With the Enlightenment Program's campus...and the entire city in ruins, Amber had no choice but to take refuge in a separate military base. They currently gathered in a lounge on the military grounds.

Amber's friends gazed at her in surprise upon noticing an unfamiliar face beside her.

"Guys, this is my master who gave me training!" Amber remarked. "Her name is Meu Sharma!"

"It's a pleasure to meet my student's friends," Meu stated. "I heard so many good things about you all from Amber."

I like what she's wearing. Sariel thought. She's Japanese, so it makes sense, but it's nice to see a different style, I suppose.

"Thank you for helping our friend," Ariel said. "She went through so much, so I'm glad someone was there to help her overcome her limits."

"Nah, she was a good student," Meu countered. "She put in the work to become strong."

I can tell with a glance that she has become enlightened. Her physical body has become much stronger, and she's radiating divine energy. Meu pondered as she gazed at Amber. I can teach her more stuff. She might be my best pupil.

"Is this everyone?" Ryzen, who suddenly appeared, questioned. "Where is the other one...was his name Baran?"

The soldiers' expressions became saddened in response to Ryzen's question.

"Well, Baran has...requested a discharge from the Enlightenment Program," Amber responded. "The pain of the loss of Aiden...was just too much for poor Baran."

I'm glad that guy is gone. Sariel thought. He wasn't cut out to be a soldier, and he treated Amber so horribly. I hated him.

"I see, how unfortunate," Ryzen replied. Well, I'm not surprised. He and Aiden were painfully ordinary individuals. They weren't needed in the long run.

"You don't have to feel bad, Amber," Ivory stated as she placed her arm on Amber's shoulder. "Never forget that nothing is your fault."

"Yeah..."

"Anyways, I didn't expect to see you here, Sharma," Ryzen commented, which immediately caused Meu's eyebrows to furrow with annoyance.

"Sigh, how long will you call me by my last name..." Meu questioned. "I told you to call me Meu."

Oh, my. Ms. Meu wants Sergeant Ryzen to call her by her first name. Sariel thought. I heard that Japanese people only let people close and call them by their first name. That's interesting.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm sure you came here because of Amber," Ryzen continued. "You wouldn't have left the mountains otherwise."

"Yes...it took quite a bit of persuasion," Amber stated. "I guess my master is a bit more reserved than I thought."

"Hey, are you making fun of your master!?" Meu questioned with puffed cheeks.

"N-No, sorry!"

Stolen novel; please report.

"Why don't you train Amber's friends while you're at it?" Ryzen suggested. "I'm sure they'll benefit immensely."

"W-What?" Ariel, Sariel, and Ivory uttered in tandem.

"N-No, we can't do that," Ariel responded. "I mean, we already have Sergeant Trixie as our instructor. I doubt Amber's master would want us to have another trainer."

"Nonsense, I am not a prideful person!" The visibly excited Meu stated. "I don't mind you having another person training you. Besides, I can teach you many things your instructor can't."

"Yeah, you should take her word for it," Ryzen stated. "Sharma's one of the strongest people I've ever known."

"Aww, you didn't call me by my first name, but gee, thanks!" Meu replied.

"B-But..."

"Guys, I never wanted you to put yourselves in danger because of me, but I realized that's impossible to hope for," Amber expressed. "There are times when I'm not there to help you, and you all have protected me from death many times. So, I want you guys to fight with me...and I want you all to get stronger!"

"...Yeah, you're right," Sariel agreed as she gazed at Ariel and Ivory. We did agree that a day where we had to bury so many of our comrades would never happen again.

"Please teach us, master!" Ariel requested as she bowed her head in front of Meu. Sariel and Ivory awkwardly followed suit after seeing their friend bowing their head, which surprised Meu.

"H-Hey, just because I'm from Japan doesn't mean you have to bow your head, you know!" Meu said. "But I'll gladly accept you as my student!"

"Look on you, you're such a happy camper huh, Meu," Ryzen teased. "You've gotten even more students."

Hehe, of course, I'm happy. The modern era might be the best! Meu thought with a delighted smile.

*

The blessed soldiers weren't the only ones who felt hope after the death of Jack. Nathan and Lilith were lounging on a couch and happily watching a movie. The darkened living room and the audible crunching of eaten chips displayed how relaxed the duo were.

They were close in proximity despite the couch's size.

"Ah, I'm glad we get to experience the little things like this," Lilith stated. "Spending time together and watching a movie. It's been a while since we experienced this."

"Yeah, and I get to enjoy your cooking again," Nathan responded.

"Fufu...but it's unfortunate that I had to quit my job," Lilith remarked as she looked slightly down, which Nathan caught. "But I don't regret being by your side."

"...You told me your dream is to build your gourmet restaurant," Nathan stated. "Don't worry, I will make your dream come true. No matter what it takes."

Lilith gazed at Nathan with surprise, but her expression quickly shifted to a bright smile.

"You always know how to make me feel better, huh?" Lilith replied. "But let's go back to the movie! We're missing so much!"

Nathan shifted his gaze to Lilith, who was engrossed in the movie, and attempted to put his arm around her shoulder. He seemed pretty nervous as his hand reached closer.

"Sigh, you guys just love each others' company, huh," The developer, who suddenly barged inside, stated. His sudden presence shook Nathan, who quickly retracted his arm. The light, which rushed in from the door, brightened the darkened room the duo occupied.

"Tsk, why the hell did you show up!?" Nathan yelled. "You just ruined everything."

"Oh? What exactly did I ruin, Nathan?"

"Uh, tch..."

"Well, I don't care about your flirting. I'm surprised that you are looking at something normal like starting a gourmet business," The developer continued. "When you should be focused on your purpose as game characters."

"Y-You eavesdropped on us?" Lilith questioned with surprise and embarrassment.

"Sigh, your fellow players, Zack and Olivia, still haven't gotten over their friend's death," The developer said as he facepalmed and shook his head. "But you two are here all normal."

It's so gross to see them acting this way. The developer thought. Especially Nathan.

"How many times do we have to say we don't care about Jack," Nathan retorted. "You're interrupting our movie with this stupid lecturing. Just leave!"

"Sigh, I'll leave you as you wish," The developer stated as he walked through the entrance. "But know this. I'm disappointed in how 'normal' you two are. You both got pampered too much."

"Huh?"

"Bye-bye. You two will receive a new mission sooner or later," The developer stated as he shut the door behind him.

"Sigh, that guy always ruins the mood, huh?" Nathan said.

"Yeah, I don't like him, to be honest," Lilith agreed.

"Right?"

I know you're up to something, Ada. I've been watching you. The developer pondered as he walked. I hope it's enough to get these characters out of their comfort zone.