※ Warning: Spoilers ahead

Epilogue

"...Finally, all of them have been retrieved."

"That idiot really is a handful."

Under a cloudy sky where the weather had rapidly turned sour, Bastion watched the conclusion of the events from atop a tower overlooking the academy.

There was no emotion there; no relief that a noisy nuisance had been settled, nor any sentiment regarding the new problems it would likely create.

"...Now, if only that idiot doesn't jump the gun."

She jumps.

From a height that would turn an ordinary person into a crushed tomato, for Bastion, who has undergone special training, it is no different from skipping two steps on a staircase.

However, since she has no desire to be billed for repairs to the cobblestones after a full-force landing, she kicks off a wall mid-air to change direction and leaves the area across the rooftops.

Despite her massive prosthetic arm, no one saw her movements. She modestly understood when to stand out and when not to.

...My clones have been safely retrieved.

Of course, I suffered no small amount of damage from the various things that happened leading up to it, but this much is within acceptable limits... no, it's just plain painful. I'll have to prostrate myself before Bastion-san later.

"...Guest-san."

Back in the dormitory, looking at the cloudy sky through the window, I found myself saying the name aloud.

It wasn't for any particular reason. I was just reflecting on today's commotion in my head and happened to repeat it.

Even though that person was forced into it by Bastion-san, they stuck with me properly until the very end. I don't know if they have a strong sense of responsibility or if they're just a pushover.

That is how short and weak the connection between me and that person is. We are both full of things we don't know about each other.

"Hehe..."

I can't help but let a smile slip.

After all, I barely knew that person's face and name.

And that person knows almost nothing about me.

Was the first one a reaction to not having gone out lately? It seems I really have to vent moderately.

The second one might have been a little tired. I should avoid overworking myself.

And the last one. The fact that she was in a place like that means...

"...Kuhu."

It's no wonder I ended up with a vulgar smirk.

Because even though I know nothing, I... for that person... for real.

That person doesn't know anything about me either.

Not that we are Ninjas from Amatsu. Not that it's not some 'beastification' of a Plotosus, but that we aren't even human to begin with. And not even the true name of the last one.

"............Found you."

"So that person is my..."

The clones are not just copies. They each possess one of the elements that constitute the existence known as "me."

The first was "Appetite," the second was "Sleepiness."

And the last one, her true name is "Love."

Even I can understand the meaning of her snuggling up to them.

"Kuhuhu, now that it's decided, there's no time like the present."

I redeploy the network of clones throughout the academy, which I had temporarily pulled back for fear of further defections.

However, I'll focus those who were gathering all sorts of information specifically around that person.

I can place my eyes anywhere in the academy. My clones can also use my Senior Executive Officer authority from the Public Morals Committee.

No matter where that person is, they are already as good as in my belly.

From here on, whether by chance or necessity, I will always be ahead of you. I won't allow you to escape.

Let's take our time and get to know each other, thoroughly and deeply.

Until my tail strokes you and drags you in.