You crossed your arms, trying to keep your composure. "Mr. Welt only treats you like a child because he's a worried man," you said, trying to lighten the mood.

Sparkle laughed, her tone mocking. "Focus on your inner voice, little one," she retorted, brushing past you.

You rolled your eyes and huffed, moving away from her. Aventurine kept his poker face, but you could sense a tension in the air. "Are you okay?" you asked, concerned.

He huffed in response, his irritation palpable. "Stop worrying about me. Why are you lying so much?"

You looked up at him, your heart racing as he stepped closer. "Why are you such a goody two shoes?" he asked, a hint of challenge in his voice.

"Because I'm worried about you," you replied earnestly.

"Worried about a guy who treated you like trash?" he questioned, skepticism dripping from his tone.

"It was fine, though! As soon as someone disrespected me, you helped. You're a good man in your own way," you defended, determined to see the good in him.

He shifted uncomfortably at the compliment. "What about my tattoo?" he asked suddenly, his tone shifting.

You noticed how his eyes dimmed, lacking the usual spark. "What does it mean?" you asked gently.

"Sigonians are known to be... liars, thieves, social manipulators, wolves in sheep's clothing," he replied coldly.

You swallowed hard, remembering Sparkle's words. "But you're not like that! You're more than just your past, Aventurine."

He sighed deeply, and the weight of his story hung between you. "I was a Sigonian thrall sentenced to death by the IPC. They 'hired' me in exchange for my life," he confessed, a bitter edge to his voice. "I can't make mistakes, or else I'll be executed."

"Why were you charged?" you asked softly, feeling your heart sink.

He met your gaze, his eyes like ice. "Because I killed the man who claimed to own me," he stated flatly.

Your heart raced at the revelation. "You hate slaves like me who pretend to be kind," he continued, bitterness seeping through his words.

"I don't pretend," you shot back, your voice firm. "I know my heart better than you know yours. You're just scared of being vulnerable."

Aventurine's expression softened slightly, but he quickly masked it. "Living on the line is common for me now. I gamble my life every day," he said, his voice growing serious.

"Living is important!" you insisted, desperate to make him see reason. "You have to want to live, not just survive. You deserve happiness, too!"

He paused, taken aback by your passionate words. "You're being so naïve," he muttered, but you could see a crack forming in his armor.

"Maybe I am," you replied, stepping closer. "But you're just being mean to protect yourself! You don't have to shut everyone out."

His eyes softened even more as he listened to you. "Stop it," he said, but his tone lacked its usual bite. "You really are just an idiot."

"Then let me be an idiot for you!" you exclaimed, the determination bubbling inside you. "Don't change for the world. I want you to be you."

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, his demeanor shifting. "Fine. Tag along, but stop worrying about some rando like me. Keep your eyes open for betrayals. If you're useless, I'll drop you."

You glared at him playfully. "If you're useless yourself, what will you do?"

"I'll die either way," he muttered, looking away.

"No!" you said firmly, grabbing his arm. "I won't let you die. I'll step in at your death time and haunt you until you live!"

You turned to hold Aventurine from behind, wrapping your arms around his waist in a playful embrace. "Well then, from now on, Y/n the knight will protect Aventurine the prince!" you declared, a cheeky grin spreading across your face.

He paused, the corners of his lips twitching as he tried to maintain his stoic demeanor. "You think you can protect me?" he scoffed, though there was a hint of amusement in his voice.

"I know I can!" you replied, tightening your hold slightly. "You just wait. If anyone tries to hurt you, they'll have to deal with me first!"

Aventurine let out a small, skeptical hum, clearly not convinced. He glanced down at your hands around him, his expression unreadable. "You're just saying that to make yourself feel better."

"Maybe," you admitted, "but I really mean it. You deserve someone looking out for you, even if you don't believe it."

He fell silent, contemplating your words. The playful banter faded into a comfortable quiet as he seemed to consider the possibility. You felt a mix of pride and nervousness, wondering if he would ever truly let someone in.

yOu continued walking, his earlier facade of indifference seemed to crack just a little, and you couldn't help but smile at the thought of your budding connection. "So, what's next for the knight and the prince?" you teased, nudging him lightly.

Aventurine rolled his eyes but didn't pull away. "Maybe I'll let you tag along on my next 'gamble'—if you promise not to get in the way," he replied, a hint of a smirk creeping onto his lips.

"I promise!" you exclaimed, feeling a surge of excitement. "As long as it's with you, I'm ready for anything!"

Sometime later,

You walked alongside Aventurine, you suddenly noticed him deep in conversation with a woman—a striking figure with pale skin and long, lavender hair that cascaded down her back, fading into darker shades at the tips. Her violet eyes shimmered with a blend of yellow, orange, and red, and her attire was nothing short of stunning, with windows in her bodysuit that revealed the lace and intricate designs underneath. Her presence radiated an air of mystery and command.

Before you could say anything, the woman—Black Swan—turned to you, her voice low and commanding. "Quiet. Come with me."

You blinked in confusion, taking a step back instinctively. "W-What? Why? What's going on?"

"Stelle needs help," Black Swan replied coldly, her gaze sharp and unyielding.

You instinctively turned to Aventurine, seeking reassurance. He simply motioned for you to go with her, his expression unreadable but calm. "Go. You'll be fine," he said with a slight smirk, as though this was just another part of the game for him.

Reluctantly, you nodded and bid him farewell, feeling the weight of the situation settle on your shoulders. You followed Black Swan through the twisting paths until you arrived at an open area. There, you saw Stelle, your fellow comrade, standing beside another woman who looked equally as fierce.

This new woman had pale skin and long, dark purple hair that reached her thighs, framing her face in soft waves. Her bright violet eyes, accented with pink highlights, glowed under the dim light, their diamond-shaped pupils giving her a mesmerizing yet intimidating aura. Her outfit, reminiscent of traditional Japanese motifs, was both intricate and bold, her black crop top with an upside-down V-shape cutout showing just enough to catch anyone's attention.

Your gaze lingered on her for perhaps a moment too long, she snapped her head toward you, her voice cutting through the air like ice. "Stop staring."

You choked on your words, suddenly feeling foolish. "I-I wasn't—"

"Yes, you were," she interrupted, her tone cold and unyielding. Her eyes narrowed, clearly unimpressed.

Stelle stood nearby, watching the exchange with a hint of curiosity, but remained silent. Black Swan sighed, clearly impatient with the distraction. "Enough. We have more important matters to deal with than your awkward stares. Follow me."

You walked alongside Black Swan and Stelle, the tall woman with violet eyes kept glancing at you, her expression unreadable. Something about her presence made you feel oddly familiar, and then, almost unconsciously, you whispered, "Mei... senpai?"

She suddenly stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening in shock as if she'd seen something horrific. You froze under her intense gaze, completely confused. "W-What?" you stammered, taking a step back. "Did I say something wrong?"

The woman turned fully towards you, her eyes boring into yours. "How do you know that name?" she asked, her voice sharp and filled with suspicion. She came closer to you.

"Mei?" you echoed, blinking in confusion. "I-I don't know, it just... slipped out. It's a name I always dream about... It's... a friend of my creator," you explained softly, your brow furrowed as you tried to make sense of it yourself.

At your words, her rigid stance softened just a bit. She looked away for a moment, seeming to struggle with something deep inside her. "Is that so..." she murmured before turning her gaze back to you, though her expression had lost its edge.

You hesitated, watching her carefully before asking, "What... what's your name? I mean, your real name."

For a moment, she didn't answer. But then, as if deciding to trust you with a part of herself, she whispered, "Acheron." There was a pause before she added, almost reluctantly, "But my true name is Raiden Boshenmori Mei."

Her name echoed in your mind, the familiarity of it hitting you once more. It felt right somehow, like a name you had known forever. You smiled softly at her, though her expression remained distant.

"Mei, huh? That's a really long name," you teased lightly, trying to break the tension. "But don't worry, I'll keep it a secret."

Her lips quirked into the faintest smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Thank you," she said quietly, her voice filled with a quiet sadness you couldn't place.

You smiled back at her, feeling a strange bond form between the two of you. "So... can I call you Mei-senpai?"

She glanced at you, something melancholic lingering in her gaze. After a long pause, she nodded slowly. "If you wish," she said softly, though her tone was filled with something that felt almost... tragic.

Stelle marched up to you, her expression a mix of exasperation and amusement. "Y/N, seriously, could you stop drooling over every purple-haired person you meet? It's getting a little embarrassing. Or general people!"

You blinked, wiping your mouth playfully as if caught in the act. "What can I say? I can't help myself if they're hot!" you grinned, trying to lighten the mood.

Stelle rolled her eyes, folding her arms across her chest. "Yeah, I noticed. You've been staring at Acheron—sorry,—like she's some kind of goddess, and don't even get me started on the guys."

"Hey, hot people are hot people," you teased, nudging her with your elbow. "It's not my fault I appreciate beauty in all its forms."

Stelle raised an eyebrow, shaking her head in disbelief. "Right. You're a regular connoisseur of purple-haired hotties. But you might want to tone it down a bit before someone slaps you for staring too hard."

You chuckled but gave a mock sigh. "I mean, can you blame me? It's like the universe just loves to throw attractive people my way. It's basically a cosmic joke at this point."

"Or maybe it's just you being ridiculously easy to distract," Stelle shot back, a smirk creeping onto her face. "But seriously, focus a bit more. We've got bigger things to worry about than your... let's call it 'appreciation.'"

You sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. I'll try to control myself... but no promises if another purple-haired stunner walks by or someone like those two!"

Stelle groaned, but there was a glimmer of amusement in her eyes as she waved you off. "Who?! That bird man and glitter man?! You're impossible. Come on, let's get going before you fall head over heels for the next stranger we meet."

You walked along with Stelle, mind still spinning from the encounters with Acheron and Black Swan, the tension thickened. Suddenly, you heard Firefly's voice ahead, her tone laced with panic. She was stelle's friend it seemed....

"Why did you...!? This isn't what we agreed on..." Firefly's voice cracked as she confronted someone in the shadows.

You and Stelle exchanged glances, both of you instinctively edging closer to the scene.

Acheron's voice cut through the air. "The situation has changed, and it seems that companion of yours... has deviated from the original plan."

Black Swan, standing elegantly by Acheron, added, "Perhaps, judging from the outcome, this is that person's true intention."

You stepped forward, trying to take everything in. Firefly was on edge, her eyes darting around as if searching for something — or someone.

"Mecha...!? Why..."

Acheron's eyes gleamed with calculation. "Who forced her to go that way?" He glanced at Black Swan. "And...?"

Black Swan tilted her head, an amused smirk playing on her lips. "Mecha... What an intriguing statement. I recall the Bloodhound family is pursuing a criminal — 'a tall male in silver armor.'"

The tension grew as Firefly, in desperation, approached a locked door. "The door... It won't open... It's a dead end..."

Acheron examined the surroundings coldly. "Based on these fragmented pieces of information, it seems Firefly's companion betrayed her halfway, trapping her alone in this room, disappearing without a trace. But why?"

Black Swan's gaze darkened, a chilling smile on her lips. "She mentioned that this transaction involves the Watchmaker. Often, that means stepping on many people's toes. Someone might've wanted to silence another who knew too much. Or... there could be a deeper secret tucked away in this Memory Zone, and to hook that elusive prize... one needs the right bait."

Acheron's eyes flickered. "Do you mean... Firefly?"

Black Swan gave a knowing nod. "This is just the worst-case scenario. But if the mastermind is nearby, why would he let us look around freely? Unless... there's something else he cares more about."

Suddenly, Firefly's panicked voice broke the silence. "There's actually a path here..."

Black Swan smirked. "Unpredictable pathways pointing toward a wandering meme... She's completely lost in the Memory Zone."

A few moments later, you found yourself in a strange corridor. Firefly whispered, "It's an exit... Following this path should lead me out of here..."

Black Swan's voice was a quiet, ominous whisper. "Unfortunately, this path ultimately leads one to the lair of 'Death.'"

You all followed the route, and eventually, Firefly led you back into the lobby. Relief washed over her face for a brief moment, but Black Swan cut it short with a chilling observation.

"She thought she had escaped, but..."

Acheron stepped forward, brows furrowed. "...Everyone, over there."

Suddenly, a towering figure stepped out from the shadows, exuding an overwhelming presence.

Black Swan's voice was sharp. "It seems like someone has been awaiting us. Ready to step into the spotlight now?"

And then you saw him.

A cold, calculated figure stepped forward — Stellaron Hunter: Sam. His armor glistened in the dim light.

Sam's voice was low and dangerous. "A Galaxy Ranger... a Memokeeper... and an Astral Express member." His piercing eyes locked onto you. "Leave now, and nobody gets hurt. Or else... all of you will die here."

The air grew thick with tension as the battle began. Sam's words were chilling, "The detective game is over. You shouldn't be here."

He unleashed his attacks with brutal precision, fire and chaos erupting in his wake. "I will... set the seas ablaze," he declared, his voice carrying an eerie finality.

Stelle fought valiantly alongside you, and together, you managed to bring Sam to the brink. His health was drained, but he wasn't finished yet.

Sam smirked, though his strength was nearly gone. "Once you're back in the real world, remember to tell everyone about the Stellaron Hunter who was behind your ultimate departure."

With a final push, Sam's defeat seemed certain. You unleashed your powers, trying to control them as they surged wildly within you. Just as you felt you might lose control, Black Swan appeared, her elegant form gliding between you and Sam, her eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and caution.

"Leave the dance stage to them, my dear," Black Swan whispered, her voice soft but commanding, and before you could protest, she whisked you away from the chaos.

You found yourself back with Stelle, panting and confused. The battlefield now felt distant, the adrenaline still coursing through your veins.

But before you could process what had happened, another voice interrupted your thoughts. "What a show."

You turned, recognizing the cool, collected tone.

"Aventurine...?" you murmured, your heart racing. He stepped forward, hands tucked casually into his pockets, a faint smirk tugging at his lips as if the chaos that just unfolded was nothing but entertainment to him.