[TL/N: Read my new work - Anime Group Chat in a Doomsday World!]
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"Even if you look at me like that, I can't explain it to you. Besides, I don't owe you an explanation."
After Alexander finished speaking, he turned to leave. He needed to return quickly to find Miku. Naturally, he didn't have the time to stand there explaining things.
Before departing, Alexander glanced at Shiori and sighed. "Well… although you look good in women's clothing, I should clarify—I'm a straight man."
"Ah!" Shido was stunned. "You can tell?! When did I slip up? I thought I did pretty well!"
Shido was baffled, unable to figure out where he'd given himself away. Alexander, however, merely shook his head with exasperation.
"You did well, but I can see right through you. As for where the spirits went, all you need to know is they've gone to a good place—a place where no one would judge them. That's all there is to it."
After those words, Alexander left without further explanation, leaving everyone behind in confusion.
"A beautiful place? What kind of place is that? Could it be… another world?"
But Alexander was already gone, leaving the group scratching their heads.
"Next time we find him, we won't let him leave so easily!" Kotori declared, stamping her foot in frustration.
Beside her, Shido muttered awkwardly, "Well… I don't think you'll need me next time. Honestly… he doesn't seem to care about me at all."
Seeing Shido on the verge of tears, Kotori let out a resigned sigh.
"Ugh… Shido, you're really hopeless."
Hearing Kotori's complaint, Shido looked even more embarrassed.
"Yeah, I know… I'm useless. Sorry about that."
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Meanwhile, in the main world, a lone figure walked silently. Her expression was blank as she surveyed her surroundings. She had no idea where she was or how she'd gotten there.
Her strength was nearly gone, leaving her helpless and on the verge of collapse. The room she found herself in was empty, its darkness unbroken by any light.
It was late, and most workers had already left for the day. The building was eerily silent, amplifying her fear.
Suddenly, a melodious tune filled the air:
'"Your voice is my guidepost,
Like a bird's song,
I search for my shadow beneath the nameless blue sky,
Riding a cradle woven with tenderness,
Setting sail for tomorrow."'
The music was beautiful, and the voice even more so. For Miku, an idol singer, the sound was enchanting. Slowly, she stood and followed the melody, step by step.
'"The nameless flower quietly falls into slumber,
The colorless wind calls to us."'
The familiar song stirred something within her. Wait—wasn't this 'her' voice?
Before she realized it, Miku found herself at a door. Inside, a woman was practicing the song. After finishing, the woman sighed in relief.
"Finally, it's ready. 'Violet Evergarden'—such a beautiful work deserves no less than perfection."
The song, 'Guidepost', was the ending theme of 'Violet Evergarden'. The singer? None other than Minori Chihara, a renowned voice actress.
Miss Chihara had portrayed characters like Nagato Yuki in 'The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya', Naze Mizuki in 'Beyond the Boundary', and even Miku in 'Date A Live'. It was no wonder her voice felt so familiar.
After completing her practice, Miss Chihara left the room. Miku wanted to stop her, to ask something, but before she could, a figure tapped her shoulder.
"Hello! Who are you? Why are you here? Do you need help?"
Startled, Miku turned to see a charming girl with long, flaxen hair smiling kindly at her.
Frightened and unsure, Miku instinctively stepped back, pressing herself against the door. She opened her mouth to respond but couldn't find her voice.
Seeing her hesitation, the girl's smile softened.
"Hello, my name is Shouko. Is there anything I can help you with?"