, feel an attachment to this magical land, to the land of the rising sun. They do their part, keeping the Beast away from their believers, from the lands from which they have originated. Humans do their part, we fight until blood sprouts out of our teeth and nails. Yokai do their part, passing out from the lack of Ki from relentlessly and tirelessly caring for the injured and taking their stands at the battlefield.

"For Kyoto!"

"For the Motherland!"

"If we are destined to die!"

"We die standing!"

Never could I have predicted that with a sweet tongue and face, one woman can unite two races to fight for their land voluntarily. As thousands swarm the Shrines, their Youkai countrymen await for them, to salute them for they have lost so much yet still have the spirit to contribute to the cause.

As Yasaka declares, Youkai open their arms to their countrymen, offering them their services and benevolence. Yokai care for the elderly, elderly advise the youngsters, youngsters volunteer to fight on the frontlines, people like me, those with no aim and misplaced hatred, quickly find their place against the beasts.

Kyoto's heart beats vigorously.

Two sides that set their hearts to a unified concept.

Kyoto will never fall as long as we are united.

City of Kyoto survives throughout the Apocalypse, as the last safe haven of Earth.

Only against the Apocalyptic Beast, it falls.

However, in the hearts of Youkai and Humans, Kyoto stands proud.

"Quite the show."

"Tell me about it."

The madman finally arrives with my belongings, right on time as he experiences the union of Yokai and Humanity first-hand, shouting war cries and sharing their patriotism together through chants. He's battered beyond his limits, with blood oozing through every part of his body, that is something I'd be usually concerned of, yet when it comes to Val, I learned that no matter how many injuries he sustains, this Devil fulfills his promises and never goes down.

"You alright?"

"Been worse, this much ain't enough to put me down."

"Still, you need treatment."

"I can take care of myself, Traveler. I don't need anyone to babysit me."

"I know, but you better put aside that pride of yours and ask Le Fay to patch you up."

"So you do know them."

"You believe that I can travel through time and you draw the line at this?"

"I haven't told the code to anyone in my lifetime, not even Azazel. I deliberately planted a curse through that part of my mind so it's near damn impossible to read it through Clairvoyance no matter how powerful you are. I'm pretty confident that you are indeed a time traveler."

"Regressor, but nice try."

"That makes it even more exciting."

"If only everyone believed as you did, I'd have solved this shit a long time ago."

"Well, not everyone can be like me."

"Fair enough."

I can feel my lips curving, I missed this madlad. No matter how many cycles it takes, as long as I have such people on my side, I'm confident I can save the World before everything goes to shit. I extend my hand, as my relationship with Vali Lucifer of this cycle begins, I'll make sure that the people we love survive.

"Issei, Hyoudou Issei."

"You know me, but for the sake of courtesy."

As he grasps my hand, I feel the ice in his veins. The ever confident Vali Lucifer, the only Longinus user to fight against Trihexa for 10 years straight, the second to last human to survive in nearly every cycle.

"Vali, Lucifer. I'd say Great-Grandson of Lucifer, but you know… that."

"Your secret is safe with me, I assure you. Unless I have your approval, that will forever be between us, Val."

"My thanks."

"It's the only right thing to do."

"So, what happens next?"

"Before we delve in that conversation, do you want anything to drink? The vending machines still work, well if you count smashing them to bits and taking whatever I want as "working as intended" that is."

"Haha, no I'm good. I had plenty of Dragon Blood to drink this morning."

"Knowing you, I fully take that as non-ironic."

"What? It tastes decent and it's plenty."

"What are you? A Devil or Vampire?"

"Devil-Dragon-Human Hybrid, please."

"Show-Off."

"What? Don't I get to be proud of my heritage?"

"I'd have rushed rope chair build myself If I were a knock off of not one but three separate species."

"Tried that one, rope broke before my neck did."

"Prick."

"Oh shut up, at least I'm not a regressor."

"I'd have liked to pass it to you, honestly."

"Why? Isn't it amazing to fail every time?"

"Yeah, right. To watch you die 50 times before I do is honestly a blessing."

"How many times have you regressed, though?"

"117."

"I'm up 17 then."

"Did you just…?"

"What? A win is a win."

"Why do someone like you have to be the one bastard that is ultimately gonna save the world and get the praises while I get shit on by people?"

"I have that dog in me, you don't, Hyoudou."

"Riight."

One thing Val does with people he trusts is that he roasts them to smithereens. Because that is the true identity of Vali Lucifer, a giant joke that went too far, his words, not mine, mind you. Still, I'm glad that I have someone as insane as him by my side as his mental fortitude is absurd, just like his strength. Even when we are the last two human beings alive, Val doesn't shy away from cracking jokes and keeping both of our spirits high.

He might seem unaffected by the Apocalypse, but if you truly understand how this bishonen goes through certain things, you would know that Vali feels absolutely nervous for the days yet to come, as his body temperature gradually drops to absolute zero and never rises again for another two weeks, something he somehow can survive, I have literally no idea how, but he does. Must've been a great perk that comes from being a Devil.

"Even Grigori is still in chaos, I'm surprised Humans grasped the situation quicker than we did."

"Thank Yasaka-san for that, the idea to reveal Supernatural to boost their morale was absolutely incredible. Yokai and Humanity both feel at ease as they are not alone in this, maybe the Watchers need something like that as well"

"Maybe, yet I doubt that."

"Because Supernatural is as divided as ever, no?"

"Damn right."

"Your mistakes came to bite you in the ass, how surprising. If Azazel could grow a pair of balls, he would've realized the desire to keep the Abrahamic Factions at peace before Cockabiel made his move."

"There was nothing to be done, Hyoudou. Even I admit that."

"There are plenty of scenarios in which that war-monger is stopped before Reignition happens, it's just a matter of pride and politics."

"Still, it's a lot more complicated than that."

"Feel free to behead each other while Trihexa destroys the World, don't you ever talk back to me with complicated stuff. If I could regress back to that point in time, I would have solved that shit in three minutes while being the nobody I am."

"Fucking enlighten me then."

"You alert Sirzechs Lucifer, done. Give him the permission to make a mess out of Kokabiel when he first appears at Kuoh, given how much of a siscon that bastard is, he will fry that crow alive before he can even breath the same air as Rias Gremory does, problem fucking solved."

"Civilian lives would then be at stake, you know how stubborn Azazel can be regarding Humans."

"It's fucking ironic that comes out from your mouth. Let go of a few thousand to save the lives of literally all creation, simple as that."

"Aren't you from Kuoh?"

"Somebody did their homework, how surprising. What if I am, Val? Do you think I would want to live in an Apocalypse for all eternity rather than to die an agonizing death that would only last for like five seconds tops? I don't, Val. If I had the choice, I would've offered my damn heart to whatever evil deity that wanted it in exchange"

"That is not what I meant, but alright."

"My pops and mum? They bit the dust in Reignition thank you very much for your concern, at least I would have died with them than to try to solve the mess you all unknowingly put us in."

"You talk as if handling Kokabiel better would've prevented the awakening of Trihexa."

"Because IT FUCKING DOES VAL, IT JUST FUCKING DOES."

"..."

"Butterfly effect, as simple as that. No Reignition means no Psuedo-Civil War or increasing hostility among the Three Factions, No Psuedo Civil War means Abrahamic Factions come together to fight against Khaos Brigade, that in turn leads to your Pops being buried six feet under before awakening Trihexa. It's just that FUCKING simple."

"It's not that easy, it never has been, Hyoudou."

"Yeah, fuck off. All you pricks had to do was restrain one deranged madman from killing the heiresses of not one but two Satans, TWO. But naaaaaaah, You need to insert that nepotism into the heart of Grigori. Because every fucking crow matters."

"Don't fuck with me! If it's that simple why haven't you done it, huh? Why did you run away to Kyoto? Why didn't you fight against Kokabiel on your own?"

"I wasn't even aware of Supernatural, fucker."

"Aren't you a regressor? Regress to the time before Reignition happens, or are you a coward with all bark and no bite?"

"It doesn' work like that, I'm confined to experience the Apocalypse, I'm not the one meant to stop it from ever occurring."

"Then shut the fuck up."

"Don't you dare blame Kokabiel's rampage on me, Lucifer. Watchers were meant to protect us, the Children of God. When we needed them the most, where were they? Where are they now?"

"Grigori has no sympathy for Children of God like you, nor would they ever protect someone as unhinged as you."

"Pfft, yeah sure."

"How are you even so confident of that theory of yours? That I am curious about. As crazy as you sound, I presume I need to have some faith in you as we will be working together in the future, but you make it less and less easy."

"Because I have heard of that scenario, from someone you and I both know."

"And?"

"Trihexa kept confined deep within, never to be unsealed until its time is due."

Vali's cold, hateful stare lingered through, fixated on my eyes. If he could, he would murder me right here, right now, if he didn't need me, of course. I can understand him, as I deliberately made him the entire scapegoat of this Apocalypse, if only he had been a fraction quicker, stronger, Apocalypse would have never happened. It's tough to hear something like that when it's too late to fix it.

Yet, I have something that will completely break him and everything he has done so far, something that I don't share with him until the time comes in normal circumstances. The playback, of one cycle I keep to myself, one that I haven't experienced on my own, but a tale that is rather passed down to me by Vali's foster father.

I told you that I have something besides regression, a tool that helped me to tame the concept of Causality. Meanwhile it's absolutely jackshit when it comes to offensive capabilities, this fact means nothing to me as that tool is more powerful than the most powerful Longinus when it's used by me.

Lost Legacy.

A gift I've received from someone that called themselves Eighth, whilst calling me Seventh, a being so powerful that it can cross between timelines without incurring the wrath of countless Gods and entities, without being seen or traced. I have no recollection of what they look like, I'm not even sure they are human, nor do they have any good intentions. The first time I'd come across them, I truly thought I would die from the sheer pressure of their existence, suffocating me from within. With a face unrecognizable, a voice devoid of any personality or emotion, they bestowed this device to me, without any explanation on how to use it, when to use it.

In time, I understood why, and how to use Lost Legacy.

This little tool covers up my weakness, the only weakness of my regression, allowing me to send messages throughout the course of history, to specific points. Whether or not someone listens to my warnings, I have no idea. For every broadcast I've organized, I haven't received even a single feedback, except from one. One broadcast that I unknowingly sent to a timeline in which I don't get to enjoy my gift to reverse the clockwatch whenever I please.

The Perfect Route as I named it, for Trihexa never awakens, Hyoudou Issei never has to go through 117 deaths to try to save the World, Baek Soo-Yeun never experiences what it means to lose her sister, Vali never has to choose between Reni or Azazel, Rias Gremory never leaves the World, neither does Sona Sitri. Yet, that is a future I will probably never realize, a future that is only presented to me to encourage me even more.

The Perfect Route has only one downside, something that separates that timeline with my own.

My existence.

In Perfect Route, Hyoudou Issei doesn't exist, he never does, he never will. That is precisely the reason the timelines are distinct, as the World doesn't have anyone that can play the hero as well as I do. I think that is the reason why I consistently fail as well, because at the end of the day, I get to push my luck as much as possible.

I broadcasted a single message to the year of 2015, three years before Trihexa awakens. For what it is worth, I explained what causes Apocalypse thoroughly, even mentioning Kokabiel's plan to start the war anew. I covered every single point, as I wanted someone to listen to what I had to offer, to not make the same mistakes as our timeline did. The whole broadcast lasted for three straight hours.

I addressed the person before me as Listener, as I had no idea who would listen to my ramblings, not even sure if anyone would.

Someone did, a person that holds significant influence on their World, as well as our own.

Fallen Governor-General, Azazel.

"He-ya, cheeky rascal. That was one hell of a story! I'm actually impressed by your imagination."

"Is that?"

"Zaz himself? Precisely."

"Well, I would like to speak with you in person about how accurately you pictured some stuff, but I see you're using a pseudonym. As if that would stop me!"

"What's he talking about?"

"Just enjoy the show, it's the first time I'm sharing this with someone else."

"Take it a liiitle bit easy would you? I like that scenario of yours, but don't share it with Cockabiel himself, he might get disheartened, hehe."

"Did you..?"

"Yeah, Zaz himself gave the nickname."

"Hyoudou Issei, well, I take it that you're Japanese. You talk as if you really experienced this Apocalyptic scenario, but rest assured, there is no need to worry!"

"Just what the hell, man."

"These bits can be confusing, I admit."

"Hmm… Biel wants to organize a recon mission, I don't know why I'm telling a kid about this, but the events of your little story seem to get their inspiration from Real-Life, Kiddo."

"I'm a bit bored, so I'm at it again, speaking with a troubled kid through a channel that was only active for a couple hours. Kokabiel organized a taskforce to keep the Satan's sisters in check, as Grigori too has a serious claim on Kuoh. I think this is where it went wrong, am I right, Issei?"

"If you hear me, send me a signal, kiddo. It's getting a tad bit lonely here without you. Even Vali's not around anymore as often, I miss him, honestly."

"I hereby declare this wavelength as my venting place, if you hear me Issei, shame on you. How could you leave me like this? You left out the most exciting part of the story, I need that bit, boy-a."

"I'm now certain, you do not exist, do you? At least not on this timeline, you don't. There are only two Hyoudou's that reside in Kuoh, Miki and Gorou. Can you believe me that you made me go all the way from my office to talk with them about you?"

"Yeah, I would've given everything for a drinking buddy like you, Issei. Your parents, no, the people supposed to be your parents had three consecutive miscarriages. Your old man said that had you been born, he would've named you Issei, heh, I found you, but you're not even here."

"This is crazy, you know that, right? You implied that you are a time traveler, and now your influence spread to a timeline in which you don't exist. Seriously, if you find a way, cross over to my timeline, I'd like to see you with my own eyes."

"Thanks to you, I am now certain that my multiverse theory has indeed some saving grace in itself. I wonder about my counterpart, is he as cool as me? I doubt that, haha."

"Well, this only means one thing. You did experience the Apocalypse, on your timeline. I don't know how hard it must be, in a World cursed from the start. However, I promise that I will heed your warnings, to avoid the fate your timeline suffered from."

"I put down the Mad Dog Kokabiel by myself, before he could even fantasize about starting the Great War once again. I'm playing a dangerous game here, kiddo. I can only hope that my trust isn't misplaced, that you are right."

"As you foretold, Vali, in his little wit, tried to trick me into joining the Khaos Brigade. Gotta give the youngsters some freedom, amirite? However, I know him. Apocalypse isn't the kind of damnation that brat would like. He's more of a supremacy type of guy if you get what I'm sayin'."

"So much stuff has happened since I had the chance to talk with you, Boy. Terrorist attacks loomed through the Underworld, Red Dragon Emperor died, Three Factions finally united under one banner, we have a new slick name as well, haha, Alliance is what we are known as now. I still haven't located Rizevim, but I think we'll be fine, we've survived much worse. Super-Devil or not, Son of Lucifer can't fight against all of us."

"Well, I will be damned, Issei. You were right, the whole time. I pressured the Satans and Michael to locate Rizevim, and he indeed has been trying to find Trihexa's location, as well as getting his hands on Sephiroth Graal to revive the long forgotten Evil Dragons, dangerous types like Apophis and Azi Dhaka. A quick execution wouldn't suffice, for he wanted to doom all of us, just like his counterpart doomed your world. I will make sure he suffers, for your sake, Kid."

"Thank you, Issei. I can only hope for the best for you, for your World."

"You saved the World. Be proud, my "honest" boy."

[Governor's Secret: Remaining Playbacks;1.]

[Plum Blossoms of West: Playback unavailable.]

[Cycle 118: Not Recorded.]

I didn't intend to drag Vali into something bigger than himself, yet I was also curious about his reaction. What would he think of it? Meanwhile I didn't get the reaction I hoped, I gained something else, entirely, a new perspective on the madlad.

"He sounds… truly happy."

"Indeed, he does."

"I'm glad."

Vali Lucifer, the egoistic, self-centered bastard known for his arrogance and his knack for beating down people stronger than him, rejoices in the happiness of someone else, shows me that he can be happy for someone else other than himself, on this level. I haven't observed anything quite like this, his eyes threatened to burst whenever Azazel called me kiddo, and a tear finally fell down when he solidified my place as his honest boy. I think I made him quite jealous.

As we part ways, Vali leaves satisfied with who I am and what I can bring to the table. I would've liked if we fought side by side, however, he has places to go, people to save, destinies to change. I can't interfere with him like I did with Baek Soo-Yeun. He will find his own way, and at the Last Stand, we will rejoice together.

Everyone needs to do their part, even I do.

That's the reason I wanted Vali to bring me something to fight with, until I awaken my Aura.

For Kyoto.

For the Motherland.

There is still much to do, as we're just a few days into the Apocalypse. I need to recruit more people, whilst keeping the core duo of Baek Soo-Yeun and Vali alive. Speaking of that pretty face, it's due time that I call her. Even three days at Fortress of Dawn is enough for things to go south pretty quickly.

"Soo-Yeun."

"Sup, Issei."

"I'm decent, how bout you, are you alright?"

"It's quite unlike you to call me, let alone care for me."

"I just said that I always cared for you, wench."

"Heh… I know."

"How are you holding up?"

"It's… not looking good, the situation is far worse than I had thought. I'm starting to give you more credit for not sending me here sooner."

"Never argue with a regressor, time will always prove that he's right."

"Yeah, that I agree with."

"Don't push yourself over the edge, I need you here."

"Stop doing that, it's weird."

"I ain't gonna stop just because you tell me that it's weird, you're the weird one. I'm simply looking after my friend."

"Oh so we are friends."

"I think so?"

"I might have to reconsider my opinions regarding you, but I don't exactly hate it."

"Why do I even fucking bother?"

"You need me, I need you, simple as that."

"Fair enough."

"Be real, why did you call me?"

"I'm just worried about you, that's all. I wanna know whether or not you're coming back."

"It might take longer than I expected, but I will eventually come back to Kyoto. Give me a few more days."

"Whatever you say, Soo-Yeun."

"Why do you care about me so much, though? There must be plenty of people that are better suited for this."

"I don't care about them, that's all. Also, you're one of the best when it comes to swinging that piece of metal."

"A Sword? That's something I'm proud of."

"You should be, I've yet to come across another being who is as talented as you are, whilst looking a million dollars when you take up your blade."

"I'm flattered."

"That was my intention."

"Hehe, Thanks, Issei."

"It is I who should thank you, Soo-Yeun. Be safe."

"You too, don't get yourself killed while I'm handling things here."

"I won't, I've pretty much memorized what happens in the first year."

"That's both concerning and relieving."

"It's only relieving, don't worry."

"Gotta go, Sis won't stop bothering me."

"See ya when I see ya, Soo-Yeun."

Ye, chap 5 done.

I haven't slept for 24 hours straight, so it might be a bit akin to a shitpost. I apologize in advance.

I feel like it's decent tho.

Anyways, R&R Boys and Grilles.

Shiwftie, out.