※ Caution

This plot contains original interpretations regarding the Disciplinary Committee. This plot is a fanwork and does not represent official views. 　 　 　 　 　 Epilogue

"Well now, I must apologize for dragging you along this far."

In a corner of the academy illuminated by the setting sun, Rinko suddenly spoke while looking at the view from a rooftop with a good vantage point.

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

"I don't mind. You took care of me in many ways, Rinko-senpai."

"Took care of you, eh? To think that Toxis is now a Senior Enforcer. Time truly flies."

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

"You, on the other hand, don't seem to have changed at all, Rinko-senpai. Still using 'Ichigo Ichie' as your catchphrase."

"It is a fine phrase, is it not?"

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

Suddenly, Rinko's feet stopped.

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

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

"I can't imagine Rinko-senpai, who hates conflict, approaching a disturbance unless it was for mediation or enforcement. Besides, you brought up the tour before even scolding me or Chifi for chasing Guest, just to make sure he wouldn't escape by any chance."

"...You've grown sharp."

The way she narrowed her eyes made her look like a wise elder; she seemed genuinely happy about Toxis's growth rather than bothered that her background motives were seen through.

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

"I had no particular goal. I simply saw a former subordinate, a new 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 last memory."

"............Huh?"

Even the usually unflappable Toxis was taken aback. She said "last," but Rinko wasn't as old as her speech suggested. Then, the last of what?

"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 turning wild or completely becoming an animal if the fusion goes too far. This is a common issue in the Land Sports Club, 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 far as results go, it was more than enough. I was able to see the current academy and the current Disciplinary Committee. With that Moray fellow included, no fatal problems should occur."

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

"I have not. If I said such a thing, I can already see her saying, 'Is it the last time? Then we can punch each other without any regrets,' and it turning into a battle."

Even with Rinko's poor impression, Toxis could somehow visualize that scene. During her time, Rinko had avoided fighting Moray through various means and never once traded blows. If she said this was the end, who knows what would happen.

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

"Well, that's... but if you say 'marine,' does that mean?"

"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 treat once you get used to it."

Whether it was a joke to change the mood or an attempt at 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 make my exit before Moray finds me."

"Please wait."

Rinko took a big stretch and tried to turn on her heel. 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."

Being answered with her own catchphrase, Rinko smiled and reached out her hand, not at all reluctantly, and Toxis grasped it.

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 kind of behavior Moray's influence?"

"No, it 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, but that Rinko's skin was 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 drop dead from a single surprise attack, the peace of Delos would be nothing but a dream."

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

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

"...Yes, you don't even have to ask."

"Then, stay well."

This time she truly turned on her heel, 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 at the very least, the emotion definitely in Toxis's heart was relief that Guest, who would return after taking Chifi to the dorms, didn't have to see her face right now.