Boom-!
As the towering flames bloomed in his pupils, it felt as though his soul had been utterly torn apart in that instant and plunged into an endless abyss.
It was as if, in a single instant, he had returned to that night all those years ago. Dark Night City crumbled inch by inch before his eyes, and those familiar faces, those he cherished and had sworn to protect for the rest of his life, turned to countless ashes in the Great Cataclysm that consumed Dark Night City.
Because he had secretly sworn an oath in his heart.
Because it was only then that he had realized how much this great family meant to him.
Because some things...
Could only be cherished once you had lost them.
"Lynn, do you still remember our ideals? We're here to heal this scarred land. Even if we descend into Hell, we must still do what angels should do! You may not be an angel, but your Matriarch is, and you're her Reserve Corps Night Doctor! That makes this responsibility all the more yours to bear. Understood?"
"Son-in-Law! When are you going to marry my Xiao Xiao?"
"You're a great big liar. You don't just toy with people's souls, you deceive their hearts, too. But since I've already decided to be your right-hand companion, please take me with you whenever you do something dangerous."
"Hey!! This vampire isn't slacking off! It's just that every one of you is getting stronger like a lunatic. At least give a less talented vampire a little room to breathe!! You think I'll desert again?!! Never! This vampire will n-never, ever do that again!!"
Countless images flashed before his eyes, those memories, all that he had cherished...
All of it...
"Aaaaaaah!!!"
At that moment, he finally threw his head