After eliminating Furuta Nimura, Kaguya retrieved virus samples and research data from the ruins of the former experimental facility. This significantly accelerated the progress of virus research, and within a few days, a vaccine that could generate antibodies against the virus was successfully developed.
With the emergence of the specialized vaccine, the government ordered all pharmaceutical manufacturers to work overtime to mass-produce it, ensuring that every citizen in the city could be vaccinated.
At the same time, the CCG-force investigators, along with the alliance troops, launched a sweeping operation to eliminate all remaining ghouls. Any ghoul that refused to accept the vaccine was classified as hostile and targeted for extermination.
This large-scale eradication campaign against the ghoul forces was also supported by numerous independent warrior factions. If the previous efforts had only managed to suppress the mutation strain, then this operation thoroughly crushed the hopes of those who wished to continue spreading the mutation.
Even those who had once sympathized with the ghouls hesitated to voice their support, as the outcome of this battle had become an undeniable turning point.
Although it was impossible to eliminate fear and prejudice toward ghouls in a short period, public acceptance of them had noticeably improved. It was a promising beginning.
Another piece of good news was that ghouls could now consume special nutritional supplements as an alternative food source. These supplements could effectively replace the need for human flesh, allowing ghouls to regain control over their hunger. If a ghoul was able to suppress their cravings, then they could fully integrate into society without causing harm.
This fundamentally changed the nature of the conflict between humans and ghouls. Coexistence was no longer an unattainable dream.
For both humans and ghouls, this was a historic step forward. Ghouls were no longer condemned to being seen as monsters, nor were they destined to be perpetual enemies of humanity. They now had the possibility of peaceful integration into society.
This effect had already been observed in Kurona Yasuhisa and Nashiro Yasuhisa, who had previously consumed Kaguya's blood. Their intense obsession with cake had led to Kaguya's wallet being constantly emptied.
As for how the vaccine was created, Kaguya felt a strong sense of grievance. In order to develop it, she had no idea how much of her own blood she had to donate. She was utterly drained, both physically and mentally, feeling as if her body had been completely hollowed out.
Still, regardless of everything, a path toward coexistence had finally been realized. With this, she could at least rest easy. As for what came next, she didn't want to think about it anymore—whatever happened in the future was no longer her concern.
Another key reason for this newfound stability was Kaguya herself. Her terrifying power was undeniable—she had effortlessly annihilated Furuta Nimura in an instant. Anyone seeking to disrupt the current peace would first have to face her.
Many ghouls had already abandoned their aggressive tendencies and chosen to surrender. The sight of their comrades being mercilessly crushed had shattered any illusions they once had. Faced with the overwhelming reality before them, those who remained defiant had no choice but to reconsider their actions.
Beyond serving as a deterrent, the members of the Anteiku café also took responsibility for maintaining order among the ghoul population. If ghouls wanted to integrate into society, they had to prove their willingness to abide by human rules. Those unwilling to comply were driven out, as there was no longer a place for reckless troublemakers.
After these events, the Fox Fairy's reputation among the people soared to unprecedented heights. Almost every household set up a shrine to worship her, and new Fox Fairy temples sprang up like mushrooms after the rain. Worshippers arrived in endless streams, and the shrine offerings reached astronomical levels.
Those who had never experienced true hardship might not understand, but only those who had faced despair firsthand could truly appreciate how precious peace was.
Standing inside one of the grand shrines, Kaguya gazed up at the magnificent temple halls and the lifelike statues, a faint smirk appearing on her lips.
If things continued like this, it wouldn't be long before she truly became a deity, worshipped by countless followers.
But that had nothing to do with her anymore.
Kaguya put on the fox mask she had taken off, turned around, and slowly walked out of the shrine. The bright sunlight poured down, and the gentle breeze of early spring carried a hint of warmth, refreshing and pleasant. Amid the clamor of morning bells and evening drums, her figure gradually drifted into the distance, eventually vanishing into the air.
"Mommy, Mommy!"
The little boy beside her tugged on the young woman's hand urgently and said, "I think I just saw the Fox Fairy!"
"Where? Where?" The young woman was startled and quickly asked.
"Right over there!"
The young woman followed the direction the boy was pointing, only to find nothing but emptiness.
As the sun set and dusk fell, the night deepened. A bright full moon hung high in the sky, and its flowing moonlight poured down like water, filtering through the window glass and casting a faint glow into the dimly lit room.
Kaguya gently moved away the fair arms wrapped around her waist and the smooth, jade-like legs draped over her lap. Carefully extricating herself from the tangle of soft limbs, she sat up. A sharp, stabbing pain shot through her head, pulling her out of her hazy daze, and the scene before her left her momentarily stunned.
Scattered across the room were several young women, all lying or sitting in various states of disarray, completely unclothed. Their postures weren't exactly elegant, yet they exuded an irresistible allure. Among them were Touka Kirishima and Akira Mado, which didn't surprise her at all—but even Irimi Kaya, Takatsuki Sen and Rize Kamishiro were here.
If it had only been Touka Kirishima and Akira Mado, Kaguya wouldn't have found it strange in the slightest. But why were Kaya, Takatsuki and Rize here as well?
Moreover, like Touka Kirishima, they were also completely bare. Not only that, faint red handprints remained on their skin, their bodies slightly flushed, drenched in sweat, with a lingering mess beneath them glistening faintly. There were even subtle bite marks visible.
What the hell had happened?
After struggling to recall for a long time, the still-groggy Kaguya finally remembered. Last night, she had planned to bid them farewell and tell them everything about her situation. But before she could even finish speaking, she was forcibly dragged off to drink. Given Kaguya's weak alcohol tolerance, the result was obvious.
As for what happened after that, she had no recollection. The only remnants in her mind were vague, fleeting impressions—something significant had occurred. Did she…
The realization made Kaguya's head throb with dark lines, and the corner of her mouth twitched.
Seriously, such a precious memory being a complete blank in her mind—this was truly regrettable. Especially for someone like Kaguya, who possessed the soul of an "H" enthusiast, this was utterly unacceptable.
Should she take advantage of the moment and go for another round?
The sharp pain stabbing through her head made her abandon that tempting thought. Besides, it was about time for her to leave.
As Kaguya stepped out for some fresh air, she unexpectedly found a petite figure leaning against the wall outside the door, faintly visible under the dim glow of the lanterns.
"Hinami?" Kaguya turned her head and asked in surprise.
The one leaning against the wall outside the door was indeed Hinami.
"It's so late—what are you doing here?" Kaguya walked over and asked in astonishment.
"Are you… leaving?" Hinami asked softly, her head lowered.
"Who told you that?" Kaguya asked, taken aback.
"They already told me." Hinami replied quietly.
Kaguya was momentarily stunned but quickly understood. Considering how sharp they all were, it wouldn't make sense if they hadn't figured it out. Besides, she had already hinted at it to Kaya before—it wouldn't be surprising if they had pieced everything together.
After all, the strength and actions Kaguya had displayed didn't quite fit within the bounds of this world. They probably realized that their separation was imminent.
"So, you really are leaving?" Hinami, seeing Kaguya remain silent, hurriedly grabbed her hand and asked, "Can't you stay?"
Kaguya shook her head, reached out to gently pat Hinami's head, and smiled. "I was never truly part of this world to begin with. I came here with a mission, and now that my task is complete, it's time for me to leave."
"Mission?" Hinami was momentarily stunned. She lifted her head, her beautiful eyes blinking with curiosity. "What kind of mission?"
"It's nothing too complicated," Kaguya smiled faintly and said. "Just to ensure that the ghouls and humans wouldn't end up completely wiping each other out, to help create a small window of possibility where coexistence could exist. Though there are still many obstacles ahead, at least a small hope remains."
"I-Is that so…" Hinami murmured, pressing her lips together.
"There's no performance that never ends. Meetings and partings—they're inevitable," Kaguya said, gazing at the countless stars scattered across the night sky. "So, don't dwell on it too much. Who knows? Maybe we'll meet again someday."
"Which also means… there's a chance we'll never see each other again, right?" Hinami asked in a low voice.
Kaguya remained silent, gently running her fingers through Hinami's silky hair without saying a word. To others, she might seem like an all-powerful existence, but who truly knew that she was just a small boat adrift on the currents, unable to control her own fate?
She didn't know what tomorrow would bring, nor what the future held.
So if it was for Hinami's sake, it was better not to make any promises. Rather than letting her cling to a wish that might never come true, it was kinder to let her give up from the start. That would be better for her in the long run.
Suddenly, the silent Hinami lifted her head and said seriously, "Just now… you said your mission was to ensure ghouls and humans wouldn't annihilate each other, right?"
"Hm? What about it?" Kaguya was slightly taken aback and asked, puzzled. She wasn't sure what Hinami was getting at.
"If… I'm just saying if," Hinami bit her lip, steeling her resolve, "if humans and ghouls truly found a way to coexist, would you… not leave?"
Kaguya was momentarily stunned before understanding what was happening. Was she really willing to go to such an extreme just to try and make her stay?
Looking at Hinami's anxious face, Kaguya felt deeply moved. Then, she reached out and flicked her forehead.
"Ah! Ouch, ouch!"
"Foolishness." Kaguya chuckled and tapped her forehead again, saying, "If I stayed, wouldn't all my previous efforts have been for nothing?"
"That's so unfair!" Hinami pouted, rubbing her forehead, and looked up at her with dissatisfaction. "You clearly want to stay too, so why can't you just follow your heart?"
"I don't need a little kid like you lecturing me," Kaguya replied. "Things are far more complicated than you think. Even if I explained, you probably wouldn't understand. Some things are beyond our control—just because you want to do something doesn't mean you can. Most of the time, we are forced to make compromises."
"Is that so?" Hinami muttered in disappointment.
"But," Kaguya smiled, "it's not entirely hopeless. Maybe one day, I'll come back to see you all."
"Really?" Hinami asked in surprise.
"Of course," Kaguya said. "When that day comes, be sure to treat me well. I'm really looking forward to your coffee."
"Mmm!" Hinami nodded firmly.
Suddenly, Kaguya's expression froze for a moment before she turned around with a smile and said, "Looks like it's time. I have to go now."
"So soon?" Hinami was caught off guard, her voice filled with urgency.
"I'd like to say no, but yes, it really is. It seems we have to say goodbye now. Be sure to let Touka and the others know." Kaguya gently patted her head with a smile.
Just moments ago, she had received the system's task notification—her mission was now complete, and the achievement points had already been credited. As for her, it was time to leave this world.
"Wait, just a moment!" Hinami hurriedly called out. Before she even finished speaking, she let go of Kaguya's hand and dashed toward her room.
Watching Hinami's small figure disappear into the distance, Kaguya paused for a moment but said nothing. Instead, she turned her gaze toward the bright full moon outside the window. The cool early spring breeze drifted in, stirring the curtains and ruffling her mist-like, waterfall-like silver hair.
When Hinami returned, panting heavily as she struggled to carry a large box out of her room, she froze at the sight before her. Her eyes turned red, and tears welled up.
"Wait… wait!"
The silver-haired girl by the window was gradually dissolving into countless points of starlight, disappearing bit by bit. In just a short while, only her upper body remained. Under the moonlight, the silver-haired girl saw her arrive, curved her lips into a warm smile, and then, under the cold glow of the moon, vanished into the dark night.
Hinami collapsed to the ground in shock, her vacant eyes staring ahead. The box in her hands slipped and fell to the floor, spilling its contents—countless colorful, neatly folded paper cranes.
"How… how could this happen…" she murmured.
At that moment, a gust of wind blew in, lifting the colorful paper cranes into the air.
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