The Promise

Dressed in a school uniform-inspired outfit and carrying a small handbag, Firefly looked like a freshman at Penacony Paperfold University, her face showing a mix of nervousness and anticipation.

The nervousness stemmed from the worry that she wouldn't look good in the dress, while the anticipation was for Sera's opinion of how she would perceive her in it.

"It looks great."

Unlike in the game, the girl's youthful and beautiful figure, and her shy and timid appearance, are exceptionally cute. However... the Firefly is really big.

"Is that so..."

A gentle smile appeared on Firefly's face.

This is the first time I've ever worn clothes like this; it makes me look like... a student?

If I had the chance, I'd really like to live an ordinary, mundane life, in a world without Path, as a... student.

"Hmm, perhaps... such a world exists?"

There will always be a world like this, except that there is no Sera.

"Will I meet you in that world...?"

Firefly blinked, and Sera fell silent under the expectant gaze of Firefly.

"Perhaps."

In the end, Sera couldn't bring himself to shatter the girl's expectations, but he didn't lie either, choosing instead to give an ambiguous answer.

"Then... I hope there will be fireworks on our first night together."

Hehe~

Sera couldn't help but shake her head and chuckle softly.

"I remember how wary you were when we first met."

"After all... your sudden appearance was really suspicious~"

Firefly walked side by side with Sera down the street, her hands behind her back, turning to look at Sera with a sweet smile.

"And now?"

Sera raised an eyebrow.

"Now--

I wish I had met you sooner.

Firefly whispered their stories.

"..."

Sera stopped in her tracks.

"All of this felt to me like a dream even more fantastical than Penacony, so beautiful it was almost unreal."

Although I know very well that I didn't dream before, I'm so scared that it's just my imagination.

You gave me the ability to live, and stayed with me... doing things I never thought I could do even in a single day.

Firefly held up her fingers, counting each one carefully for Sera. Her eyes sparkled, like a little child holding a jar of candy and counting the candies.

"What... have you been doing all this time?"

"Hmm... I'm helping out everywhere using the Galaxy Rangers ' internal communications."

Honest kid, can't you give yourself some time?

well...

Sera shook her head. Never mind that for now; getting things done here is the most important thing.

"How about we go check out Aideen Park?"

Sera extended an invitation.

Okay~

Without hesitation, Firefly agreed to Sera's suggestion.

How about we try our luck?

Sera pointed to the lottery machine and turned to look at Firefly.

"Well... I'll give it a try."

Although Firefly didn't think she could win the grand prize, because Firefly believed she had used up all her luck to meet Sera.

The first time, just like what Firefly had imagined, it was only the most ordinary participation prize.

Firefly shook her head.

"I guess I won't win the prize after all."

"Everyone has three chances to win, so don't be so quick to doubt yourself."

Sera stretched out two fingers.

"Try twice more."

"Good."

Second time, second prize.

A hint of surprise appeared in Firefly's eyes.

The third time.

Sera's eyes flickered.

"Wow!"

With a look of surprise, Firefly held up the small ball in her hand and presented it to Sera.

"Sera, look! I won the grand prize..."

When you're out having fun, the most important thing is to have a good time.

Sera has definitively decided that the third reward for Firefly will be the grand prize.

"I saw it! Firefly are amazing!"

Hehe~

Firefly scratched the back of her head sheepishly.

Today is her lucky day; Firefly never imagined that these things could happen to her.

I truly hope that every day from now on... will be this wonderful.

But Firefly knew very well that her years of experience as Galaxy Rangers had taught her that being able to get through a day peacefully was the greatest fortune most ordinary people in this galaxy could have in a day.

Moreover, the future is destined not to be a peaceful and pleasant daily life; the threat of "the Finality" still hangs high over the heads of all living beings in the galaxy.

"Let's go."

Firefly wore a carefree smile.

"I already feel very happy to be able to experience this kind of life even a little bit."

For such a wonderful and happy life, I know there are things that only I can do waiting for me to accomplish.

Only by giving up my current life can everyone in the world still have this kind of life.

There's no need to be in such a hurry...

Sera reached out, hesitated, and then sighed.

"Since that's the case, I won't stop you."

Sera respected Firefly's thoughts and actions.

"Go do what you want to do. With me here, everything will be fine."

"Yes, I believe you."

After hesitating for a moment, Firefly made her last request.

"After everything is over, can you stay with me like this again?"

"Certainly."

"Then let's pinky swear."

Firefly extended her right little finger, and Sera smiled and extended her own right little finger as well.

"Pinky promise, a hundred years from now, never to be broken."

Although Sera didn't know why this phrase also existed in this galaxy, not knowing it didn't stop them from using it.

"Firefly and I have taken care of what we needed to do. How about your side?"

"Following Chairman Louis Fleming's orders, the company's main fleet is ready and awaits your instructions."

Aventurine's voice came through the communication channel.

"The Astral Express is ready to depart at any time."

"I will take the Astral Express for rapid support on the battlefield," Himeko and Sunday's voices rang out one after the other.

"The Galaxy Rangers are all ready!"

Boothill gave a thumbs up.

Although no one else is needed, Sera can handle the Iron Tomb by herself.

"Then... let's set off."

Amphoreus ' coordinates appeared on everyone's communication devices.

"Amphoreus, who has nothing..."

well..."

Khaslana, the fire-stealer in vain.

It doesn't matter, Khaslana, everything you've done won't be in vain.

Slipping through its disguised shell, Amphoreus revealed its true form to the crowd.

"Gentlemen, how have you been?"

Lygus's phantom image was projected into the spaceship's main control room, where he gracefully bowed to the crowd.

"But the experiment is not over yet, so please wait a moment."

"Lycurgus, the visitor from outside the cave is standing before you. Aren't you going to welcome me?"

"... oh?"

(PS: Let me reorganize the ideas in this book.)