As Mido knelt and pistols were pointed menacingly close to his face, he heard a loud drone. It was akin to a very low trumpet, emanating in pulses.

“Child. Let’s go.”

The horrifying scene was lifted. Mido found himself in the transition phase again. Images flashed. Thoughts came and go.

‘Where were you?’ He said. He stammered trying to speak, and realized his hands were shaking. No one would have sustained that horrible scenario.

“I distracted the Vassal by throwing his simulation into another instance, as I was trying to reverse it—”

‘Why… Why did you do all of that?!’

“That man… He’s making you lose.”

Mido opened his eyes.

‘What?’

“For some reason, his tones were aggressive against you. That’s why that battlefield was so distraught and the Vassal we fought against nearly killed you.”

Mido stood silent in the darkness. Why would the quartermaster try to fail him? Out of any personal grudge?

He was transported to another space. This time, it was the interior of a house.

‘Where are we?’

“I don’t know myself. Be wary.”

A door presented itself in front of him. Looking to his side, Mido saw a window, and looked outside. Everything was covered in lush, verdant grass. A mountain range loomed itself far away from the structure. Birds chirped, and the hint of animals pattering about caught Mido’s ears.

It was a surreal, vibrant atmosphere. The complete opposite of what he had just gone through minutes ago.

“Haven’t seen this… environment.”

‘Me too… It’s different, yet so peaceful.’

He heard a music coming from the other side of the door. It was a violin, soothing and melancholic. It had a rhythm that spelt out warm, comforting waves of sound. Mido slowly pushed the door.

A woman sat on a comfy chair on the side of a table, situated just beside a window. Her position overlooked the same greenery Mido saw. She was humming to the tune of the music, seemingly lost to it as she wrote on a book, her hazel hair flowing through the occasional wind. She wore an elegant white dress fit for a noble. Her smile was as ethereal as this scene. It was a surreal sight for him.

When Mido tried to enter, he was suddenly pulled back by a hand on his shoulder.

“Shh. She’s writing her story.”

It was a familiar voice. When Mido turned around, it was the quartermaster. He had the same stature, but he was healthier in physique. And younger, too. His age can be compared to Fein, who looked like he was in his late twenty’s.

“Sir?” Mido asked.

“Let’s stay here. Don’t want to disturb her.” Both of them settled in the room, leaving the door to the woman open.

“Why am I here?” He asked.

“Well, I was about to ask that to you, kid. How did you… find all of this?” Judging from the wary tone of his voice, he was truly curious.

“It’s my ability… I think…”

“Hmm… you think? Come to think of it, I heard another voice, other than you, rippling in the Tones.” He set aside and relaxed on a rocking chair.

“Oh, where are my manners? I’m Oscar Morgan.” He smiled, unusual of Mido’s first impression of him, a slacking, depressed man.

Oscar Morgan…

“So that man… Phillip—”

“Was my brother. That memory you visited… I was asked to store it. My ability stores scenarios and memories, you see. I can project it to a space, but only through the vision of a chosen target. Though this room… It’s a special one, specifically made for my ability.”

Closing his eyes, however, Oscar leaned back on the chair, and sighed, as if something heavy was above him.

“…But every time I tested Vassals like you, I have to witness it all over again. But you, you were the only Vassal to pull out such a deep memory I hid.”

Mido was not even aware he pulled a feat like that. His ability speaks for itself, however. It is truly a mysterious, sentient ability.

“I’m sorry…” His sorrow caused him to sniffle. Everything that he saw struck his head.

“Oh kid… I am the one that needs to say that to you. Look, I wanted you to lose, but because I felt it’s the best option. A Vassal working with an Apprehension Group is a dangerous life, and after almost a year of not receiving new recruits, I felt I have gone soft…” He chuckled. He looked at Mido, who only listened. Oscar threw a handkerchief at him to wipe off his face.

“But you really proved me wrong. You’re a resilient boy.”

Oscar sighed. “It was hard, was it? To see your brother framed for a crime he did not commit, only wanting to seek justice with his wife. Shit… If only he didn’t drag her into that, all of that wouldn’t had happened… She might still be alive… But they trusted each other so much, who am I to judge?”

“That woman… Who is she?”

“Ophelia. A beautiful name, is it not?” He smiled.

“I love her too, you know. She felt close to my heart, I also decided to join the army with my brother. But well, he took her first. Bad luck to me, I guess…”

“She might still notice your efforts, though…” said Mido, now composed.

It took a while for him to ponder and collect his thoughts. Oscar eventually stood up.

“You’re right. Let’s meet her together.”

Both of them crossed the door. The music came in louder, but it was still soft in the ears. It was almost therapeutic.

At last, the woman prematurely stopped her writing and looked at both of them. To Mido, she had an uncanny similarity to Wizbette: green eyes, hazel hair styled into a parted fringe, and a fair complexion.

“…Oscar?” She said in a soft voice.

“Ophelia…” Oscar broke down into tears and hugged her tight.

“Oi! You’ll spill the ink!” She exclaimed. Mido just stood there, captivated by the two. Even though the woman she loves came to another man, Oscar did not faze in his feelings.

After all this time, even is she’s not here in Alto, Oscar still had her in his heart.

They had a long talk. He introduced Mido to her, and they exchanged pleasantries. It was a wholesome experience.

While Oscar sat across her, Mido stood beside him. Ophelia continued to write. Mido was mesmerized by her beauty. It’s as if he’s tranced just by looking at her pure, rested face.

“Come on, Ozzy. Stop being so timid. I know you really want to read this, but it’s still halfway done!” She giggled as she let her hand write in the book.

“It is, huh? Well… I can wait…” To him, this was a memory, back in their early days. Ophelia must be an aspiring writer, and her aura emanates just that. So profound. So absorbed.

“Miss… What are you writing about?” Mido asked. This startled Oscar, as he could converse normally to her.

“Well, for starters, it’s a story about romance…” She slightly blushed at the thought and looked at Oscar.

“…Although it’s not like your cliché tropes… *chuckle* It’s about a boy who lost his way, just to reach out to a girl whom he loved. It has a twist, however, so I won’t tell the whole story!” She put her index finger into her lips and winked.

Mido noticed that Oscar was smiling all the time, just watching her work.

“But it’s not that simple. I wanted to reflect life on my work. People have a penchant for chasing dreams they cannot reach, and some give up even if they already passed halfway. I want to give them hope through this work. I want them to feel that, someday, they too can reach their far-off dreams.”

She was truly passionate.

“Funny… For a girl who dreams of catching a star…”

“It’s… not!” Ophelia flustered.

“I also want peace, Oscar. That’s why…”

“That’s why we joined the military.”

“…Right. I know it’s hard to do, but I know I can try, whatever the risk.” When she said that, Oscar looked down.

“That’s what I liked about you. You’re so… brave. Braver than both of us.”

“Ozzy…” Ophelia stood up, went to Oscar, arranged his messy hair, leaned on his ear and whispered.

“Don’t throw away your life just because of the past, okay? Remember, Oscar. Alto is a huge world. There are a lot of things to discover; it’s not just a bookworm writer like me.”

Oscar stammered when he tried to speak…

“But, Ophelia… You are my world.”

“Hmm! Figured as much!” They slowly touched cheeks. Oscar did not expect that action. Her dreamy, green eyes fell into his as she blushed, her motion wafted a pleasant bloom of fragrance fit for a woman such as her. After a while, Ophelia laughed at what she did and went back to her chair. For a while, she looked to the window, and admired the landscape. The sun kissed her skin, which pronounced her complexion even more.

For a while, Oscar wished all of this was real.

He wanted to stay so bad. This is the world he wants, with the girl she loves. With her passionate works. He loved to read those. Sure, she is full of personality, but it is all the more pronounce once you read what she writes. Everything will be okay if that is the case.

If only that was possible. If only the world had a peaceful outlook like her, everything will be all right.

But Oscar chose to take her advice. Dwelling on the past serves to jail oneself in the past, unable to move forward. Ophelia wanted for him to do just that. Move forward, and not waste his life.

Time passed. The music must be reaching a crescendo. Both he and Mido just looked at Ophelia, elegantly writing…

…

…

“So, when will you leave? I have to finish this for publication, you know.” Ophelia asked. Oscar knew it was time.

“Well… Good luck with that! I hope that book becomes a new hit…”

“Count on me! Once it’s finished, read it, and even your heart might pierce…” She giggled.

“…It did a long time ago. Oh, and Ophelia?”

“Yes, Ozzy?” She turned to him with the warmest of smiles, her eyes shrunk to its lids.

“If you can, say hello to my brother for me.”

“When I have the time, I’ll be sure to send your regards! Although let’s see… He might still be buying food stocks…” She mumbled until she was absorbed back into her work.

“Well… Let’s go, kid. Don’t want to make the lady angry, now.” They took one last look at her. Even when she’s writing, she still wears a wholesome smile.

Stay true to the stars, Oscar.

“…Goodbye, Ophelia.”

He closed the door. It slowly vanished into the wall, and then it was no more. The music also ceased to stop.

Letting out a big sigh, Oscar turned back to Mido.

“Kid… Thank you… Those people were my life, and you made me remember them, in a good way. This might release me from the horrible life I’m leading. I’m full of regret, but somehow, seeing her in that state? It gave me hope that she finally found peace.”

“I’ll take her advice, kid, don’t worry. But, well, looks like I owe you a drink topside.”

“Sir Oscar, thank you so much!” Mido bowed.

Oscar snickered. “What for?”

“You made me learn a lot. You really are a good man.”

“Well… If it helped you in a better way, even if it’s unintentional… It’s my pleasure. Now, I’ll stop the simulation. If you may…”

Oscar vanished, and so did every scenery as his view slowly turned into darkness once more.

“So that was it, huh…” Mido recalled everything.

This simulation, albeit turned into something akin to a mystery in of itself, taught him how to empathize with other people around him. And that, in its own way, steeled himself.

Ophelia found a letter on her desk. She tore it open, and read:

In the past, you gave me a reason to push forward.

You helped me find a dream to hold on to.

I may have not found your embrace,

But I found you in my heart.

And that means all the world to me.

And you helped me again, Ophelia, even in death.

You helped me remember, such is fitting for your name.

For you, I will not put down my life.

I got this. You and brother found peace, and I will find mine.

Someday.

-Morgan, Oscar

For an obvious reason, everyone in the observation deck saw what Mido saw.

“Secretary… Do you agree to this?” Fein asked her.

“From the looks of it, your kid passed the test.” Ayane wrote something down into her pad and tucked it.

No one was there to celebrate, as everyone was in deep confusion when they saw what Mido went through.

“That was trippy… Well, the fuck are you all crying for?” Gen hypocritically said as Enna clung to him.

“Mido, huh? I guess I need to start trusting him more…” He added.

Wiz was bawling her eyes out.

Gris and Sora just stood there, dumbfounded.

The whole deck was busy trying to find answers to this sudden event. That was not in their protocols, and as such, needed a good bit of explanation from the two involved.

Ayane approached Fein.

“Van Rosa. This boy… he’s more special than you think. Take care of him.”

“I already considered that notion, Secretary Ayane.”

Because the test is now over, they all opened the lights. Mido was bathed by it again, and the people in the deck were permitted to enter the space, along with Oscar, who came from another entrance.

“Mido!” Wiz came rushing to him, embracing him in the process. At this point, no once cared. He saw her face, and it immediately reminded him of Ophelia.

“Wiz…” He uttered a single word. His mind was so exhausted, he sat on the ground.

“Kid… Look up.” Ayane ordered him. Both him and Wiz looked up. He saw the woman offered a hand.

“Secretary Ayane Hiroudo, Vassal United Representative, if you haven’t heard of me.” Her pale hand extended to his, and Mido let the both of them help him stand up.

“Congratulations, you passed the tests. You have proven yourself as a valuable member of the Vassal United. Thank you for your efforts.”

“Was that… the test? I believe that was not supposed to happen…” He asked her.

“Yes, but I’m afraid I need to have a word with Quartermaster Morgan after this. Indeed, that… ‘simulation’ was not supposed to happen.” Her piercing eyes looked to the direction of Oscar, who was also exhausted.

“Can I have a request?” Mido asked her again.

“Mido, was it? I believe I have time to spare…”

“Sir Oscar owes me a drink…” Oscar was visibly surprised but smiled at Mido’s proposal. Everyone was also startled, because no one saw the middle-aged man smile before.

After a moment of thinking, Ayane considered it. “I’ll be able to give him a temporary leave, as thanks for his efforts. Report to me after you’ve settled, Mr. Morgan.” Her authoritative visage proved to be as straightforward as possible.

“It’ll be my pleasure ma’am.” Oscar bowed. The secretary took her leave, leaving D-7 and Oscar at the area.

“Well, kid. We meet in the flesh now.” They met each other, but now they were physically present, and the man, who Mido thought to be asocial, opened up to him, although he was more fond of seeing Oscar’s younger self after their talk.

“Thank you for your efforts.” Both of them said at the same time, ushering a chuckle.

“Well, about that drink…” He scanned every head in the area and counted 7.

“I guess it wont hurt to have some company for a while, eh?” Gris slapped him on the shoulder, and the built man made it look like they were old buddies, which amused the others.

“Not to worry, sir. We can manage the expenses.” Fein assured.

They had some more talking before leaving the room. It was a long day, Mido thought. But this one room taught him a lot, unbeknownst to many.

And so, an unexpected turn of events managed to steel Mido’s resilience and taught him that other people had gone through misfortune, more often than not, just like him.