Amid their mutual surprise, Cecilia arrived at the lounge in the Imaginary Tree.
"Eek, you look surprised?"
"Ah... yes. I originally thought the place where the Flame-Chasers gathered would be more solemn and dignified. I didn't expect there to be so many homely areas."
"This was my idea. Sometimes, a little remodeling can add quite a bit of cohesion to a team. Work isn't everything in life, after all. Every now and then, we need to gather together and have some relaxed, pleasant conversations."
Cecilia looked around, but didn't see a third person.
"What is it, Cecilia? You can ask me anything. When faced with a beautiful girl, I have no right to refuse, after all."
"Elysia, why haven't I seen anyone else besides you, even in the place where the Flame-Chasers gather?"
Elysia smiled faintly. "Oh my, I'm actually a curious child just like you. I like taking the initiative and having wonderful encounters with outsiders. My companions are still waiting deeper inside for your arrival."
"Everything you see here is a scene woven together from the memories of the thirteen of us. If you regard the Imaginary Tree as an Ark existing after the arrival of the apocalypse, then we who exist here are the masts and sails that allow it to voyage onward. Not one of us can be missing."
"I see. So that means I'll have to keep exploring if I want to meet the remaining... Flame-Chasers one by one."
"Mm, that's right. You seem to have found your motivation. Have you found a goal? Generally speaking, with Kevin absent, Gray Serpent makes the judgment and allows those with the qualifications to enter this place to seek the truth or resolve the questions in their hearts. But you and the outsiders who come after you were