en
A Shot in the Dark
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Meet Me After School
The azure sky spanned outside the
classroom window.

Soft clouds drifted gently across.

Knowing it was about time, I looked back
inside, and the bell rang—

Physics Teacher
That's all, folks. Take the vector analysis
examples we studied and make a report.

Students
Thank you!

Luna
It's over, it's over! Lunch break!

Anya
You look so happy, Luna.

Luna
Of course I am! It's lunch time! I
couldn't focus on that lesson at all!

Anya
Is that why you fell asleep?

Luna
H-How did you know that!?

Anya
There's an imprint of your notebook on
your cheek.

Luna
What!? D-Did the teacher notice?

Anya
No, I think you're good. You can't notice
it unless you look closely. Oh...

Luna
W-What!?

Anya
Well, we have to compile that lesson into
a report. So your little nap might matter.

Luna
No way!? I humbly ask for assistance
from the best student here! Lady Anya!?

Anya
Just review it now, and you'll be fine.
I'll help you, okay?

Luna
Sigh... Thank you so much!

Anya
—So, because of this...the formula will
produce the solution here...

Luna
Got it! And compile this into a report...
Nailed it! As expected of Lady Anya!

Anya
Umm... Calling me "Lady" might be a
little much.

Luna
Always so modest!

Luna
Oh, and I don't know if this counts as
thanks, but I found this video yesterday.

Anya
A smartphone...? May I?

Luna
Of course! I wanted you to watch it,
actually! I want to promote my fave!

Anya
Alright then...

Luna
The one and only! The idol of all idols!
Her name is Mirai!

Luna
Her latest music video is out on
Evertube! And this is it!

Anya
Wow, she's really cute!

Luna
The motif is a wedding this time! The song
is great, but the outfit is even better!

Anya
A pure white wedding dress, huh...

Luna
Is that something you dream of too,
Anya?

Anya
M-Me? I have no such plans... And it
wouldn't suit me.

Luna
Not true! You're beautiful, Anya. Isn't
there someone you have a crush on?

Anya
A crush!? Cough cough!

Luna
Well, that's not suspicious at all...

Anya
N-No! You just surprised me...
I... Uh...

Female Classmate
Hey, isn't that Kazuto?

Female Classmate
The third-year student!?

Luna
Oh, it's Kazuto! But why is he in the
first-year classroom?

Luna
Hey, Kazutooo!

Kazuto
Luna... Always the loudest, eh?

Luna
Hehehe, you mean always the
prettiest, right?

Kazuto
Right. Anyway, Anya, can we talk? Meet
me behind the building after school.

Anya
Uh... Me...?

Kazuto
Okay, see you later then.

Luna
See you later, he says! Hehehe! Is this
what I think it is?

Anya
"What you think it is...?"

Luna
Isn't it obvious? A confession of love!

Anya
Huh?

Anya
Kazuto... To me!?

Anya
A confe-fe-fe...

Luna
Are you okay, Anya!?

Anya
Confe-fe-fe...

Luna
Anya, no! Anyaaaa!!!

Anya
Huff... Huff...

Anya
Just breathe, Anya, just breathe...

Anya
Huff... Huff...

Anya
Calm down, Anya. It's definitely not a
confession of love.

Anya
Not from Kazuto. There's no way...

Anya
He was injured because of me that one
time, and I've annoyed him ever since...

Anya
(But we did team up in the competition,
and we resolved that case together...)

Anya
(I guess it's possible for something
like that to happen!)

Anya
(Oh great... What do I do...
What do I do, Astri!?)

Kazuto
Anya.

Anya
Eeek!

Kazuto
You okay? What was that noise about?

Anya
Oh, it's nothing! Nothing at all!

Anya
So... What did you want to talk to me
about?

Kazuto
Well, it's about Astrid.

Anya
What? About Astri?

Anya
Oh, okay...

Kazuto
Why the long face?

Anya
Oh, nothing! Haha!

Kazuto
Are you sure you're okay?

Anya
Me? Of course... So what's up with
Astri?

Kazuto
There have been reports lately of Astrid
meeting with a suspicious man.

Anya
Does that mean Astri is dating
someone!?

Kazuto
If it was that trivial, I wouldn't
waste my time investigating it.

Kazuto
The suspicion is that this man might
be from the Church.

Anya
Are you saying that Astri could be a spy?
Impossible!

Kazuto
I agree. And that's why I'm conducting
a personal investigation to prove it.

Kazuto
If the information is wrong, I want to
report it and put an end to this.

Kazuto
So, do you know anything?

Anya
I don't... Sorry... Nothing comes to mind.

Kazuto
Well, in that case, I have no other choice
but to tail her. It's a hassle, but...

Anya
I want to help! I'm worried about Astri!

Kazuto
Anya...

Kazuto
You've learned some new funny faces
recently, haven't you?

Anya
Funny faces?

Kazuto
Nevermind. Let's get going.

Anya
Okay, let's do it!

Astrid's Secret
Anya
Astri... Why are you making that scary
face?

Astrid
Huh... Oh, I'm sorry! I was lost in
thought.

Anya
You're still getting used to the idea that
I'm your sister, aren't you?

Astrid
Not at all, Anastasia! I'm so happy to
have you as my little sister!

Astrid
So... Umm...

Astrid
Is there anything you want right now?

Anya
Right now... I'm good. I don't think
I need anything—

Astrid
Anything at all? Maybe there's something
that's trendy among your friends?

Anya
Trendy? Well, Luna did mention that
robotic pet cats are becoming popular.

Astrid
Robotic pets, hm? I see. Thank you.
Well, I have a mission to attend to.

Anya
(What was that about...?)

Anya
(Now that I think about it, Astri has
been acting a bit strange lately.)

Anya
(But a spy? That's absolutely impossible!)

Kazuto
Astrid seems wary about being followed...

Anya
Astri...

Kazuto
Let's tail her a bit more...

Astrid
It's right around here, I believe...

Suspicious Man
Hey, over here!
You came as promised!

Astrid
...

Suspicious Man
What's with that look? Your face is too
cute to look so scary.

Astrid
Please don't say weird things. Can we
finish this quickly?

Suspicious Man
Fine, fine. This way, miss.

Kazuto
Do you know that man?

Anya
I don't.

Anya
Astri... She looked upset.

Kazuto
It's possible she's being threatened.

Anya
Then we have to help her! And quick!

Kazuto
We can't make a move until we know his
true intentions. Let's not lose them.

Anya
O-Okay...

Astrid
Is here okay?

Suspicious Man
Yeah. Give it your best.

Astrid
You don't have to press so hard, I'm not
going to run now.

Anya
Now what, Kazuto? Astri went inside!

Kazuto
It's reckless to charge in without a plan.
I'll find out how many we're up against.

Anya
But they're inside! Who knows what
might happen to her...

Kazuto
That's what our Ex Machina is for.
Drone activation... reconnaissance mode!

Anya
Is it okay to use Ex Machina for that?

Kazuto
Of course not. It's unauthorized conduct.
But I'll take full responsibility for this.

Anya
You're really going for it, Kazuto...

Kazuto
It's no big deal. I'm trying to prevent a
disaster. Don't get the wrong idea.

Kazuto
Let me scout first. You'll follow after.

Kazuto
(The skylight is open. I can probably
infiltrate from there...)

Kazuto
Wha— What's this...?

Anya
W-What's wrong, Kazuto? Is it my
sister?

Kazuto
No... Wait, Anya!

Anya
I can't wait anymore! I'm going in!

Stunning, Astrid...

This is...embarrassing...

I love your shy demeanor, too...

Anya
Astri!

Anya
Huh...?

Suspicious Man
Let's turn it up a notch, shall we?

Astrid
L-Like this?

Suspicious Man
That's what I'm talking about!
Wait, who are you two?

Astrid
Huh?

Astrid
Anya!? What are you doing here!?

Anya
I thought you were in trouble with the
henchmen from the Church! Kazuto said—

Astrid
What!? No!

Astrid
Where do I even start... Kazuto, show
yourself! You're here too, right?

Kazuto
...

Astrid
Explain yourself!

Astrid
So you heard some rumors, and you
decided to secretly investigate me?

Astrid
This man is just a photographer. He has
nothing to do with the Church.

Anya
Is that true, Astri? You're not being
coerced to say that or anything, right?

Astrid
Do you really think this man could
threaten me by himself?

Anya
Good point...

Anya
Then, why was Kazuto so shocked
earlier?

Kazuto
Well... Astrid was doing a strange pose
and I... Uh...

Astrid
!!!

Anya
That's right, I did see you doing a cute
pose earlier...

Astrid
Forget you saw that! Both of you!

Hashimoto
Um, should I introduce myself? I'm
Hashimoto, a freelance photographer!

Hashimoto
I asked her to model for some photos.

Anya
Model?

Astrid
It's just a part-time job. I needed the
money.

Hashimoto
Man, I saw her in town and was blown
away! So I asked her...

Hashimoto
She refused at first. But when I told her
I'd double the payment, she accepted!

Kazuto
So it was really just a photoshoot?

Astrid
That's what I've been saying.

Anya
I'm sorry! Astri, Mr. Hashimoto...
I misunderstood...

Hashimoto
No worries. It's quite alright.
But, you know...

Hashimoto
You're Astrid's little sister, right?
You're really cute!

Anya
Uh... I don't really think so...

Astrid
Don't you dare look at Anya like that,
Mr. Hashimoto!

Hashimoto
Oops, sorry! But how about doing a
photoshoot together? I'll triple the payment!

Astrid
With Anya!? No way! I don't care how
much you offer!

Anya
I'm okay with it...

Anya
Astri, didn't you say you needed the
money earlier?

Astrid
Yes, but... I don't think it's worth
getting you involved.

Anya
But I want to take pictures with you,
Astri! What do you think?

Astrid
Anya...

Astrid
Okay, if you insist... Is that okay with
you, Mr. Hashimoto?

Hashimoto
It's like a dream come true! Let's have a
photoshoot tomorrow, in a new location!

Hashimoto
I have to hurry and set things up!
Gonna be busy!

Astrid
What a troublesome turn of events...

Kazuto
Apologies. I didn't mean to escalate
everything.

Astrid
Kazuto! Earlier, you said you "saw" me...
You meant with a drone, right?

Kazuto
Obviously.

Astrid
Then erase the drone's history!
Especially that pose! Don't leave a trace!

Astrid
That's voyeurism, you know!

Anya
But before you delete it, I want to see
Astri's cute pose!

Hashimoto
Me too, me too!

Astrid
You saw it already...

Astrid
Anyway, I'm not showing it to anyone!

A Vision in Pure White
Hashimoto
Sorry about yesterday. I guess anyone
would be suspicious about that location.

Anya
No, you're fine. I should be the one
apologizing. Umm...thanks for today!

Hashimoto
You're a good kid, Anya. Want some
candy?

Anya
Oh, yeah! Thank you!

Astrid
You aren't looking at Anya in a weird
way, are you?

Hashimoto
Define weird, haha! No, no. I do think
she's cute, but only as a model, ya know?

Hashimoto
But I can see you really care about
Anya, huh?

Astrid
Wh-What kind of nonsense are you on
about!?

Astrid
And more importantly, where are we
going?

Hashimoto
That, I'm afraid, is a surprise.

Astrid
This seems a little suspect...

Anya
Yay, a trip with Astri! Hehehe!

Astrid
We could've had a trip before now, you
know? I would've made the time.

Anya
Really?

Astrid
Well, I guess I have been busy with
missions lately...

Astrid
Okay then, since it's a special occasion,
let's have some fun, shall we?

Anya
Yeah, Astri!

Anya
Oh, speaking of the photoshoot, where's
Kazuto?

Astrid
I told him to stay away. If he keeps meddling,
he'll feel my swordplay at full power.

Astrid
Today, it's just the two of us. Well... If you
ignore the camera, that is.

Anya
I feel bad for Kazuto, though...

Astrid
First of all, it's his fault for being so
nosy.

Anya
I get that, but... Kazuto is a good person,
okay?

Astrid
Well, I'm not denying that...

Hashimoto
Ah, there it is, you two!

Anya
Huh?

Astrid
This is the place...?

Hashimoto
Ta-da! So, what do you think?

Hashimoto
I got an offer from a magazine I know.
The project was perfect for you two,

Hashimoto
so I told them about it last night.

Hashimoto
And the title is...

Hashimoto
"Dreamy June Brides!"

Astrid
B-B-Brides, you say!?

Hashimoto
That's right! And I want you two to be
the stars!

Anya
But that means there would be two
brides...

Hashimoto
No problem at all! Readers will be
thrilled to see two cute brides!

Astrid
This man, honestly...

Anya
It might be too late to back out now,
Astri...

Astrid
Sigh... Fine. But our names and
identities must remain confidential.

Astrid
I expect you to honor that request!

Hashimoto
Got it! Now let's get you two into
makeup!

Astrid
Ugh...

Astrid
Uuuugh!

Makeup Artist
Please try to relax, Miss Astrid.

Astrid
Sorry I'm making your job difficult...

Astrid
I'm just not used to this!

Makeup Artist
Don't worry, you look good! Now relax
your face, and I'll finish up!

Hashimoto
May I come in?

Astrid
You may.

Hashimoto
Alright, here I come. Wow, look at you!

Hashimoto
The dress really captures your aura. You
look...absolutely singular!

Astrid
(My "aura?"..."singular?"...
That wasn't exactly flattering...)

Makeup Artist
Alright, the makeup is done!

Hashimoto
Let's move to the ceremony venue!

Astrid
At this point, just have your way with
me...

Makeup Artist
Oh, excuse me. I'll clean up here first.
You two can go ahead, okay?

Hashimoto
Alright! Let's go, Astrid!

Makeup Artist
...

Makeup Artist
Makeup artist, here. Preparation is
complete.

Makeup Artist
Target is en route to the ceremony
venue.

Makeup Artist
...Understood.

Astrid
Anya, you're here already...

Astrid
Wow!

Astrid
You look so different... I can't believe it!

Anya
Hehehe...

Anya
It somehow feels so familiar...

Astrid
Probably because it suits you so well.
You're just like a real bride!

Anya
You look beautiful too, Astri!

Astrid
You think so? Thank you. I'm happy to
hear that.

Anya
Uh... Now I'm feeling all shy...

Astrid
Look at the two of us. Brides at a
magnificent wedding venue!

Anya
Yeah, hehe.

Hashimoto
Wowww! With two brides this beautiful,
I can't wait to shoot! Let's get started!

Anya
O-Okay!

Astrid
Go easy on us... Please and thank you...

Hashimoto
First, stand side by side. Exactly. Like
that. Now, look this way. That's right!

Astrid
Is this alright?

Hashimoto
Looks good! Okay, Anya, how about
smiling a little more naturally?

Anya
N-Naturally... Hehehe...

Hashimoto
Yeah, you're just a little stiff. More
naturally... Naturally...

Anya
Umm... Okay... Uh...

Astrid
You don't have to force a smile, Anya.
Just enjoy the moment.

Anya
Right! I'm in a photoshoot with Astri!

Hashimoto
Oooooh, that's what I'm talking about!
This is gonna be a good one!

Hashimoto
Next, can you two get a little closer?

Anya
L-Like this?

Hashimoto
And you, Astrid, move in a bit more.

Astrid
More?

Anya
Isn't this too close?

Hashimoto
Or not close enough. Now hug. And why
not try a kiss while you're at it?

Anya
A kiss!?

Astrid
Enough of your jokes, Mr. Hashimoto!

Hashimoto
Sorry, sorry, just kidding ☆ Now, stay
there and look this way.

Hashimoto
Yessss! You both look great!

Anya
Sigh... Huff... Huff...

Astrid
What's wrong, Anya? Your breathing is a
little heavy.

Anya
Uh... I can't... I can't breathe...

Astrid
Cough cough... I can't... breathe either...
cough...

Astrid
Is it...what I think it is...

Hashimoto
Is something wrong!?

Astrid
This is...a neurotoxin...!

Hashimoto
T-Toxin!?

Man in Black Suit
As expected of the Red Dragon Squad's
young ace. But you caught on too late.

Man in Black Suit
Execute the operation.

Enemy Operative
Understood.

Hashimoto
Hey, who are you guys!? Only authorized
personnel are allowed here!

Enemy Operative
Out of the way...

Hashimoto
Ugh... Gaah!

Astrid
Ugh... You! What do you want!?

Man in Black Suit
Disregard her. Secure the target.

Enemy Operative
Yes, sir! Understood!

Astrid
Anya! Run!

Anya
As... tri...?

Astrid
If it comes down to this...face me...
Ugh...!

Enemy Operative
What can you do? You're in no shape
to fight.

Astrid
Don't underestimate me!

Enemy Operative
Gaaah!

Astrid
Hayaaah!

Man in Black Suit
Hmph!

Astrid
Gaaah! Ugh...

Man in Black Suit
Even a formidable Ex Machina can be
subdued if neutralized before activation.

Man in Black Suit
I guess the poison has made its way
through your bodies now.

Astrid
Anya...!

Anya
A...stri...

Sister, Partner, Friend
Astrid
Anya!!!

Astrid
Where am I?

Luther
In a hospital directly under the Red
Dragon Organization.

Astrid
Fath—Commander Luther!? It's an
emergency, Anya is—!

Luther
I've been briefed by Kazuto.

Astrid
Kazuto?

Luther
One of his drones that happened to be
on patrol captured the entire incident.

Astrid
Captured the entire...!? Even the
photoshoot!? Er...um...

Astrid
No, more importantly, what about Anya!?

Luther
By the time the organization took action,
the enemy was gone... And so was Anya.

Astrid
You can't be serious! What happened to her?
Is the organization working on it!?

Luther
That quick temper is one of your flaws.

Astrid
I apologize...

Luther
A threatening email was sent to the
organization. It included a photo of Anya.

Astrid
What do you mean, threatening!?
Is she alright!?

Luther
If their demands are met, they probably
won't harm her.

Luther
Especially if the noble Church is involved.

Astrid
What are their terms?

Luther
They want information about Ex Machina.
And they claim to be able to

Luther
detect any false information.

Luther
It would be difficult to prepare detailed
false data at this point.

Astrid
Difficult!? But...we're going to save
Anya, right?

Luther
Depending on the situation, rescue
might not be the top priority.

Astrid
Father!?

Luther
The information on Ex Machina is RDO's
greatest secret.

Astrid
But is it worth your daughter's life?

Luther
I have to think of my responsibility as the
head of the RDO.

Luther
As an officer of the organization, you should
put aside sisterly feelings too.

Luther
That's an order.

Astrid
But—

Luther
Take care and get some rest. That's an
order, too.

Astrid
...

Astrid
(I can't just stand by and do nothing...!)

Astrid
Alright...

Astrid
Now that I've come this far―

Kazuto
Where do you think you're going?

Astrid
Kazuto! What are you doing here?

Kazuto
I could ask you that. You've sneaked out of
the hospital, now what?

Astrid
I'm asking you as a friend—
Please, look the other way.

Kazuto
You're planning to save Anya, aren't
you? You were explicitly ordered not to.

Astrid
I don't care about orders!

Astrid
Anya... Anastasia is my only sister!
I can't bear to lose her again!

Kazuto
Huh, people sure do change.

Kazuto
Wasn't your biggest concern always
the Commander's evaluations?

Kazuto
Head to this mixed-use building in Akise
City.

Astrid
Is that where Anya is?

Kazuto
We have to move fast or they'll find out
we're gone.

Astrid
Kazuto...you've changed too.

Kazuto
Stop making odd remarks and let's get
going.

Luna
Waaaaiiiit a minuteeeee!!!

Luna
Hehehe, I was passing by and overheard
some juicy info!

Luna
Luna, the super helper, will accompany
you!

Kazuto
The noisy one again... Should I knock
her out?

Luna
Whoa, wait a moment, Kazuto! I helped out
that one time, didn't I?

Luna
I threw that stone like, whoosh!

Astrid
We can count on her, and we need all the
help we can get. Isn't that right, Kazuto?

Kazuto
Right, no time to argue.
C'mon, let's move.

Luna
Hehe, with me here, saving Anya is
basically guaranteed! Have no fear, 'cause—

Luna
—Wait up, you guys!!!

Big Sister to the Rescue
Anya
Uh...

Man in Black Suit
You're finally awake...

Anya
Who are you...?

Man in Black Suit
You should worry about your own situation
right now.

Anya
(I'm restrained...!?)

Anya
Urgh...!

Man in Black Suit
Ordinary strength won't get you out of
those. Besides, there's likely still poison

Man in Black Suit
in your system. Best not to push yourself.

Anya
So it was you... You did this to my sister
and me...

Man in Black Suit
I trust you remember the woman who
did your makeup? Well... Let's just say

Man in Black Suit
she did a lot more than that. She's one
of my subordinates.

Anya
(Poison in the makeup tools? That's why
only Astri and I were incapacitated.)

Man in Black Suit
Time for chatting is over. It seems
the results are in.

Anya
Results...?

Enemy Operative
The response from the Red Dragon
Organization is in.

Enemy Operative
"We cannot comply with your demands."

Man in Black Suit
I see... It seems the Red Dragon
Organization has abandoned you.

Man in Black Suit
I heard you were the sole successful result
of their secret experiments, and also the

Man in Black Suit
commander's daughter. I see those were just
rumors... We chose the wrong hostage.

Anya
(It seems like Astri wasn't kidnapped...
I'm so glad she's safe...!)

Anya
(As long as she is fine... I don't care what
happens to me...)

Enemy Operative
What should we do with this girl?

Man in Black Suit
Extract as much information about the
organization as possible from her.

Enemy Operative
And the method?

Man in Black Suit
Use any means necessary. She' still
young, so no need to hold back.

Man in Black Suit
Send her to the human experimentation
department when you're done.

Enemy Operative
Understood.

Anya
(But... I'm still scared...)

Anya
Astri...

Crackle...

Enemy Operative
Huh, what's going on...?

Man in Black Suit
What is it?

Enemy Operative
It's just...the communication with those
outside...

RUMBLE...

Luna
BOOOOOOOOM!!!

Anya
L-Luna?

Luna
Oh, Anya! Found ya! Perfect timing!

Enemy Operative
You! You must be from RDO! We need
reinforcements at the lab—

Enemy Operative
Wha... The power's out!?

Enemy Operative
Turn on the backup power, quickly!

Enemy Operative
What's that noise...? Is there something
there!?

Enemy Operative
A small flying object...?

—Engage!

Enemy Operatives
Ngh... Aaaaaahhhh!

Man in Black Suit
What... What's is happening...?

Kazuto
All of your subordinates are out cold.

Kazuto
No one left but you.

Man in Black Suit
Wha...!?

Astrid
Anya, are you okay?

Anya
Astri...

Anya
Why are you here!?

Astrid
You're my little sister.
Of course I came for you.

Anya
Astri...!

Astrid
Now now, don't be so surprised. Look away,
I'm going to burn through your restraints.

Astrid
Alright!

Astrid
You're safe now! Let's go!

Man in Black Suit
You're not going anywhere! You're forcing
me to use my last resort—

Luna
Huh, he vanished!?

Kazuto
Astrid, watch out!

Astrid
An invisible enemy...? Ahh!

Anya
Astri...!

Astrid
—There!

Man in Black Suit
Your attacks can't hit me. This ability is
a recreation of a Vessel's power.

Kazuto
A recreation of a Gift...?

Man in Black Suit
Yes, this is Goddess's Stealth.

Luna
He disappeared again!

Man in Black Suit
While I use this power, no one can
perceive my presence!

Man in Black Suit
I successfully transplanted the ability
from a Vessel test subject into myself...

Man in Black Suit
It's my finest research achievement!

Astrid
Transplanted it from a test subject...
What did you do!?

Man in Black Suit
I'll leave that to your imagination.

Astrid
You're despicable!

Man in Black Suit
Haha, I'm glad you've been paying
attention. Your attacks are pointless!

Astrid
Ouch—Aaah!

Anya
Astri!

Astrid
I-I'm okay...

Man in Black Suit
The effect range of my power includes
everything I have on me.

Man in Black Suit
Not just clothes or shoes, but knives,
firearms... It's all invisible.

Man in Black Suit
Now, where would you like to be cut
next? Or, perhaps, shot?

RightShield(Anya
Aegis, protect my sister at all costs!

RightShield(Astrid
No! That will leave you defenseless!

Man in Black Suit
Fool! Your shields will disappear if I
eliminate their main source of power!

Anya
As long as my sister is safe... I don't care
if I die!

Man in Black Suit
As you wish, then—

RightShield(Astrid
No...! Anya!!!

Man in Black Suit
Die!!!

Kazuto
Analysis complete—
There.

Man in Black Suit
Ngh... Impossible!

Kazuto
Hmph, so much for your "finest"
research achievement.

Kazuto
Analyzing the displacement of air makes
you clearly visible.

Man in Black Suit
Damn... I didn't expect you to work so
quickly... I can't afford to be captured—!

Kazuto
Going somewhere? Astrid, follow the
drone. He's right ahead of it.

Astrid
I know where you are now...
Haaaa!!!

Man in Black Suit
Gaaah...!

Astrid
How dare you scare my little sister like
that!

Man in Black Suit
The sisterly bond... Really... It's so
worthless and clichéd...

Astrid
More like, it's a treasure I don't ever
want to lose again!

Man in Black Suit
Ngh... Ahh... I can't let this end here...

Anya
Astri...are you okay...?

Astrid
What about you, Anya!? Are you hurt?
In pain?

Anya
I'm fine. I'm so happy...that you came to
save me.

Anya
Thank you, Astri!

Best Gift Ever
After reporting to the RDO, the military
quickly took control of the research facility.

The man in black suit and his henchmen
were taken to a military prison.

They haven't spoken so far, but their
connection with the Church is clear.

Surely, their true intentions and identity
will soon be revealed.

But, unfortunately, this isn't a simple
"all's well that ends well" situation.

Astrid
Astrid von Draclow. Reporting in.

Luther
You know why you were summoned,
don't you?

Astrid
Yes, Commander... I'm prepared.

Luther
Hmm, then I shall pronounce the verdict.

Luther
Astrid von Draclow... For disobeying
orders and acting without permission,

Luther
you are to remain under house arrest for
one month.

Astrid
Under house arrest for one month...?

Luther
Do you object?

Astrid
No, it's just...! I thought I'd be punished
more severely... No court-martial?

Luther
Indeed, your disregard for orders this
time seriously disrupted military discipline.

Luther
However, considering your
accomplishments in rescuing the hostages

Luther
unharmed and detaining key suspects,
I authorized this punishment.

Luther
If you object, we can certainly convene a
court-martial?

Astrid
N-No! Thank you for your leniency.
I humbly accept.

Luther
This is a special case. Ensure this
doesn't happen again.

Astrid
I swear on the von Draclow name!

Luther
...You did well.

Astrid
Huh...?

Luther
...Nevermind. You may leave.

Astrid
Understood, excuse me, Commander
Luther!

Luna
Aaanyaaa, are you here∼?

Anya
Luna, welcome. Who's that behind you?

Kazuto
Yo.

Luna
So get this! Kazuto was loitering in
front of your hospital room!

Luna
Let me guess, Kazuto, you're here for
Anya, am I right?

Kazuto
Shut up, or I'll shove a drone in your
mouth.

Luna
Waaah, sorry!

Kazuto
So, how have you been?

Anya
Most of the tests are done, and if the
results are good, I can be discharged soon.

Kazuto
So it's nothing serious, that's good to
hear.

Anya
Ah, Astri...!

Astrid
I see everyone's here...even Kazuto.

Kazuto
I happened to be in the area, so I just
swung by.

Anya
Huh? Astri, what are you holding?

Astrid
Ah, well... Umm...

Kazuto
That's not like you, Astrid. Why are you
hesitating?

Luna
Is it a present!?

Astrid
Um, uh... Yes...to celebrate your
recovery, if a bit early. It's really not much.

Anya
Oh... No way...! Is this...?

Astrid
A robotic pet cat. You said you wanted one,
right? I...just happened to find it.

Luna
Wait, aren't these robotic pets quite
expensive!? It's a famous brand, right?

Astrid
W-Well... It wasn't that much...

Kazuto
So this is why you took that ill-fitting
part-time job?

Astrid
Hey, "ill-fitting" is unnecessary!

Anya
A present from my sister! I'm so, so
happy...! I'll treasure it!

Astrid
If you're happy, I'm happy.

Astrid
Please continue to put up with me and
all my propensities, Anya.

Anya
Same here! Please keep putting up with
me, too!

Anya
Astri, I love you so much!

Astrid
Ah...

Luna
Astrid, you're blushing!

Kazuto
Never thought I'd see that face on you.

Astrid
Oh, be quiet! Here, Anya, try turning it
on.

Anya
Oh, okay. But how do I do that?

Kazuto
Let me see.

Luna
Aww, not fair! Let me touch it too!

Astrid
Guys, this was a gift for Anya!

Anya
Hehehe...!

I looked up to a golden sky—

And when I looked back down, I saw my
irreplaceable friends...

And my beloved sister, Astrid.

I will never forget this sight.

I've always wanted this... I've always
yearned for it... Such blissful scenery!

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