The scorching summer seemed to have left along with the Phoenix Festa's conclusion, ushering in a gradual chill across Asterisk.
The long summer break had come to an end. Summer had departed resolutely, and autumn had quietly arrived.
With the Phoenix Festa over, Asterisk's population had significantly decreased. Tourists left one after another, while students who had gone home for the holidays returned to the city, preparing for the start of a new semester.
Around this time next year, the Gryps Festa, held in autumn, would take place. By then, Asterisk would undoubtedly become just as lively as before.
But that was a year away. It had nothing to do with Kaiser, who had concluded his life experience in this world and was about to leave.
He had already made his preparations—once the new semester began, he would end his time in this world and return to the Fantasy Library.
However, before that, he had one last thing to do.
Asterisk – Central Administrative District
In the heart of Asterisk, within the central administrative district, stood one of the tallest skyscrapers in the city.
This was the Phoenix Festa Operations Headquarters—the Tournament Operations Committee's main office.
On this day, Kaiser and Kirin Toudou had come here together after receiving an invitation to meet at the top floor of this massive skyscraper.
This was the private office of Madiath Mesa, Chairman of the Tournament Operations Committee.
"Welcome to both of you. Please, have a seat."
Seated on a comfortable couch, Madiath Mesa greeted the two of them with a polite nod, inviting them to sit across from him.
At first glance, the room resembled the Seidoukan Academy student council office, boasting a vast space, an entire glass wall offering a panoramic view of Asterisk, and luxurious furnishings of the highest quality.
The moment Kirin Toudou entered, she visibly tensed up, clearly uneasy in such an intimidating setting.
Kaiser, on the other hand, remained calm and composed. While he wouldn't say he felt at home, he was certainly far from nervous, even when facing a high-ranking executive of the Integrated Enterprise Foundation.
"I apologize for keeping you both waiting."
Despite his position, Madiath Mesa showed no arrogance, maintaining his pleasant demeanor as he addressed them.
"I should have arranged for an immediate meeting with the champions of this year's Phoenix Festa, but post-tournament affairs required a great deal of time to sort out. It was only today that I was able to invite you both here. That is our failing, and I sincerely ask for your understanding."
With that, Madiath Mesa bowed his head slightly, offering his apology.
"Pl-please, there's no need for that! I wasn't bothered by it at all…!"
Clearly flustered, Kirin Toudou immediately stood up, stumbling over her words as she waved her hands in a panic.
Because her uncle, Toudou Kouichirou, was an employee of the Integrated Enterprise Foundation, she was not completely unfamiliar with its people. However, Madiath Mesa held a position far above her uncle's, and instinctively, she felt an overwhelming sense of reverence toward him—resulting in excessive nervousness.
"Haha, there's no need to be so tense. Just relax."
Seeing this, Madiath Mesa chuckled, then said:
"I was once a Seidoukan Academy student myself. In fact, you could even consider me your senior. So there's no need to dwell on my current position—just treat me as a former student of Seidoukan Academy."
This was not a secret.
Not only Kaiser, but even Kirin Toudou had heard about it before.
Madiath Mesa had indeed once been a student of Seidoukan Academy. Like Kaiser and Kirin, he had competed in the Phoenix Festa and had even won, becoming the champion of his time.
After claiming victory, Madiath Mesa had used his champion's wish to secure a position in the Integrated Enterprise Foundation.
His wish had been granted, and through years of effort, he had climbed the ranks to reach his current status.
In a sense, it was a truly inspiring story.
"Come, have a seat. Let's discuss this slowly."
Madiath Mesa gestured for Kirin to sit back down before getting to the main topic.
"The reason I invited you both here today is to discuss the wishes you wish to have granted as champions."
At these words, Kirin immediately reacted.
It was a long-standing rule—the winners of the Phoenix Festa were entitled to make a wish, which the Integrated Enterprise Foundation would fulfill.
For Kirin, this wish was the entire reason she had entered the Phoenix Festa.
Now that she had finally won, she was eager to see her wish fulfilled.
"I-is there… any problem with my wish?"
Instead of relaxing, Kirin Toudou became even more nervous, gripping her hands so tightly that her knuckles turned white.
Seeing this, Kaiser, who had remained silent until now, couldn't help but sigh.
He reached out and took Kirin's hand.
Kirin immediately clutched his hand back, her grip surprisingly strong, a clear indication of how anxious she was.
"Of course, there is no problem at all."
Madiath Mesa maintained his gentle tone, smiling as he reassured her.
"While the Integrated Enterprise Foundation is not omnipotent, and we cannot grant absurd or impossible wishes, simply freeing your father is a trivial matter."
The champions of the Phoenix Festa could make any wish, but there were limitations.
For example, anything too extreme, too unethical, or too detrimental to society would not be granted. Even in this profit-driven era, the Integrated Enterprise Foundation had to consider the consequences of its actions.
Wishes that violated human rights, endangered society, or posed a serious threat to the foundation's reputation were outright rejected.
However, Kirin's wish was simply to have her father released from prison—a small request that posed no real challenge to the Integrated Enterprise Foundation.
Thus—
"We've already completed the necessary paperwork. The release process is already in motion. If you'd like, we can even provide top-tier lawyers to reopen the case and have your father officially acquitted on the grounds of self-defense, ensuring he won't face any societal backlash."
Madiath Mesa spoke casually, as if it were nothing at all, but his words made Kirin's eyes widen in shock.
And then—
She trembled with emotion.
Finally…
She would see her father again!
"Congratulations, Kirin."
At last, Kaiser spoke, genuinely happy for her.
"Thank you… Thank you, senpai!"
Kirin Toudou struggled to keep her emotions in check.
Her eyes overflowed with gratitude as she gazed at Kaiser.
If not for him, she never could have become Phoenix Festa champion.
Everything had been made possible by him.
It was all thanks to him.
As this realization sank in, Kirin squeezed his hand even tighter.
Had they not been in such a formal setting, with others present, she might have thrown herself into his arms.
Since winning the Phoenix Festa, the distance between them had completely vanished.
Recently, she had unconsciously started to act even more affectionate toward him, to the point where Kaiser often felt overwhelmed.
If not for the age difference, and the fact that he was technically a full cycle older than her, he might have already made a mistake by now.
"And as for your wish, Kaiser…"
Madiath Mesa, pretending not to notice the subtle exchange between the two, turned to Kaiser with a smile.
"Your request was also approved. Everything you asked for has been delivered."
Saying this, Madiath Mesa reached for a box beside him.
It looked like a secure case, akin to a briefcase or a safe.
"This box has your biometric data registered. As long as you authenticate with your Seidoukan Academy school badge, you'll be able to unlock it."
He pushed the box toward Kaiser.
"We've provided the maximum quantity we could allocate. Any more would disrupt ongoing research and development. I hope you understand."
However—
Kaiser ignored that last part.
His eyes were locked onto the box, filled with undeniable anticipation.