"You're too late."
Yilan adjusted his posture, lying flat on the sedan to make himself more comfortable. The unconscious Ayaka rested against his chest. He glanced at the pink-haired kitsune and offered a bitter smile.
Thanks to the barrier erected by the Divine Priestess of the Eightfold Shrine, there was no risk of outsiders overhearing their conversation.
"You still have the nerve to blame me? It was your plan that failed, wasn't it?" Yae Miko stared at him, her gaze unreadable.
"…Thats true."
After forcibly merging the power of three elements, his personality had grown increasingly cold and extreme—yet Ayaka alone still drew out his gentleness.
So when he'd seen his subordinates binding her in heavy iron shackles, he'd instinctively muttered, "Don't tie her too tightly."
Had those words been the catalyst for this outcome?
Was this fate? Or the world's punishment for his hubris?
Yilan chuckled darkly and turned his eyes skyward.
"Why go to such lengths?" Yae Miko's voice was softer now. "I'd thought we were the same kind of people."
"Who'd share a category with you, you scheming fox?"
A cough wracked his body, blood staining his lips. After a pause, he replied, "What if I told you ending this civil war was a mission I had to fulfill? Or that I love this land more than life itself? Would you believe me?"
Yae Miko shook her head, her expression all the answer he needed.
"Then let's say this: I wanted to create the world she dreams of—one brimming with tenderness and laughter."
He traced Kamisato Ayaka's cheek with trembling fingers, his voice barely above a whisper.
But was this truly the world she desired?
Yae Miko almost asked—yet seeing the way he cradled Ayaka's face, she swallowed the question.
Distant shouts of battle reached them. Yilan stirred. "General… the fighting must be over by now?"
"Indeed. The Raiden Shogun herself led the charge. Governing a nation may not be her strength—her mind is childlike in its simplicity—but warfare? That, she excels at."
"You're really calling our Archon that to my face? Careful, or I'll report you." Yilan's weak laugh dissolved into another cough.
"You won't live long enough to try."
"Ugh, that tongue of yours. Is that any way to speak to a hero?" he grumbled.
For once, the ever-elegant Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine fell silent. A rare stillness settled between them.
Meanwhile—
Raiden Ei and her remaining Shogunate forces cut through the rebel guards at the prison, freeing captured soldiers from both factions. United, the army surged toward the rebel camp like a tidal wave.
Though some rebels had avoided the poisoned alcohol, chaos reigned—comrades collapsed around them, their leader absent, and the Almighty Shogun herself bearing down. Resistance crumbled. The battle ended almost as soon as it began.
"Did we… win?" A Sangonomiya soldier blinked, dazed.
"Of course! With Her Excellency leading us, victory was inevitable!" a Shogunate soldier boasted—though even he felt the triumph had come too easily.
"Victory!"
"We've won!!"
Cheers erupted outside Tenshukaku, shaking the earth. Two soldiers—one Shogunate, one Sangonomiya—embraced in elation before stiffening, realizing their former enmity. Awkward smiles followed, but in that moment, the divide between them seemed to melt like morning frost beneath the sun.
"Long live the Shogun!"
"May Her Excellency reign eternal!"
Cries of reverence rose as one from both armies, praising the name that had brought them peace.
——
"...I hear cheering. Ei must've succeeded," Yilan murmured.
Yae Miko ignored the question. Instead, she knelt beside him. "Do you have any last requests?"
His fingers tangled in Ayaka's snow-white hair. "This child… She'll blame herself when she wakes. Tell her—" A fit of coughing interrupted him.
Miko leaned closer, her fox ears twitching as his fading voice whispered the message. When he finished, she straightened, her usual smirk replaced by solemnity. "I swear upon the Sacred Sakura, I'll deliver your words."
A frown. "There's a girl outside trying to breach the barrier. The Divine Priestess of Watatsumi, Sangonomiya Kokomi. Shall I let her in?"
"Kokomi? Yes."
The barrier parted. Kokomi, mid-attack, stumbled through. Her sharp eyes took in the scene instantly.
She didn't weep like some melodramatic heroine. Instead, tears glistening but unshed, she approached with the dignity of her station and knelt, cradling Yilan's head in her lap.
Perhaps death's proximity softened him, or maybe the elemental fusion's corruption had finally ebbed. His voice regained its old warmth. "I'm sorry… for everything."
Kokomi shook her head. Bowing until her forehead touched his, her tears fell like shattered pearls upon his face. In a voice both priestess and grieving friend, she whispered:
"By the will of Enkanomiya, I, Sangonomiya Kokomi, Divine Priestess of Watatsumi, dedicate myself to you now."
"…Oh?"
Yilan's gaze drifted upward. The noon sun blazed overhead. The distant roars of triumph melded with a half-remembered tune, and as his eyes fluttered shut, he began to hum:
"God save our noble Shogun,
Her light shall never fade.
Let all bask in Her glory,
In peace Her blade has made.
This is my story…
This is my glory."
***
(To clarify and avoid confusion, let me explain: in this chapter's timeline, since the protagonist has ended the simulation, the simulated world overlaps with the real one. As a result, individuals with strong perception, like Raiden Ei, may sense something is off with their memories. Additionally, what is described in this chapter is the actual reality, not a simulation.)
Winter had passed and spring had come, marking the time for the annual festival once again. This year's festival was different from previous years - it served both as a traditional celebration and as a commemoration of the war's end. Many people would be coming to Watatsumi Island for the occasion.
When the festival officially began, Kamisato Ayaka, the 'hero' representing the Shogunate, would sign a peace agreement with Watatsumi Island's 'Divine Priestess' Sangonomiya Kokomi. The Raiden Shogun herself would personally attend to witness the ceremony.
As night deepened, the city grew increasingly lively. Every household hung festive lanterns at their doors, and the streets teemed with people. Children's laughter echoed as they played, while vendors shouted their wares along the bustling streets... The nation's pain had completely faded, replaced by hopeful conversations about the future.
"What a pity! I wanted to challenge the Shogun and witness her unrestrained sword technique. I wanted to show her my determination. Maybe then she'd understand the mistake of the Vision Hunt Decree, and I'd become Inazuma's hero," Manjoume's friend said, hands behind his head with a leaf in his mouth.
"I think our current ending is wonderful," Manjoume replied seriously as they walked through Hanamizaka. "The wind carries the scent of happiness - it's comforting. And if you challenged the Shogun to a duel, you'd definitely die. I don't want that sad ending."
His friend slapped his back and laughed, "I was joking! You're good in every way, but too serious!"
Manjoume stumbled forward from the impact. Looking up, he saw Kujou Sara chasing Arataki Itto down the street. From what he could gather, Itto had lost another beetle battle with local children and was climbing rooftops to find a stronger opponent, with Sara dutifully pursuing the disturbance.
He spotted Thoma, the Kamisato Clan's housekeeper, carrying a delighted little girl on his shoulders. Nearby, Watatsumi's general Gorou stood surrounded by enthusiastic crowds at Yae Publishing House, looking both confused and distressed. The Naganohara Fireworks Shop's little Yoimiya bustled happily near the altar, preparing fireworks for later ignition.
The war's damage proved less severe than anticipated, especially after raiding the rebel leader Yilan's hideout revealed stockpiles of supplies. Under the Shirasagi Himegimi's leadership, the Shogunate distributed these to civilians, who found themselves better provisioned than during peacetime.
—All thanks to the Almighty Shogun and the Shirasagi Himegimi.
"The smell of peace is wonderful..." Manjoume inhaled deeply.
Someone shouted, "Lady Kamisato is giving a speech on stage!" prompting a surge toward the altar.
"Please, everyone," Kamisato Ayaka stood gracefully on the platform, her delicate face makeup-free. She remained as beautiful as ever, yet somehow more pure and innocent. "Before the ceremony begins, I have something to say."
"This past year brought war's hardships to many here. Some lost property, others lost family... I too lost the most important person in my life. These are our most painful memories."
"I once fell into despair's abyss, living as a walking corpse. But someone reminded me - if we survivors remain trapped in grief, doesn't that render meaningless the sacrifices of those who died for our better tomorrow? Aren't we... denying their efforts?"
"So I resolved to stay strong and survive!"
"Memories shouldn't be shackles."
"Memories should motivate us when weary."
"Memories shouldn't cause pain."
"Memories should heal pain."
"Memories aren't burdens - they're traveling packs and crutches. Beautiful memories sustain us through hardship, while the desire to create more drives us forward."
"Today all Inazumans gather here—Watatsumi and Narukami Islanders, followers of the Electro Archon and Watatsumi's deity—united in our desire for peace."
"In every face, I see our future: a world without hierarchy or racial divides, where justice is law and peace our shared aspiration."
"The war is over—forever. Hope's flowers bloom across Inazuma!"
"Today we break suffering's cycle! Sorrow becomes past!"
"Today, hope, dreams and future lie in our hands!"
"Now, let's cheer for this festival and pray to the Electro Archon for lasting peace!"
BOOM!
As Ayaka finished, fireworks rocketed skyward in dazzling displays. Below, the crowd erupted into joyous frenzy, strangers embracing with tears of happiness.
...
"She's truly moved on, growing more mature and strong," Yae Miko remarked from a high loft, eating fried tofu skewers.
"..." No response came beside her.
She elbowed her companion: "Ei, why so quiet?"
"Something feels... off lately," the Shogun said, pressing her forehead uncomfortably.
"Are you ill? With Makoto meditating against erosion, Inazuma needs you to preside over the peace signing."
"I'm fine. I'll go now." The Shogun shook her head and headed for the altar, but suddenly remembered something...
Before her meditation, Makoto had said to wake her if someone's name was mentioned. That name was...
Yilan?!!
Why had she forgotten something so important?
***
Under the Raiden Shogun's witness, Kamisato Ayaka (representing Inazuma) and Sangonomiya Kokomi (representing Watatsumi) signed the peace agreement—originally drafted by Yilan before his departure. It adapted his world's "one country, two systems" concept to local conditions, leaving both sides satisfied.
After the signing, Ayaka declined invitations and went alone to Kannazuka Island's summit. The Kamisato Clan had secured this land to build Yilan's cenotaph.
Kneeling before it, she planted sparking festival fireworks in the ground. From her bosom, she produced a letter, placed it on the fireworks, and lit both. As flames consumed the paper, words turned to ash:
[I hope you're well, brother.]
Are you happy in the next world? I've recovered and moved on.
—So cunning!
Saying things like: "You're my continuation in this world. If you die, nothing I've done matters. My life becomes meaningless."
The victims must struggle to survive...
I've clung to your words as motivation until now. Am I still that immature girl hiding behind you?
Brother, today's festival celebrates the war's end with grander fireworks than ever—yet none compare to the scenery when you were here.
Your plan succeeded brilliantly. Civilian casualties were minimal, and your stockpiles gave everyone a prosperous year.
Watatsumi and Narukami people have set aside prejudices, becoming like family...
This magnificent scene is your creation. Whenever I behold these peaceful lights, I wish you stood beside me to share this joy.
Gorou and Kokomi claim there are doubts about your death. When you passed, your body dissolved into light particles, leaving no corpse...
I know they're comforting me.
But if it's true—if I ever see you again in this world...
A brother who deceives his sister deserves cruel punishment.
I'd lock you in the basement forever...
*Hehehe*—just joking! The elegant Ayaka would never do that!
...but
If, just if...]
Ayaka clutched her brother's last relic, his famed blade, Its steel bearing the nicks of countless battles.
The mind has no form.
If we reduce existence to electrical signals and chemical reactions, perhaps fulfillment means nothing.
Yet this is what humans cling to throughout life.
"Your brother might still live."
Lady Yae's exact words.
She knew this was likely comfort—a reason to keep living.
Yet...
Even with six trillion to one odds, she'd hope for a miracle.
If we ever meet again...
"I'll say what I've been too shy to voice."
Tears glistened as the girl gazed at fireworks, the sword tight in her arms.
"They'll be the world's warmest, sweetest words."
***
"Humph! What farce!"
On a rooftop, a Fatui Skirmisher watched disdainfully.
"I've seen through everything!"
"Oh?" her companion asked.
"This 'war' had almost no civilian casualties—completely unnatural!"
"You mean this was all staged?"
"A play between that man and woman! He started the war; she ended it for fame... What coordination! Their connection runs deep!"
Adjusting her hat to hide complicated eyes, the Skirmisher departed, voice trailing:
"That man isn't dead. We'll meet again—and I'll have my revenge!"