I kick off my shoes and drop my bag before collapsing onto the bed. The mattress feels like heaven as my eyelids flutter shut. My thoughts blur into a tangled mess, wobbling on the edge of dreamland.

"Humans are so fragile," Labramon remarks from his spot near the window, his tone as unbothered as ever.

I roll onto my chest, too tired to argue.

"Big Sis needs rest," Blanc says, gently pulling a blanket over me. "Blanc will take care of everything."

"Sorry, Blanc... but I don't think you can handle cooking yet..." I mutter, my voice muffled against the mattress.

Especially not after the last attempt. I still wonder how someone can set toast on fire, and her element isn't even Fire.

I pull the pillow closer, burying my face into its softness. The last few weeks can only be described as chaotic.

After the incident with Gan, we ran into a few more Code-Crackers. They were small fry, just trying to make quick cash by exploiting Evelia's resources.

Then there was the skirmish between Yukidaramon and Meramon in Login Mountain. TeslaJellymon lost her patience, and Blanc got furious when we nearly got frozen and roasted at the same time. Naturally, the two ended up beating both sides into submission. Now Yukidaramon and Meramon see us as rivals. Just what we needed.

Peeking over, I notice Blanc lying beside me, her silver hair cascading like a little waterfall, glinting softly under the dim room light. She looks so innocent, just like a small child.

If only it were that simple.

Her cold voice and the terrifying bloodlust she displayed back in the Deep Web sometimes still haunt me.

Labramon once asked why I didn't MindLink with her from the start in the Nu Metal Empire.

I was afraid. Afraid that she'd lose control again.

But after Guardromon sacrificed itself... how could I hold back anymore?

A soft warmth presses against my side.

Peeking down, I see Blanc cuddled up to me without my noticing. I gently rub her head over her klobuk.

Right. We'll figure it out slowly, step by step.

For now, let's enjoy this peace.

"BANG!"

"Miss Lily! You're finally back!"

The sound of my apartment door crashing open jolts me out of my thoughts.

Never mind. The god of peace has already abandoned me.

I sit up. Of course, it's her, brimming with energy as always. Today, she's wearing a light-blue t-shirt and a black skirt. Her brown twin tails bounce as if leading the charge. Her arrival is like a storm breaking into my otherwise peaceful room.

"Ina... please knock before coming in..." I mutter, sighing helplessly.

"Huh? But the door wasn't locked, so I thought it was fine," she says, tapping her chin as if it's the most natural thing in the world.

Of course, it's not fine. Just because you're the landlord's daughter doesn't mean you can invade my apartment.

"Ina? You look different," Blanc says, her silver eyes scanning Ina's sleek brown hair.

"Oh, that?"

Ina twirls before making Sailor Dawn's iconic peace sign. "That was my cosplay last time. This is me in my natural mode!"

Blanc's eyes sparkle. "Did Ina Mode Change like Jellymon?"

"Yep! It's my stealth form to hide from the evil—ouch!"

I flick Ina's forehead.

"Stop acting like a chunnibyou. Aren't you already in college?"

Or has it gotten worse lately?

I close the door and turn back to her.

"So, why are you here?" I ask, crossing my arms.

"Hehehe~," she twirls again, making another pose before whipping out a colorful envelope from her skirt pocket.

"Happy Birthday, Miss Lily!"

"Birthday?!" I freeze, my eyes darting to the calendar hanging in the corner of my messy room.

October 2nd?! Was I so caught up in my Debugger job in Evelia that I forgot my own birthday? Don't tell me I'm turning into one of those workaholics.

"You're always so serious, Miss Lily! I figured you needed something to cheer you up," she says, thrusting the envelope into my hands.

"Um, thanks," I say, opening the envelope, still trying to process everything. "Wait, this is... a two-night onsen trip? For four people?"

I inspect the tickets before turning to her. "But these must've been expensive..."

Ina wags her finger with a proud smirk. "That's the best part—it wasn't. I won them in a lucky draw at the department store near the station."

"Your luck is something else..."

"Big Sis, what's an onsen?" Blanc tilts her head, her klobuk ears twitching curiously.

"Well, that's—"

"Don't spoil her!" Ina makes an X gesture with her arms. "She'll see when we get there!"

"It's just a hot puddle, kid. Don't expect anything special," Labramon yawns, curling up in his basket bedding.

Uninterested as always, huh?

"Knock knock!"

A sharp knock pulls my attention.

"Who else could it be at this hour?"

"Uh-oh..." Ina shivers, whispering quietly. "Miss Lily, please hide me..."

"But why?"

"Just don't tell her I'm here!" She scrambles under the bed before I can ask further.

Still confused, I walk to the door and unlock it, only to find a familiar blue jellyfish hovering outside. Her tentacles sway lazily as she floats in midair.

"Jellymon?"

"Shishishi~! Have you seen my little protagonist sneaking around?" she asks, drifting forward.

"Nope!" I lie, forcing a smile.

"Oh really?" She eyes me skeptically before peeking behind me.

I move aside to let her in.

"Hmm..." Jellymon's translucent gray eyes scan the room carefully.

"See? Nothing here."

"Hmm. So she really isn't here?"

"Yes! Ina never came to wish Big Sis—mmph!"

I swiftly cover Blanc's mouth.

"Wish?"

"Ah! Don't mind Blanc! She's just missing Ina!" I quickly change the subject. "But why are you searching for her?"

Jellymon scratches her squishy head with a tentacle. "A package arrived for her. Something about a figurine? Too bad no one's home to claim it."

"My Sailor Dawn figurine is here?!"

Ina's head suddenly pokes out from under the bed.

"Aha~! There you are!" Jellymon exclaims smugly as two of her tentacles dart forward to grab Ina.

"Wait! You tricked me!" Ina cries as she's pulled out into the light.

"Now, now, my little protagonist, it's for your own good. You've got to be stronger to survive in the Network~!"

Jellymon coils her tentacles around Ina, ignoring her protests.

Ina flails helplessly.

"It's not time for my training arc yet!"

"What training arc?" I ask curiously.

"Jellymon-senpai has been training me non-stop since she came here!" Ina shrieks as Jellymon drags her to the door. "She's totally hardcore—like a drill sergeant!"

Jellymon giggles.

"Don't worry, little protagonist~! If you keep this up, maybe—just maybe—you'll be able to defeat a Mochimon someday."

"Ina, good luck!" Blanc cheers. "Never give up, and you'll get mega strong!"

"But I'm not a Digimon!"

Ina's wails echo down the hallway as they disappear.

A macho Ina, huh?

Somehow, the image pops into my head.

"Pfft..."

"Big Sis?"

"Ah, nothing!"

I pray for Ina's success in training before deciding to have dinner and get some sleep.

The next day, the train whistles as we speed toward our destination. The scenery outside shifts from Tokyo's bustling cityscape to rolling hills and endless grasslands.

"Sengokuhara, huh?" I mumble, stuffing the tickets back into my purse. "It's not far at all."

"Yeah... It's amazing how winds of adventure existed so close..." Ina mutters, slouching in her seat like a broken twig.

"I'm more amazed you still came despite that... training."

"It was hell... I thought I'd end up losing all my hair..."

"Don't worry. My little protagonist will thank me once I'm done with her~!" Jellymon quips, perched on Ina's head like a jellyfish-shaped hat.

"Blanc will also join the training!" Blanc exclaims, raising her hand enthusiastically.

"Don't encourage Jellymon-senpai!" Ina groans. "I know she's trying to help me grow, but I'm already at my limits..."

"Grr... always so loud."

Labramon's grumpy voice reaches my ears, coming from the dog carrier sitting beside me.

"Why do I have to stay in this tiny cage?" he snarls.

"Well, dogs aren't allowed on the train otherwise," I reply with a sigh. "Didn't I already promise you a big bowl of Tonkotsu ramen?"

"Tsk. That bowl better be big enough," he growls.

"Please stay quiet, too..."

I lean back in my seat, letting out a tired sigh.

It still feels surreal that our leave application was approved. Maybe I misjudged Leon after all.

"Speaking of that," Ina pipes up, leaning toward Labramon's carrier. "Can't Labramon evolve? I remember you saying he used to be Dobermon."

"It's not like I haven't thought about it," I reply. "But when I checked his evolution options last time, the requirements were grayed out."

"Then you just need to use your heart to do it!" Ina puffs out her chest proudly. "Just like me and Jellymon-senpai."

"You'll be wasting your time," Labramon mutters with a yawn.

"How can you tell? It's all in the heart, after all!"

"Little protagonist, your device works through the heart, not hers~," Jellymon corrects teasingly.

"Even then! Imagine how strong our team would be if Labramon evolved!"

Labramon points a clawed paw at me.

"Her light is pure—it shines with courage. But it's useless for me. Simple as that."

"My light?"

"I'm saying we're polar opposites," Labramon says firmly, closing his eyes. "Now, let me sleep."

From what I learned, it's his way of saying he doesn't want us to bother him anymore.

But light is useless for him? Then the opposite—can it be...?

No, I'm probably overthinking.

I shift my gaze out the window. Well, we'll figure it out after the trip.

Soon, the train pulls into the station, and the serene greenery of Sengokuhara greets us.

We take a bus from the station. As we step out, the ryokan comes into view, nestled near a forest that stretches endlessly into the horizon.

I take a deep breath of the crisp air.

This time, I'll really enjoy my break.

After checking in, we head to our room. The sliding door swishes open, revealing a space over sixteen square meters. Ten green tatami mats stretch across the floor, a black chabudai sits at the center, and four plump zabuton surround it. Outside the papered window, the rustling of trees creates a gentle, soothing melody.

"Wow, it's the ultimate traditional vibe!" Ina exclaims, practically launching herself into the room.

"Calm down. You'll disturb the other guests," I sigh, stepping inside.

The cool, soft texture of the tatami mats feels inviting under my feet.

"Gah, finally! I'm free from that tiny prison!" Labramon growls, wagging his curly tail as he escapes the carrier.

"You're exaggerating."

Labramon narrows his eyes.

"Do you know how it feels to not even be able to lick your own tail?"

"I don't think I want to know..."

I drop my luggage in the corner and glance around the room. Blanc catches my eye, holding her Cross Barbée aloft for some reason.

"Big Sis, this dummy mutt is being difficult. Can Blanc throw it back into the cage?"

"Grr... you want a fight, kid?"

I shoot Blanc a glance. "I thought you stopped calling him that. Didn't you two fight together just yesterday?"

"That's different! Blanc knows we have to work with enemies sometimes."

"Grrrr... what a coincidence—I agree!"

"Don't fight here! And Labramon isn't an enemy!"

They reluctantly turn away from each other.

I rub my temples.

Okay, I'm not imagining it—there really was a crackle of electricity between them.

After changing into our yukata, we arrive at the onsen area.

I wash myself and sink into the steamy, mineral-rich water. The soothing warmth eases my fatigue like a gentle massage.

I see Ina slide into the onsen as well, her long hair tied into a bun, held together by a hair clip resembling two white flowers. Isn't that from the main character of that popular Gacha RPG? An otaku to the core, huh?

Blanc steps into the water, clinging to her golden trident for support.

Wait... trident?

"Blanc, why did you bring Cross Barbée into the bath?!"

"It's so Blanc can protect Big Sis!"

"Protect me?"

"In the Digital World, Seadramon often attacked when Blanc bathed."

"We're not in the Digital World! No one will attack us here!"

After convincing her to leave the weapon, I lean back in the onsen, the smooth stone soothing my weary back.

Across from me, Ina stretches out, her arms resting limply on the circular stones as a contented sigh escapes her lips.

"Ah, hot springs truly heal the bones~."

"Shishishi~! So, my little protagonist is ready for another hour of training after this?" Jellymon says, lazily floating on the water like a drifting leaf.

"Gimme a break!"

Oh right... she still hasn't recovered from that.

I glance around the foggy onsen.

"It's weird... there's no one else here."

"Oh, that's probably because of the recent rumors."

"Rumors?"

Ina straightens her back, trailing her fingers idly in the water.

"I checked online earlier. The nearby forest is said to be haunted. The locals claim to have seen glowing red eyes in the forest and a strange shadow flying through the trees—classic vampire stuff!"

"Vampire? If that's the case, wouldn't this place be swarming with streamers and thrill seekers?"

"There were, at first. But everyone who went deep into the forest disappeared. Even the local authorities couldn't find them."

"My little protagonist is really into an anime with a vampire last boss lately~!"

"But I'm serious! What if we end up fighting a blonde vampire with time powers?"

"I doubt that'll happen..."

I lean back against the edge of the onsen, letting the warm water soothe my thoughts.

Vampire in Japan, huh?

Well, it's not like that has anything to do with us.

But isn't Blanc taking a long time?

"Big Sis! Labramon's eating our food!"

"Burp. Wasn't it part of our agreement?"

I stay submerged in the water, pretending not to hear anything.

No, no—I absolutely won't let anything ruin my break this time!

AN:

And with this, we're off to Sengokuhara! For those wondering what Labramon meant about his evolution, you'll just have to wait and see. ;)