The Pan Xing Cult's hideout.
It was hidden on the second basement level of an abandoned shopping mall.
Suguru Geto's body lay in a wooden coffin in the very center of the room.
Satoru Gojo had returned it to them not long ago.
The lid was open now, revealing Suguru Geto's still, quiet face.
His expression was peaceful, as though he were asleep.
Nanako and Mimiko knelt on either side of the coffin.
Their hands rested on its edges.
"Master Geto, you..."
"You clearly said you'd stay... stay with us forever."
"You said that once everything was over, you'd take us to see the sea."
"You lied!"
"Waaah..."
Larue leaned against the wall behind them, arms crossed, silently watching the coffin.
"I never imagined that Yuta Okkotsu was so strong."
"Even Master Suguru Geto was no match for him!"
Manami stood beside Larue, but her gaze remained on the coffin as she spoke with regret.
Riku leaned against the opposite wall, his eyes lowered and his face expressionless.
Miguel sat on an old wooden crate in the corner.
Several pieces of gauze were still taped to his face, and a conspicuous bruise marked his temple.
Those were the traces left by his battle with Satoru Gojo a few days earlier.
The room remained silent for a long time.
Only Nanako's muffled sobs faintly echoed through the air.
Miguel suddenly spoke.
His voice was not loud, but it was clear enough in the quiet room.
"Have you... heard any rumors these past few days?"
Riku raised his eyes to glance at him without speaking.
Manami turned her head, her gaze settling on Miguel's face.
"What do you mean?"
"Wangchuan."
"Him? What about him?"
"It's been all over the black market these past few days."
"They say he brought two people back