The journey back to the Ark had been grueling, the team trudging through the relentless blizzard for days as snow and wind battered them from all sides. Progress had been slow, their visibility reduced to mere feet in the whiteout conditions. It was only recently that the storm had died down, leaving the world around them in an eerie, quiet stillness

The wind had finally calmed, the blizzards now a faint memory in the night. Snow lay thick on the ground, glinting under the pale light of portable lamps scattered around the camp. The team was gathered near the central heater, their faces weary from the relentless cold and exertion of the journey.

John crouched nearby, his hands wrapped around his comms device, fiddling with the settings as he muttered under his breath. The handheld unit flickered occasionally, struggling to establish a stable connection.

"You know," John said, glancing back at Rapi, "we're only a couple of days from the Ark. I don't see why this can't wait until we get there."

Rapi crossed her arms, her expression calm but firm. "Protocol says otherwise, Commander. We're required to report in regularly during missions, especially since we haven't been able to establish contact for almost a week, and especially with something this significant."

John let out a soft huff of frustration, shaking his head. "It's not like Central Command is sitting there, biting their nails waiting for us to call in. They'll get the report when we arrive."

"Commander," Rapi replied evenly, "we need to establish contact. Delaying now will just cause more questions later."

John sighed, leaning back on his heels as he adjusted the comms device again. "Fine. But if this thing doesn't connect in the next five minutes, we're moving on."

As if on cue, the screen flickered to life, and Shifty's familiar face appeared, her expression sharp and focused.

"Commander," she began, her tone clipped, though a flicker of relief passed over her features. "You've been out of contact for days. I've been trying to reach you."

"Blizzards," John said simply, brushing snow off his gloves. "And Alva particle concentrations were too high for a stable line."

Shifty nodded briskly, her gaze scanning the background before settling on him. "Fair enough. Glad to see you're still in one piece."

"Likewise," John replied, his tone neutral.

Rapi stepped closer, standing at his side as Shifty's attention shifted slightly. "We're transmitting the latest report now," Rapi said. "It should provide a detailed account of our situation."

Shifty's eyes flicked to a secondary screen off-camera. Her brows furrowed slightly as she skimmed through the contents, before rising as high as they could as her lips parted in faint disbelief. "Commander," she said slowly, "am I reading this correctly? You engaged two heretics and won?"

John nodded, his expression unchanging. "That's right."

"And you encountered Pilgrims?" Shifty continued, her tone tinged with amazement now. "That's… practically unheard of," Shifty leaned back slightly, her gaze flickering between them. "I'm reviewing the combat data and video logs now. You're telling me this was all part of one operation?"

John folded his arms, his tone a touch dismissive. "It's in the report. I wouldn't waste your time if it wasn't."

The holographic image of Shifty shifted as she pulled up additional files. Her eyes widened slightly as she watched the combat footage, the faint hum of her console audible through the line. "This is… its all so… I don't know how to describe this" She paused, her voice softening. "And the Pilgrims intervened?"

"Just the one at the time of the fight," John said simply. "The situation called for cooperation."

Shifty's eyes lingered on the screen for a moment before looking back at John and Rapi. Her voice dropped slightly, her incredulity giving way to quiet awe. "But this last part of the report… you're saying you found Marian as a heretic and brought her back from corruption?"

For the first time, a flicker of emotion crossed John's face. "Yes," he said after a brief pause, his tone softer now. "We did."

Shifty blinked, leaning closer to the screen as if to confirm she'd heard him correctly. "You brought her back? That's… I don't even know what to say. Corruption isn't supposed to be reversible."

Rapi's voice softened slightly. "It's not something we fully understand. But we can confirm that it happened."

Shifty sat back in her chair, visibly processing the enormity of what she'd just heard. Her fingers tapped idly against the edge of her console. "This is going to cause waves, Commander. Central Command is going to want every detail, and they won't be patient about it."

John's jaw tightened, but he nodded. "Understood. We'll provide all necessary information upon our return. Over and out."

The faint hum of the wind returned as the duo fell into silence after the call ended. The pale glow of the portable lamps cast long shadows across the landscape as John put away from the comms device. His shoulders sagged slightly, exhaustion evident in his posture. He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to ease the tension building there, but the ache in his body was far more than physical.

Rapi stood close by, her arms crossed as she watched him carefully. "That went as well as could be expected," she said quietly.

John gave a short nod, his lips pressing into a thin line. "Shifty's right. This isn't going to go over smoothly with Central Command."

"We'll manage, Commander," Rapi replied, her tone pragmatic but carrying an undercurrent of concern.

John let out a dry chuckle. "Yeah. Sure."

Rapi didn't reply, but her gaze lingered on him for a moment before she turned, heading back toward the others. John followed, his steps slower, more deliberate, the weight of the binding vow he'd used during his fight with Modernia still dragging on him like invisible chains.

As they approached the center of the camp, the faint sounds of a heated argument drifted through the cold air.

"I'm telling you, I get the last chocolate bar!" Anis's voice rang out, filled with indignation.

"No way!" Neon shot back, her hands on her hips. "You traded me the fruit bars yesterday. That means the chocolate's mine!"

"That's not how trades work!" Anis said, pointing an accusing finger. "I was doing you a favor because you're obsessed with that citrus splendamin!"

The two Nikkes stood over their ration packs, glaring at each other as if the fate of the world hung on who got the last snack. John couldn't help but shake his head, the faintest smile tugging at his lips despite his weariness.

"Settle it with a coin toss," Rapi interjected as she approached, her tone deadpan.

Anis turned to her with wide eyes. "What? And let luck decide my chocolate destiny? No way."

"It's called fairness," Neon shot back, sticking out her tongue. "You should try it sometime."

Rapi sighed, shaking her head as she took a seat by the central heater. John trailed behind her, his movements slower, more deliberate. He lowered himself onto a crate with a groan, the sound escaping him before he could stop it.

Rapi's head snapped toward him. "Commander?"

"I'm fine," John said quickly, waving a dismissive hand. "Just... still feeling the aftereffects."

Her brow furrowed, but she didn't press him, instead sitting nearby and keeping a watchful eye.

Marian sat apart from the group, wrapped in a blanket and staring at the ground. Her hands gripped the fabric tightly, her knuckles white against the dark material. She hadn't spoken much since she woke up—since her recovery. Her face was pale, her eyes distant, as though she were still trapped in the memories of what she had done as Modernia.

John's gaze drifted to her, his own guilt weighing heavy in his chest. "Marian," he said gently, his voice cutting through the noise of Anis and Neon's squabble.

She looked up, her eyes meeting his for a brief moment before flickering away. "Commander," she replied softly, her voice trembling slightly.

"You're doing fine," John said, his tone steady but kind. "Take it one step at a time."

Marian nodded, but her grip on the blanket didn't loosen. "It's... hard to forget," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "What I did... what it made me do..."

"You don't have to face it alone," Rapi said, her voice calm but firm. "We're here for you."

Marian gave a small, hesitant nod, her gaze dropping again.

The atmosphere shifted as Anis plopped down next to the heater with an exaggerated sigh. "Fine, Neon. You win. Enjoy your chocolate," she grumbled, crossing her arms.

Neon grinned triumphantly. "I knew you'd see reason!"

"Reason, my ass," Anis muttered, shooting her a glare.

The faint tension lifted as the group settled into their makeshift camp. Despite the biting cold and the lingering weight of their mission, there was a sense of fragile camaraderie, a momentary reprieve from the chaos of their journey.

John leaned back slightly, wincing as the ache in his body flared again. He pressed a hand to his side, where the strain of his binding vow lingered like a ghost on his body. For a moment, he let his eyes drift closed, the murmur of his team around him a small comfort against the storm still brewing in his mind.

The artificial cherry blossom garden sprawled before Jun like a strange, distorted dream. The petals fluttered lazily in the simulated breeze, their soft pink glow casting an otherworldly hue across the metal-and-glass surroundings of the Ark. Streams trickled through the garden, their gentle bubbling the only sound breaking the heavy silence. It was beautiful, serene—but Jun felt nothing but unease. It was a lie, an imitation meant to evoke life where none could truly exist.

And standing beneath the largest tree, framed by a cascade of false blossoms, was a man wearing Yuta Okkotsu's face.

Jun approached slowly, his hand brushing the hilt of his blade. His sharp eyes took in every detail—the pristine robes, the calm expression, the unsettling way the man stood as though he belonged here. Yuta Okkotsu had died over a century ago. Everyone knew that. And yet, here he was.

"You're late," the man said, his voice smooth, almost pleasant. He turned, his sharp features catching the faint light of the garden. His eyes gleamed with something old, something knowing. "I was beginning to think you wouldn't come."

Jun stopped a few paces away, his posture stiff, his expression cold. "You're not Yuta," he said flatly. "I don't know what you are, but you're wearing his face."

The man tilted his head, smiling faintly. "Is that so? Or perhaps I'm simply more resourceful than you think."

Jun's hand tightened on his blade. "You have one chance to explain yourself. Why did you call me here?"

The man took a step closer, his movements unhurried, deliberate. "Because I see potential in you," he said, his tone conversational. "You've been gathering support, haven't you? Building something... ambitious."

Jun said nothing, but his eyes narrowed. He hadn't spoken of his efforts to anyone outside his growing faction. The man continued as though he hadn't noticed the tension in the air.

"Your vision is compelling," he said, gesturing to the garden around them. "A world where sorcerers guide humanity, protect it from itself. No more chaos. No more weakness. A world where tragedies like your sister's death could never happen again."

The words struck like a blade. Jun's grip tightened further, his breath slowing as his mind flashed to Mei—her smile, her bravery, the way she had thrown herself into the fray to save him during the ambush. Her sacrifice haunted him, fueling the fire that now burned in his chest.

"Don't speak about things you don't understand," Jun said, his voice low and dangerous.

The man smiled again, faint but knowing. "Oh, but I do understand, Jun. I understand the rage that drives you. The need to create a world where strength and order prevail. That's why I'm here—to help you."

Jun scoffed, his skepticism cutting through the heavy air. "Help me? And what do you want in return?"

The man's smile didn't falter. He gestured to the petals falling around them, his tone measured, almost soothing. "The pillars beneath Nuovo Impianto," he said. "You've heard of them, haven't you? Cursed structures, pulsing with energy. They hold special-grade curses unlike any the world has seen in centuries."

Jun's brow furrowed, his distrust growing. "What about them?"

"When the time comes," the man said, his voice dropping slightly, "you will ensure that the sorcerers guarding those pillars are... removed. Whether through persuasion or elimination, that is up to you."

"And why would I do that?" Jun asked, his voice sharp.

"To draw out Mahito," the man replied simply. "He will come to claim those pillars. And when he does, I will handle the rest."

Jun's eyes narrowed further. "You expect me to trust you? To deliver a monster like Mahito to someone who won't even tell me his name?"

The man's expression remained calm, his gaze unwavering. "Trust is irrelevant, Jun. This is about opportunity. You want power, control—what I offer will give you the leverage you need to achieve your vision."

Jun stepped closer, his hand on his blade. "If I even consider this, it's because I'll do whatever it takes to fulfill my goals. But if you cross me..."

The man tilted his head, his faint smile returning. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

As he turned to leave, the light shifted, catching the faint line running across the top of his forehead. A stitching scar, subtle but unmistakable, marred the otherwise perfect recreation of Yuta Okkotsu's face. Jun froze, his unease deepening as the man disappeared into the shadows of the garden.

The surface was a desolate graveyard of steel and ash, stretching endlessly beneath a choking gray sky. Rusted remnants of buildings jutted out from the barren landscape, their skeletal frames barely holding together against the relentless winds. The air was dry and cold, biting at the edges of anything exposed. Johan moved silently, his cybernetic enhancements whirring softly with each calculated step. Harran stood a few paces behind, her mechanical crows circling above like ghostly sentinels, their eyes scanning the ruins for signs of life—or death.

The tension between them was palpable, a quiet unease that seemed to echo the emptiness of their surroundings. Johan's sharp gaze darted across the horizon, searching for any trace of Nihilister. She was close—he could feel it. Somewhere within these ruins, the monstrous heretic was licking her wounds, vulnerable for the first time.

Harran, however, seemed far less concerned. She twirled her scythe lazily, the blade catching faint glints of the muted light. A faint smile played on her lips, though her eyes carried a sharpness that betrayed her nonchalance.

"I find it hard to believe," she began, her voice lilting with amusement, "that Nihilister could be brought low by a squad from the Ark. Their technology is at least fifty years behind Eden's, thanks to Cecil." She cast a glance toward Johan, her smirk widening slightly. "Do you really think they managed it?"

Johan's jaw tightened, his shoulders stiffening as his fist clenched at his side. The faint hum of his augmentations grew louder for a moment before he exhaled sharply, forcing himself to relax. "It's not about their technology," he replied, his tone clipped, as if the words themselves irritated him. "The sorcerers... they've decided to show themselves again."

At that, Harran's smile deepened, her eyes narrowing with an almost predatory gleam. "Sorcerers, you say?" she mused, the words laced with a strange mix of amusement and nostalgia. "How delightful. It's been ages since I've had the pleasure of encountering my kind."

Johan stopped walking, turning to face her fully. His expression was hard, unyielding. "This isn't a game, Harran," he said firmly. "Their presence complicates things. You know what they're capable of."

Harran tilted her head, a faint laugh escaping her lips. "Oh, I know exactly what they're capable of," she replied, twirling her scythe once more. "But complications... they make life interesting, don't you think?"

Johan's glare could have frozen the wind itself, but Harran simply smiled, unbothered. He turned back toward the horizon, his voice lower now, almost to himself. "If they're stepping out of the shadows again, it means that we have to be extra vigilant."

Reaching up to his wrist, Johan activated his communicator. The soft glow of the device cut through the gloom, and Cecil's calm, measured voice crackled through the static.

"Cecil," Johan said, his tone sharp, "are the new augmentations ready? Will they be enough to handle a Grade 1 sorcerer?"

There was a pause, the faint sound of keystrokes in the background. "The enhancements should give you no problems, Johan," Cecil replied, her voice confident but clinical. "The modifications were designed with that level of threat in mind. I trust they'll prove sufficient."

Johan's lips pressed into a thin line as he deactivated the communicator. His mind churned with possibilities, the weight of what was to come pressing heavily on him.

"I trust Cecil's work, of course," Harran said casually, watching him carefully. "But tell me, Johan, how will you fare if this becomes something... bigger?"

He didn't answer immediately. His hand rested on the hilt of his pistol, his knuckles white against the steel. "Stick to the mission," he said finally, his voice steady but cold. "We find Nihilister before she has a chance to recover, then we deal with whatever comes out of the Ark"

Harran sighed dramatically, though the glint in her eye remained. "As you wish, Commander," she said with mock reverence. "But I do hope we encounter one of these precious sorcerers along the way. It's been far too long since I've had a decent challenge."

Johan didn't respond, his focus already back on the search. The skeletal ruins stretched out before them, and somewhere within that labyrinth of decay, Nihilister was waiting. Whether the sorcerers were involved or not, Johan knew one thing for certain: the world was shifting, the pieces moving on a board far larger than he could see at that moment in time. But he would meet it head-on, no matter what came next.

With Harran's crows circling above and the silence of the wasteland pressing in around them, the two moved deeper into the ruins, their purpose unshaken even as the air grew heavier with the promise of conflict.

The air near the Ark elevator was dense with tension, the quiet hum of machinery underscoring the faint murmurs of Nikkes stationed at strategic points around the fortified perimeter. Portable lights pierced through the snowy haze, their harsh beams casting long shadows across the snow-covered ground. The gleaming armor of the guards reflected the artificial light, giving the scene an almost surreal glow.

At the center of the operation stood a figure exuding quiet authority, though her posture carried a subtle rigidity, betraying a trace of unease beneath her composed exterior. Her hands rested on her hips, and her sharp gaze scanned the approaching group with measured focus. Flanking her were the members of the Absolute squad—Emma, Eunhwa, and Vesti. Nearby, the Missilis Military Research team moved with mechanical efficiency, their equipment humming faintly as they prepared for their analysis.

The Counters approached steadily, led by John, who seemed entirely unfazed by the heavy security presence. His stride was relaxed, his eyes scanning the scene with an air of casual amusement rather than caution. Behind him, Marian moved hesitantly, her head bowed slightly as if bracing herself for the scrutiny that awaited her. Anis, on the other hand, took in the scene with her usual irreverence.

"Well, don't we feel welcome," she muttered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "This is practically a parade."

Rapi, walking alongside her, elbowed her lightly. "Focus, Anis."

As they came to a stop a few feet from the center of the gathering, the female commander stepped forward. Her polished boots crunched against the snow with deliberate precision, her movements poised but betraying the faintest hint of hesitation as she adjusted her posture. Her voice was steady, carrying a formal tone as she addressed the group.

"Commander Smith," she said, her words careful but warm. "Welcome back. It's an honor to meet you in person."

John raised an eyebrow, his posture loose and relaxed as he stepped forward to meet her gaze. "That's me," he said, his tone light. "And you are?"

Her pose straightened slightly, her formal demeanor holding firm. "Commander Hana Shireikan," she replied, her voice clear. "I've been assigned by Andersen to assist in your return to the Ark—and to oversee the necessary assessments."

John blinked at her name, a grin breaking across his face as he tilted his head slightly. "Shireikan, huh? Interesting choice."

Hana's brow furrowed faintly. "I beg your pardon?"

"It means 'Commander' in Japanese," John explained, chuckling softly. "So, you're... Commander Commander?"

Hana blinked, clearly unprepared for the observation, before a small, genuine laugh escaped her. "I suppose it does. Perhaps I should start introducing myself that way—double the authority."

"Sure, whatever you say," John quipped, his grin widening.

Hana gave a slight shake of her head, her tone softening just a fraction. "And here I thought you'd be more... conventional, given the situation."

John spread his arms in mock innocence. "I don't believe I've done anything unconventional or out of the ordinary… Yet."

Hana's lips quirked into a faint smile, though her eyes carried a glimmer of unease beneath her composed exterior. "Touché, Commander."

Before the exchange could continue, Eunhwa stepped forward from the Absolute squad. Her sharp gaze cut through the lightheartedness like a blade, her arms folded tightly across her chest.

"Still alive, dumbass?" she said flatly, her tone devoid of pleasantries.

John winced theatrically, rubbing the back of his neck. "Takes a lot to kill me, Eunhwa."

She arched an eyebrow. "Don't get ahead of yourself. Let's hope you're not planning to pull anything as reckless as last time."

"I do feel I'm overdue another session on the surgery table," John replied, his grin widening slightly.

Eunhwa's eyes flicked briefly to Rapi, narrowing for a fraction of a second before she turned away, muttering something under her breath. The tension between the two was palpable, lingering in the air like an unspoken challenge. Rapi, standing silently beside John, remained composed, though her sharp gaze followed Eunhwa with quiet intensity and sadness.

Hana glanced between them, clearly noting the tension but choosing not to address it directly. Instead, she shifted the focus. "The M.M.R. team needs to begin their analysis," she said, her tone brisk but not unkind. "We'll hold here until the initial scans are complete. Afterward, we'll discuss next steps."

Marian flinched slightly as the researchers approached, her hands tightening around the hem of her jacket. John placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, his voice soft. "It's okay, Marian. They're just running some scans. We're here if they try anything dodgy."

Marian nodded faintly but kept her gaze downcast, her shoulders tense as the researchers began their work. Hana watched her carefully, her formal demeanor softening as she addressed her.

"Marian," she said gently, "I know this must be overwhelming. But don't worry. Your well-being is our priority."

Marian glanced up briefly, her eyes clouded with uncertainty, but she nodded again, her posture relaxing slightly under the combined reassurances.

The faint crackle of John's comm device broke the stillness as it vibrated in his hand. He glanced at the screen, seeing Andersen's name flash across it. With a small sigh, he tapped to accept the call and raised it to his ear.

"Andersen," John greeted, his tone calm but carrying a note of curiosity. "You called at just the right time. We've got quite the welcoming committee."

Andersen's voice came through crisp and steady, tinged with his usual composed authority. "Commander Smith, I've been briefed on your arrival. I trust you've met Commander Shireikan and her team?"

John's gaze flicked toward Hana, who was overseeing the M.M.R. team's work. She turned slightly, catching his eye with a raised eyebrow, as though sensing she was the topic of conversation. "Yeah," John replied, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "We've met."

"Good," Andersen said, his tone brisk. "Commander Shireikan is there under my directive. Her orders are to ensure your team's safe passage and to facilitate Marian's evaluation before entry into the Ark. The leadership has taken a keen interest in the details surrounding her recovery."

John's expression darkened slightly at the mention of the Ark's leadership. "I'm guessing 'keen interest' is code for a full-blown interrogation."

"There are questions that need answering," Andersen replied evenly. "Marian's return has disrupted a lot of preconceived notions within Central Command. Some are calling it a miracle, others... a threat. You'll need to be prepared to explain everything."

John sighed, glancing back at Marian, who stood quietly while the M.M.R. team ran additional scans. "She's been through enough already," he said, his voice dropping. "I'm not throwing her to the wolves."

"That's why Shireikan is there," Andersen said. "She's green, but she's competent. More importantly, she's trustworthy, enough so that I am considering bringing her into the fold. Her job is to ensure this process remains smooth—and that you and your team aren't subjected to unnecessary scrutiny."

John's eyes flicked back to Hana, her commanding presence juxtaposed by the subtle tension in her shoulders. She was holding her own, but he could tell she was measuring every word, every step. "Trustworthy, huh?" he said, his tone lightening slightly. "Guess I'll have to take your word for it."

"You'll see," Andersen replied. He paused slightly, before speaking with a rare note of reassurance. "For now, focus on keeping your team together and ensuring Marian gets through this. I'll handle the rest."

"Understood," John said, his voice firm. "Anything else I should know?"

Andersen hesitated briefly before speaking. "Central Command's interest isn't limited to Marian. Your mission raised questions about your methods, particularly given the gaps in the combat footage you submitted."

John's jaw tightened, his mind flicking to the carefully edited footage that omitted any traces of his sorcery or Rapi's unique abilities. "We've already explained the damage to our equipment," he said evenly.

"I'm aware," Andersen replied. "But some will look for cracks, John. Keep your guard up."

John exhaled slowly, nodding to himself. "Noted. We'll keep it clean."

"Good," Andersen said, his tone sharpening back to its usual commanding edge. "I'll be in touch once you're inside the Ark. Until then, follow Shireikan's lead."

With that, the call ended, the faint crackle of static disappearing as John lowered the comm device. He rolled his shoulders, his gaze shifting back to Hana, who had returned to supervising the M.M.R. team.

Rapi stepped closer, her voice quiet but firm. "What did Andersen say?"

"He vouched for Shireikan," John replied, slipping the comm device into his pocket. "Said she's here to make sure this doesn't turn into a mess."