The inside of the tent was thick with tension. The lanterns flickered, casting wavering shadows on the fabric walls.
No one spoke. No one dared to. All eyes were fixed on the silent standoff between two formidable figures.
Rosalie stood with her arms crossed, her sharp golden eyes gleaming with amusement.
A smirk played on her lips, teasing, challenging—like a hunter toying with its prey. Yet there was an undeniable authority in her stance.
The weight of her presence was suffocating, like she owned the space, like she had already won a battle that hadn't even begun.
On the other side, Ryoko remained eerily composed. She didn't flinch, didn't waver.
Her deep violet eyes, sharp as blades, locked onto Rosalie's, reflecting nothing but sheer confidence.
She was a woman who had endured lifetimes of pain, betrayal, and war. A mere stare-down wasn't enough to shake her.
The air between them crackled with unspoken words, a silent battle of wills.
Then, just as quickly as it started, Rosalie's smirk softened into a playful smile, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Well, my work here is done."
Her voice broke the silence like a blade slicing through the thick atmosphere.
She turned away without a hint of concern. "You guys get ready, or we'll leave you behind."
With that, she grabbed Étienne's hand, effortlessly pulling him along as she strode out of the tent.
Even after she left, the tension remained. Everyone still seemed caught in the moment, processing the interaction that had just unfolded before them.
(The President of the Headquarters, huh...)
Rajin's golden eyes narrowed as he watched Rosalie disappear into the night.
He had seen many powerful individuals in his life, but she was something else. With a quiet exhale, he adjusted the bag on his back and turned toward the exit.
Without another word, he walked out of the tent, his mind already calculating the next steps.
Ryuu, who had been watching everything closely, turned his attention to Ryoko.
His concern was evident. He took a step closer, scanning her face for any hint of distress.
"Ryoko-san, are you okay?"
His voice carried genuine worry.
Ryoko blinked, as if snapping out of her thoughts.
Her serious expression softened into something more relaxed, a small smile forming on her lips.
"Yeah, I'm fine, Ryuu-kun."
Though reassured by her words, Ryuu still felt a lingering unease.
He had learned to trust his instincts, and something about Rosalie's interaction with Ryoko didn't sit right with him.
He hesitated for a moment before asking, "Ryoko-san… do you know the president?"
Ryoko's gaze lingered on him for a moment, as if weighing her response. Then, she shook her head.
"No."
Ryuu frowned. It wasn't like her to be so brief with answers.
Before he could press further, Shigeru's voice cut through the lingering silence.
"Everyone, take your belongings and step out of the tent. We're leaving for Mont Blanc."
His calm but commanding voice snapped everyone into motion. Akiko silently followed him out, adjusting the strap of her bag.
Ryuu turned to grab his own bag, but as he did, his eyes landed on Seichii.
The young man sat on a chair, deep in thought, his face shadowed in contemplation. He looked… troubled.
Ryuu frowned and walked over, placing a reassuring hand on his friend's shoulder.
"Hey, dude. Why are you so deep in thought? What's on your mind?"
Seichii blinked, seeming to return to reality as he turned his head slightly to look at Ryuu. His expression was difficult to read—there was uncertainty, hesitation, and something else… worry.
"Haa… It's you," he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. He looked down again, his thoughts clearly still tangled.
Ryuu crouched beside him, his brows furrowing. "What happened? You look completely out of it."
Seichii's eyes flickered toward a small figure curled up on a chair nearby. Zanu, the little girl who had become an unexpected but cherished part of their group, was sleeping soundly, her tiny chest rising and falling in peaceful rhythm.
"I don't know if it's really okay to take Zanu with us," Seichii admitted, his voice lower than usual. He clenched his hands into fists, his frustration evident. "It's only been a few weeks since she's been with us, but just the thought of her getting hurt… it makes my heart feel unstable."
There it was—the source of his turmoil.
Ryuu sighed, understanding Seichii's dilemma. It wasn't just about their mission anymore. They had someone fragile, someone precious with them now. And the world they were heading into was anything but kind.
"There's no need to worry, Seichii-kun."
A new voice entered the conversation, calm yet firm. Both Ryuu and Seichii turned to see Masumi standing behind them, her posture steady and composed. She stepped closer, her every motion exuding quiet confidence.
"No matter what happens, I will protect Za-chan," she declared, her eyes holding an unshakable determination.
Her words carried weight, but there was something deeper behind them. She hesitated for a moment, then spoke again, her voice softer this time.
"After being with her all this time… there's this feeling that I don't fully understand yet. But I know one thing for sure." She glanced at Zanu, warmth filling her gaze. "When I'm with her, it makes my heart feel at ease."
As soon as the words left her mouth, she seemed to realize how blunt she had been. Her cheeks reddened slightly, and she looked away, flustered.
Ryuu and Seichii exchanged a glance before small smiles appeared on their faces.
Seichii exhaled and stood up, walking toward Masumi.
"Sengoku-kun!"
A new voice interrupted them, making them all turn in surprise.
Standing in front of Masumi was Rika, her eyes filled with determination.
"Ozawa-san…?" Seichii blinked at her in confusion.
"I heard everything you said," Rika stated firmly. "And I want to help you."
The group was stunned. Since the Inter-Division Battle, Rika had barely spoken to them. Now, she was suddenly volunteering to help?
"Help me… but how?" Seichii asked, still trying to process the sudden turn of events.
"I'm an Array Deployer," Rika explained. "It's certain that I'll remain far from the front lines during battle. If Zanu-chan stays with me, she'll be safer than anywhere else."
A thoughtful silence followed.
Masumi frowned slightly, her expression betraying her unhappiness at Rika's sudden involvement. But before she could say anything, Ryoko stepped forward.
"Let's do it."
Everyone turned to her in surprise.
"It's better for Zanu to stay as far from the front lines as possible," Ryoko stated, her sharp gaze settling on the sleeping girl. "We don't know what kind of dangers we'll be facing out there."
Seichii was quiet for a moment before nodding. "If Ryoko-san is fine with it, then let's go with it. Masumi, if you come with us, it'll be harder for you to protect both us and Zanu."
Masumi looked at him, then lowered her gaze. "…If everyone's fine with it, I have no objections."
"Then it's settled," Rika said with a bright smile. "I'll take care of Zanu-chan."
"Alright, everyone," Ryoko announced. "Pack your bags. We're heading to Mont Blanc!"
As they stepped outside, they were met with an unexpected sight.
A massive crowd stood before them, eyes burning with anticipation and determination. At the front, Rosalie grinned widely.
"Everyone!! Let's head to Mont Blanc!"
A deafening roar of agreement followed.
Ryuu clenched his fist, a fierce smile forming on his lips.
(Mont Blanc, here we come…!)