________________________________________________________________________________________

!ERROR! REPAIR NEEDED. LV2 DEVICE REQUIRED.

Skill List:

Kanji (lv0): Aspect of Energy: Electricity, Thermal.

{Skill points: !ERROR!}

[Full destructive power limit: Village]

Skills: [1. Infuse/Absorb] [2. Energy travel] [3. Energy trail] [4. Energy bolt] [5. Energy wave] [6. Energy blade] [7. Energy shield] [8. Energy dual conduit] [9. Energy healing]

Inventory: Geographic sphere, mechanical soap, spyware device, tungsten-infused nanotech silver chain, tech tablet (Portal) (Hide, Input, Output, Convert, Compress), night vision goggles.

Claire (lv0): Aspect of Creation

Skills: [1. Create (Slots: 5)]

Inventory: Black cloak, crossbow, crossbow bolt (modified with rotatenium), ammo pouch, Fanfics, mechanical soap, a spyglass.

David (lv0): Aspect of Form

{Skill points: !ERROR!}

[Range limit: Self]

Skills: [1. Expand (x2)] [2. Spikefacation] [3. Delay (1-10s)] [4. Shieldfacation] [5. Trigger] [6. Transform pattern Wave] [7. Net Transform] [8. Whip transform] [9. Blend around]

Inventory: Iron bat, AK-47, mechanical soap.

Amelia (lv0): Aspect of Reality

{Skill points: !ERROR!}

[Attack type: illusion] [Attack range: x3 field of view]

Skills: [1. Third-person vision] [2. Blurring Mirage] [3. Double] [4. Connect] [5. Vision Swap] [6. Disguise] [7. Flash Mirage] [8. False movement] [9. False Touch]

Inventory: Frying Pan, knife, mechanical soap.

Sarah (lv0): Aspect of Fiction

[Skill access: 1 skill for each item] [Conjured item 1]

Inventory: Mechanical soap, Nezha’s leopard bag (Nezha’s ring), a shovel.

Noah (lv0): Aspect of Emotion

Skills: [Emotion infusion] (Emotional requirement: High)

Inventory: Gilded axe, mechanical soap, a sharpening stone.

Diana (lv0): Aspect of Law

{Laws unlocked: Law of Friction} {Limit: Only manipulate small values}

Inventory: Mechanical soap, a pickaxe.

Adrian (lv0): Aspect of Knowledge.

{Connected Minds} {Info Extraction} [Limit: half of basic info}]

Inventory: Mechanical soap. rope.

Azan (lv0): Aspect of Change.

{Limitation: 1. Follow under the concept “change” only. 2. Changes under other aspects require hand-holding.}

Change slot: 1

Inventory: Metal suitcase.

Mina (lv0): Aspect of Time

{Limitations: 4 skills (Currently).}

Skills (!ERROR!) (Auto Input Activated): |1. Aging| |2. Time Exchange|

Inventory: A machete.

________________________________________________________________________________________

A maiden slumbers, cocooned in her futuristic pod, oblivious to the life-giving air hissing in as the capsule cracks open. A hand emerges and...

?? "Wah! What's going-

Her head lifts, eyes focusing on a familiar face.

?? "Relax Mina, it's okay. You just passed out yesterday because of your trypophobia."

Mina "Oh... gosh. My head is a bit dizzy. So... what did I miss, Azzy?"

Azan "Okay... let's start from when you passed out....."

He unfolds a previous narrative, detailing Gwen's conversation with the other wielders.

Mina "Um... what? I don't get it."

Puzzlement etched across her face, she extends her legs into the foreign expanse. As Mina's bare feet make contact with the terrain, an unexpected jolt races through her, the odd sensation prickling her senses.

Mina "Okay. This feels weird!"

Azan "Calm down, Mina. You don't need to know much about the scientific side of things. Just know that she created the dimension we were in. But you don't have to worry. It's a good thing she destroyed it."

Mina "I can understand that much for sure. Golly, glad that place is gone!"

Extending her arm, Mina sweeps her gaze around the room. A shiver ripples through her, the icy air gnawing at her skin. She wraps her arms around herself, seeking warmth in her own embrace.

Azan grins, catching a coat draped nearby her cryopod.

Azan "Here, wear this. Gwen was nice enough to put one of these near each of the cryopods."

Mina "Thank you, Azzy!"

Draping the coat around her, she ambles towards the other cryopods. A glance into the nearest ones confirms her suspicion — the others remain in slumber. Her attention, however, is drawn to two solitary pods nestled in the room's far-left corner. An apparent void within piques her curiosity, and she strides over, drawn like a moth to a flame. Azan shadows her steps, curiosity mirroring hers.

Mina "These two are empty!"

Azan "Right, Kanji told me that he and Claire had some business to deal with inside his portal. I didn't know what that meant and wasn't paying much attention. The next thing I knew... they were gone. I didn't even see the portal-

A portal splinters open between Claire and Kanji's cryopods, shattering the conversation. Emerging from this gateway are two individuals, their surprise noticeable as their eyes land on Azan and the newly awakened Mina.

Kanji "Oh... Umm... I see that you're both awake."

Azan "Suspicious. What were you two doing in there?"

Claire "We were just... interrogating. Yeah! Interrogating someone!"

Mina "But Claire. Why are you and Kanji sweaty? And why is your hair so messy?!"

Claire "Umm... we were exercising. Also, I didn't know torturing someone would be hella stressful."

Azan "Wait, you guys were torturing someone! Is it that cultist girl? What method did you use?"

Kanji "Well, let's just say that she was quite ticklish."

Azan "Ah, got it! So what info did you get?"

Kanji "Barely! Someone wiped her memories. It was a complete waste of time. Oh, one more thing. Claire wants to give you guys something."

She passes to the duo each a mechanical soap.

Azan "Is this a kind of tradition?"

Kanji "Nah, we just got into the habit. That's all."

A shrill alarm shatters.

The remaining cryopods spring open, yawning wielders materializing from their cocooned sleep. Sleep-crumpled faces cluster around Kanji in a drowsy huddle.

Hiss.

The faint hissing of gas and grinding gears signals the door behind opening to the world beyond. The tropical island paradise, in all its resplendent glory, unfurls before their wide eyes.

Sleepiness flees, replaced by sheer awe.

Their breath is stolen by the vista, words deserting them. The group steps into the soothing breeze and the emerald expanse, a sense of tranquility washing over them. They stand at the cliff's edge, overlooking a sparkling blue lake of crystal clarity.

The melodic rush of water seizes their attention, guiding their gazes to the right, where a majestic waterfall cascades, just a few strides away.

Dave "Guys... this is so beautiful, man. It can a grown man cry, bro."

Diana "Shut it, Icarus. You're ruining the moment."

?? "You know. I'm really happy everyone like it. This island cost me 50 million dollars you know."

Craning their necks back, they spot a lone figure perched atop the room. The sight of the solitary structure in this vast expanse seems almost surreal.

Confusion flickers across their faces, yet their attention is swiftly reclaimed by the figure atop. With a youthful leap, she descends, a warm smile lighting up her face as she approaches her friends.

Gwen "Looks like everyone's vital is 100 percent stable. Whew! The procedure went well."

Kanji "Gwen, how did we get here? Like to this island... Wait, scratch that. I think I know the answer."

With a nimble leap, he reaches her perch, spotting a piece of familiar technology.

Kanji "This is my teleporter! I see that you used it to transfer everyone to your privately owned island. Also, where is this place anyway?! I can't find it on any geological records."

Gwen "Sorry, but I can't disclose the location, and as for why you can't find it. I am the only one in the whole world who knows about it since I made it with my own two hands. Well, plus The Terraformer Delux ERX 450 and the number of resources needed. Thank you, Britain for inventing such an astonishing technology."

Kanji "What do you even do here?"

Gwen "To relax of course. Which is why we are all here today."

Kanji "Relax? We can't relax! We are on the run! Remember! And soon they will find us-

Gwen's smirk meets his watch, a tease intermingling in her expression.

Kanji "Y-You did something. Didn't you? No, it can't be! Did you somehow manage to stop them from tracking us?!"

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Gwen "Yep, I figured that just observing you guys, wouldn't help everyone that much. So I started theorizing how they could possibly track everyone's location. And I landed on the simple answer of infrared signatures. They were tracking you guys down using the patterns in which your temperature shifts. Hence, I took the liberty to come up with a solution."

Kanji "What did you do exactly?"

Gwen "Yesterday, while you were all sleeping. I tinkered around with everyone's temperatures. Then I used your original inferred signatures and create decoys, placing them all over the globe."

Dave "Bruh, you did that while we were sleeping? Kinda creepy, dude."

Kanji "True, but I have to be honest. It is much appreciated. We actually have time to relax now. The question is for how long."

Gwen "Approximately, four to five days at most. We have plenty of time. Oh, if any of the girls are planning to swim. I got these."

She presents an array of bathing suits, eliciting gasps from the girls. The audacious skimpiness of the apparel leaves them red like strawberries.

Sarah "Ah, fuck no! Nah uh! You ain't catching me wearing that shit."

She begins undressing.

Noah "Woah. Wha... what?" "Wait, Sarah! What are you doing?!"

Sarah "What's wrong? It's ok, Noah. I'm wearing a white tank top and grey shorts underneath my normal clothes."

Diana "Holy shit! You got the same brand. Nice!"

Their fists meet in a jovial bump, while Dave looks on, scratching his head in bemusement.

Dave "Wouldn't wearing those make you more transparent in the water?"

Diana "Sorry to burst your bubble, Icarus. But these babies are ultra waterproof! Even putting these babies at the bottom of the sea for three days wouldn't make them wet!"

Sarah "Hey, let's see who can get to the bottom of the waterfall first!"

Diana "Oh, you're on! Sarah!"

With a burst of laughter, they sprint towards the waterfall, launching themselves into the azure lake below.

Noah "Guys, wait up!" "Dammit. I hope the others won't judge me on my shorts."

A glimpse of his duds reveals green Hawaiian shorts, playfully peeking from underneath.

Dave "Aw, that's awesome! Dude! Nice pants! But are you sure that's a good idea?!"

Chasing the thrill, Noah traces Sarah and Diana's path, springing off the cliff edge. As he plunges through the air, his excited yell echoes...

Noah "They're multipurpose!!!....."

Kanji "It appears that everyone here doesn't have a bathing suit underneath. Fortunately, I have some dark blue swimming shorts for the guys. Though, I'm gonna warn you. These shorts will make you fly through the waters, so try your best to control your speed."

He offers them out. All the girls swivel to Gwen. An awkward silence stretches out, until finally, someone breaks the ice, stepping forward.

Claire "Fine! I'll choose one. I'm not afraid!"

Amelia "Yeah! Me too lass."

Mina "Yeah, it can't be that bad!"

Gwen "That's spirit!"

Retreating into the room, they switch into their swimsuits. Claire, a bundle of nerves, emerges with Gwen nudging her forward. She is draped in vibrant orange, contrasting Gwen's deep purple suit. Mina follows up with a vision in white, while Amelia is sporting a light grey ensemble.

The boys make a valiant attempt to keep their eyes averted.... except Dave. As they regroup, the allure of the lake beckons them. But just then—

Kanji "You... you guys go on ahead. I... I need some time to think about some... disruptions in my head."

Claire "Kaney. Is something wrong?"

Kanji "No, it's ok. Just go."

Kanji strides off towards a higher cliff to the right. Claire, dismissing his request, pursues him with persistent steps.

Gwen "Hey, wait up! I'm going as well!"

Gwen bolts after them, her figure a blur of motion from Dave's perspective.

Dave "Yo, where are they going, bros?... Nah, we should leave them be. let's go down, dudes!"

Dave dashes off, launching himself off the waterfall's edge. Mid-air, he executes five flawless backflips before piercing the water's surface in a perfect dive. His friends attempt to mimic his acrobatics, but their attempts end in comedic belly flops.

Sa/No/Di/Dave "Ouch! That gonna stink!"

Laughter rings out, the lake transforming into a playground. Sarah and Noah submerge, on a quest to spot aquatic life. Adrian and Amelia plunge into the depths, their eyes searching for unique pebbles. Dave challenges Diana to a swimming contest.

Resulting in defeat, Dave is ceremoniously crowned with a dunce hat, a handcrafted work of art by Sarah, Diana, and Noah composed of local leaves and twigs.

Dave "Aw man, this fucking sucks! This is the Biggest L of my life. Am I right... chat?"

He casts a glance back, only to find his drone missing. The reality of the situation sinks in.

Dave "Ummm, guys. Where's my drone?! Fuck! Did I forget it and it was destroyed in Gwen's dimension?! Fuck!"

Diana "Yep. Don't worry, Icarus. With that drone gone, maybe you would grow a brain cell or two."

Dave "What did you say?! Humph! Says the gorilla that didn't want to listen to Gwen's explanation yesterday!"

Diana "Are you fucking deaf?! I legit said that I heard the conversation from back there! Sure, I didn't understand most of it! But what about you?! Did you even get any of that?! I'm pretty sure you didn't understand a damn thing but stayed to listen anyway to fuel your fake ass "Cool Persona"."

Dave "At least, I'm consistent with being Cool. Unlike someone who claimed to want to keep the "order" of the group together. But is the one starting the fight."

Diana "Why you littl-

Sarah, Noah, and Adrian intercept Diana while the others reel in Dave. The wave of fury is then replaced by a more subdued calm.

Azan "Can't you guys stop fighting... FOR FIVE MINUTES?! Gwen wanted this time for us to relax. Does this look like "relaxing" to you?"

Di/Dave "No..."

Once the tension dissolves, the group congregates in a circle.

Amelia "You know now that I think about it. This feels so unreal to me. Like a bloody fever dream."

Mina "How so? Is that a good thing?"

Amelia "Of course, it's a good thing. I mean like we were just a bunch of teens chatting and playing with each other online for years. One day, we meet up just like that! Well, besides the whole being chased by an army of aliens and cultists ruled by an alien Hitler. It's almost like-

Dave "Destiny, right. Like we are destined to be together, bro."

Mina "That's the sweetest thing, I ever heard."

Adrian "Yeah. However, sadly I feel like some of us feel more distant than others."

They stare at him, baffled by his assertion.

Diana "Oh, is that so? Wimp. Please, explain."

Adrian "That was a bit... rude... but ok. I meant those three."

Amelia "Oh that makes a lot more sense since they met each other way before meeting any of us."

Azan "Yeah, they seem so close... like too close. But I don't know how they could get along. Seeing this their personalities."

Mina "I don't know, I think they get along perfectly! I once scroll back through the old chat log when there were just those three. There were lots of arguments all of which were between Kanji and Gwen since they have opposite scientific spectrums, but the arguments tend to lower when Claire got into the mix. I guess her positivity and creative nature acted like a rope between their relationships."

Dave "So like a threesome."

Amelia "Eww! Dave!!"

With a swift motion, she lands a heavy swat on the side of his arm.

Dave "Ow! Ok, there was a bit Weirdchamp of me lol."

Sarah "I wonder what those three are doing right now."

Perched on a higher cliff, a solitary oak tree stands, its trunk marred by a small hole and its foliage a thin veil of what once was. Yet, the splendor of the cliff's view is undying, a breathtaking panorama that feels eternal, as if it could witness the sands of time trickle to their end.

From this vantage point, the island unfurls in its full glory.

Kanji ambles to the precipice, letting his legs dangle off the edge. He is held captive by the mesmerizing spectacle of the sunrise, its beauty mirrored in his awestruck eyes.

Kanji "Such a magnificent view... will I ever get to experience this again after my journey? No, it is very unlikely. Though, I do wonder what this place's called."

The crunch of footsteps rises behind him... Kanji doesn't draw his gaze. Rather, a knowing smile graces his face.

Gwen "This island is called Loner's Paradise, as for this cliff..."

She settles down on his right, silently joining him and taking in the view.

Gwen "... is called Loner's Peak."

Kanji "Is it called that because a lonely person usually comes here to relax? Are you said "lonely person"?"

Gwen "What do you thin-

The rapid pattern of approaching footsteps crescendos, temporarily breaking the serene atmosphere. Suddenly, a pair of arms envelop the two wielders from behind, the unexpected hug nearly toppling the trio off the cliff's edge.

Gwen "Claire, what the hell?!"

Claire "Oops! Sorry, I was too excited! You both... aren't mad are you?"

They respond with laughter, returning her warm embrace.

Kanji "Of course, not. We would never stay mad at you."

Resettling, they resume their positions – Kanji sandwiched in the middle, Claire on his left, and Gwen on his right.

A tranquility descends, punctuated only by the soothing caress of the cool breeze.

Gwen and Claire cast a glance at Kanji. A silent understanding passes between them – something is amiss.

Gwen "Kanji. Is there something wrong? You know you can tell us."

Kanji "... perhaps. Let me ask you one thing. Am I a bad leader?"

Cl/Gwen "Of course, not!"

Gwen "Everyone's alive to this point. Why are you worried?"

Kanji "Because everyone got hurt! It must have been painful. Amelia lost her eyes and many of us suffered lots of injuries. If only I could've come up with better plans or better orders to give! I knew I was never meant to be a commander! I was always a lone soldier!! My tactics in the war were for naught, utterly fucking useless to our current circumstances!!!-

Gwen "Kanji. Those tactics... you came up with them. But you're not the ones orchestrating them. Is that why you think you're not a good leader?"

In response, he gives a subtle nod. Gwen places her hands gently on his shoulders.

Gwen "Nonsense! Being a good leader isn't always about planning or giving orders for others to obey. It is about the trust between the leader and subordinates. The power to believe in others' capabilities. It is a two-way relationship, the soldiers can't just rely solely on the general and the general can't rely solely on the soldiers. So you should feel no shame in what you were doing! In fact, I think you did the best you could!"

Claire reaches out, tapping his other shoulder, joining the conversation.

Claire "Yeah, a good leader can also just be someone brave, kind, inspiring, calm, and protective of his or her peers! Acting as a beacon of hope and keeping everyone happy and determined. A person who solves others' issues and defends them from harm. This is my ideal leader, exactly just like you. But seeing you worry like this... will make the rest of us feel less hopeful."

Kanji "I... I don't know what to say. Thank you, girls. Hearing this, I feel... a lot more at ease. Perhaps, I'll just do what's best and make sure everyone is safe. I promise you that!"

Smiles grace their faces as they embrace one another, their gazes fixed on the captivating view before them.

A few minutes drift by.

Kanji "Since my worries are gone. Do you guys want to go back to the others?"

Claire "Nah. Not yet. We finally have time for just the three of us."

Gwen "True, and I have a lot of questions I would like to ask you."

Kanji "Oh, go ahead. I don't mind answering them."

Gwen "Ummm, this AN fellow. Is he or she still there?"

Kanji "No, AN isn't responding. Something must've happened on their end which is most likely the reason that sent us inside your dimension in the first place."

Gwen "... that's too bad. I was hoping to ask them about interspecies breeding."

Claire "Ew, Gwennn! Why would you want to know that lol?"

Gwen "Because I'm a biologist. It is in my interest to learn about this sort of thing. Also, do you guys still have the arm? You know the one you cut off from that Castastrian. I wasn't looking during that time."

Kanji "Ah shit! I forgot to pick it up!"

Gwen ~sighs~.

A tinge of disappointment appears on her face, realizing she has missed out on such an opportunity.

Kanji "Gwen, where is Izzybot?"

Gwen "Izzybot is currently surveying the entire island. She will be back here around sundown."

Claire "Wait, she can fly! Like a helicopter!"

Gwen "Yes, but not like a helicopter. She spins a bunch of fibrous roots into wings to flap herself through the air."

Kanji "I still don't how she can move and extend her body mass. There must be something you haven't told us."

Gwen "Fine, I'll spill it. Claire, you want to listen to this too?"

Claire "Yes, of course. Even though I'm not a scientist, I still find the way you two talk very entertaining despite not knowing most of it lol."

Gwen "Alright, I'll begin with Izzybot's ability to grow her body mass. You see I did some extensive research into Germmany's ability to change its DNA. It took a very long time, but today I manage to finally store the secret of this phenomenon inside a code. I then integrate it into Izzybot and it worked."

Kanji "Can you explain the secret in more detail?"

Gwen "Okay. So you know that Germmany was created using a bunch of different meats which also meant that it was intelligent. But what you don't know is that it also granted Germmany a higher degree of control over its own body. Down to the cellular level! Using a mix of body movement and vibration in its body caused not only its cell structure but also its DNA to change drastically."

Kanji "I see, but rapid growth doesn't explain Izzybot's complex movement."

Gwen "Yeah, that was when I turned to bio-engineering. I tried to install the cells of a Peregrine falcon, but her body rejects it completely which lead me back to the drawing board. Eventually, I came up with an idea. I take samples of Izzybot's cells to test their properties, the extraction was very difficult since messing up would cause the cells to die. After succeeding, I tried putting them on a Peregrine falcon's wings, but nothing happened. It was very upsetting."

Claire "Ummm... Gwen... where did you get those wings? Don't tell me you killed a poor bird?!"

Gwen "What? No, of course not! I got it from a dead one that was on Amazon. Anyway, while I was not looking, a single normal morpharabot somehow made contact with the wings. Something miraculous happened! I saw a pair of wings made of roots and branches flapping about my room. Though I have to admit, it was rather hard catching them. When I did, however, I immediately gave it to Izzybot and the wings begin the seep into her like quicksand. I then took another sample of her cells and saw that there were two types. I named them Morphix A cell for Alpha and Morphix B cell for Beta. The morphix A cell is Izzybot's original cell while the morphix B cell belongs to the modified animal part. The morphix B cell always obeys the morphix A cell control, giving Izzybot the full ability of the animal."

Claire "Oh! Oh, Let me have a guess! You have more than just that one. Right?!"

Gwen "That's correct! I have six actually. A peregrine falcon's wings. A gorilla's arms. A spider's legs. A sailfish's fins and bill. An armadillo's shell. And the teeth of a conodont."

Claire "Wow, that's awesome! It's like you're prepared for anything."

Kanji "Yeah, almost like you knew that our journey would come."

Gwen "Yes, obviously because I trusted my dreams. In turn, I prepared."

Kanji "What are your dreams anyway?"

Gwen "Well, for starters. I have your information. A giant Hercules beetle made of water. And I think I saw you but you're inside a rainbow crystal."

Kanji "Ok, that's a bit odd. But not very useful in our current situation."

Gwen "I agree, but I still find them worrisome so I made preparations anyway. Oh... Kanji... I believe you forgot to give me and two other people a certain "chip"."

Kanji "Oh, right! Damn, why do I keep forgetting? I'm so stupid!"

Claire "Oh, come on now! This shows that you're a normal human being, Kaney. It's okay to sometimes forget.

Gwen "Claire is right. I for one have forgotten a lot of tasks in the past. No need to fret over it."

Kanji "Haha. Alright, no more whiny Kanji. Let's get this over with."

He retrieves his tablet and extracts the syringe. Gwen extends her right hand, offering it to Kanji who proceeds to carefully inject the chip into the back of her right hand.

Gwen "Oh, nice. This is really nice. I wonder if I can put Izzybot in it."

Kanji rises from his seated position and starts making his way back toward the rest of the group.

Kanji "I think it's time to head back now. I have to give the other two to Azan and Mina."

Gwen "We catch up a bit later. I have something to tell Claire."

Kanji flashes a thumbs up as he continues his descent.

Gw/Claire "..."

An awkward silence falls as they lock eyes, tension building steadily between them.

Gwen "Claire... you love him. Don't you?"

Claire "Wha-wha-what?! No, I just... well I... just like him as a friend!"

Gwen "Gwen... it's ok. I can tell by your body language and the way you talk to him. You love... you love him very much. Don't you?"

Blushing profusely, Claire nervously intertwines her fingers.

Claire "Ma-ma-maybe."

Gwen "Don't worry. I love him too."

Claire "WHAT?!"

Gwen "You find this surprising? Well, I can see why. Me and him always argued a lot in the past which I am aware of. But deep down I love him with all my heart! Being a genius is quite lonely, and it is hard to find someone who shares the same burden! So when I knew of him, my heart beats fast like it is calling out to my soul mate..."

Claire "Er... I-

Gwen "... Claire, I know. Two best friends loving the same guy. Only in a perfect world that both of us can have him. So from today toward... I see you as my rival in this battle of love! Let's have a fair and clean match!"

Gwen extends her arm for a handshake. Nervously, Claire accepts the gesture, their hands meeting in a tentative clasp.

Claire "Sure. Good luck." "Holy fuck! Shit! Why did it have to be like this?! A deadly love triangle. Oh no, if she finds out... No, I will never let that happen! But she's my best friend. What should I do?! Help me, Kaney!"

As their hands separate, Gwen's fingers brush against an object. To her surprise, she discovers a mechanical soap resting in her palm.

Gwen "What's this now? You know rivals don't give each other gifts."

Claire "But Gwen, we are still friends. Aren't we?"

Gwen "I... sorry. I've gotten a bit carried away."

The two clumsily hug each other.

Deep within the trunk of the oak tree, a hidden recorder rests.

Kanji's troubled mind grapples with the implications, swiftly commanding the recorder to self-destruct in silence, erasing any evidence of its existence.

Kanji "Damn damn damn! Why?! This is bad! I... I guess I have no choice. Sorry, Claire. For the sake of keeping this group intact, I will only see you as a friend from now on. Consider this an unofficial breakup."

Overwhelmed with sadness, Kanji trudges towards the waterfall, his heart heavy with burden. Without hesitation, he leaps into the waters below.

The remaining leaves of the oak tree relinquish their grip, succumbing to the passage of time. Their brittle remnants disperse, carried by the wind, scattering across the island as a fleeting memory.

(to be continued)