Blue Archive: Miracle's End

Withering Ties

" U-Ugh... I hate that I still have to be lumped with you, but it's reassuring to have someone who's too stupid to be scared of ghosts..."

" Who are you calling stupid, stupid! Uzawa Reisa is everyone's SUPERSTAR! Mere ghosts and monsters are nothing as long as she outshines them all!"

" Yep. She's stupid alright..."

The first pair: Uzawa Reisa and Kurosaki Koyuki ventured inside the maze with Koyuki clinging to Reisa's arm as she leads the way with a stoic stature. Reisa claimed she was not afraid at the prospect of encountering ghosts at the forest, but in reality, she was just as afraid as the other girl clinging onto her.

"We've been walking for almost half an hour! Are you sure you know where we're going? This is why I hate mazes!" Koyuki exclaimed, tightening her grip on Reisa's arm.

"When faced with a maze of many paths, remember: right is always the right way!" Reisa declared confidently. "We just need to keep going right until we find our way out!"

"Right is the right way, huh? I guess that makes sense... nihaha," Koyuki said, nervously chuckling as she swallowed. "I may have underestimated you, Uzawa Reisa. You're definitely a reliable partner! A real SUPERSTAR!"

"Hehe, that's what I do! Now let's hurry and get out of this maze first to impress everyone!"

"NIHAHAHA! Let's give Sensei a real shock!"

***

Miyu and Azusa were both well-trained in navigating challenging terrain, especially deep within a forest. Together, they shared bright ideas to find their way out of the maze.

They could have easily escaped before anyone else, but Azusa had a different plan in mind.

"I-I found the exit! It's exactly at one o'clock from where I'm standing. I-If we keep going in that direction, we should be out in about ten minutes..."

"Great job, Bunny Black. I'll keep an eye out for Sensei and the other students. I'll let you know if I spot them,"

"C-Copy that, Twin-Tail Doll..."

The two students perched on tree branches, with Miyu focused on locating the maze's exit while Azusa kept watch for Sensei. Before making their plans, Azusa had suggested joining Sensei's group instead of heading straight for the exit, and Miyu had readily agreed.

"It's a shame I didn't get to partner up with Sensei, but no opportunity is lost as long as we stay determined," Azusa said.

"T-That's true. W-We can still spend time with him during this event if we bump into each other..." Miyu nodded reluctantly. "I still need to thank him for doing my hair. I really like the ponytail he gave me..."

"...My twin-tails are better."

***

"Ugh... This whole maze thing is such a drag. At this point, I'd rather encounter an actual ghost just for some excitement," Fubuki sighed as she walked alongside Kisaki.

"The concept of spirits is merely folklore, created by people to explain their nonsensical beliefs. If we encounter any 'ghosts' during this event, they're likely just staff members in costume," Kisaki replied with a nonchalant demeanor, leaving Fubuki looking oddly at her.

"Great, so now I'm paired up with a little girl who talks like a grandma..."

They spent the next minute walking in silence, realizing that engaging in conversation with Kisaki was far worse than simply ignoring each other. Kisaki seemed perfectly content with the quiet, her expression unchanged.