Kakunō witnessed a miracle at dusk; his temporary students defeated their Nijūshin within an hour. They all threw a lariat finisher, courtesy of being colosseum fans. Away from home, yet he felt none of that.

Next, he became the promised one-man army against them. He never expected the miracle to rise. Courtesy of his sparring partner, they kept throwing each weapon off-balance.

He swung his halberd upward, but one’s shinai moved it leftward. For a moment, he saw the Sakusei in them and smiled. Storing his weapon, they all bowed together. 4:00 PM had struck.

Despite previous plans to fast, Kakunō shared his gold doughnuts in a heartbeat. Indeed, all the brigade mages relished the premium snack. It was even better with cups of espresso and latte.

Some fell in tears that they would never have such heavenly delights again. Others told them not to worry. Frowns would only let everybody down, and memories were eternal.

“Yeah, man.” One took the last ring. “Don’t worry, be happy.” He laughed with the others.

Another gasped and turned to Kakunō. Her comrades all but forgot to save it for him.

“No, no,” he waved his hand. “I ate two more than you guys. On the other hand, you should save some for—”

The devil spoke that afternoon, right out of a lightning strike. Unexpectedly, Joshua had the salary to buy four gold Maiden Lane boxes. He carried them under his arms, grinning. “Dig in, folks! Tonight, we feast like the Gods!”

The mages yelled in joy once more. Kakunō’s eyes widened as the instructor also bought a mountain of turnovers. They were not the usual, either. Long ago, 8/12 promoted a limited but failed raffle. Interest went sky-high after some thieves raided a warehouse.

They offered him dinner and even a night’s stay. He waved his hand again, eyes closed. “Sorry, guys. I’m only here Monday–Thursday.”

Many eyes had frowned upon the reveal. A stopping transit solidified it more. So, the group hug commenced tenfold. “You’ll be back, right?”, “It’d suck with you not around, dude.”, “Yeah. It’s a huge bummer.”

They let go in unison. Kakunō walked toward the train behind him and waved. “Always, guys. Only a year before I regain my title!” He wished to be a volunteer eventually. Every December, perhaps.

He heard more joy from the mages. Even their instructor yelled for the future. By the transit, he heard more glee. “Big Bro!” Yukino and Hayato jumped at him and giggled.

Their parents had more smiles. “You did great, brother,” Tokino held his shoulder. “Our sister told us everything. You’ve killed our expectations.”

Her husband expressed the same notion. He even wanted to deliver a speech, but the eldest stepped in.

Hokori patted his shoulder hard, chuckling. “So… any noggins you pulverized, fam?”

Kakunō scratched the back of his head. “No, dude. Just ‘cause I duel regularly doesn’t mean I enjoy blood.”

He grinned. “Hahahahahaha! No worries, fam. Ain’t mean nothin’ by it. In fact, we booked somewhere special tonight. A break’s only natural—”

The family did not expect joy to fade. Confusion took its place within milliseconds. Numerous citizens shouted with signs: DROP THE HERACLES ACT - HALF-CHANGE IS STILL HERESY - THE GODS UNWILL IT - I DON’T WANT DIVINE WRATH!!!

The young siblings understood none of it. They raised eyebrows at the cartoonized act being “Human Law” in disguise. They even failed to remember the phrase.

“Mama…” Yukino looked up. “Why are they mad?”

Haruto stepped in and kneeled. “Don’t listen. They’re just allergic to new things. Like edible water.”

She gasped and smiled. “Oh, oh! I haven’t tried those yet. Are they good?”

Her mother stopped Hokori from saying otherwise and smiled back. “Of course, honey. You can even choose the flavor.”

Her uncle had the same face, seeing her shout yay. However, he turned to his nephew. Hayato stared at the protestors, eyes aglare. He even had a hint of annoyance. Riding the train home, he continued watching. The rest were busy conversing with each other. As they shared laughter, the boy swished his hand to and fro.

Hokori looked toward his viewpoint—nothing. Their ride had left the military base an hour ago. Still, he did see some Quonset huts further away. More protests had also littered the streets. He turned away, arms crossed. “Please give me doubt, man. I beg you.” He saw the five-star restaurant around the corner.

The night had struck cold for everyone else. The Pompilius Corps had to cancel any regimen until further notice. As it stood, abrupt events struck not only the camp. Ten city blocks had red all over.

Harald and his subjects stayed longer at the Tuke Funny Farm than planned. Hagel cared not for the inane ramble of patients. Half got chained onto anti-magic walls. All had either shook in place or aimlessly walked.

The sibling defectors waited outside a room. Hagel crossed his legs, eyes closed. “Hm…! Broken heathens. I fail to see why our powers work here and not there. Rebellion is but an impossible dream.”

Feuer sighed, who sat on the left. “Franky, brother, you’ve become less learned.” He straightened up. “Even the Gods cannot destroy mana. The walls merely disrupt control over it.

“‘Magic’ is what we call the potential. Our Core dictates the reserves. So frankly, brother, even we are not equal.”

He smirked lightly. “Proud of you to assume I strive for fairness.” He stood up and opened his screen. “Grausames beckons me again. Frankly, dear brother, we share the same idea for that boy.”

Feuer held his head, shaking at the inevitable. The news did not fare any better. After all, it bolstered his brother’s resolve. He could not stomach reports of red-smeared streets for another hour.

Inside the witness’s room, the king luckily found progress. All it took were a few runic arrays to the brain. Still, the elderly shook in horrific memories. No one could discern their origin.

“Oh!” Harald smiled at the archmage, who leaned against a wall. “Feeling wasted away, old friend? Not to worry, drinks are on me later.

He turned to the man and recited the prison incident. “Take your time, I insist. Tell me everything even as the world turns cold.”

Still shaking, he looked up. “I-It was just my shift, your majesty. Cameras, rolling, like any other day. A-A-nd then.” He produced a thunderclap. “Like that! My eyes. Pitch black, nothing to see!”

Harald caressed his chin and listened closer. The last thing the witness knew was him mopping the floor. A room set ablaze, no less. His ears bled upon the booming speakers that night.

“Excellent. Quite a such.” His fingers had tented. “I won’t mention the song that traumatized you. But tell me, what of your new memories?”

The man shook and sweated tenfold. “A-A child, your majesty. And a frog. Both from the earthly realm.” He got told to carry on. However, the fear had reached its peak. Guards moved as he banged his head on the metal table.

Now in a straightjacket, he struggled wildly. “Mincemeat! The knife began feet-first! He didn’t stop till the head!” The screams went on louder. “Fire, fire, fire! He always loved the color!” He repeated several times.

Feuer sweated bullets and got off the wall. “By the Gods… How was that possible!? Your runes were absolute. He would’ve stayed a sound man by then.”

Harald stood and sighed. “For once, I’ve no idea. And I wish not to dwell on it further.” He went for the door outside. “Come. Drinks are on me as promised.”

The archmage looked back at the guards, still having a hard time. The investigation propelled to greater heights. Yet the cost felt too great. Outside the asylum, he recalled his brother’s goal. It would be an unaffordable pain.

Many thoughts swirled in Feuer’s mind in the car. By a window, he found the opposite. Life went on even with the epidemic and protests. He even saw smiles and laughter. In fact, it was one of a kind.

He eyed Hokori’s family on the transit. Alas, one had not shown any joy. He clutched his upper arm, praying his brother’s idea was untrue. Any sign would be the Gods’ blessing.

Back home, the family reminisced to no end. Hokori ate wagyu legs by the bone. It was nothing new, but “Loiseau’s Anyone Can Cook” perfected the idea of five-star meals.

Yukino helped her father install the portable grill they got for free. It was on par with the restaurant’s own at every table. She placed some steaks for testing. It turned off right as they browned to perfection.

Despite the success, Tokino pouted. She shook her head at the hasty woodwork. Luckily, she thanked her skills once more. Runes positioned the grill from its 7° angle. Now everything had fitted seamlessly. The table even looked like its own product.

Yukino gasped and hugged her mother. “You’re the best, Mama!” She went upstairs for her uncle and siblings.

Haruto chuckled nervously at his wife. “So much for this, huh?” He stored the electric saw.

Tokino smiled with droopy eyes. “Of course. You once told me this world isn’t that different from yours. But they’re miles apart either way.” She held her husband’s hand. Going to their bedroom, she suddenly turned.

“Now that I mention it, the grill doesn’t make the kitchen obsolete. In fact, we need it now.” She twirled her finger on his chest. “Chocolate fondue. Teach me, and I’ll buy the strawberries next.”

His cheeks reddened upon her smirk. However, he sighed and made a move. Her eyes widened but relaxed quicker. They let go, and their breath intensified.

Haruto gave her a few on her neck. “I guess this is long overdue, right?”

She giggled, holding him close. “What are you on about? We do it every night.” She returned the move. “You know what? Teach me tomorrow.” She twisted the doorknob from behind. Her other hand moved below as well.

Yukino and her older siblings slept together in Kenkō’s room. The joint effort in a fighting game made them the top three. Sadly, it took all their energy. They had intended a PvP match. Kakuno’s favorite elf-like hero kept falling off the ledge.

She instinctively cuddled with her sister, smiling. However, her closed eyes frowned. Another sibling was not present. It remained that way for the rest of the night.

In the kitchen, Hayato went outside. He neared the teleportation circle but shook. Alas, he lost control again. His feet tried to drag, yet his eyes turned different. It showed endless malice alongside a grin.

“Patience, child. The party’s begun.” He inched closer to the circle. “You see… I’m usually a shut-in. But when people annoy me, I’m all gung-ho!” He grinned wider, transported down to the city.

At the mage station, he locked a few briefcases. No guard in sight, he hummed the tune of “Come On Eileen.” Red dripped from the luggage.

The night grew cold, but not alone; Hokori would not dare open the evidence. He stored them and followed the stained footprints.

As this story went on, a champion eyed a time bomb closer. Doubts had died. Yet the heart remained uneasy.