Even after all these years, Kurumi still vividly remembered Yamauchi Sawa.
That humble girl with chestnut-colored hair, always tied into three braids, was the only friend Kurumi had ever been able to speak to openly—a rare presence in her life as an isolated noble lady.
Kurumi cherished those warm, everyday moments when she and Sawa would walk home after school, chatting as the sky turned a deep shade of orange.
Sawa was always so welcoming, often inviting Kurumi over to her house.
She enjoyed their study sessions—but more than that, she was especially fond of Sawa's pet cat.
A little American Shorthair named "Chestnut".
Unlike most cats, Chestnut wasn't shy around strangers—on the contrary, it would eagerly snuggle up to just about anyone.
Kurumi loved petting it.
Unfortunately, someone in her household was allergic to cats, so she could never own one herself—a small regret that always lingered in her heart.
Sawa's hospitality and frequent invitations had, in a way, fulfilled her dream of having a cat.
That peaceful everyday life was short-lived.
—Humans imbued with Camael Sephira Crystal transformed into monsters, wreaking havoc across the city.
A clueless Kurumi had unknowingly wandered into one such crisis.
And just when her life was at risk, a mysterious woman appeared and saved her.
A woman who introduced herself as Mio.
From that day forward—
Kurumi accepted Mio's Sephira Crystal, became the Time Emperor(Angel:Zafkiel), and began hunting monsters alongside her.
The job was dangerous and demanding, so she started visiting Sawa's house less and less.
During their rare chats, she had noticed Sawa's lonely expression.
Kurumi knew—but all she could do was silently apologize in her heart.
Because she wasn't just doing this for herself.
She believed she was saving the world.
Mio led Kurumi in hunting down and eliminating over 50 monsters across the city.
Through these battles, they grew closer.
And yet—Kurumi had never spoken to Mio outside the battlefield.
At times, she wondered—
If Mio ever met Chestnut...
Would she finally smile?
Kurumi had been waiting for the right moment to introduce them.
Turning a street corner, she came to a sudden stop.
Mio was exactly where she expected her to be—
But the lifeless body at her feet wasn't a monster.
It wasn't just any girl.
Kurumi's mind went blank.
Because the one lying motionless on the ground...
The Scene Repeats—This Time, With Witnesses
Kurumi was forced to relive the nightmare.
Staring at Sawa's lifeless body, she clenched her teeth, nearly lunging out of Shiroyasha's concealment barrier to challenge Mio on the spot!
But before she could—
Souta grabbed her wrist, stopping her.
Didn't you just stop me earlier for the same reason?
Now that your friend is the victim, you're ready to throw history away?
Humans really are emotional creatures...
"Don't be reckless!" Souta warned. "Takamiya Mio could wipe the floor with you!"
Her urge to attack instantly vanished.
She turned her head away, giving Souta a resentful glare.
"Souta... if possible, Can't you be a little more tactful?"
Souta chuckled, meeting her gaze.
"I was just joking—a little trick to cool your temper."
"How do you feel now?"
"Feel better? You're dreaming."
Kurumi twirled the antique flintlock pistol between her fingers.
The barrel spun lazily in circles before suddenly pointing straight at Souta—
Whether it was intentional or not, he couldn't tell.
"...Ahem, I'll be more careful next time."
Souta calmly reached out and lowered the gun, continuing—
"With Shiroyasha here, we can deal with Mio anytime."
"But for now, we should let history unfold naturally.
After this is over, we can bring your friend back to life."
"I know..." Kurumi sighed, lowering her head.
"Still... I just can't let it go."
"Then be patient," Souta smirked.
"When you get stronger through the system, you can go after Reine Muramasa instead.
At that point, you can bully her however you want."
Souta then casually added—
"Or, I don't know... maybe tie her up, drag her into a basement, and 'correct' her a little?"
Kurumi: "...Throw her in a basement for correction?"
She suddenly imagined at least ten different scenarios.
A strange anticipation flickered in her eyes.
"You know..." she mused, "that actually doesn't sound too bad.
This wicked woman deserves a lesson."
Souta stared at her silently.
Mio, this isn't my fault.
You brought this upon yourself...
Standing at the edge of the barrier, Shiroyasha remained completely silent.
...And slightly distanced herself from the pair.
She had made up her mind.
Unless there were other people involved, she was never teaming up with Souta and Kurumi again.
These two had zero self-awareness.
They shamelessly flirted at full volume, without a care in the world!
This was a complete waste of her time!
"That's it. I demand compensation from Black Rabbit when I get back!"
She swore to get her revenge.
Kurumi (her past self) finally stood face-to-face with Takamiya Mio.
Her expression was twisted with despair and rage—
Her dark emotions threatened to overtake her entirely, nearly triggering a Spirit Inversion.
She barely managed to stabilize herself using her Fourth Bullet.
And then, she confronted Mio.
But instead of explaining herself, Mio simply...
Expressed her gratitude.
She effortlessly defeated Kurumi, wiped her memories, and sealed her in an adjacent dimension.
Kurumi's "origin" was now fully established.
Kurumi rushed out of the barrier, cradling Sawa's lifeless body.
Shiroyasha quickly followed, glancing over the girl.
Her brows furrowed slightly.
"The fight took too long... The best revival window has already passed."
"...But fine. I'll do it anyway."
With a flick of her hand, Shiroyasha froze time.
Then, channeling her Authority, she reassembled the scattered fragments of Sawa's soul.
Kurumi fired her Fourth Bullet, restoring Sawa's physical state.
The reconstructed soul naturally merged with the revived body.
A girl with chestnut braids slowly opened her eyes.
For a moment, her expression was tense—
Until she saw a familiar face.
Her guard lowered instantly.
With relief and joy, she smiled and softly called out—
"It's me... It's really me... I came to save you."
Kurumi's voice trembled—
And then, she broke into tears.