Kamen Rider Faiz Another Paradise

by Riccky 06

Rei Aizawa, a hacker by passion, finds himself involved in Smart Brain's machinations when he accidentally discovers their secrets. After finding the Hexa Gear, a special Belt that also allows humans to transform, he sets out Kamen Rider Faiz and Kaixa Gear, hoping to help them defeat Smart Brain. *AU starting from Kamen Rider 555 ep 13* *New Rider: Kamen Rider Hexa*

7. Ep 7 Bright Darkness

*In the previous episode of Kamen Rider Faiz: Another Paradise…*

Hikari: "I am Hikari Aizawa. After we found out that Yuji-san was an Orphnoch, we had to hold a "trial" to decide whether he was a threat or an ally."

Rei: "Of course, Yuji-san was found innocent, and now we have a new Orphnoch ally."

Yuji: "I then introduced Yuka and Naoya to everyone as Orphnochs, and we made a pact to team up against Smart Brain."

Rei: "Afterwards, we infiltrated the Smart Brain Tower, and in the underground floors we found..."

Masato: "The Ryusei School."

Yuji: "I never thought that Masato had been raised by Smart Brain all this time."

Masato: "I met "Father", but I couldn't talk to him. He just told me to fight to find the answers I was looking for."

Takumi: "The Orphnochs attacked us, and then attacked us. Good thing we defeated them, and escaped from that Hell."

Hikari: "Hey Onii-Chan, what is the Delta Belt?"

Rei: "I don't know. But we'll find out in this chapter."

Kamen Rider Faiz: Another Paradise. Episode 7: Bright Darkness.*

*Kikuchi Laundry, the next day…*

The sun lazily filtered through the blinds of Kikuchi Laundry, casting warm stripes on the walls and the linoleum floor. The smell of freshly brewed coffee blended with that of clean laundry and toasted bread. The sounds of breakfast—clinking plates, spoons stirring sugar in glasses—created an unexpectedly calm, almost serene atmosphere. A silence full of unspoken things, broken now and then by a few words, a glance, or the metallic clink of a fork being set down on a plate.

Takumi was sitting at the table, still a little disheveled, his gaze lost in the jam he was spreading on his toast. His body was there, but his mind was still inside the Smart Brain Tower, in that hell of artificial lights, screams, and transformations.

Masato, with his usual serious yet distant expression, slowly drank from a ceramic mug, elbows resting on the table and eyes fixed on the void. It looked like he was still listening to that voice... that distant voice of his "father."

Rei sat cross-legged on a chair, peeling an orange. His eyes lifted at regular intervals, as if waiting for someone to say something. He was uneasy, though he tried not to show it. Next to him, Hikari—still in her pink pajamas with little stars—was drawing with colored pencils on a sheet of paper. She pretended not to listen, but her ears were sharp.

Yuji was finishing the dishes, wearing a white apron, as if it were a familiar ritual, like he'd always been there. Every now and then, he glanced over at the table, waiting for the conversation to take shape.

It was Rei, as usual, who broke the ice. "Where are Naoya and Yuka?"

Yuji dried his hands and turned around. "They went to pick up their things from the Smart Brain apartment. They're moving in here."

Rei grimaced. "Hope they hurry. We don't know if Smart Brain already knows where you used to live. That apartment was their property, after all."

Takumi brushed a lock of hair from his forehead and sighed. "I still can't believe what we managed to do yesterday…"

Rei nodded, dropping a piece of orange peel onto his plate. "Just thinking about it gives me chills. We made it out of there alive."

Yuji walked over to the table and sat down. "Masato… that guy. That 'father'... Who is he, really?"

Masato was silent for a few seconds. Then, in a firm voice, he said, "He was our teacher at the Ryusei school. Our 'adoptive father,' as he called himself."

A familiar voice came from behind the curtain separating the laundry from the living quarters. "You met 'father'?"

It was Mari, still in her robe, her hair tied up in a messy ponytail. Her eyes were sleepy, but something intense burned inside them.

Masato started to deny it. "No, I—"

"He told us yes," Rei cut in, looking at him calmly.

Masato stood up, frowning. "You! Why did you tell her?!"

Rei stood up too, but with a calm, almost gentle tone. "Because we can't afford omissions anymore. No more communication errors, Masato. One mistake, one misunderstanding, and we could all die. I won't let that happen."

Takumi nodded. "He's right. Half-truths are dangerous."

Yuji, serious: "We have to trust each other."

Mari took a step forward. "So? Did you see him?"

Masato swallowed. "I saw him… briefly. I asked him some things. The only thing he said was… to fight. 'Fight to find the answers you seek.' That's all."

Yuji narrowed his eyes. "So he wasn't hostile?"

Masato shook his head. "No. He… he's the kindest person I've ever met."

Mari gave a faint smile. "My time at Ryusei school was the best of my life."

Rei, a bit more cheerful, raised a hand. "I liked elementary school too! It was really fun!"

Hikari looked up from her drawing, her eyes bright. "I love going to school! I still do!"

Keitaro, who had just returned with a basket of clean laundry, gave a nervous laugh. "I… I used to get bullied all the time in elementary school."

Mari turned to him. "Really? There was someone who used to bully me at Ryusei too… Aki Sawada. He was awful."

Masato squinted. "Sawada… right. I haven't seen him since."

Mari tilted her head. "I wonder how he's doing."

Silence fell again for a moment, until a metallic, vibrating sound filled the air. Masato's Kaixa Phone was ringing—a sharp electronic buzz that made everyone turn.

Masato picked it up and answered with a serious tone. "Rina?... What?... The Delta Belt?... Got it. I'm on my way."

Mari stepped closer, her eyes full of questions. "What's the Delta Belt?"

Masato tried to dodge it. "I don't want you involved in this."

Mari crossed her arms, determined. "Well, I'm coming with you."

Masato sighed, then nodded. "Alright…"

Takumi stood up, ready. "A third Belt? Interesting. We're coming too."

Rei grabbed his jacket. "Count me in."

"I wanna come too!" said Hikari, bouncing.

Rei knelt down and placed a hand on her head. "Okay, but you have to be on your best behavior, alright?"

"I will!"

Yuji, meanwhile, picked up a light bag and said, "I'm going to help Yuka and Naoya move. I don't want them left alone there."

Keitaro looked around and puffed out his cheeks. The laundry was empty. "Of course! I'm the one left behind! As usual!"

As the others were getting ready to leave, Keitaro took a sheet of A4 paper and a pen and wrote: "PART-TIME HELP WANTED – URGENT! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED!"

With a small piece of clear tape, he stuck it to the front door window of the laundromat, next to the "Open" sign.

Then he looked around the shop, alone. He scratched his head. "They always leave me here behind…"

*A few minutes later…*

A sharp, blue sky loomed above the asphalt that vibrated under the wheels. The roar of the engines accompanied the advance of five figures, each with different thoughts but the same goal: to uncover the truth behind the mysterious Delta Belt.

The group moved at a steady pace along the coastal road, the shimmering sea occasionally visible between distant buildings. The wind whipped through Mari's hair as she sat in the sidecar of the Side Basshar, gripping the handles tightly to avoid being thrown off by the curves. Her eyes were fixed on the road, but every so often she glanced at Masato, who was driving, searching for a hint of emotion behind his rigid mask.

Takumi rode slightly ahead, solitary as always, his gaze fixed straight ahead. Behind him, Rei handled his bike as if it were an extension of his own body. Hikari, clinging to her brother's waist, had her face buried against his back, but occasionally lifted her head to look around. The journey seemed peaceful.

Until an unfamiliar motorcycle appeared behind them. Its roar was different—more aggressive, darker.

Takumi was the first to turn his head slightly. The bike quickly caught up, passed them on the side and—*BANG!*

A sharp, precise kick struck Masato's bike.

"Tsk!" Masato swerved slightly but managed to regain control. He honked the horn angrily. Takumi braked hard; Rei did the same. One by one, they all pulled over to the side of the road.

The rider of the black motorcycle stopped in front of them, then slowly removed his helmet. Dark hair, sharp eyes, furious expression.

Mari's eyes widened. "Kyosuke...?!"

"Hey, Masato! Where the hell did you put the Delta Belt?!" Kyosuke shouted, jumping off the bike and heading straight toward Masato.

"Wha—" Masato didn't have time to react before Kyosuke grabbed him by the collar.

"Tell me! Where did you put it?!"

Masato clenched his jaw. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

A second later, two arms grabbed Kyosuke from behind and yanked him away: Rei.

"That's enough!" he said firmly. "You need to calm down!"

Kyosuke kicked, trying to break free. "And who the fuck are you?! Don't touch me, you idiot! Let me go! You don't know what you're talking about! That bastard knows where it is! He's lying!"

Another engine roared in the distance—lighter, more familiar. A slender figure sped up, stopped abruptly, and jumped off the bike. Rina.

"Kyosuke!" she shouted. "Stop! Now!"

Silence fell for a moment. Takumi looked at them all, confused. "What the hell is going on?" he asked.

…*
The group had moved away from the road to talk. The sea crashed rhythmically against the docks. Mari sat on a metal crate, hands clasped together, and looked at Rina seriously.
"So... that belt. You used it to fight the Orphnoch?"

Rina nodded. "Yes. It's different from Faiz and Kaixa. It's the Delta Belt. It has immense power. But... it hasn't shown any side effects."

Masato, hands in his jeans pockets, stared out at the water. "Who used it?"

"Father sent it to Saya," Rina explained. "But Kyosuke, Arai, and Kawachi also wore it."

Mari turned to Kyosuke. "Is that true?"

Kyosuke nodded slowly. "Yeah. And you have no idea... what it feels like. That belt is pure power. When you wear it... you're invincible. No one can understand until they've felt it. That power... it's like—"

"It's like a drug," Rei cut in. "It went to your head. You're drunk on power. And you're acting like it's your personal property."

Kyosuke clenched his fists, his eyes full of blind rage. His chest rose and fell unevenly, as if every breath was a struggle. The obsession consuming him was plain in his eyes—eyes that had stopped seeing anyone but himself. "The Delta Belt is mine! I was the first to use it! Arai took it without permission, got it?! He stole it!"

Rei took a step forward, calm. He stood face-to-face with Kyosuke, the muscles in his face tense. The wind flapped his black jacket, and his fingers slowly closed around the edge of his pocket. He wasn't transforming. Not yet. But he was ready. "You're not mad because someone took the Belt," Rei said, his voice calm and sharp as a blade. "You're mad because you don't feel powerful anymore."

Kyosuke looked at him as if he'd just cursed the gods. "What the fuck did you say?"

"You heard me." Rei didn't back down. "You don't care about the Orphnoch. You don't care about the mission. You're obsessed with how the Belt makes you feel. Invincible. Dominant. Like the center of the world."

"Shut up!" Kyosuke growled, stomping forward. "You have no idea! You don't know what it means to be part of the Ryusei School! What we had to endure! We... we were chosen!"

Takumi stepped forward, genuinely annoyed. "You know what's funny? You talk like it was some kind of blessing. But you sound like someone whose brain's been fried. Like you've smoked your mind away."

"And who the hell are you to judge me?!" Kyosuke snarled again.

But Rei interrupted, a step ahead of them all. "You wanna know who I am?" he said, jabbing a finger at his own chest. "I'm someone who has a Belt. A powerful one. Maybe even stronger than this Delta Belt. But I don't shout, I don't shove, I don't threaten. I don't need a piece of metal to know who I am."

Kyosuke laughed, unhinged. "Everyone talks big until they wear it. Then it messes with your head. It messes with everyone!"

Rei shook his head slowly. "No, it only messes with people who have nothing inside. You let it swallow you. You lost yourself."

A mocking smirk twisted Kyosuke's face. "Then what the fuck are you doing here, huh? You come to preach to us? To judge us like you're better than us?"

Takumi added, "No, he's just stating the obvious. That you're becoming a problem. And not because of the Belt. Because of you."

Kyosuke turned toward Takumi, ready to lash out, but Rei didn't let him. "You know what the difference between you and me is?" he said, stepping in closer. "I know power is meant to protect. You think it's meant to punish. To dominate. To crush. Right now, you're just acting like a kid who lost his toy."

Kyosuke stood nose-to-nose with him. "Get the fuck out of my way, or I'll show you what domination really means."

Rei didn't flinch. He stared straight into his eyes. Calm. Solid. "Go ahead, just try to touch me."

A charged silence fell over the group. Mari held her breath. Rina watched the two like a bomb was about to explode.

"ENOUGH!" Hikari stepped between them, hands raised. "Stop it! All of you! Why are you fighting?! This isn't how we fix anything!"

Kyosuke ignored her completely, brushing her aside with a sharp gesture of his arm like she was just in the way. "Shut up! Who do you think you are—"

*Tap.*

A single touch on the shoulder. A signal. A warning.

Kyosuke turned, irritated. "What the fu—"

*SMACK!*

The punch landed before he could finish the sentence. A clean, sharp blow, carrying all the silent fury Rei had been holding back.

Kyosuke collapsed onto the asphalt of the port. The sound of his fall cut through the air. For a moment, there was nothing else.

Rei stood over him, chest heaving. "Touch my sister again... and I swear it won't just be a punch. I'll break your legs, got that?!"

Hikari, still shaking, slowly stood up and ran into Rei's arms. She was sobbing, but she found refuge in his warmth. "Onii-chan..." she whispered, clinging to him tightly.

Rei held her close without saying a word. His eyes stayed fixed on Kyosuke, who lay still on the ground. There was no hatred in those eyes. Only contempt. And a flicker of pity for someone who had lost himself completely.

Mari stepped closer, her gaze hard. But she said nothing.

Masato sighed. "Rei, let it go. This is our problem. A problem of the Ryusei School."

Rei looked at Masato, then the rest of the group. "Let it go? After what I just saw? I can't let you deal with this alone—not if a crazy motherfucker like him is involved! If what he says is true, then this Delta Belt is too dangerous to be left in unstable hands!"

Masato shrugged. "Fine. Then start helping. Start looking for it."

Rei nodded. "Good." He got on his bike, Hikari behind him. The engine roared to life. "Let's go, Hikari."

"Yes… let's get out of here, Onii-chan." The bike sped off toward the coast.

Masato turned to Takumi. "You should go too."

Takumi looked at Rina and Kyosuke for a moment, then nodded. "Alright." He adjusted his gloves, mounted his bike, and left.

Rina looked around, disoriented, just as her phone rang. She pulled it out. A name appeared on the screen: Arai. "Arai-kun...?"

Kyosuke, still sitting on the pavement, straightened up the moment he heard that name. He stood and shouted like a caged animal: "Arai! Where the fuck did you put my Delta Belt?!"

*Meanwhile, at the Smart Brain Tower…*

The elegant silhouette of the Smart Brain Tower stood tall against the clear early afternoon sky, looming over the other buildings like a monolith of steel and glass. Its walls reflected the last light of the day, but inside, everything was already cloaked in the shadowy ambience cast by the cold, calculated lighting of the centralized system.

On the top floor, beyond the reinforced reception and the automatic sliding door that led to the executive room, Murakami stood in front of the vast panoramic window. His hands were clasped behind his back, his gaze fixed on the distant streets. His eyes gleamed faintly with an undefined, glacial light, as if the world outside were just a detail—something to observe and bend to his will with patience.

The door opened with a muffled sound. Light footsteps echoed on the marble floor.

"You called for me?" said a voice—firm, yet elegant.

Murakami didn't turn. "Come in, Saeko."

Saeko Kageyama stepped into the room with confidence. She wore a black suit that accentuated her slender figure. Her long raven-black hair fell straight over her shoulders, and her impassive face hinted at a coldness few dared to challenge. She stopped a few steps from him, waiting.

"We have a new awakening," Murakami finally said, his voice deep and composed. "A new Orphnoch."

Saeko tilted her head slightly. "What kind?"

"Not clear yet. But… it has already claimed multiple victims. Human ones." Murakami slowly turned toward her. "A trail of corpses. No real evidence, except the usual signs: cellular burn and molecular dissolution. It seems... efficient."

"How powerful is it?" she asked, her tone professional, though the faintest flicker of curiosity passed through her eyes.

Murakami stepped forward. His smile was thin—unsettling. "It might have the potential to join the Lucky Clover."

Saeko crossed her arms. "Really? That quickly?"

"I don't say it lightly," he replied. "But… this newcomer seems to possess an uncommon hunger for destruction. No hesitation, no lingering human morality. It's as if it awakened fully aware of its new role. As if it was born a predator."

"A well-trained beast is useful," she commented. "An uncontrollable one is not."

Murakami nodded. "Which is exactly why I want you to go. Locate this Orphnoch. Study its movements. Analyze its motivations. Give me a full profile. I want to know who it is, what it wants… and most of all, whether it can serve a purpose."

Saeko inhaled slowly, then lowered her gaze for a moment. "I can do that. But if it truly proves compatible with our… style, I'll still need Takuma-kun and Kitazaki-kun's approval to bring it into the Lucky Clover."

Murakami didn't seem bothered. "I know. But before troubling our other two Lucky Clover, I want to be sure it's worth their time."

She allowed herself the faintest smile—a glacial expression that concealed far more than it revealed. "Then I'll see if this new predator truly has sharp fangs… or if it's just another lone wolf destined to be put down."

Murakami turned his gaze back to the window. "Be quick, Saeko. If it is what I think it is… it could shift the tide of the war."

Saeko gave a silent nod and turned to leave.

But just before crossing the threshold, she stopped and added, "And if it's uncontrollable?"

Murakami closed his eyes for a moment. "Then… you'll be the one to shut it down."

Kikuchi Laundry, a few hours later…*

Rei's motorcycle came to a slow stop in front of Kikuchi's Laundromat. The brakes squeaked a little, and the wheels locked effortlessly onto the pavement. Hikari hopped off with a light jump, landing softly beside her brother.

Rei removed his helmet, running a hand through his dark hair, still a little tousled from the wind. "I can't believe there's still no trace of this Delta Belt," he said, his tone low, almost as if he were speaking more to himself than to her.

Hikari turned toward him, still looking a bit unsettled, though trying to keep a smile on her face. "I just hope that bad guy doesn't find it."

Rei clenched his jaw. The image of the punch, of Kyosuke's blind rage, of the way he had shoved Hikari… it still burned in his mind.

"I swear," he said firmly. "I'll never let that Belt fall into the wrong hands."

There was a pause. The silence felt full of unspoken questions. Then Hikari looked up at him with an uncertain expression.

"Onii-chan… what if one day I became like him? What if you lost your belt and turned… angry, obsessed, like that boy?"

Rei stayed silent for a moment. Then he knelt in front of her, placing a hand gently on her head. "That will never happen," he said. "Because even without the Belt… I know I still have to protect the people I care about."

Hikari blinked, surprised by the simplicity and sincerity of his response. Then she smiled and hugged him tightly. "I knew you'd say that," she whispered. "Onii-chan is strong even without powers."

Rei gently stroked her hair. "Thank you, Hikari."

After a moment, he stood up and looked toward the entrance of the laundromat. "I wonder where Keitaro is."

Together, they walked into the laundromat's common area. Inside, the atmosphere was calm, lit by the soft light of early afternoon. The walls carried the faint scent of soap and fabric softener—so typical of Kikuchi's Laundry.

Sitting by the low table, Rei spotted Keitaro… and next to him, a girl. She was speaking gently, holding a steaming cup of tea in her hands.

"Yo, Keitaro," Rei said, raising a hand in greeting.

Keitaro turned and smiled. "Oh, Rei-san! You're back!"

Rei stepped closer, glancing back and forth between the girl and his friend. "Um… who's she?" he asked, gesturing slightly toward the unfamiliar face.

Keitaro nodded, motioning toward her. "This is Saya Kimura. Starting today, she'll be working part-time here at the laundromat."

Rei stared at Saya. She was… cute. A sweet face, with delicate and slightly youthful features, like she was just stepping out of adolescence. Her long brown hair fell neatly over her shoulders, and her brown eyes seemed deep, yet gentle. She looked eighteen, maybe nineteen at most.

Rei blushed faintly. He couldn't stop himself from muttering a quiet: "…C-Cute."

The girl turned slightly toward him. "Hm? Did you say something?"

Rei quickly shook his head, flustered, laughing nervously. "N-no, nothing!"

Behind him, Hikari brought a hand to her mouth to stifle a mischievous giggle. She wasn't used to seeing her brother this… awkward.

Rei quickly pulled himself together and leaned toward Keitaro, speaking in a low voice. "Hey, why are you hiring new workers?"

Keitaro sighed. "I need help. Ever since I was left to run this place alone, I haven't been able to manage it by myself."

Rei raised an eyebrow. "So your solution is to hire a cute girl because you're 'alone'? You're not just trying to flirt under the pretense of laundry duties, are you?"

Keitaro made an offended face, clutching his fist to his chest in a theatrical gesture. "What are you saying, Rei-san?! My heart belongs only to Osada-san!"

Rei scoffed, but inside, he thought: "Good… because I'm interested in this new girl."

Saya's voice broke the silence. "Um… is something wrong?" she asked, blowing softly on her too-hot tea.

Keitaro immediately turned to her, raising his hands. "No, no, nothing's wrong!"

Rei stepped forward, resting a hand lightly on the table. "I'm Rei Aizawa," he said with a half-smile. "Nice to meet you."

Saya looked up at him with a gentle smile. "Saya Kimura. Nice to meet you too."

Rei watched her as she kept blowing on her tea. Her lips puckered every time she tried to sip it, only to pull back immediately, scalded. She was blowing on it like an impatient child.

"…A nekojita." Rei thought, amused. "She can't handle hot food or drinks, if I remember correctly."

"Hey," he said, leaning forward slightly, "want me to show you a trick?"

Saya looked at him, curious. Rei gently took the cup and placed a steel spoon inside, dipping it just enough. "The metal absorbs some of the heat, so it cools down faster."

She looked at him, surprised, then tried sipping again. This time, the tea was much more bearable. "Wow… it worked," Saya said, a little amazed. "Thanks."

Rei scratched the back of his neck, slightly embarrassed. "No big deal…"

Saya laughed, and for a moment, the two exchanged a simple, spontaneous look. Almost intimate.

Hikari watched them with a faint smile. "Onii-chan… you've definitely got a crush, huh?"

*…*

The calm that had settled over the common room of the laundromat was broken only by the gentle clinking of teacups and the faint hum of the industrial washing machine at the end of the hallway.

"So…" Rei began, trying to break the awkward silence between them, "do you have any hobbies, Kimura-san?"

Saya turned to him, smiling kindly. She looked ready to answer, when—

*BZZZT! BZZZT!*

The Hexa Phone buzzed insistently in Rei's pocket. He pulled it out with an apologetic grimace. "Sorry," he said, lowering his eyes to the screen. "I have to answer."

Saya nodded politely, her gaze returning to the teacup in her hands.

Rei answered, raising the phone to his ear. "Hello?"

On the other end, Masato's voice cracked like a whip—tense and sharp. "We've got an Orphnoch! Industrial zone, Sector 4. Rei, get your ass in gear, and move!"

Rei stood up immediately. "Orphnoch? I'm on my way."

Keitaro rose as well, concern on his face. "Is it… what I think it is?"

Rei nodded quickly, already heading for the exit. "Yeah. I've got to go. I'll be back soon, promise."

"Be careful, Onii-chan!" said Hikari, grabbing the hem of his hoodie as if to hold him back.

Rei gave her a sidelong smile. "Always."

One last glance at Saya. She looked confused, but didn't ask questions. Rei gave her a nod and walked out briskly. The sound of his engine filled the air, and in seconds his motorcycle roared away, leaving behind only wind and an echo of worry.

*A few minutes later – Industrial Zone, Sector 4*

The dim glow of the streetlights cast eerie shadows between rusted containers and abandoned warehouses. The air reeked of used oil and iron.

The clash of combat echoed through the sheet metal structures, as Masato—already transformed into Kaixa—fought fiercely against a swift, deformed creature: the Frog Orphnoch, with its slick, wet body, long twitchy limbs, and a prehensile tongue snapping between sharp teeth.

Not far away, a boy lay on the ground, chest rising with difficulty, face covered in cuts and bruises. Still alive—for now.

Rei arrived abruptly, screeching to a stop. He dismounted and took in the scene with a determined gaze. Then, with a fluid motion, he unzipped his jacket, revealing the Hexa Belt around his waist.

He grabbed the Hexa Phone, quickly dialing *8-9-1 STANDING BY*, then slid it into the belt's central slot.

"Henshin!" shouted Rei. *COMPLETE.* A series of hexagonal lines began to race along his body, as green energy surged around him like a silent explosion.

With a flash of emerald light, Rei transformed into Kamen Rider Hexa, his bright green armor radiating a geometric, focused power.

"Kusaka-san!" he shouted, charging into the fray. "I'm here to help!"

"Took you long enough!" Kaixa retorted, still fending off the Frog Orphnoch's rapid attacks.

Hexa quickly tapped on the Hexa Phone: *0-8-0 Hexa Daggers.*

Two translucent, razor-sharp daggers materialized in his hands. The metallic sound echoed as he crossed them before him. He moved swiftly, slashing the Orphnoch's slimy body, forcing it to retreat.

The battle intensified. Hexa and Kaixa attacked from opposite directions, trying to coordinate their moves. The Frog Orphnoch croaked disturbingly, leaping between walls, spitting jets of acid that corroded everything they touched.

Suddenly, the Orphnoch froze. Its belly pulsed, and from it launched a sticky, gelatinous mass toward the two Riders.

"Watch out!" yelled Kaixa.

The substance struck them both. It wasn't toxic, but sticky and slimy, hindering movement. Hexa slipped and fell to the ground. Kaixa staggered, trying to wipe his visor clean.

The monster let out a mocking croak and turned, running toward the far end of the road where an abandoned tunnel opened into the artificial rock. With a leap, the Orphnoch turned left and vanished from sight.

Hexa was the first to get up, still smeared with slime. "Damn it!"

Wasting no time, he sprinted toward the tunnel. His breath was ragged, daggers still in hand. His legs powered the heavy armor forward. He reached the spot where the Orphnoch had vanished—

And came to a halt.

Before him, the Frog Orphnoch lay on the ground, staggering, trembling. Red flames began to rise from its body with a ghostly crackle.

The monster let out one last croak, then dissolved into crimson fire, leaving only dust behind.

Kaixa arrived shortly after, panting beneath his helmet.

"…The red flames," he said coldly. "That's Delta's power."

Hexa turned to him. "Delta? You mean…?"

Kaixa nodded. "When an Orphnoch is hit by Delta's attacks, they burn like that. Wrapped in red flames."

Rei looked at the spot where the Orphnoch had vanished. The ground was still warm. "So he was here. Whoever has the Delta Gear was here! And we… missed them."

They both fell silent for a moment. Then, almost in unison, they pressed the end-call button on their respective Phones.

Their armors dissolved into fragments of light, leaving Masato and Rei standing in the tunnel, human once again. Their breaths condensed in the damp air, and the echo of what had just occurred seemed to reverberate against the silent walls.

"So… who is Delta?" Rei murmured.

Masato looked at him seriously. "That's what we need to find out."

The air was still warm, saturated with ozone and the red traces left by the combustion of the recently vanished Orphnoch. The silence that had fallen after Rei and Masato's transformation didn't last long.

A familiar roar echoed among the twisted metal. A motorcycle sped through the steel columns and came to a sudden halt.

Takumi Inui dismounted from the saddle, his face tense, eyes locked on Rei and Masato.
"Where's the Orphnoch?" he asked bluntly.

Rei turned, brushing the dust off his arms.
"It's dead. Delta killed it."

Takumi frowned.
"Delta?"

Masato crossed his arms, grim.
"He was here before us. The Orphnoch burst into red flames. Typical of his final attack."

The group was interrupted by a gasp. The injured boy, a little further away, was trying to lift his head. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and his breath was shallow and ragged.

Mari ran to him, kneeling by his side.
"Kawachi! Hang on! We're here... it's going to be okay..."

The boy was trembling. His eyes were glazed, but still full of fear.

Suddenly, two figures stepped forward, their strides fast and impatient. Their faces were tense, their expressions hard. They advanced like hounds that had caught the scent of blood.

"Mari, move." said Kyosuke, voice cold.

"What?" Mari turned to him, confused. "He's hurt—"

"I said move!" barked Arai, already kneeling next to Kawachi. He grabbed him by the collar.
"Where is the Delta Belt?!"

Kyosuke seized his arm.
"Talk! Kawachi! Where did you hide it?!"

Rei and Masato exchanged a quick glance, then lunged forward. They grabbed both boys by the shoulders, firmly.

"Hey!" Masato growled. "Get away from him!"

"What the hell is wrong with you idiots?!" added Rei, shoving Arai back.

Kawachi trembled. His body was giving out, his voice reduced to a whisper. A name escaped his lips with effort: "...Sawada..." Then his eyes closed, his body stiffened for an instant... and finally, as if made of sand, Kawachi crumbled into a cloud of gray dust that rose into the air before vanishing.

Mari brought her hands to her mouth. "N-no..."

Kyosuke watched the ashes rise, then nodded coldly. "So that's it. Sawada has the Delta Belt."

Mari turned to him, eyes wide with horror. "How can you say that?! He was your friend! He just died! And the only thing you care about is that Belt?!"

Kyosuke stared at her icily. "Move, Mari. Get out—"

He didn't get to finish the sentence. Mari pushed him away. Tears in her eyes, her gaze burning. "You're not human. Not anymore. All you care about is that Belt!"

Rina, who had stayed silent until now, stepped forward, her voice broken but filled with anger: "You two... you're obsessed! Father would be disappointed in you!"

Kyosuke ignored her. "Father wanted us to—"

Takumi stepped forward, voice sharp. "Mari's right. If you keep going like this... you're no different from the Orphnochs."

Rei nodded. "The difference between us and them should be in our values. But you two—I see no difference at all."

Kyosuke slowly turned to Rei. He stared at him for a long moment. "I remember you two." he said coldly.

Arai stepped closer too. "I don't know who you are, but this isn't your business. Leave."

"Not a chance." Rei stepped forward. "I won't let two lunatics get their hands on a Belt. Your hands aren't even worthy of touching one. You didn't even let your friend calm down... and you were already yelling about the Belt. He was your friend, right? Or just a tool to get what you wanted?"

Arai clenched his fists. "Don't speak about what you don't understand."

"I see what I see!" Rei shot back. "And what I see are two animals attacking a dying guy!"

Kyosuke took two steps toward him. His voice was low, dangerous. "You... you weren't there when it all started. You have no idea what we sacrificed for all of this!"

Takumi stood next to Rei, his gaze dull but resolute. "There's no excuse for acting like this. None. That guy was your friend, for fuck's sake!"

"And what do you know?!" Kyosuke snapped, grabbing Takumi by the collar. "You show up with your damn motorcycle, flashing your Belt on TV, and you think everything should be handed to you! But us?! WE were left behind! We broke ourselves to become strong!"

Takumi shoved him back. "You confuse strength with ruthlessness. That's why you don't have that Belt anymore! You don't even deserve it!"

Arai turned to Rei, his face twisted into a bitter sneer. "And you, 'champion of justice'? Where were you while the Orphnochs were killing us one by one?!"

"I wasn't with you. But I wasn't idle," Rei replied, calm and firm. "I fought. Every day. But at least I kept my humanity."

Kyosuke stepped between them, pointing at him angrily. "No. You're not human. You're just another bastard with a Belt who thinks he's better than everyone else. You are the problem. You took something that wasn't yours!"

"You don't get it..." Takumi muttered. "No one 'took' anything. The Belts... they choose you. But you two... you seem willing to do anything to force the world to give you what you want. Even walk over your friends' corpses!"

"Friends?!" Arai laughed, bitter. "Our 'friends' are dead. And no one came to save them. No one ever reached out a hand. Only power matters. Only strength. You call it ruthlessness. I call it reality."

Rei stepped closer to Arai, looking him in the eye. "No. That's despair. And you chose to embrace it. You, and him." He glanced at Kyosuke too. "You're already lost. And you don't even know it."

Kyosuke scoffed. "You talk like you're clean. But you're not."

Rei's face stiffened for a moment. "What the hell are you talking about?"

Arai sneered. "I bet you've got skeletons in your closet too! You're not better than us. Just better at pretending!"

Takumi stepped toward Kyosuke, gaze heavy. "You know the difference between us and you? We want to stop more people from dying. You just want to win. But you don't even know what for anymore."

Kyosuke pointed a finger at him. "And you know nothing about Father! He wanted Ryusei to be strong! Not merciful!"

"He wanted us to stay human!" Rina shouted. "He wanted us to trust one another!"

"Humility, compassion, sacrifice—" added Mari. "Words that mean nothing to you anymore."

Arai turned toward the girls with a sneer. "Why are you still clinging to those illusions? There's no world where you can be good and survive!"

"You're wrong!" Rei said. There was a moment of silence. His gaze was steady. From his pocket, he drew out the Hexa Phone. "If you really want to see what it means to have a Belt, then I'll show you right now." He pressed the first key: *8.* The phone lit up.

Masato stood still, watching him.

Arai and Kyosuke tensed, ready to fight.

But Rei didn't continue. He slowly closed the Hexa Phone. "You know what?" he said quietly. "It's not worth it. I don't need to prove anything to you. You're not warriors. You're just criminals. Filled with rage and fear. And you can keep living that way. I won't stoop to your level." Rei slid the Hexa Phone back into his pocket. He took a deep breath.

Mari looked at him, almost in awe. "Our bonds..." she whispered, to the two from Ryusei. "They ended... so easily..."

Kyosuke ignored her, still seething. "It's his fault for stealing my Belt!"

Arai looked sideways at him, ironically. "Yours? Who said it was yours?!"

Kyosuke turned sharply. "What?!"

"Maybe it was supposed to be mine." Arai was openly challenging him now. "Maybe I was the chosen one. But you... you always thought everything belonged to you. Just because you were top of the class!"

Kyosuke took a step toward him. "Say that again."

"With pleasure."

"ENOUGH!" Masato thundered, stepping between them. The tone of his voice alone was enough to stop them both.

"You're pathetic!" Rei burst out. "Two boys shouting over a toy. As if the Belt is what gives you worth. But you're wrong. The Belt won't make you better. You could have it right now… and you'd still just be two scared idiots!"

Kyosuke stepped back, his eyes full of venom.

Takumi, now astride the motorcycle, looked at Mari. "Mari… get out of here. It's not safe."

She lowered her gaze. "They'd never hurt me."

Takumi hesitated. Then simply said, "I hope you're right." And rode off.

Rei followed shortly after. He turned one last time to the two boys. "I've got my eyes on you. Don't you even think about doing anything stupid." And he rode off too.

*The next say, Kikuchi Laundry…*

The constant hum of the washing machines and the scent of freshly poured detergent filled the air with a strange sense of calm, as if this place were a small corner sheltered from the outside world. Morning light streamed through the laundromat's windows, passing between hanging clothes, baskets full of sheets, and stacks of still-warm towels. There was a peculiar harmony, a routine that brought relief—if only for a moment.

Rei was bent over a pile of white shirts to fold, his face focused on the task at hand. Every movement was calculated, methodical, yet there was something light in the way he moved, as if that moment—despite everything—belonged to him.

Takumi watched him from behind the laundromat counter, a pile of towels in his arms. He squinted, then gave a faint smile. "Strange seeing you so calm," he finally said, his tone relaxed. "After everything that happened yesterday, I thought you'd wake up all grumpy and ready to punch a wall."

Rei didn't stop folding. Only after a second did he reply, his voice quiet. "I can't let it get to me. Not now. Not because of them." He paused, then looked at him. "If I let anger blind me, if I let it poison me... then they win. It wouldn't help anything. And everything would be lost."

Takumi dropped the towels onto the counter and ran a hand through his hair. "Yesterday…" he began, lowering his voice, "when we were arguing with those two guys… I saw the look in your eyes. You grabbed the Hexa Phone. I thought you were going to transform. I was sure you would."

Rei paused for a moment. Then slowly resumed folding a t-shirt. "Yeah," he said quietly. "I was about to."

Takumi took a step closer. "Then why didn't you?"

Rei raised his eyes. They were calm, deep. A little tired. "Because if I had… I would've proven them right. That I'm just like them. Power junkies, willing to do anything to prove a point." He looked down at his clenched fists. "But I don't need the Hexa Belt to defend what I believe in. I could protect the people I love even with my bare hands. The Belt is just a tool. Not my worth."

At the far end of the laundromat, behind a column of laundry baskets, Saya had been listening. She had stopped arranging the detergents a few minutes earlier. Her gaze was tense, thoughtful. Rei's words seemed to strike a very specific chord in her heart. But she said nothing. She stood there in silence, head slightly tilted.

"Hey, Kimura-chan." Hikari's voice made her jump.

"Eh?! What?" Saya turned around quickly.

Hikari looked at her with curiosity, holding a crumpled t-shirt in her hands. "What were you doing?"

"N-nothing," Saya replied, a bit too fast. "I was just… arranging the baskets."

Hikari studied her for a moment, then smiled. "You're good at doing laundry."

Saya looked down, almost embarrassed. "Actually, I don't have much experience. At home... it wasn't my job."

"Well, you can't tell," Hikari replied cheerfully. "You've already learned a lot."

At that moment, Keitaro appeared from behind a dryer. "It's true, Kimura-san is settling in great. She's learning fast."

Saya turned to him, surprised and a little flattered. "Do you really think so?"

Keitaro nodded, smiling. "Of course. And since you're doing so well… I thought maybe we could do the deliveries together. How about it?"

Saya gave a small smile—one of those rare, slightly shy ones. "Sure. I'd like that."

*Smart Brain Tower, meanwhile…*

In a now-abandoned corner of the building, Yuji, Yuka, and Naoya were gathering the last of their personal belongings to take to the laundromat. The rooms seemed empty, drained of life, with cold gray walls that echoed the silence.

Naoya groaned, flopping onto an old couch with a box in his arms. "I'm done. I'm exhausted. And I'm starving. A guy like me needs calories."

Yuka smiled, shaking her head. "You're always complaining."

Yuji, on the other hand, picked up a smaller box and closed it carefully. "I'll go get something to eat for everyone."

*Shortly after, country road…*

Yuji's car engine purred as he drove down the dirt road. All around, just fields, tall grass, and the occasional tree. The sky was clear, but something hung in the air, unsettled.

Then a figure suddenly appeared in the middle of the road.

Takuma.

Yuji slammed the brakes, the car skidding to the side. He flung open the door and jumped out. "Him…" he murmured, hands ready for action.

Takuma took a step forward. His gaze was sharp, his voice steady. "Defeating you was one of my first assignments. One of my first missions. I've decided it's time to finish it."

Yuji didn't respond. He simply activated the power within him. In an instant, he became the Horse Orphnoch.

Takuma smiled—and transformed into the Centipede Orphnoch.

The two charged at each other, unleashing energy blasts, slashes, claws, and vicious blows that shook the earth.

*…*

Keitaro was driving carefully, Saya seated beside him. The country road was quiet… until something heavy landed on the car's hood, making them jolt.

It was Yuji, still transformed.

Keitaro's eyes widened. "No…"

Saya covered her mouth with her hand, shocked.

The Centipede Orphnoch lunged at Yuji again, but Yuji rolled to the side, vanishing into the tall grass. Takuma followed, disappearing as well.

Keitaro gripped the steering wheel, then looked at Saya. "You have to run."

"What?!"

"RUN! Now!"

Saya nodded and got out of the car, running down the dirt road.

Keitaro pulled out his phone and dialed. "Takkun! Rei! The Orphnochs are here! On the road near the fields. Get here now!"

Meanwhile, deep in the tall grass, Takuma was advancing slowly. The wind rustled the stalks, almost waist-high. Then he saw a figure.

He stopped.

It was a Rider. But it wasn't Faiz.

It wasn't Kaixa.

It wasn't Hexa.

It was Delta.

Delta struck without warning—a clean, precise blow full of energy. Takuma was sent crashing to the ground, disoriented.

*...*

Two motorcycles roared through the field, engines slicing the air.

Takumi and Rei skidded to a halt, jumping off.

In front of them, a burning field. The grass was scorched, signs of battle were everywhere, craters in the ground, smoke rising in thick plumes.

Keitaro was there, breathless. He saw them approaching.

Takumi stepped forward. "What the hell happened?!"

"It was Yuji-san," Keitaro said. "He was fighting an Orphnoch. I saw him crash into my car. Then he disappeared into the grass. I don't know how it started but… now everything's burning."

Rei stared at the disaster, eyes dark. "Damn it…"

At that moment, Saya arrived running, clutching her backpack to her chest, visibly shaken. "Th-those monsters… what were they?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Rei turned to her. His face was grim.

Takumi looked at her, then exchanged glances with Rei. They could no longer avoid it. "It's a long story," he finally said. "We'll talk at the laundromat."

Saya nodded, still trembling, hugging her backpack like it was an anchor.

The wind blew through the flames. And something was changing.

*Kikuchi Laundry – A Few Hours Later*

The sound of the spin cycle hummed in the background, providing a soundtrack to the stillness that filled the laundromat. Folded clothes were stacked neatly on the wooden shelves, waiting to be bagged. The warm lights cast soft reflections on the glossy tiles, and the scent of detergent mixed with the subtler aroma of ironing starch. Outside, the rain had just stopped falling, leaving behind that distinctive smell of wet asphalt drifting in through the slightly open door.

Rei was hunched over a pile of white shirts, folding them with precise, methodical gestures. Beside him, in silence, Saya did the same, but with every movement of her wrists, her gaze lifted to look at him. Too many questions filled her mind, and even more emotions she couldn't quite make sense of.

Rei noticed. He didn't turn around at first—not until he felt her eyes on him for the fourth or fifth time in a row. Only then did he stop and look at her with a calm, almost amused expression.

"You're staring me." he said, without a hint of annoyance in his voice. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Is something wrong?"

Saya looked away for a moment, like she'd been caught stealing something. Then her eyes met his again, serious now. "Keitaro-san told me a lot… about those monsters today. And how you and Inui-san fight them."

Rei nodded, lowering his gaze back to the shirts. "Yeah. They're the Orphnochs. Takumi and I try to stop them."

Saya paused, as if weighing every word. Then she spoke in a low but clear voice. "It must be because you have a great power that you're able to fight them."

Rei slowly placed a folded shirt on the shelf, as if his hands were following the rhythm of the conversation. "That's true. My Belt… gives me that power. I can face them, often without too much trouble."

Saya bit her lip, as if debating whether she should ask her next question. But she did anyway. "What was it like? Having all that power. Did you want it? Did it make you feel good?"

Rei was silent for a moment, staring into space. Then he ran a hand through his hair, taking a moment to choose his words carefully. "I don't know. Maybe… not. I never really wanted all that power. Because…" he looked up at her, a serious light in his eyes "…with great power comes heavy responsibility. Every time I use it, there's a risk I'll hurt someone. A risk I'll lose myself. But… as long as it's to protect the people I care about, I'll take on those responsibilities. All of them."

Saya was looking at him now with eyes filled with something that went beyond simple admiration. "It must be hard." she whispered.

"It is." Rei let out a small sigh. "But… lately I'm getting used to it. It's not an easy life, but at least I know why I'm fighting."

For a few seconds, silence returned between them. It wasn't awkward, though. It felt more like a shared breath.

Then Rei spoke again, but with a different tone. Softer. "And anyway… I'll use that power to protect you too."

Saya turned to him, confused. "Me?"

Rei looked at her, a little more intensely than usual. His eyes seemed to search her emotions, and his voice grew quieter, almost gentle. "You're one of the people I care about, too. I don't need an excuse to protect you. But if power is what it takes… then I'll use it. Even for you."

Saya's heart began to race uncontrollably. Her cheeks flushed, but she didn't look away. She wanted to say something, but the words got stuck in her throat.

Rei stepped closer. Their hands brushed against each other over a pile of freshly folded towels. Their eyes met without shame, the air between them growing dense and electric.

It was in that exact moment—when something more seemed about to happen—that the Hexa Phone ringtone shattered the spell.

Rei winced, frustration flickering across his face. "Oh God…!" he cursed inwardly, clenching his jaw, but making no sound.

He forced himself to regain composure and pulled out the phone with a swift motion. "Yes?" he said in a voice that was reasonably controlled.

"Rei, it's Takumi!" The voice on the other end was tense, panicked.

Rei immediately straightened up, suddenly alert. "Takumi? What's wrong? You sound a little worked up."

"Mari's been kidnapped."

Rei froze. "WHAT?!" His voice rose instinctively, then he forced it lower, glancing at Saya so as not to scare her.

"Who? Who took her?" he asked, already suspecting the answer.

"Kyosuke and Arai," Takumi said. "Mari texted me a few minutes ago. Masato's coming with us."

Rei brought a hand to his forehead. "Those bastards!" he thought, blind rage flashing through him.

"Where do I need to go?" he asked right away.

"In the basement of the abandoned building near Hatsutsuka Station. We'll meet you there."

"I'm on my way."

Rei ended the call with a decisive tap. Then he turned to Saya, anger still burning in his eyes, though he tried to mask it behind a forced calm.

"I'm sorry," he said, voice low but sincere. "It's an emergency."

Saya looked at him and nodded, asking no questions.

Rei turned toward the exit, grabbed his jacket in one swift motion, then paused at the doorway. He turned to Saya, gave her one last look, and said with a faint smile, "See you later, okay?"

Then he pushed the door open and stepped out, heading straight for Hatsutsuka Station.

*Smart Brain Tower – President's Office, Upper Floors…*

The cold lights illuminated the room in an unnatural way, reflecting off the glossy panels of the black glass walls. The city below looked distant—almost irrelevant. Murakami sat in his white leather chair, fingers interlaced in front of him. Standing before him, composed and still, was Saeko. Her face was impassive, her eyes exuding a deadly elegance.

"I met him," Saeko said, breaking the silence like a blade. "The Orphnoch you told me about. He showed interest in joining the Lucky Clover."

Murakami raised an eyebrow, a subtle smile forming on his lips. "Really? What an interesting development. And… the Delta Gear?"

"He doesn't have it yet," Saeko replied with professional calm. "But that doesn't change much. Before anything else, he must completely throw away his humanity."

Murakami closed his eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply, as if savoring the words. "Perfect. Perfect… An Orphnoch who chooses of his own will to abandon his humanity is a raw diamond—ready to become a weapon. This boy seems exceptional. Perhaps even better than some of the current Lucky Clover..."

From the back of the office, in a dimly lit area, a faint sound of labored breathing could be heard. Takuma was there, sitting on a leather couch, his hands trembling almost imperceptibly. He tried to remain unnoticed, but Murakami caught him anyway.

"Takuma-kun," he said in a cold but calm voice. "Is there a problem?"

Takuma looked up too quickly, forcing a smile. "N-no. No problem, President."

But the trembling didn't stop. Inside him, the memory of Kamen Rider Delta—his strikes, his unnatural speed—was still vivid. The screams, the flashes, and that pain piercing his chest as if he were still feeling it... He was afraid.

Underground – Hatsutsuka Station…*

The basement of the abandoned building felt like a forgotten world: rusted pipes hanging from the ceiling, stagnant puddles reflecting flickering light, old neon bulbs buzzing overhead. The air was cold, thick with the smell of mold and concrete.

Kyosuke paced back and forth impatiently, hands stuffed in his jacket. "Took you long enough," he said when he heard footsteps behind him.

Sawada emerged from the shadows, headphones on, his head nodding slightly to the beat of the cassette he was listening to. His eyes seemed distant, absent—as if he wasn't really looking at them.

Arai, leaning against a column, shot him a look. "Well? Where's the Delta Gear?"

Sawada stopped. A moment of silence. Then, slowly lifting his gaze toward them, he answered in a flat voice: "The one who has the Delta Gear… ...is not me."

Kyosuke moved toward him with irritation. "What? Then what the hell are you doing here?! If you don't have the Delta Gear, then find it! That's the only way you'll save Mari!"

"I'm not here to save Mari," Sawada cut him off. His voice remained calm. Too calm. "I'm here to kill all of you."

Silence. A chill swept through the room.

Arai stepped back. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"I don't need the Delta Gear anymore," Sawada continued, slowly pulling a lighter from his pocket. "I've obtained a new power. And to truly use it, I must cast aside…" he lit the flame, "...all of my humanity."

He took out a small paper crane from his pocket. He looked at it for a moment. Then let it burn above the flickering flame. He let the ashes fall to the floor.

And then he changed.

His body was engulfed in a sickly black and gray glow. It twisted. His skin split into fragments, giving way to a monstrous form. The Spider Orphnoch.

But different. More horrific. More... human. He had a single eye in the center of his face, and his body, while vaguely arachnid, was bipedal. No extra limbs. Just two muscular arms, and a chilling presence.

He gave them no time.

He lunged like an arrow.

In an instant, he grabbed Kyosuke by the throat. A sharp crack. Kyosuke didn't even have time to scream—his body dissolved into dust.

Arai tried to run, but a clean strike to the chest flung him against the wall. The second blow hit him midair. His body disintegrated on impact. Dust. Only dust.

A second later, Takumi, Masato, and Rei burst into the room, flashlight beams cutting through the dark.

In front of them, the creature turned, studying them with its single pulsating eye.

They didn't hesitate. All three strapped on their Belts.
*5-5-5 STANDING BY*
*9-1-3 STANDING BY*
*8-9-1 STANDING BY*

"Henshin!" the three Riders raised their Phones and inserted them into their Belts.

COMPLETE* The Belts activated. Light. Transformation. The armor sealed around their bodies.

Faiz. Kaixa. Hexa.

The fight started instantly. Faiz charged in first, followed by Kaixa. Fast strikes, precise, direct. But the Spider Orphnoch seemed unstoppable. Every punch bounced off its armor. Its single eye flickered with each hit, but it showed no pain. Only hunger. A sick hunger for destruction.

Kaixa pulled out the Blaygun and opened fire.

The gunfire lit up the basement in strobe bursts. The Spider Orphnoch stepped back but seemed more annoyed than hurt.

Rei took advantage. *1-3-3. Hexa Cloak*

The Hexa Cloak activated. His body turned transparent—vanishing. The sound of his steps disappeared.

Faiz and Kaixa were thrown back by a shockwave from the creature's strike. Both tumbled to the ground.

Mari, now free, screamed: "SAWADA-KUN! STOP! PLEASE!"

Her voice echoed against the walls.

Delta, stationed far in the shadows, watched the scene without moving. His fingers trembled slightly—but not from fear. He was waiting. Assessing.

Suddenly, a green flash tore through the air. A beam shot out from the darkness—hitting the Spider Orphnoch in the back.

The beam twisted, turning into a spinning green drill that bored into the monster's flesh.

Hexa reappeared, his armor reflecting off the walls. He dashed forward, spinning into his Emerald Smash. "Surprise!" The kick sliced the air, leaving a glowing trail.

But the Spider Orphnoch reacted. It twisted away at the last second, dodging the strike. The drill vanished, dissipating in a cloud of green light.

The creature let out a metallic scream and leapt to a rusted beam above. From there, it disappeared into the dark vents overhead.

Rei landed with a skid on the wet floor, breathing hard.

Faiz and Kaixa got back on their feet, exhausted and short of breath.

Mari, on the ground, stared at the ceiling, her heart racing.

Sawada had escaped.

Takumi, Masato, and Rei canceled their transformations.

"I'm sorry, guys. I was too slow." Rei said, bowing his head.

"Quite the opposite—it was a good move. Too bad he was stronger." Takumi reassured him.

"But that Orphnoch... ...That was Sawada, huh?" Masato asked, almost in disbelief.

*Above Hatsutsuka Station – Urban rooftops, deep night…*

The air was thick, still laced with the acrid scent of the battle just ended. The footsteps of the five echoed on the damp asphalt as they slowly climbed the exit ramp of the old building. Flickering neon lights from a nearby side street cast intermittent shadows over their exhausted faces.

Takumi led the way, followed by Masato and Rei. Mari and Rina walked behind, still shaken. No one spoke at first. The silence was filled only with the sound of their breathing and their steps.

It was Rina who broke the silence. "I can't believe it…" she whispered, wrapping her arms around herself as if to keep warm. Her gaze was lost in the void, fixed on the pitch-black asphalt. "Sawada-kun… he became an Orphnoch."

Her words fell heavily between them, like rain against glass. No one replied right away.

Masato slowed his pace, then came to a stop. He turned his head slightly, eyes fixed on the city skyline where the skyscrapers still glimmered despite the late hour. "I can't believe it either. That guy… he always kept to himself, sure, but… I never thought he'd choose something like this. Killing Kyosuke and Arai in cold blood…" He shook his head. "He was one of us."

Takumi said nothing, but the clenched fists at his sides revealed how deeply those words struck him.

Mari stepped forward, her expression darker than before. "When we were in the underground… I heard him say something. He clearly said he's not the one with the Delta Gear."

Masato slowly turned, eyes narrowing. "Not him? Then who? Who took it?"

A moment of silence.

Then he answered himself, voice almost guilty. "...Saya."

Takumi looked up, nearly reacting on instinct. "Who?" he asked, incredulous.

Rei spun around, startled.

The eyes of the two Riders met briefly, as if searching for confirmation in a name that evoked something very specific.

"Yes," Mari said, lowering her voice slightly. "It's her. We all know her, deep down. She's always been part of this… of all this, even if in the background."

Rei took a few steps forward, arms crossed, thoughtful. "And what kind of person is this Saya?"

Mari took a moment. Not out of uncertainty, but to find the right words. "She's a girl… brave. Kind, yes, but not fragile. She takes care of others. She's always had this strange sense of duty, like… like she knew she'd have to face something big someday."

Rina nodded slowly. "It's no coincidence. Father was the one who sent her the Delta Gear. He said only she would be able to wield it without being consumed. He knew…" Her voice faltered slightly on the word "Father," but it was clear that name meant more to her than she was letting on.

Rei remained silent. The night wind tousled his black hair, catching the glow of distant streetlights. His gaze lifted to the sky, where clouds drifted slowly over Tokyo. But within, his thoughts were clear and steady. "Maybe… this 'Father' was right."

*The Next Day — Kikuchi Laundry…*

The soft hum of washing machines blended with the fresh scent of detergent, filling the room with a quiet, industrious harmony. Keitaro was folding some towels, a relaxed smile on his face, while chatting with Mari, Masato, and Yuji, all gathered around the counter.

"We've got a new part-time worker," he said proudly. "She's really talented. Learns fast, works hard… I'm sure she'll become indispensable in no time."

Yuji nodded sincerely. "I'm happy for you guys. Really. We—me, Yuka, and Naoya—are finally moving in today. It's nice to have a place where we can all be together."

"That's great news!" Rei chimed in, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed and a satisfied look.

Masato, seated on a stool with his legs crossed, added, "By the way… I think I figured out who has the Delta Belt."

Yuji turned immediately, intrigued. "Where is it?"

But before he could say anything more, Mari interrupted with a calm but firm voice, "Wait. Masato… I want to ask you for a favor. I want to talk to Sawada."

A heavy silence fell over the room. Masato scoffed. "Mari, that's not a good idea."

Takumi shook his head. "He already killed two of his schoolmates. He's gone mad."

Rei added without raising his voice, "The chance he'll attack you too is too high. We can't take that risk."

But Mari didn't back down. Her eyes burned with determination. "Sawada is just… confused. I can still bring him back. He was kind, good… that can't all be gone."

Masato was about to argue, but Rei spoke first, calm yet firm, "Alright. You can try. But if he attacks you, we won't hold back. We'll defend ourselves, Mari."

She nodded, grateful. "I understand."

*A few minutes later…*

The laundry had returned to its usual rhythm. Baskets were filling and emptying, hands moved quickly, and sunlight filtered through the windows, casting flickering reflections on the polished floor. Rei, Keitaro, Takumi, Hikari, and Saya moved efficiently, splitting the tasks.

"Great work, Saya-san," said Keitaro as he handed her a stack of laundry.

Saya blushed slightly. "Thank you, Keitaro…"

But just after that, she collapsed with a sudden gasp, short of breath. Rei noticed immediately and caught her before she hit the ground. "Saya-chan! Hey, are you okay?!" he asked, worry in his voice.

She tried a weak smile. "It's nothing serious, really…"

"Don't argue," Rei said, lifting her up in his arms. "I'm taking you to lie down."

No one objected. Hikari watched with a hint of concern, Keitaro nodded silently. Takumi watched Rei closely, but said nothing.

Rei entered the room and gently laid Saya on the bed. He arranged a pillow under her head and pulled the blanket over her.

"You didn't have to go through all this trouble…" Saya murmured, trying to sit up.

Rei stopped her gently. "You just need to rest now. You're exhausted."

She looked at him, her face a little pale, but her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Rei-kun. You're really… kind."

Rei scratched the back of his neck, a little embarrassed. "I'm just doing what anyone would do… well, anyone with a heart."

Saya grew a bit more serious. "Hey, can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Why do you fight?"

Rei took a deep breath. For a moment, he looked out the window, as if searching for the right words among the swaying tree branches. Then he turned back to her. "I fight because I don't want to see anyone else suffer. Because I know what it's like to lose someone… and I don't want others to go through that. If I can use my power to stop that pain, even for one person, then it's worth continuing. Not for glory. Not for revenge. Just to… make a difference."

Saya listened in silence, moved. After a few seconds, she nodded softly. "I understand."

Rei smiled at her. "I'm gonna go make you something. Some food will help you feel better."

He left the room, heading toward the kitchen. But as he opened the fridge, he realized it was practically empty. "Tsk… perfect."

He grabbed his wallet and headed for the door. "I'm going grocery shopping!" he called to Keitaro and Takumi down the hallway.

*Meanwhile*

Takumi got a phone call. He pulled out his cellphone. On the screen: Mari. "Mari?"

"Takumi! Sawada is attacking Masato! Help!"

Takumi's face turned pale. "Damn it… I'm on my way!"

Already slipping on his jacket, he quickly sent a message to Rei: Sawada attacked Masato and Mari. Sending you the location. Meet me there.

Takumi ran out the door. But he didn't notice that Saya, left alone in the room, had heard everything. Slowly, with trembling legs, she stood up, opened her backpack, and pulled out the Delta Belt.

"Sawada-kun…" she whispered. "If you really want to be consumed by your power… I won't let you."

With quiet determination, Saya slipped on her shoes, tucked the Belt under her jacket, and left the house, silently following after Takumi.

*...*

Mari's screams echoed desperately through the air, a piercing cry amidst the metallic chaos of the battle. Her hands trembled as she clutched her chest, helpless in the face of the violence unfolding between two people who had once been friends.

In front of her, Masato — already transformed into Kaixa — fought with strength and determination against the Spider Orphnoch. Sparks exploded with every clash of their blows. The Spider Orphnoch wielded his Hapo Shuriken with both hands — a massive, lethal wheel with eight sharp blades, spinning like a frenzied saw. The shrill sound it made as it cut through the air was enough to send chills down her spine.

"Sawada-kun! Masato! Please stop!" Mari cried out, tears in her eyes, but neither of them listened. Masato's rage ran too deep, Sawada's mind was too far gone.

Suddenly, Takumi arrived, his eyes instantly locking on the scene. The Faiz Belt was already in his hand. Without hesitation, he strapped it on with a fluid motion and pressed the buttons on the Faiz Phone decisively. *555 STANDING BY*

"Henshin!" *COMPLETE* A red beam of light engulfed him, and within moments, Takumi had become Faiz.

"Here I come!" he shouted, leaping into the fray.

With a slide, he intercepted one of the shuriken's deadly slashes and deflected it with his Faiz Edge, then turned to assist Kaixa. The two Riders fought side by side, but despite their efforts, the Spider Orphnoch's strength was relentless—inhuman. Realizing how dire the situation had become, Mari surrendered to necessity.

Masato glanced at her for just a moment. "Mari! Run! Now!"

Hesitating, tears streaming down her face, Mari backed away, then turned and started running, leaving the three to battle it out.

Saya had arrived. Her breathing was ragged, her heart pounding. In her hands, she clutched the Delta Belt. In front of her, the fight raged on. She watched as Faiz and Kaixa were both knocked to the ground, hit hard by the swirling Hapo Shuriken.

The Spider Orphnoch turned toward her. He had sensed her presence.

His cold, compassionless eye locked onto the girl. Without a single word, he charged, wielding one of the shuriken's blades like a spear.

"Sawada-kun!" Saya stepped back. Her hands trembled. She tried to fasten the belt around her waist, but her strength failed her. Her knees buckled.

She couldn't even lift her arms. The world seemed to slow down.

With a faint whisper, she closed her eyes.

Then—the sound of impact. A heavy thud. A metallic growl. A choked gasp.

Saya's eyes snapped open. She was still standing. Unharmed.

Before her stood Rei. His body was still, unmoving like a human shield. The tip of the shuriken had pierced through his left shoulder, buried deep. Blood ran down his arm, and a thin stream trickled from his mouth, but his gaze… His gaze was burning.

Slowly, he turned to Saya, voice hoarse but steady: "Are you… okay?"

Saya nodded, eyes filled with tears.

Rei turned sharply back to the Spider Orphnoch, and with a snarl, delivered a powerful kick to its chest, tearing the shuriken tip from his shoulder, blood splattering onto the asphalt.

He took a step back, the Hexa Belt already strapped around his waist. He drew the Hexa Phone. The green light pulsed with intensity. 8-9-1 STANDING BY

"HENSHIN!" COMPLETE With an emerald green flash, Rei was cloaked in his armor. The geometric, symmetrical lines of the Hexa suit pulsed, alive, with an energy carved from pure wrath.

Without pause, he mounted his weapon—a stylized camera gauntlet—onto his right arm.

"You…" Hexa growled as he advanced, each step a thunderclap against the ground. "You dared raise your hand against a defenseless girl…"

The Hexa Knuckle activated with a flash. The lens spun, letting out a sound like a camera shutter. Rei lunged forward with fury.

Every punch was sharp and precise, like a snapshot capturing the horror of that moment. The lenses flashed with every impact, making the ground quake. His roar echoed between the buildings: "You've lost your humanity!"

The monster staggered. But it did not fall. The shuriken spun again, slicing the air, and launched another attack.

Hexa pressed the call button on his Hexa Phone. *EXCEED CHARGE* The Hexa Knuckle shone with electric green light. Hexa stepped forward, then again. Every fiber of his being tensed.

"YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF!" Hexa roared and delivered a devastating blow that made the air quake. The punch landed squarely on the Spider Orphnoch's chest, and for a moment, everything exploded into fragments of light.

But before Rei could pull back, the Spider Orphnoch, with a twisted scream, spun the shuriken once more and struck him violently.

Both were thrown to the ground.

Silence.

The wind caressed the rubble with invisible fingers, and the sky—already shrouded by low, grey clouds—darkened even more.

Then, a metallic sound tore through the air.

Three figures appeared on the edge of the ruined road. They walked slowly, with elegant and confident steps. Their eyes scanned the four heroes on the ground like hunters who had finally cornered their prey.

Takuma. Saeko. Kitazaki.

The deadliest members of Lucky Clover. Relentless. Silent. Terrifying.

Takuma smiled, tilting his head slightly, as if observing an interesting scene in a museum. Saeko ran a hand through her hair, disdainfully, while Kitazaki said nothing. His gaze was fixed on Faiz. There was something in him—something cold, colder than death itself.

Without a word, the three transformed simultaneously, a wave of blinding black energy surging around them.

Takuma became the Centipede Orphnoch, his elongated, segmented body moving with a repulsive fluidity as a thousand legs twitched.

Saeko assumed the form of the Lobster Orphnoch, with massive claws and armor as thick as marine steel.

Kitazaki finally transformed into the Dragon Orphnoch, with upward-curving horns and massive, armored arms.

They advanced together.

The ground trembled.

But the Riders stood up.

Faiz. Kaixa. Hexa.

Injured, but determined.

Almost in sync, they inserted their respective Pointers into their right Anklets. The air seemed charged with static electricity. Their belts emitted high-pitched sounds, as if vibrating with anticipation.

Then, each one drew their Axel Watch. *COMPLETE.*

Faiz, Kaixa, and Hexa pressed their Axel Watches into their belts.

A burst of silvery light engulfed them.

The chests of their armors opened, revealing pulsing inner cores. The lines of their suits lit up silver, flowing like active circuits. The lenses of their visors turned a deep crimson, brighter than a living flame.

The three Riders were now in Axel Form.

Time seemed to freeze for a moment.

In perfect synchronization, they each pressed the call button on their Phones. *READY. EXCEED CHARGE.*

Then the red button on the Axel Watch. *START UP.*

*9.9*
*9.8*
*9.7*

The countdown began.

A roar.

In the blink of an eye, the three Riders vanished.

They now moved at the speed of sound, their blurred figures blending with the environment. The world around them seemed frozen. The air bent in their wake.

They jumped.

From the heights of the grey sky, fifty digital drills materialized. Red like Faiz. Yellow like Kaixa. Green like Hexa. Each one spun on its axis, emitting a piercing sound like a digital scream.

They rained down like a storm of steel.

One after another, the blows struck the four Orphnoch — Spider, Centipede, Lobster, Dragon. Each kick, an explosion. Each drill, a lance of pure energy.

The ground was ravaged. Dust. Debris. Shrapnel. A massive cloud rose into the air, covering everything. Nothing could be seen. Only flashes—and the sound of explosive impacts.

And then... silence.

When the dust finally cleared, the four Orphnoch, all still standing but visibly dazed, looked around.

The Riders were gone.

Only the wind spoke now. "So they ran away, huh?"

*...*

In a nearby side street, the three Riders were running, with Saya struggling to keep up, still clutching the Delta Belt tightly to her chest.

Once they had put enough distance between them and the battle, the three Riders pressed the call end buttons on their Phones.

A flash.

Their Rider Armors dissolved, and they returned to normal.

Takumi bent forward, leaning against a crumbling wall. "T-... that was too close..." he panted.

"Tsk... good thing we escaped before it all went south. Those guys aren't playing around." Masato grumbled, annoyed.

Rei, who had been walking steadily until then, stopped. Blood was still dripping from his shoulder. He looked at his teammates. "We... -…We did a good j—" He didn't finish the sentence. He fainted.

His body collapsed forward, and only Takumi managed to catch him before he hit the ground. "Hey, Rei!" he shouted, kneeling. His hands were trembling. "Rei, hang on!"

*Kikuchi Laundry — a few hours later.*

The dim light of sunset filtered through the thick curtains of the room. An unreal stillness hung in the air, as if the entire world were holding its breath after the explosion of chaos and violence from hours earlier.

The bed was small, but neatly made. The clean sheets smelled of lavender and disinfectant. A faint trace of dried blood still lingered in the air, softened by the scent of the fresh bandages.

Rei slowly opened his eyes.

A dull pain ran from his left shoulder to his chest. When he tried to move, a wave of burning pain shot through his nerves. His shoulder was carefully bandaged, but the Spider Orphnoch's cut had been far from gentle.

He took a deep breath, trying to regain awareness of his body.

Then he saw her.

Saya.

She was sitting beside him, on a wooden chair, her hands clasped in her lap. As soon as she noticed Rei had woken up, she straightened up suddenly. "Rei-kun!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with relief.

Rei looked at her for a long moment and then, without thinking, reached out with his right arm and gently pulled her into a hug, ignoring the pain in his left shoulder. "Saya... Thank goodness... Thank goodness you're okay." he murmured, his voice hoarse and low, as if every word required effort.

Saya blushed instantly, her eyes wide. "T-this… that's what I should be saying!" she replied, trying to hide her embarrassment behind a nervous smile.

Rei pulled back slightly and looked her in the eyes. "No. You're the one who stared death in the face today. I… I just did what I had to do."

She lowered her gaze. Her hands were trembling slightly. "I still can't believe that… Sawada-kun was about to kill me. He really was going to do it."

The silence that followed was as thick as fog.

Rei sighed. "This Sawada you knew… … he doesn't exist anymore. Or, if he does, he's in a place we can't reach easily."

Saya turned to look at him. Her expression was uncertain, almost vulnerable. "Hey, why did you do it? Why did you save me like that? You got seriously hurt—you could've come up with another plan, avoided getting injured."

Rei looked at her for a few seconds, then said, "I didn't think. There was no time. I saw that weapon coming at you and I did the only thing that came to mind."

Saya remained quiet. Then, with an uncertain voice, she asked, "But… why?"

He stared at her. A long pause.

Then he gently took her hand in his. The touch was soft, but it meant everything.

Rei cleared his throat. "So, uhm… …I like you a lot. Like, like you more than a friend."

The sentence hung in the air like a musical note that refused to fade.

Saya blushed. Deeply. Her cheeks turned cherry red, and her eyes darted away from Rei's, as if searching for an escape in the weave of the floor. "You… you're a good person, Rei-kun." she said quietly.

Rei scoffed, almost amused. "That's no good, Saya-chan."

"Eh?" Saya blinked, confused, looking up at him.

"That line… it's the classic thing a girl says when she's about to turn a guy down!" Rei replied, tilting his head to the side with an ironic smile. "Like, 'You're a good person, but I don't like you that way, but it's not your fault.', you see?"

Saya covered her mouth with her free hand. "Oh no, I… I didn't know! I didn't mean that!"

Rei smiled. A genuine, tired but bright smile. "I know. …Man, you're super cute."

Saya swallowed, unable to form a reply. The words stuck in her throat, her cheeks still burning. The atmosphere had become delicate, dense, as if time had frozen again—but this time for a different reason.

Rei slowly leaned closer to her, closing the distance. Their faces were just centimeters apart. Eyes locked. The silence had turned into a palpable tension. Saya didn't move, didn't pull away.

Then—The door burst open.

"Hey, Rei, you're awake?!"

Keitaro.

Rei and Saya jumped back like two kids caught red-handed. Rei groaned slightly from the pain in his shoulder, while Saya recoiled, red as a strawberry.

Keitaro froze in the doorway, eyes wide.

Rei, with a voice full of sarcasm and annoyance, said, "Hey, Keitaro, don't people knock anymore before coming in?!"

"Sorry, sorry!" Keitaro raised his hands, clearly embarrassed. "But Yuji, Yuka, and Naoya just arrived. They asked me to check on you."

Rei sighed, rubbing a hand over his forehead. "I'll be down in a minute."

Keitaro nodded, still embarrassed. "Okay… I'll wait downstairs."

And he closed the door with a "clack" that said more than words.

Silence returned to the room.

Saya tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, not daring to look at him. "W-we should go," she murmured.

Rei slowly got out of bed, stifling a groan. "Yeah… we should." Then, in a softer tone, he turned to her. "Anyway… you can take your time if you want. You don't have to give me an answer right away."

Saya looked at him, her eyes uncertain but sincere. She nodded quietly.

Together, they left the room and made their way downstairs.

*Laundry Kikuchi – Lower Floor.*

The stairs creaked softly under Rei's measured steps. Beside him, Saya stayed close, as if still worried he might collapse at any moment. From time to time, she glanced at him from the corner of her eye, as if to make sure he was really breathing, that his body was still there—warm, alive.

The scent of dinner filled the hallway: a familiar mix of steamed rice, spicy curry, and stir-fried vegetables. The sound of clinking cutlery and light laughter came from the dining room.

As they descended the final steps, a high-pitched voice called out, "Onii-chan!"

Hikari was the first to reach them, running with a mix of excitement and worry. Her big, glossy eyes sparkled at the sight of her older brother standing again, even if pale and with a visible bandage on his left shoulder.

Rei bent down slightly, holding back a faint groan from the pain. He patted his little sister's head with his right hand, wearing a tired but genuine smile. "I'm still here, Hikari. No need to worry. I'm way too stubborn to go down that easily."

Hikari nodded, clutching his hands tightly. "Promise me you won't get hurt again."

Rei didn't answer right away. He looked into his little sister's innocent eyes, then gently squeezed her hands. "I'll do my best, little girl."

From the dining room, Yuji stood up as soon as he saw Rei enter. "Yo, you're alive!"

Rei raised his good arm for a high five, which Yuji returned with a broad grin. "You sure you're okay?" Yuji asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

Rei shrugged—his right shoulder. "More or less. I've had worse. One time I fell off a bridge… and that wasn't even my worst Monday."

Naoya, meanwhile, came up from behind and—wearing that affectionate delinquent grin—tapped him right on the bandaged shoulder.

"AHH—!" Rei burst out instinctively. "What the hell is wrong with you, idiot!?"

Naoya only looked serious for a second before bursting into laughter. "Oh, my bad. Thought you were totally fine!"

Rei scoffed, barely holding back a half-smile. "You're such an asshole."

Everyone laughed, and the mood instantly lightened, as if they'd all shaken off the shadow of battle, even if just for a moment.

From the kitchen, Keitaro poked his head out and called, "Dinner's ready! Everyone to the table before it gets cold!"

One by one, they all gathered around the table, chatting and exchanging warm glances. The table was long, a mix of colorful placemats and mismatched plates: Takumi, quiet but present. Masato, composed and attentive. Mari, with a smile full of warmth. Saya, still a little flushed. Rei, doing his best to hide the pain. Hikari, beaming beside her brother. Keitaro, enthusiastic. Yuji, relaxed. Yuka, discreet but happy. Naoya, already helping himself to two onigiri.

Mari was the first to break the ice. "Saya, it's so good to see you again. Really!"

Saya smiled gratefully. "Same here. I didn't think I'd ever get to see you all again."

Masato looked at her seriously. "Why didn't you tell us where you were right away?"

Saya lowered her gaze a bit. "I didn't know you were here… I was just trying to survive. I'm sorry."

Mari took her hand. "It doesn't matter. What matters is that you're safe. And that's thanks to Rei, right?"

Saya looked at Rei, then nodded. "Yes. He really saved me."

Masato grew thoughtful. "Hard to believe, but… Sawada really went that far."

Saya nodded slowly. "He wasn't himself anymore. The one who attacked us today… that wasn't the Sawada-kun we knew."

A heavy silence fell for a moment.

Masato broke it. "Then from today, we have one more enemy."

Takumi, who had been eating silently until then, looked up. "Maybe. But we've also gained another ally." He glanced at Saya.

Saya caught the look, surprised, then smiled softly. "If I can help… I will."

Keitaro stood up, raising his glass of water. "Our team's growing more and more each day! And as long as I've got room to host you all, you'll always be welcome!"

A chorus of "kanpai!" and raised glasses filled the room.

Dinner ended simply, with empty plates being gathered by Keitaro, and Mari insisting on doing the dishes despite Keitaro offering to do them himself. The lights dimmed slightly.

Masato crossed his arms and looked at everyone attentively. His tone changed. "All right. Now that everyone's here… we need to talk about something important."

Rei turned serious. "Delta Gear, right?"

Masato nodded. "Exactly."

Everyone turned their gaze to the belt resting on the table in a metal case. The Delta Gear. Silent. Full of potential—and danger.

The room fell silent for a moment. Every eye was fixed on that object.

And the decision still hadn't been made.

*To be continued…*

*Open you eyes for the Next Faiz.*

Masato: "I don't think we need our alliance with the Orphncoh anymore."

Mari: "Why?"

Takumi: "Hey, I don't think there's any reason to doubt them."

Masato: "I'll prove to you that we can't trust them."

Takumi: "They stole my Belt!"

Yuji: "You... ...You're not Takumi!"

Kitazaki: "Do you mind if I play with you?"

Rei: "4923!"

?: "Air Traffic Pirate!"

Masato: "Let's go outside, asshole!"

Rei: "Yeah, let's go, bastard!"

Mari and Saya: "Stop!"

Rei: "IT'S OVER!"

*Episode 8: Lost Paradise.*

Author Notes: Hi, I'm Riccky06! All's well that ends well, right? Delta Gear recovered, Saya safe, no one died, no unnecessary drama, and all together passionately. It really does seem like Paradise, doesn't it? Too bad, in the next chapter, there will be trouble... ...As always, I invite you to follow the story, leave a review, whether it's positive or negative is fine, and I thank those who have already left a review, especially emilianomerendino and UnseenUrge, and now... ...for the questions:

I'm already designing a vehicle for Rei, and you'll see it in the next chapter.

And, the Orphnoch Tiger from Decade, I don't know, I think I could add that, it's not a bad idea.

And for those who asked me what symbol "Hexa" is: "Hexa" is a prefix of Greek origin that means six. So, the "symbol" could refer to the number 6, or something with six elements (eg. a hexagon: a six-sided figure). In chemistry, for example, "hexacarbon" refers to a molecule with six carbon atoms. I chose Hexa because in the original series there are already 5 Belts, so "Hexa" is the 6th. That said, thank you all for the continued support, and we'll see you in the next chapter! Bye bye!