"One day left," Carla said, analyzing Alastair's explanation.
"If we exceed that, Vera won't be able to rewind the soul you need. Is that correct?"
"Yes," Alastair replied.
"Wait—Vera," Henry said.
"Can't you rewind that gate and reopen it?"
Everyone turned toward her.
"No," Vera shook her head.
"I can only rewind living things, or things directly tied to living beings—like souls. I can't rewind non-living constructs like spatial gates."
"What I need now," Alastair said, thinking aloud, "is to locate Hyde—or reach wherever he is at this moment."
"…There might be a way," Simone spoke up.
Everyone turned to her.
"I know a demon who can open gates," she continued.
"He's not as strong as Hyde, though."
"Where is he?" Alastair demanded.
"Take me to him. Now."
"He's in the Demon Realm," Simone replied.
"But we don't need to go there. I can just call him. Though… no guarantee he'll show up."
She pulled out her phone.
"Hey, Milo! Get over here. Now. Urgent.
What? You lazy little brat—move your ass. Three minutes, kid brother, or I'm coming to skin you alive in the Demon Realm.
I'm sending you my location."
She hung up.
…So the demon she meant was her brother?
"All right," Simone said.
"Starting the three-minute countdown. If that idiot doesn't show up, get the airship ready—we're going to the Demon Realm."
"Three minutes is enough?" Henry asked.
"Just wait."
Almost three minutes later—
A sharp crackling sound split the air nearby.
Alastair turned just in time to see space itself tear open. A long, dark-blue claw emerged, slicing downward and widening the rift until it stretched over a meter long.
Two pale hands with matching blue claws pulled the tear apart, and a young man stepped through.
He looked seventeen or eighteen.
Dark blue hair streaked with white highlights, bangs covering his right eye.
Violet eyes.
His face resembled Simone's, though far paler.
His expression was blank. Sleepy.
He stepped clear of the gate and stopped in front of Simone.
"…What do you want?" he asked.
"This is my younger brother, Milo," Simone said.
"He's an uncontracted demon. Lazy beyond repair. He can open gates like you just saw—but nowhere near Hyde's level. Think he's usable?"
Alastair stared at Milo.
Milo stared back.
"Can you open a gate that takes me back to the world I came from?" Alastair asked.
"And where exactly is that world?" His voice dragged.
Alastair frowned.
He had no idea how to explain it—he himself didn't know where that world was relative to this one. It wasn't something that could be pinned with coordinates like Simone's location.
"…Just touch me," Milo said.
"Think about where you want to go. That'll do."
Alastair relaxed. He reached out and took Milo's hand, focusing on the world he sought.
After a moment, Milo withdrew his hand.
"Nope. Can't do it," he said.
"Too far. That's it, right? I'm leaving."
He yawned and turned, preparing to open another gate.
"Don't. You. Dare."
Alastair emphasized each word, his killing intent flaring outward.
Milo paused, frowning.
"Why can't I leave?" he demanded.
"Your business with me isn't finished,"
"If it's the gate that opened here moments ago—can you reopen it?"
Milo glanced at the spot.
"I can. But my power isn't enough."
He shrugged. "Then I'm leaving."
"Form a contract with Vera," Simone said, stepping in front of him and dragging Vera forward.
"Huh?!"
"What?!"
Vera and Milo shouted at the same time.
"Why would I contract with this guy?" Vera scowled.
"He doesn't even look strong—and he's lazy."
"And why the hell would I contract with this kid?" Milo snapped at Simone.
"Have you lost your mind?"
"You said your power wasn't enough," Simone shrugged.
"If you contract with someone, your power doubles. Then you can open that gate."
"And why should I go that far for him?" Milo shot back.
"Who is he? Your boyfriend? Even if he were, I'm not doing it.
You know I don't contract with anyone. I'm not becoming free labor for humans."
"He's not my boyfriend," Simone said.
"But if he doesn't get what he wants, he'll destroy this world—and the Demon Realm along with this world. Then you and I die as well. Understand now?"
Milo glanced between Simone and Alastair.
"…Nah," he said at last.
"I'd rather die comfortably than be exploited for free."
He yawned lazily.
"I'm heading home to die on my soft bed. See you next life, sis."
Simone clenched her fists, shaking with rage.
"You useless, incurable slacker—!"
"I'll lend you my power," Alastair said.
Milo blinked.
"Huh? You can do that?"
Alastair nodded. Lending a portion of his power was trivial.
"…Fine," Milo said. "That works."
He walked toward the spot where the gate had once been.
Turning back to Alastair, he began to release his full power.
"This is all I've got," Milo said.
"Give me about thirty percent more. Don't send more than that—my body won't handle it."
"Understood."
Alastair gave him what he needed. No more.
Milo's body flared with light—his own power entwined with Alastair's.
As he rose into the air, dark horns curved into existence from his temples.
He lifted his right index finger and carved open space itself, slicing.
With both hands, he tore the opening wide enough for Alastair to pass through.
"Now!" Milo called out.
"Hurry, or I'll run out first!"
Alastair seized Vera's arm and dragged her toward the gate, grabbing Milo with his other hand and pulling him along.
"Hey! Why are you dragging me too?!" Vera shouted.
"You never said I had to go!" Milo protested.
"Silence," Alastair said.
"You're both coming with me."
"Milo!" Simone cried, flying after them.
"Simone! Vera!" Henry followed close behind.
"Looks fun—I'm in," King said, diving after them.
"King!" Carla chased after him.
Kalan remained behind.
"…Why are all of you coming?" Alastair muttered, shaking his head as everyone—except Kalan—followed him through the gate.