Chapter 254: Regret and Misunderstanding

Amami Tsuzuri was furious.

Such injustice should never be allowed.

How dare they cast a spell on "her" without so much as an explanation.

Moreover, according to Renkai Hibana,

—When she awakens next, she will be completely back to her former self.

That was what she said.

This meant that all memories of "her" from last week, when she lost her memory, would be completely erased.

Hakka had used her time-space magic without hesitation, because explaining it to "her" might have caused her to run away.

But Tsumuri could state with absolute certainty.

She was certain that no matter what truth was revealed, "she" would not have fled.

That was precisely why—

she couldn't bring herself to say goodbye.

No matter what, it was something I deeply regretted.

Looking back, perhaps my casual words had wounded her more than I realized.

Even so, she had walked this far, maintaining composure all along.

It must have been because she believed it was the right thing to do.

Only now do I truly understand—how noble her actions truly were.

I should have at least listened to her thoughts one last time. That chance—perhaps I was the only one among those who entered "Avienia" who could have done so.

That opportunity was—forever lost.

"Hah..."

Sitting on the edge of the bed, where Nya'ky's clothes were draped, I cradled my head.

Still, I was half-angry at my own recklessness.

Lately, I seem to be developing a habit of unconditionally trusting others—whether it's the refugees from Sagakyo, the community in Nerima, or the friends at the Air Park... I've been exposed to too many good people.

—People are creatures who can trample on others while laughing.

I should have known that was their true nature.

After the "End," and since becoming a "Player," I haven't witnessed many of humanity's uglier sides. Ever since I transformed into a dominant force, the world has become far kinder than it once was.

If anything, it even feels like society was more filled with discrimination and prejudice before the massive zombie outbreak.

——Pull yourself together. Others cannot be trusted. Return to the self I was just a few years ago.

▼

Currently, Tenkyō Tsuzuri and Konomi Asuka are being held in a room at a luxury hotel in Disney Sea, favored by the elite.

The hotel, accessible only to those of "upper-class" status like Vivian, is meticulously maintained—every piece of furniture is immaculate, with not a single speck of dust in sight.

The hotel, which likely would never have hosted commoners like Sutari during their lifetime, was practically a miniature theme park in design.

All the hotel staff were apparently employees from before the "End," meaning one could still enjoy service nearly identical to that of the past.

"Uuuuum..."

Kunino Asuka hurriedly searched around the room, hunting for the hidden Nya-kky, scattered throughout the hotel.

"Aha! This pattern on the rug! The third hidden Nya-kky!"

She seemed utterly relaxed, clearly placing complete trust in Hakka.

That, for some reason, was something Tenshō Tsuzuri couldn't stand.

The difference in their perspectives—perhaps the root of their misalignment—lay in whether they had spent time together on the journey, with "her" or without her.

For Tenshō Tsuzuri, the "her" she remembered from before was less real than the "her" she had come to know after losing her memories—indeed, the latter had been with her longer.

Tsuzuri stood up with a slight irritation in her voice,

"Hey, Asuka. I'm still worried, so how about we go see the 'warrior' together?"

"Yeah... I guess we could. But honestly, what's the point of a novice like you trying to figure things out now?"

"...........Even so, shouldn't we talk to Hachibana-san?"

"Yeah, you're right. There are a few things I'd like to discuss with her—plans for the future, maybe a collaboration or something."

With that, Tsuzuri and the others left the room they'd been given.

As they opened the door, an elderly hotel staff member with a walkie-talkie at his waist stood there.

"Oh? Are you heading out?"

"Yes... I'd like to meet Koi Kawa Hakka."

"Please wait a moment."

The man made a brief call to someone, then said,

"Miss Hakka is currently bathing at the spa inside the hotel."

"A spa... a public bath?"

Well, that's unavoidable. I'll come back later...

Just as he was about to say that, however,

"Wait—is that the ancient Roman-style bath?"

"Yes."

"Whoa, so cool! I've seen it on TV! I want to try it—can I really go in?"

If you are a hotel resident, use is free.

Got it!

Asuka jumped up abruptly right there.

Then let's go, Tsumuri-san!

"Huh?"

Let's get intimate and share some fun, just between women!

"Huh?"

Now that you mention it, we've never actually had a proper conversation, have we!

Um...

Tenko Tsumuri's eyes widened in surprise.

A completely different kind of anxiety was beginning to stir within her chest.

—Just like when she’d just now rolled up her jacket and exposed her lower breasts, I never thought this person… could possibly be…

Actually thinking of me as a woman?

Well, honestly, it’s flattering to be seen that way—but right now, the situation was far from ideal.

Still, with a third party present, she couldn’t possibly reveal the truth.

"Then, I’ll show you the way."

She could do nothing but slowly follow the hotel staff member’s back, smiling pleasantly.