The End?

It was a tall man who was about 20 years old.

He was characterized by dim silver hair and rusty eyes.

Although his expression and behavior were very gentle, his body was emitting the strange atmosphere that he couldn't completely hide.

"──Long time no see, Spirit. I've wanted to see you."

"..."

Mio let out a sullen expression. However, the man did not take heed towards that and simply redirected his attention to Shinji.

"This is our first time meeting, isn't it boy. Thank you so much for protecting

our Spirit. I really appreciate it. Of course, we've prepared a corresponding gift in return."

The man let out a light smile while speaking.

Hearing these words that resembled as if one was treating a pet, he could not help but raise his voice.

"What are you playing at──"

However.

"──We are currently protecting your sister. Let's return to each other everything to the correct path."

"Wha...!?" "..."

Hearing what the man had just said, Shinji and Mio both stood breathless for an instant.

"You bastard! If you try to do anything to Mana, I will never forgive you...!"

"Huh? So that girl is called Mana. Haha, looks like my joke was useful after all. It seems that there was not without reason that the Spirit drifted into your hands."

While not understanding of anything being wrong, the man openly laughed.

Of course, he may have been lying about abducting Mana.

However, his frantic behavior and numerous subordinates likely meant he wasn't kidding.

Having probably guessed the same thing as Shinji, Mio stepped forward with a sullen expression.

"...Promise me that if I go with you, you'll return Mana."

"Ah, of course."

"Mio!?"

He let out a surprised voice.

However, Mio slowly turned around.

"...It's alright. Originally, I am an existence that shouldn't have appeared here. I can't afford to put Mana in danger because of me. ──Even if it was short, I was happy to be with you."

"──, …...."

From the depth of his throat, he let out an inaudible sound. Mio gently smiled before walking towards the men.

However──

"...Don't joke about that...!"

With strength infused to his trembling body, Shinji rushed to grab Mio's hand in order to take her to quickly escape.

"! Wait!" "Scoundrel──"

Left in a panic, the pursuers took out their guns and began shooting; sparks flew as their bullets ricocheted against the wall.

"What are you──"

"You idiot. Do you really think that these guys are trustworthy!? Even if

they've got you, there's no guarantee they won't kill me or Mana afterwards!"

"...! That's──"

"As long as your still here with me, they won't be able to lay a hand on Mana! In any case ──let's rethink our position. Recapture Mana while also continuing to let Mio to live happily. That is the best route!"

Shinji was screaming while running.

Mio opened her eyes with a feeling of relief.

"...! Un...!"

However──at that very instant.

"──Oh my, how troubling. I wasn't intending to lie."

From the corner of his vision, he saw the figure of a man holding a large caliber gun.

Shinji felt a scalding feeling come from his chest.

"Ah────?"

After a single pulse, he understood that he had just been shot.

Severe pain.

The vibrations transmitted throughout his body made it impossible to breathe.

Suddenly, his legs went limp as he collapsed on the spot.

Slowly, slowly, he felt the feeling of being soaked by a lukewarm puddle.

"──!? ──!"

Mio was saying something, desperately shouting something.

But soon, even those voices could no longer be heard.