England, Staffordshire.
This city had long been famous for the HoMu Amusement Park at its center—so popular that people joked you could estimate the entire population of the UK just by counting the queue lines there.
Now, a private jet from the European mainland slowly descended onto its runway.
"Zip up properly, Cecilia. There's no heating outside."
"Okay, Brother."
Otto took Cecilia's hand as they stepped off the plane and entered the terminal. When a police officer approached to question them, Otto casually employed a few subtle applications of the Mimicry Feather of Yuduchen, and their passage was swiftly cleared.
Cecilia looked a little nervous, gripping his arm tightly—as if afraid he might suddenly disappear.
"We'll head to Schicksal's local branch first," Otto explained gently, outlining the next few days to ease her tension. "They'll arrange accommodation and logistics."
"And then?" Cecilia asked cooperatively. "Are we going to deal with what Miss Duran… Duran-dell mentioned?"
She still struggled slightly with the name "Durandal," her delicate brows knitting faintly, as if some unseen voice insisted that wasn't quite the right name.
"Investigate the person she saw?" Otto shrugged, guiding her toward a small shop. "That can wait. You're the priority."
His tone was utterly calm, as if stating the most natural fact in the world.
But the words landed precisely on the softest part of Cecilia's heart, sending ripples through her chest.
"Then where are we going, Brother?" Her voice grew softer, her body unconsciously leaning closer to him.
"To the amusement park."
Otto bought a map at the counter and answered lightly.
"The amusement park?"
Her wide eyes were filled with confusion.
"Yes. It's part of the plan," he said with mock seriousness. "You have many memories tied to amusement parks. Perhaps the rides will help you recall the past."
???
"Alright."
…
Ever since HoMu became a cultural phenomenon, countless industries sprang up around the IP.
The Staffordshire amusement park had originally been famous for its Alton Towers-style haunted attractions. But through various business maneuvers, the entire theme park had eventually been wrapped in a HoMu skin.
"Not quite the same as that world's layout…" Otto muttered as he led Cecilia through the entrance.
HoMu Amusement Park sprawled across a massive area, filled with modern rides and attractions, along with countless themed shops and merchandise centers.
"You can pick whatever you like," Otto said, noticing Cecilia's barely concealed longing. He produced a black card. "Just don't carry too much. We're here all day."
"???"
Cecilia didn't see the connection.
"If you buy too much, we'll have the branch hotel deliver it," Otto explained, patting her head. "It'll get in the way while playing."
After a moment, he added, "You could buy everything if you wanted. You won't max that card out. But I remember you saying once that choosing is part of the fun."
Cecilia blinked, then obediently nodded. After a second, she handed the card back.
"Let's buy things on the way back. Right now, we should execute the plan."
"Mm. Right. The plan—to play," Otto couldn't help but smile. "So? Where first? I suggest we wander and ride whatever catches your eye."
"Ride whatever catches my eye…"
Cecilia looked around at the dazzling array of attractions, hesitating.
"Want to try everything and don't know where to start?" Otto asked knowingly.
She stuck out her tongue slightly—confirmation enough.
"Then we'll do everything," he said softly. "We have plenty of time. And no one bold enough to disturb us."
She didn't catch the last sentence clearly, but she understood the spirit of it. Smiling brightly, she pulled him toward the nearest attraction.
…
Otto followed at an unhurried pace.
Cecilia darted from ride to ride like an angel who had wandered into the mortal world. The distance in her gaze—the barrier she'd carried since awakening from long slumber—gradually faded.
Each "Brother" she called sounded warmer than the last, the ending syllable stretching slightly longer, as if reluctant to let the word leave her lips.
As though there were no Honkai. No enemies.
Just a pair of ordinary siblings spending a carefree day at an amusement park.
"Mm… that haunted tower was really interesting! But Brother, can we try more thrilling ones?"
Cecilia bounced lightly as they exited the attraction, still brimming with excitement.
A nearby staff member nearly stumbled.
"Of course," Otto replied, helping her remove her down jacket. "The deeper sections should have plenty. What do you want?"
The haunted tower was once the park's crown jewel, but after its HoMu rebranding, the more intense attractions had been relocated to the far end.
As Otto retrieved their small bag and hotel key from a temporary locker, he followed Cecilia to an open area overlooking other sections of the park.
She thought seriously, eyes sparkling like a child discovering something new—eager yet faintly nervous.
"Are there more rides like that? Not just scary in a psychological way—I mean… even scarier!!!"
She gestured upward to indicate height—then realized it wasn't enough. Rising onto her toes, one hand braced against Otto's shoulder, the other stretching to her highest reach.
Otto almost laughed. He cleared his throat.
"Yes. Roller coasters. Free-fall towers. Rapid river rides…"
"So many?!" Her eyes widened, then she planted her hands on her hips triumphantly. "I want all of them!"
For some reason, here in the amusement park, she felt an indescribable happiness.
As though within these gates, she could set down every burden, forget every exhaustion, and simply exist—free and unrestrained.
Like before… what was "before" like?
"Alright, alright," Otto said gently. "Anything you want—oh, but first, let's buy gloves."
He pressed lightly against her fingertips.
"They're freezing."
"Yay!"
Joy spilled openly from her eyes. Otto returned the smile, his gaze indulgent.
But the moment Cecilia turned away—
Otto's eyes flicked casually toward a distant corner.
Streetlights reflected in his pupils, gleaming with a cold green shimmer.
Careless.
Or a warning.
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