"He's the last thing I have to hold on to after losing everything. If he dies, I'll lose myself too. So let me go."
After hearing her out, Mikie's gaze sharpened.
"...Even if I said I'd bite my tongue and kill myself if you went, would you still go?"
"..."
Origami studied Mikie in silence for a moment, then slowly spoke.
"You wouldn't do that."
"...! Please don't underestimate me! I care about you that much too, Origami—"
"Because you know it would make me sad."
"...!"
Mikie's eyes widened. Then she lowered her head and covered her face, as though wiping away tears.
"...It's so frustrating. I'm so jealous of him, having you speak about him like that."
She sighed softly and raised her head.
"...There's no stopping you, is there?"
"No."
"You're going even without a weapon?"
"Yes."
At Origami's answer, Mikie smiled sadly. She quickly dressed and got out of the hospital bed.
"...I understand. If you're that determined, I can't stop you. But I can't let you throw your life away for nothing...
I don't know if it'll work, but I have an idea. Please come with me."
"An idea...?"
Origami tilted her head in puzzlement, then followed Mikie.
After Kurumi's true self left, the explosions and gunfire outside the building continued.
The fighting outside was still fierce.
Lingmeng turned to Mana and asked,
"Mana, do you know which room the Spirits are being held in?"
Mana nodded confidently.
"Of course. DEM has a room specifically for imprisoning Spirits. Just follow me, Lingmeng."
"That's reassuring."
Lingmeng scratched her cheek.
With Mana knowing the way, things would be much easier.
She had been planning to search with her abilities, but now she wouldn't have to.
Scarlet Lycoris
"Well, let's head straight up, then."
Mana gave a