※ Caution

This plot includes original interpretations regarding the Disciplinary Committee. This plot is a work of fan fiction and does not represent official views. 　 　 　 　 　 Epilogue

"My, my, I must apologize for making you tag along this far."

Rinko suddenly spoke while looking out at the scenery from a rooftop with a good view in a corner of the Academy lit by the setting sun.

Chifi, who had fallen asleep from exhaustion, was left to Guest, and now Rinko was alone with Toxis.

"I do not mind. You looked after me in many ways, Rinko-senpai."

"Looked after you, eh? To think that Toxis is now a Senior Enforcer. Time truly flies."

Her 255cm giant frame turned around. The way she approached with the sound of her bare feet padding along was intimidating in itself, but Toxis was used to it.

"You, on the other hand, haven't changed at all, Rinko-senpai. Still using 'Ichigo Ichie' as a catchphrase."

"Is it not a fine phrase?"

"Yes. But I felt you used it unusually often today. As if... you were trying to forcibly wrap up today's events with those words. Besides, today's encounter wasn't a coincidence, was it?"

Rinko's feet came to a sudden halt.

"No, it might have been a coincidence that you found us, Rinko-senpai, but even so, you intentionally appeared before Guest and guided us to show you around the Academy."

"...On what grounds do you say that?"

"I cannot imagine the conflict-hating Rinko-senpai approaching a disturbance for anything other than mediation or enforcement. Furthermore, the fact that you brought up the tour before scolding me or Chifi for chasing Guest was to ensure we wouldn't escape, even by chance."

"...You've become sharp-eyed."

The way she narrowed her eyes was like an old sage; she seemed genuinely happy about Toxis's growth rather than bothered by her background being seen through.

"So, what was your aim, Rinko-senpai?"

"I had no particular aim. I simply saw my former subordinate, a new Disciplinary Committee member, and a celebrity whose name I hear just by walking through the Academy playing together."

After saying that while scratching her cheek without looking guilty, Rinko turned back to Toxis. After a pause, she revealed her true feelings.

"I just thought it would be perfect for my final memory."

"............What?"

Even Toxis was taken aback. She said "final," but Rinko wasn't as old as her speech suggested. If so, what was this the end of?

"Actually, the fusion has progressed quite far. This is likely the last time I can walk on land."

One of the problems with beastification is the risk of becoming feral or turning completely into an animal if the fusion goes too far. This is a common issue in the Athletics Department, and the same thing was happening to Rinko.

"I don't know how much of my memory or personality will remain, but I came to the Academy to burn it into my eyes one last time. As for the result, it was more than enough. I was able to see the current Academy and the current Disciplinary Committee. With that Morey fellow included, no fatal problems should occur."

"...Have you told Chair Morey about this?"

"I have not. Or rather, if I said such a thing, I can already see her saying, 'Is it the end? Then we can fight without any lingering regrets,' and starting a battle."

Even with Rinko's poor imitation, Toxis could somehow picture that scene in her mind. During her tenure, Rinko had avoided fighting Morey through various means and never once exchanged blows. If she said this was the end, who knows what would happen.

"Just in case, don't tell Morey, alright? About today's visit either. She might chase me even if she has to crush the ocean's ecosystem."

"Well, that is true... but saying 'the ocean' means, as expected?"

"Yes. I shall spend the rest of my days in the sea. What, I've lived in the sea since graduation anyway, and it's surprisingly not inconvenient. Plankton is quite a delicacy once you get used to it."

Whether it was a joke to change the mood or intended as comfort, there was at least no reaction from Toxis.

"...Well then, I've seen what I wanted to see. Sorry to be selfish, but I'll take my leave before Morey finds me."

"Please wait."

Rinko stretched broadly and prepared to turn back. Toxis's words stopped her.

"...Hmm?"

"A handshake, at the end. Think of it as a once-in-a-lifetime encounter."

"...If you put it that way, I suppose I have no choice."

Having her own catchphrase thrown back at her, Rinko smiled—not at all reluctantly—and reached out her hand, which Toxis grasped.

The one leaving and the one seeing her off; it was a heartwarming sight.

But in the next moment, Toxis squeezed her hand tightly, and simultaneously, deployed conceptual cnidocytes swarmed Rinko's arm.

"...Is that side of you Morey's influence?"

"No, this is my final bit of stubbornness."

The poison needles she took pride in, which had repelled countless criminals and enemies, had not pierced Rinko even once. It wasn't that Toxis held back; Rinko's skin was simply too tough for the needles to pass through.

"In the end, not a single one pierced you."

"That is what it means to be a Disciplinary Committee Chair. If one were to perish from a single sneak attack, the peace of Delos would be nothing but a dream."

The conceptual cnidocytes retracted, and Toxis let go. This was the true farewell.

"Toxis, I leave Delos to you, along with Morey and the new stars."

"...Yes, you needn't tell me."

"Then, stay well."

This time she truly turned back, and though she waved her hand behind her, Rinko walked away without looking back. Toxis, who had known she was that kind of person since graduation, watched her go without a word.

She likely had many thoughts and things she wanted to say, but the emotion certainly present in Toxis's heart was a sense of relief that Guest—who would surely return after taking Chifi to the dorms—didn't have to see her face right now.