Early Morning
A cold wind moves through the settlement.
The fire is gone.
Only ash remains.
The Group Gathers Again
No one speaks at first.
Because something changed last night.
Hiroto Stands Quietly
Eyes sharper now.
Not confused anymore—
Just aware.
Tamagichi Steps Forward
"…You've seen something you weren't meant to."
Akari Frowns Slightly
"…You've said that already."
Tamagichi Looks at Her Briefly
"…And you still don't understand it."
That Shuts It Down
Kenzaku Speaks Instead
"…Then explain it."
A Long Pause
Tamagichi Looks at All of Them
Measuring.
Deciding.
Then—
"…There are levels to this world."
Silence Falls Instantly
Hiroto Watches Closely
"…Levels…?"
Tamagichi Continues
"…What you've been fighting…"
A pause.
"…That's the surface."
Akari Crosses Her Arms
"…And below that?"
Tamagichi's Eyes Sharpen
"…Something that doesn't play by your rules."
Kenzaku's Expression Hardens Slightly
"…The ones behind the ruins."
Tamagichi Nods Once
"…Yes."
Yui Speaks Quietly
"…How many are there…?"
A Small Pause
Tamagichi Answers
"…Enough to erase everything you know."
That Lands Heavy
Hiroto Steps Forward Slightly
"…Then why are they hiding?"
Tamagichi Looks at Him
Long.
Then—
"…They're not hiding."
A beat.
"…You're just not worth seeing yet."
That Hits Harder Than Anything
Akari's Eyes Narrow
"…So we're nothing to them?"
Tamagichi Responds Calmly
"…Right now?"
A pause.
"…Yes."
Silence
Goro Finally Speaks
"…And the ones at the top?"
Tamagichi's Expression Changes Slightly
More serious.
Then he says—
"…The Ten Clans."
Everything Freezes
Even the air feels different
Kenzaku's eyes narrow sharply
"…So it's true…"
Hiroto Looks Between Them
"…What are they?"
Tamagichi Answers
Slowly.
"…The ones who decide how this world moves."
A pause.
"…Power."
Another pause.
"…Control."
Akari Scoffs Slightly
"…Then we take them down."
Tamagichi Looks at Her
Not amused.
"…You wouldn't survive a single encounter."
That shuts everything down again
Hiroto Speaks Calmly
"…Then we get stronger."
Tamagichi Turns His Gaze Back to Him
A Long Pause
Then—
"…That's the only correct answer you've given."
A Shift Happens
Now—he's actually acknowledging him
Kenzaku Speaks Quietly
"…You've fought them before…"
Tamagichi Doesn't Deny It
"…Once."
Silence Drops Again
Akari's Voice Lowers
"…And you're still alive…"
Tamagichi Gives a Faint Smile
Not proud—
Not relieved—
"…Barely."
That Says Everything
Hiroto Tightens His Grip Slightly
"…Then why are you helping us?"
A Long Pause
Tamagichi Turns Away Slightly
Then says—
"…Because something has changed."
His Eyes Shift—
Toward Hiroto's blade
Only for a moment
But it's enough
His voice lowers—
almost to himself.
"…And I need to see how far it goes…"
To be continued…