Melody of the Holoverse

Episode 12: When Pages Gather

"Are you certain about this?"

"With all due respect, ma'am, you've asked me six times already. The answer's not changing."

"I just want you to be fully aware of what you're getting yourself into. Where we're sending you, we know very little about. All attempts of reconnaissance failed upon entry. We suspect the dense concentration of vitality is to blame—levels that far surpass anything here." A pause. "There's a good chance you're going into a world of gods themselves, where miracles are the standard, not the exception.

"It goes without saying: This job will be dangerous. And since we can't risk having your identity revealed, you'll be on your own. It'll be up to you to find your own way back. Should you die—and there is a strong chance you may—you'll be all alone. With all that on the table, do you still wish to proceed with this mission?"

The agent didn't flinch. "Yes."

The boss searched for the faults, unable to find a single one.

"All right. In that case, you know what you need to do. Use the capsules to contain the essences once you've acquired them. And once you have them all in your possession, come back here. As I've said, It'll be up to you to find a way to return."

"Understood, ma'am. I won't let you down."

"I know you won't. There's a reason why I came to you first."

* * *

So many scents, so many delectable aromas, swirling gently into her nostrils, urging her taste buds to dance and her saliva to pour.

Just enough to wake her up.

Slowly, her systems blinked back to life, and the lunar dragon reclaimed her consciousness.

She took refuge in a small hut, her body supported by a surprisingly comfy straw bed.

I'm . . . alive?

She pinched her cheek.

A light sting.

Er, that's for dreaming, isn't it?

Instead, she brought her fingers to her wound, which, last time she checked, had nearly emptied out completely. As of now, however, the bleeding had stopped, the wound now rugged with real stitches.

Looks like I'm still kicking. Not as good as 049, but at least the blood will stay in me.

Selen stared up at the ceiling.

Last night sure was something.

* * *

"Senpai! Senpai!"

Victoria wouldn't stop crying.

"Holy shit!" the dragon hollered. "Please! You're gonna make me bleed out!"

Luckily, the indigo knight listened, letting go of her beloved as she wiped her eyes.

"Sorry, Senpai," she said. "I'm just . . . so happy. After Millie-senpai and Enna-senpai sold us out, I thought you were finished. I mean, your death was all over the papers." The emotions wouldn't hold. "Senpai!"

Again with the bear-grip hug.

"All right! All right!" Selen bellowed. "I get it. I was dead and now I'm not! Just let go already!"