※ Spoiler Warning

Epilogue

"...Finally, they've all been collected."

"That idiot really is a handful."

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

There was no emotion in her gaze; neither 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 act impulsively."

She jumps.

It's a height that would turn an ordinary person into a crushed tomato, but for the specially trained Bastion, it's no different from skipping two steps on a staircase.

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

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

...My clones have been safely retrieved.

Of course, I've suffered no small amount of pain from the various incidents leading up to it, but this much is within the acceptable range... no, actually, it just plain hurts. I'll have to prostrate myself before Bastion-san later.

"...Guest-san."

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

It didn't really mean anything. I was just replaying today's chaos in my head and happened to repeat it.

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

That's how short and weak the connection between me and him is. We're both full of things the other doesn't know.

"Hehe..."

I can't help but let a smile slip.

After all, I barely knew anything about him other than his face and name.

And he knows almost nothing about me, either.

Was the first clone a reaction to not having gone out lately? It seems I really do need to vent properly once in a while.

Maybe the second one was a bit tired. I should avoid overworking myself so much.

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

"...Hehe."

It's no wonder I ended up letting out such a vulgar giggle.

Because even though I know nothing, I... towards him... for real.

And he doesn't know anything about me.

Not that we are Ninjas from Amatsu. Not that this isn't some 'Beastification' of a Plotosus, but that we aren't even human to begin with. And not even the true name of that final clone.

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

"So he is my..."

The clones aren't just copies. They carry one of the elements that constitute my existence.

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

And the final one—her true name is 'Affection.'

Even I can understand the meaning behind her snuggling up to him.

"Hehe, now that that'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 collecting all sorts of information specifically around him.

I can place my eyes anywhere in the academy. My clones can use my Senior Executive authority of the Disciplinary Committee.

No matter where you are, you're already as good as inside my stomach.

From here on, whether by coincidence 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 very, very thoroughly.

Until my tail strokes you and drags you under.