"Well, Well, we finally meet. Richard Kurosagi."

"And you're..." Richard wasn't sure what to take from this. One thing is for sure, this man in front of him...he was not friendly. It makes matters worse that he is holding a legendary piece as proven by the intensified glowed from both of their pieces.

"The name is Rusher LeGrace, I am the leader of the wanted criminal group LeGrace. We're after Ragnarok, so if you would be kind to get out of our way we promise to not let your fate be similar to those who stood in our way." He said as he threw the man that he held to the ground.

"I am afraid that will not be possible."

"Oh? And I assume you are going to stop me? In case you did get the memo, Your armor is of no use against me."

"Fufu, do not be so sure." The smaller armored Lieutenant in a blink of an eye appeared in front of the taller blue-haired male which blocked her roundhouse kick albeit in slight surprise.

"Whoa." The brown-haired boy was quite surprised and at the same time excited upon seeing how fast the young Lieutenant was. He wished he has his Omega attire and abilities! However, this is the real world.

"Kula, can you open that glass?" The small orange-haired girl looks at it for a long time while her legendary piece glows higher.

"It is possible but it seems that it will take a few minutes. The glass is made of amorphous metal and a bit of diamond glass."

"I guess you will have to give me some entertainment Miss."

"Lieutenant!"

"Guard Ragnarok, and the owner! It is our duty to protect them even if our lives end here!" The small Lieutenant commanded her group. Rusher chuckles.

"That can be arranged," just then for everyone in the room, it felt as if their bodies were grounded under the floor. Before everything was back to normal and Rusher was in front of the group while Azmia was thrown to the air.

('What?') Azmia was astonished, how was he able to get there and throw her at the same time?! His speed is inhuman!? And he is not using the advanced X0P Exoskeleton!

"How?" The blue-haired leader of LeGrace just kicked one out of the way before with his mechanical arm clothesline another member of P.E.P.A. Leaving one remaining.

"I am not just your typical criminal that you can easily stop just like that," Rusher told the remaining member.

()

While this was happening Kula used her monitors to analyze the structure. As she figures it will take a few minutes to cut through the hard glass in the meantime she needs her leader to make sure no one is in the way. Him slowing time will do no good but luckily for her, it just affects Rusher meaning that even if he slows time for himself, time will run normally on her part.

"Humph." The orange-haired small girl threw a thin pin on her left stopping a certain boy from stopping her. "Don't think you can sneak up on me, Mister Kurosagi."

"So those monitors aren't just simple computers. Tell me did you use those things to know the whereabouts of everyone inside this maze? I imagine that you were the one who created it."

"You will be correct. My name is Kula Rowan, I am the daughter of the famous scientist Jack Rowan and as you can tell the owner of the legendary piece The Square Root of Puzzles." She took a pin from her pocket skirt.

"If you value your life, I suggest that you stay where you are and do not interfere with our goal." Warned Kula pointing the pin toward his head.

"Why do you want to steal this? Is it for a black hat hacker?"

"Black Hat...? Oh, you mean those virtual nerds that gather information just to sell it in their very own network black market? Do not compare us to those scums. Our goal is much higher and does not involve destroying a game. No, this pearl will help us archive something that we wanted for years."

"And that is..."

"...Freedom..."

()

Meanwhile, Rusher had a slight advantage against The Lieutenant of P.E.P.A. With his time manipulation Azmia was having a difficult time dodging or even creating any offense against the blue-haired veteran combatant.

"Has the government been falling since I left The Area? I am very disappointed, to say the least."

"Damn." Azmia was getting tired. She has to find a way to stop his speed but how? He somehow can appear behind or beside her! She has a suspicion that it has something to do with that glowing star that is on his neck. If only she's able to somehow take it from him then the battle could turn back in her favor. Rusher just notices what she might be thinking and spoke up.

"Is useless."

"What?"

"You're thinking right now how to get this legendary piece of mine from me weren't you?"

"Legendary...piece?"

"Let me ask you have you ever heard of those fantasy stories about some children holding legendary pieces with hidden abilities?" Azmia has heard it. Heck, she will be surprised if anyone hasn't heard that story! As a little girl, she heard that story from her aunt many times.

"Yes, what about it!?"

"Believe it or not if you want but this thing I have is one of them as well as my partner."

"And you're telling me this because...?" The Lieutenant was confused by this. Why would the enemy tell her this information? Was he trying to distract her with this story?

"Because it won't change the outcome of this fight. I assume The Area has told you about Project M.I.S.T. Hasn't they?" Project M.I.S.T. She knows about it. It was a military secret project to create super soldiers in order to help in wars against terrorism. The soldiers were conducted in a blue mist that will enter his or her body and give super strength and in some cases superintelligence. However, if the user overused The mist, the M.I.S.T. will start consuming the flesh and bones of said user. It was advised to not use the mist for more than 2 minutes or else the aforementioned consequences will ensue. Is deemed classified and The project was suspended on April 21st, 2035 by orders of the superior of the group Majestic 12. All evidence except classified files were destroyed as an order for the safety of the world. Her General along with herself was one of the few who knows about the project The others...are the current members of M-12 and their very own superior. So he is saying that he was one of those people? One of the soldiers that were tested by this dangerous project?!

"If you're one of the soldiers of Project M.I.S.T. Then why become a terrorist thief?!"

"Terrorist? So that's what we're called in this city." Rusher chuckled at that. It is true they are working for a madman that wants to take over the world and destroy any third world power who gets in his way of the said goal. However, The key to their freedom lies in Dionne and Ragnarok. With the power of the so-called twin pearls, they will be able to control the M.I.S.T. Without any problems of their bodies being consumed by the evil blue smog. A soldier never forgets the dark voice that kept telling him to destroy and kill. Luckily for him, his very own General stopped him before the M.I.S.T. Claimed another victim.

"Alright, then I will let you know a little secret about who you working with," Rusher became serious as he was about to tell these cruel but truthful words that he had to learn the hard way. "Watch your back and very well. The people that you're working with more importantly this government of ours, will stab you in the back when you need them the most."

"Freedom?" Just what in the world was the orange-haired teen talking about? In what way? From who or what? The more Richard thought about it the more his head started to spin.

"Hmm, maybe for you is too complicated to understand the concept of what I mean?"

"HEY!" Now he feels insulted!

"That pearl over there. It has powerful abilities if combined with another."

"Powerful in what way exactly?"

"Powerful enough to awaken any weapon from its slumber." Any weapon from its slumber? Hmm, when she says it that way, it feels like some sort of machine or some nuclear weapon. Either way, they are bad news.

"From what you're telling me it feels like you just want this thing for some sort of weapon that can bring harm to others." The brown-haired boy cannot allow that to happen.

"Take it as it is, we don't care what happens after we use it for our goal. So long as we're free from the curse of The Area's project what happens next with the twin pearls is up to him."

"You're saying him in a way that says you're working with someone. Either way, I can't just let you take that pearl. Especially when is very dangerous." Kula sighed.

"You are very stubborn, just like the data said about you." Richard instinctively dodged the pins but some hit the owner. The owner felt a slight sting but was able to remove them easily. However, the second that he did his body felt as if a 300-pound bag fell on his back.

"Owner!" Richard dodge and hid behind the glass. Just what happened? The owner feels like he can't walk, what did those pins have inside them?! Whatever it is he cannot get hit by any of them. Not if he wants to end up being like the owner.

"Do not worry you will get up in a couple of hours by that time my job here will be done and then we can leave. You're lucky, I don't use tranquilizer pins on my opponents, in fact, I barely engage in the fight is either Rusher or the Fatso."

()

Somewhere in the Bermudas hidden in the LeDutch headquarters Mol had a vein in his forehead.

"Is something wrong, Mol?" Asked Grew seeing his muscular Super-Heavyweight partner somewhat irritated.

"No idea, but I have the feeling that I WANT TO FUCKING PUNCH SOMETHING HARD!!" The man said punching the Metal wall startling the soldiers.

"Whoa! Calm down, Mol!"

"ARE YOU TRYING TO DROWN US, FATMAN!" Yelled Min which angers the Muscles of the group more.

()

Back In Paris, Aeris was getting very concerned about her childhood friend. He hasn't come out of the exit door for 15 minutes now.

"Grey Beaumont, reporting live outside L'Cier Arts & Jewelry in Rue Cier, Paris France as a strange occurrence has transpired inside. People have experience being inside a maze and some even have come out of it...We are walking this way to find..."

"Aeris Rhythm...is increasing." Said the owner of the Sharp of Sinfonia.

"I can relate to her concerns. What is Kurosagi doing?!" Yuma could tell the pink-haired girl was getting more concerned by the minute. Usually, she or Adel would go back inside to fetch him but Adel told her to stay and wait. However, that seems to become more and more impossible, at least for the certain beauty with pink hair as she grips the glowing Rubik Cube of Knowledge.

()

The baton of the Lieutenant of the P.E.P.A. Squad resonates with the mechanical fist of Rusher. Feeling like he wanted to prove the point of them having a huge gap in strength and battle experience Rusher hasn't used his legendary piece's ability if he did this battle would've been over and done. Hmm, he saw during his turn to block and dodge that Kula was handling Kurosagi and have neutralized the owner and the remaining P.E.P.A. Soldier using her paralysis needle pins. Good, that will make sure that they won't bother her for the next 15 minutes by that time they will be long gone. Leaving this place will be simple. However, leaving Paris to reach LeDutch's HQ will be the difficult part considering that those Majestic 12 will definitely be chasing them until they lose them in the Bermudas Triangle. Luckily for them, he already has a mental map of where the location is as the electromagnetic field that disrupts any technological device used by the French mastermind is always active. Is a wonder how he was able to find such a device deep in the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. So that thing was the cost of many aircraft and Ship-craft's demise. If they manage to lose them they will be able to escape and disappear from their radar.

"Oh?" He blocks the kick of the female armored Lieutenant with his arm before launching an uppercut that backed her away.

"That was not a bad attack." He said as he pumps his fist to get some blood flowing to it "However, my defenses are still high even after I said that I will give you a chance to fight me in a fair fight with no abilities."

"You seem so confident. Do you really think you will get away with your crime?"

"Crime...are you sure about what you're saying?"

"What I am saying?! You are blatantly trying to steal a precious treasure that has value and will most likely be for auction after being demonstrated in Paris and maybe around the world!!!" How dare he say that she is in the wrong!? When they, they are the criminals! They created this maze to keep people hostage, have hurt authority even worse government, and are trying to illegally take an ancient pearl from the hard-working archaeologists! And he says she and everyone that is protecting Ragnarok is in the wrong!? He even blatantly told her that they will give it to a madman to who knows what to do with it!

"You seem to misunderstand Dionne and Ragnarok are meant to be together. Their value is at its max when they are in unity. Separated they are nothing but useless rocks that have 0$ of value to anyone. Besides, How can you be sure that The Area will not use it for experimentation? It has not stopped them before." Pointed the blue-haired male as a matter of factually. Rusher has thought about LeDutch plans of what he wanted with Dionne and Ragnarok. He has his suspicions and whether or not he can 100% trust the mustached superior is up to him. Kula doesn't seem to trust him at least not as much as the others, in fact, she is the one who least trusts him. However, he also has something that they have and that's enough for him to at least give him a chance.

"Do you think that The Area is as it was before and during The M.I.S.T. Project!?"

"Are they not?"

"OF COURSE NOT!" Rusher dodged the baton easily. She seems to be just like his past self, loyal to The Area even during Project M.I.S.T. And strong-minded. However, that is also a weakness "Gah!" A weakness that one day will be this young girl's death sentence.

"Loyalty is a good thing but when you're loyal to an organization that will toss you aside like trash if you don't reach their expectation, it will end up in undoubtedly your death." The blue-haired leader of LeGrace kicked her so hard that she bounced on the cubic maze wall. Rusher looks at his mechanical arm and opens and closes it to see if it still functioned. For his luck the arm responded with a robotic sound, he did punch the female Lieutenant's stomach as hard as he could that if it wasn't for the armor he was sure he would've broken a few ribs. Heck, what makes him sure that he didn't anyway?!

"Rusher." He looks to the right to see Kula already opening the glass.

"So you found the breaking point?"

"Wasn't easy as I told you but nothing is impossible as long as the technology exists," Kula said proudly of herself. The small genius hasn't found any problem that was unsolvable with science. She cannot think nor fathom any situation that science cannot solve.

"We should hurry."

"I know, you will have to use your legendary piece's ability thou. We cannot get out through the exit that is open." She signals to one of her monitors showing a lot of cops and reporters outside along with a lot of people who were either victims or curious bystanders. The blue-haired let out a sigh, he wished he wouldn't be using this ability is sometimes tiresome.

"I guess we don't have a choice." The conversation would've continued but they both had to move away from a bolt that went and hit the glass. Both members of LeGrace looked to see the Lieutenant of P.E.P.A. Standing with her baton.

"Don't think...I...am...finish...yet..." Said the female Lieutenant while panting. Rusher narrowed his cold red eyes toward the person standing in the way of their goal before speaking.

"Do you not know when to stay down?"

"Rusher."

"Just take Ragnarok, then we're getting out, we have wasted enough time as it is,"

"...Yes." She can tell that her leader is annoyed by the enemy and he is right the sooner they take the twin pearl the better. Besides...

"Do not think I have forgotten about you, Richard Kurosagi." Told the orange-haired girl to her brown-haired adversary. The boy responded with a sheepishly chuckle before dodging the pins.

"Well, it was worth a shot." The boy looked around and found a shield which he thinks must belong to one of the guards. He took it making the pins bounce off. Kula dashed toward the opened glass and took Ragnarok. To her surprise thou, the brown-haired teen threw the shield which hit her hand forcing her to drop the pearl.

('Dionne.') There's that male voice again. Why is it that he can hear it?! That was distracting enough for Rusher to kneel him in the stomach.

"You should have not interfered, Richard Kurosagi. Unlike your...little game Omega, playing the hero here will end up getting you killed." That's funny because...

"*Cough* Funny because you...don't know everything." That caught the blue-haired leader's attention.

"Oh?"

"Besides, I can't just stand there and do nothing. Whatever you want with that pearl. I have a feeling that will get us involved no matter what." He could be right, for all he knows, they can be working for a black hat hacker. Rusher closes his eyes before grabbing him and picking Ragnarok.

"Let me give you a word of advice in life Richard Kurosagi. Not everything is fun and games. When you live in a military facility for almost all your life you see things that kids like you wish you didn't. You might live a world of fantasy in that online game of yours but outside that fantasy bubble, people like me and Kula are thriving to survive," He hardens his grip on the boy's collar before punching him in the stomach again. "You feel that?! That is something called real pain, something that I bet you never experienced before." Damn that hurt! The brown-haired teen wonders what that hand was made off!!

Stolen novel; please report.

"Rusher, let's leave. Lecturing him about the consequences of life in the real world is only going to end up on deaf ears." The orange-haired girl had a point. Even if he lectures him he will just go back to that little game of his. Besides, he is wasting valuable time trying to lecture a brat like him.

"You're right. Let us go we got what we came here for..." Rusher would've continued if it wasn't for the fact that Richard held on Ragnarok that was held on his mechanical arm. "Do you really still want to get in our way. Maybe I should make an example out of you for kids like you that think they can be the hero because they play that fantasy online thrash in real life. Maybe killing you will make kids re-think about being heroes in real life." Rusher notice that the brown-haired teen was smiling which irritates him. He prepares to deliver another blow before the brown-haired teen yelled...

"DOBI Initialize Western Omega! Player: Richard Kurosagi! And Item: Ragnarok!" What in the hell is he blabbering about?! Before he could ask the boy a voice was heard.

'Name of player confirmed, Name of the Item Confirmed: initializing Dimensional Omega Bracelet Initiator,' That caught the two criminal members of LeGrace by surprise as the next thing they knew not only did Richard Kurosagi disappeared but because he was also touching Ragnarok the pearl was also transported.

"WHAT?!"

"He vanished!?" Kula couldn't believe it either. How was that possible? Where did he go with Ragnarok?! All these questions would have to be answered another day as they had to dodge a couple of darts coming from the opened door.

"Looks like we arrived just in time." Said a female voice. That voice belonged to Diane holding a handgun with what seems to be tranquilizer darts.

"You're...Diane and Sherri!" Said the female Lieutenant almost struggling to keep herself on her feet. Azmia has seen the boy disappeared along with the pearl. She can safely be assured that the legendary pearl was in good hands now. However, her job as the security guard for this museum/store is not over yet.

"Hello Lieutenant Azmia is late but congratulations on your promotion." Said the light-brown haired woman to the young Lieutenant.

"Tch." This was getting troublesome. Are these two involved also with P.E.P.A.? No, they aren't armored up like the rest of the group that he took care of not long ago. Are they working for Majestic 12? If so, then it will be a matter of time before they arrive here. Seems...

"We may have no choice." He looks toward his small partner. "We need to retreat. We must regroup and come with a plan to get Ragnarok some other way." He has a point. Right now who knows where the brown-haired teen that took Dionne is right now, the best course of action is for them to retreat and fight another day. Once they find the whereabouts of Richard Kurosagi, they can retrieve Ragnarok and bring it back to LeDutch's HQ.

"Right."

"Sorry, but we cannot let you get away," Sherri told the leader of LeGrace.

"Rusher LeGrace and Kula Rowan, We have questions to ask. Come quietly and we might negotiate something." Negotiate?!

"Are you crazy!? Why would you try to negotiate with this thieving terrorist?!" Azmia was livid! She respects Diane and all the hard work she does as a private detective along with Troy and the smaller Sherri but to negotiate with them!?

"They may have the information we need in order to find the most wanted criminal in all France. If you two come willingly we promise to arrange some sort of deal that will benefit both sides." Explained Diane much to the dismay of the female Lieutenant.

However, Rusher just chuckles at the thought of them negotiating with him.

"While it may be tempting I will have to decline on mine and my partner's behalf. I do not betray the people who we are contracted to. However, rest assured that this might not be the last time we see face to face." Rusher's legendary piece glowed and before they could react the blue-haired male took his partner and disappeared. At least in the eyes of the three females, it seemed that way but in reality Rusher's Estrella del Leopardo's ability came through again slowing time and thus allowing the blue-haired man to bypass them and escaped with Kula.

"Where did they go?" Sherri asked one second they were standing there and then puff they vanished.

"Is Rusher's ability." Said Azmia. She needs to know more information about the adversary she faced. She will have to ask her commander about him and his history with The Area. For now, she must make sure everyone that was protecting the pearl is fine.

()

Meanwhile, on Arrow Forest; Richard was trying to catch his breath. That punch he received from Rusher did a number on him. Seriously, what is that arm made of?!

('Dionne.') There's that voice again. This one sounds like someone who was depressed about missing a loved one. It sounded more mature too.

"Huh?" He looks at the pearl known as Ragnarok glowing and subsequently his legendary piece The Diamond Dragonite responded. He wonders if these two are compatible with each other. Dionne...He wonders who or what that is? Hmm...is it safe to go back to the real world? I mean they might just have given up on waiting for him. Heck, for all they know they could just think he is in another country! He looks at the pearl again. It's dark blue pattern along with its glow made it a beautiful pearl that he bets any rich person will like to give to their wife or daughter. He bets this thing is very expensive close to 1 to 2.5 million dollars heck it could reach the100 million! He sighed, he really wishes he was as rich as his childhood friend Alice. Alice...he actually wonders if he should at least give something else aside from the obvious necklace they will give her. I mean the gift is from everyone not him, so...Argh! His mother really must know how to mess with him!

('Dionne.')

"You're not helping neither." The brown-haired sighed before sitting down on the floor. "Guess I should go back." Said the brown-haired after much contemplation before he tells DOBI to teleport him back.

()

Inside the store/museum the maze was slowly disappearing.

"Seems like they're long gone," Dianne said.

"Yeah." Sherri looked at the owner.

"Can you stand Mr. L'Cier?" The old man tries to move his arms and legs and they started to respond.

"Y-Yes, thank you for coming here."

"No problem." Just then a light appeared and out of it came Richard Kurosagi.

"Richard Kurosagi."

"Oh hi, guess they are gone now." Said the teen holding Ragnarok.

()

After a lot of explanation and praising how smart it was for the teen to teleport himself to the game with the pearl, Everyone got out of the store/museum. The owner was very appreciative of Richard that he will get him anything in order to return the favor of saving him and the pearl from being stolen. Richard still wonders how the blue-haired man and the orange-haired small girl were holding legendary pieces. Did they get them from someone or are they actually part of the family in the story that was told by their parents? He has to thank That Azmia girl for protecting him from the news reporter I guess that's her way of saying thank you for the help. Still, this is kind of crazy to think that he faced a terrorist and escaped with his life. Who knows what could've happened if he didn't show up. Well, the important thing is that they got what they came for. Albeit, he wished that it was without getting involved once again in danger. The pink-haired girl seemed very concerned and even went so far as to scold him. He has seen Aeris mad but this time she seemed very angry. Yuma assured that if he let the pink-haired cool off for a couple of days she will talk to him again. He hopes so he really doesn't want their friendship to be ruined because of this incident. Now...

"So, who is the one who is going to give her this?" Richard said with the Kawai Neko dangling on the necklace.

"I will usually say that I would but we need to clean the house before Miss Russo arrives," Yuma informed him. They really need to get home before the pink-haired adult sees the number of CDs lying around the living room. Genre sometimes can be very messy when it comes to listening to different tunes every day.

"Hmm, say why don't you do it, Richard?" That caught the boy off guard.

"Huh?" He really wasn't expecting Frederick to say that.

"You have known her just before Aeris, so I can understand why she says you should do it."

"Hmm, I don't know, I think it would be better if you Aeris go." The brown-haired teen suggested.

"I think you're more suited to do this." Adel might have a point he did meet Alice before Aeris. After a few seconds, the boy with a defeated sigh accepted to be the delivery boy.

"Alright, But we need to write something on a note. I really don't want Alice to think that I was the only one who wanted to give her a gift." Yuma smiled.

"Well, of course, we don't want our leader to take the spotlight." With that in mind, the teens decided to write something simple but at the same time special so that the red-haired dark skin Japanese teen wouldn't feel alone when she is in Japan.

()

Later in the evening, Alice was inside her room changing to her night pajamas. She sighed after discarding her dress. Sometimes she wishes her mother wouldn't treat her like an actual princess or at least force her to dress like one. The fact that she has to do it every time she is at home, annoys the red-haired teen, she just wants to be a normal girl even when her mother is there. However, it seems that will never happen as her mother doesn't even mention her at her work. As far as her mother and her employee and clients are concerned Alice is non-existent. The very thought of her mother hiding her very own daughter as if she was ashamed of her made the red-haired girl...

"So, tomorrow I go back," She sighed, she wished that it wasn't this way. She really wanted to enjoy the entirety of the summer with her friends. Was that too much to ask? Was she being too selfish to wish for that?!

()

Here he is. With the note in hand and the necklace in a box. Why does this actually feel like he is going to a prom or something with her? I mean is not like he wouldn't, She is his childhood friend. It would be normal if his childhood friend goes to those kinds of activities, right? Right people?!

"Richard Kurosagi."

"WAH!" That made the boy almost drop the box and the note, luckily, he caught them in time and sighed in relief in doing so. The voice belonged to the main maid of Lady Hishikawa, Jessenia Amberland. The calm lilac-haired maid looks at the boy intensively before speaking.

"What brings you here this late. If you must know Lady Alice has a strict schedule today and is forbidden to come out at this hour." Informed the brown-haired boy. As Ayane Hishikawa's very own personal maid and guard, she must make sure that no intruders come this late and sneak into the mansion/house.

"Oh, er, well, I just came here because, well..."

"Well?" Rose an eyebrow suspiciously to the brown-haired boy who seems to start become a nervous shipwreck. She has observed the boy ever since the day that she was assigned to be the guardian of her Lady's daughter. She has to admit that he is strong inside the game of Omega. However, that is not good enough, the boy must also show that he can also defend himself in the real world. The dangers in the real world are no pun intended real and if anything happens to the red-haired teen on this boy's watch then he will have to pay dearly for it. Alice is all that her Lady has, even if Ayane doesn't show it to her daughter, even if she acts cold to the red-haired girl she is a very carrying daughter. Otherwise, why would she assign Jessenia to have tasks like this if anyone in that house could do the exact same thing she did during those weeks? Hmm, she looks and saw a box with a note hiding behind the boy's right hand. Is that a gift for Alice? Ah, she sees...

"I am afraid that you are not allowed to go in. If Milady knows that you are outside, The most likely scenario is that she will order me to hmm, how do you kids say, take out the trash?" That earned a sweat-drop from Richard. Really? Take out the trash? Who...?!

('Who says that these days.') The brown-haired teen thought thinking how old-fashioned the lilac-haired maid sounded right now before realizing that Jessenia must be misunderstanding the motives of the gift.

"Ah, No! No! No! I just wanted to give something to Alice from all of us?" He waved his hands rapidly showing the box in the process. Jessenia observed the box again.

"I see, so is a friendship gift."

"Yeah...A friendship gift you can say that. Hehe." Laugh the boy. The very thought of Jessenia thinking the gift was his only was very nerve-racking, to say the least. He needs to calm himself down.

Jessenia, on the other hand, was thinking of how to deal with this. Usually, she will just take the gift and hand-deliver it to Alice, however, there is something that she wants to confirm. She wants to test the boy's willpower. He might not be a suited contender to be the red-haired teen's chosen but, it does not hurt to see what he will do.

"While I cannot allow you to enter the residence There is an alternative."

"Huh?" The very confused boy was curious about what she meant by that. Jessenia hopes that the boy doesn't create trouble for this.

()

Alice already in her pajamas was on her queen size bed looking at the ceiling. She didn't feel sleepy yet as she was in a trail of thought. While the tournament is still months away, the very thought of not training with her friends for at least two weeks has made her get a little bit anxious. The fact that her mother is a bit responsible for this didn't help either. Seriously, what does she have against her childhood friend? She wasn't like this before. What did Her brown-haired friend do to get her mother on her bad side? She cannot think of anything! She hugs her stuffed cute kitty tight. She knows that this seems childish to hug something like this but...is so cute!! How can you not have one of these! As a fan of Neko Kawaii, you must have one! Especially hearing that meow sound.

"Huh?" What was that sound? It came from the bookshelf. That's strange that's where the secret entrance to her room is. Did someone discover the entrance?! Concerned she grabbed an object from her table, ready to strike the intruder. Is a bit dark! Is scary. "EP!" Have courage, Alice! You can do this! The door creak and Alice prepare to swing at the intruder. However, this one blocked with his hand but not completely.

"Ow!" She recognized that voice! She rushed to the near-bed lamp to turn it on. As the light turned on she saw her childhood friend rubbing the part where he was hit.

"Richard?" Surprised said the red-haired teen to see her brown-haired childhood friend.

"Hehe, Hi." For the first few minutes, there was an awkward silence. The boy looks at her childhood friend. She actually looks very cute wearing those kitten blue pajamas. No, No! Focus Kurosagi you have a task to do! No time to compliment your best friend. Jessenia has given him only 10 minutes and he has already wasted a few with this silence.

"Er, nice room you got here." What in the world are you doing?!

"...Thanks..." Alice felt a tint of embarrassment. The very thought of Richard seeing her in this seemingly childish pajamas wished that she was getting consumed by the ground and disappear. The boy cough.

"Ahem, Well, I...I mean we wanted to give you a gift before you go back to Japan." Said the boy.

"A gift?"

"Yeah, well is not much but we thought that since you like Neko Kawaii we decided to give you something that fits the theme." The boy handed the box with the note. The girl took it. As their hands touched a bit time seemed to stop. The boy thought that the girl's hand was very frail and delicate. Before long they realized that they had been holding each other's hand for a while and quickly took them away.

"Ah, sorry I didn't mean to...!" Panicking said the boy flailing his arms uncontrollably in which the red-haired did the same.

"AH! No, It was my fault, um, really, thank you. You...said this was from everyone, right?" She asked.

"Oh, er, yeah."

"Even the note."

"Yeah." She felt somewhat grateful and disappointed at the same time. Nevertheless, she feels appreciative of her friends actually giving something for her to have so she feels like everyone is there.

"Ah don't read the note now!" Huh?

"Why not?" The brown-haired boy scratched his head nervously.

"Just...wait until I leave." Why is he so embarrassed about just a note? It just probably say thank you and a message from everyone. Nevertheless, she obeys and decided to read it after he leaves. Richard looked around her room. This room is big! About three times bigger than his room. Oh, is that the new X-12 Model M? That model cost about his whole year allowance! Seriously just how rich is she?! Wow, look at the collection of games.

"That's just my games, The rest are in the gamer room with all the last-gen consoles. Hmm, I think I also have an Arcade room somewhere..."

"OK, I get it! Please, don't keep explaining!" Somehow he feels more depressed just thinking about the amounts of games she has. She can make her very own gaming tournaments. His C.C. Starts vibrating and he looks to see that his 10 minutes were up.

"Huh? Is it 10 minutes already?" Man times sure goes fast when you look around and talk with your childhood friend.

"Oh." Alice was somewhat disappointed. Richard looks around before sighing. He is going to miss coming here for training. Still...

"We can still talk to each other on the C.C., Oh and if by any chance you go to Japan's Arcade Station can you tell me how much it changed since the last time I got there."

"Richard is been about 8 months I don't think anything will change other than a few anime fighting games being released in the arcades." The boy sighed.

"I guess you're right." He walks to the bookshelf.

"Oh, Richard!"

"Hmm?!" The boys turn around and see the girl hugging the box.

"Thank you. Tell everyone that too, I'll cherish this forever." The boy grinned.

"Sure no problem." With that, the boy left feeling somewhat happy. Alice after her childhood friend left open the box. As the boy said the White with red eyes cute kitten was dangling on a silver chain.

"So, Cute!!" The girl said being swooned by the cute kitten. She looks at the note before looking at both directions making sure no one was seeing before opening it. When she started reading it she smiled.

'From Adel: Have a great safe trip.'

'From Yuma: Take care, Oh, and Make sure to bring us a souvenir from our land.'

'From Frederick: Take good care of it, Mother did her best to make it as much detailed as she could. Anyway, good luck and have a safe trip, Alice!'

'From Genre: ...Safe trip...' The girl sweat-drop at that one. Give it to the small blonde girl for being a girl of few words. But she said to have a safe trip so she is happy with that, to say the least.

'From Aeris: Don't worry about us, we will take care of the black hat hackers that invade Omega. You just enjoy your days in Japan. Make sure to take some photos from there I really want to see how the city looks like now. And be careful I heard that there has been a couple of earthquakes in the last 10 years that have happened there. Anyway, have a safe trip and I am glad to have you as my childhood friend.' Wow, Aeris sure knows how to make a deep message. Earthquakes, yeah she heard on the news last year that two of them happened but luckily no one got hurt from said incidents. Japan now is ready for such disasters but they can still happen. There was someone left in the note...she wonders if his message was on the back.

"Pfft...!" Well, there's the answer. A chibi version of themselves in a group saluting whoever sees this will think that he is childish or that he lacks drawing skills. Nevertheless, it lifted her spirit a bit.

'Fight on. Never give up because we will always be here for you! Take care and train hard. Until we meet again!'- Team Omega

"Definitely him." She knew the drawing and the encouraging words were written by the brown-haired teen. He always puts everyone as equal in the sense that even if they win because of him most of the time, he will say that without them he wouldn't have done it. Sometimes he underestimates his skills and power inside the virtual game that everyone in the world loves and gets hyped about. Hmm, she wonders if she will be here in time for the special event that was announced after the representation tournament? Well, until that day, she will have to find a way to become strong in Japan for her team's sake!

"But why would Jessenia tell him about the secret passage?" She wonders that as she goes and stores the note on her desk and snuggles her cute kitten while wearing the new necklace in which seems that her legendary piece felt the joy of having something to have it accompany in its lonely time.

()

"Milady."

"Jessenia. Is there something wrong?" The lilac-haired maid saw that her mistress had a cup of what she assumed is wine.

"No. I wanted to inform you that Lady Alice has already gone to bed and is currently sleeping." There was silence by the owner of Hishikawa's Enterprise. Twirling her small cup of wine she sighed. She wonders...if there is no end to the life of a wealthy person. The way to success sometimes leaves you with little time to spend with the people you love.

"I see," she took a sip of the cup. "You have done well."

"...Milady I do not want to be rude but...is it really alright for you to be drinking. You do have to speak very early for your business partners in Japan." Ayane sighed. Her maid was correct she indeed needed to talk to her business partners in the morning about what to do for their future partnership. Having a hangover should be on her what-not-to-do list. However...thinking about everything...it makes her...somewhat...distant from someone.

"It is nothing for you to worry. I can hold a bit of wine, besides, it makes me feel more relaxed which I need in order to plan for future moves for our company."

"For ours? Do you mean for Lady Alice's future?"

"Jessenia, you and I know that I will not be able to hold this company forever, if that is to happen then I need someone that is fit to run it."

"Not to be rude again but...Isn't a bit too forceful?"

"...Hmm?" Jessenia has to be careful not to anger her boss. Then again, she has been her bodyguard/main maid for years now and she even has shared secrets that she is sure the calm C.E.O. Will not divulge to even her family. For instance...

"Isn't it too soon to force Lady Hishikawa in "that" situation?" That situation will mean...

"If worse comes to worst...Then yes, There are many people who can be suited for that role."

"But announcing it to the world will mean..."

"I know. However, I will be sure to see to it that a candidate for my daughter's hand in marriage is chosen accordingly." Yes, if she divulges to the world that she had a daughter for 16 years, the media will go crazy for this discovery. Even more, if they hear the news of Alice being the next in line for the company. Even if Alice were to refuse she is sure the suitor will not mind taking over. She just has to find someone that fits the requirements of a great future C.E.O. Of an Enterprise company.

Jessenia just stood there. Her master must have thought this through as soon as she had that call. She has a feeling that Lady Alice will not be too happy about being forced to a quote on quote "Marriage Interview". But if that is what her Lady wanted she will not interfere.

"I will not allow Alice to feel betrayed." That's right she will not let her daughter feel the pain of being betrayed by her very own team. No, she will do whatever it takes so her daughter can be happy even if she is forced to marry someone else other than a Kurosagi.

()

They should be far away.

"It seems we have failed."

"...Yes..." They were very close to retrieving Ragnarok. If it wasn't for the brown-haired teenage boy they would be already planning the next phase to cure this curse.

"It will be difficult to look for Ragnarok now." Rusher chuckles at that.

"Oh don't be sure about that Kula." Kula looks at her blue-haired leader confused. Rusher sees this and proceeds to clarify.

"Why don't you check one of your monitors. As a matter of fact, open the map to this city." The orange-haired small girl still had no clue. Nevertheless, did so. She then realized why he was so confident and that gave the girl confidence too.

"When?"

"Hmm?"

"When were you able to plant a tracker bug on Ragnarok."

"At the same time that I took it before Kurosagi teleported somehow. One is always prepared." He then went serious.

"I will not allow this curse to take another life ever again. We will get Ragnarok and then we will all be free of this mist once and for all." Rusher remembers. He has witnessed it. The mist can sometimes mess with the mind of its user. If the person isn't strong to harness the M.I.S.T. Then they will have delusions even worse they will not only lose their skin...no more like eat their very own skin but...they will kill anyone that gets in the way, everything until the M.I.S.T. Itself consume them to nothing. He remembers the words of the soldier, with a creepy smile it said:

'I am one with him...I will consume everything and...anything...I am...M.I.S.T.'