My consciousness flickered back, like a static-filled screen slowly clearing.
As my eyes adjusted to the pale hospital lights overhead, I realized I was lying on a stiff bed. A dull ache pulsed through my entire body, making even the smallest movement uncomfortable.
"W-What happened…?"
I forced myself upright, my breathing uneven as fragmented memories began returning.
Then one thought struck me with sudden clarity.
"Where's Allya?!"
The door creaked open.
Sam stepped inside.
His usual expression was gone. His face was unusually heavy, his eyes carrying a sadness that made my stomach tighten. He walked toward the bedside, pulled a chair closer, and sat down.
For a moment, he said nothing.
Then he lowered his gaze.
"I'm sorry, Kirito… If I'd gotten there earlier, maybe… maybe I could've saved your mom."
His voice was quiet.
I clenched my fists beneath the blanket.
"…Don't apologize."
My eyes narrowed.
"This wasn't your fault. It's my dad's. Everything… it was all him."
The words tasted bitter.
Even now, thinking about him made something cold twist inside my chest.
Sam hesitated before speaking again.
"There's something I need to ask."
"First—where is Allya?" I demanded.
"She's safe. Resting at my place. Asuna's looking after her."
The tension that had been gripping my body finally loosened.
"Thank God…"
I let out a slow breath.
At least Allya was safe.
That was all that mattered.
Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
Sam leaned forward, resting his elbows against his knees.
"Kirito… you need to tell me everything about your past. If not for me, then for your sister's sake."
Silence stretched between us.
The steady beeping of the equipment beside my bed filled the room.
I stared down at my hands.
There was something I had never told anyone.
Not even Allya.
Finally, I exhaled.
"There's something I've never told anyone. Not even Allya."
I looked away, unable to meet Sam's eyes.
"We're not siblings—not by blood. I was adopted by the Kaizawa family when I was one. Their first son died in an accident… so they took me in."
Sam's eyes widened.
"Does Allya… know?"
"No."
My answer came immediately.
"And I don't ever want her to find out."
My voice hardened.
"Her happiness means everything to me. I'll protect her—even if it costs me everything."
For a moment, Sam simply stared at me.
Then he reached out and placed a hand on my shoulder.
"I won't say a word."
I lowered my eyes.
"…Thanks."
Sam stood.
"I'll talk to the doctors. We'll get you out of here soon."
I nodded silently.
For the first time since waking up, I allowed myself to relax.
But deep inside, I knew things would never be the same again.
3rd April 2025 – Incident Report by Sam
"My name is Sam. Two days have passed since the tragic events of April 1st in Minato Ward. The following is an official incident report."
Sam's voice remained steady as he read the report.
"A dangerous entity, identified as Sol Invictus, possessed a man named Kazuma Kaizawa, aged thirty-eight, leading to a deadly attack that claimed the lives of four individuals."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"The victims were:
Hide Asuno, thirty-five.
Taiyo Asuno, sixteen.
Mitsumi Asuno, thirty.
Hina Kaizawa, thirty-two."
The names lingered heavily in the air.
"The sole survivor of this massacre was Allya Kaizawa, aged fourteen. The possessed was eliminated at 8:38 P.M. with police assistance."
Another brief silence followed.
"This concludes the report."
Evening, 3rd April 2025 – 8:20 P.M.
The evening was quiet.
Inside Sam's home, the atmosphere remained subdued, as though everyone was afraid that making too much noise might disturb the fragile calm surrounding Allya.
"Asuna, are you sure it's okay to stay here this long? You haven't been home in two days," Reno asked as he leaned against the wall.
Asuna stretched her arms before giving him a small smile.
"It's fine. My parents are away on business anyway. And besides, Kirito's little sister… she hasn't spoken a word to anyone since it happened. We need to be here for her."
Reno's expression softened.
"Yeah… She's completely traumatized. Losing her parents, seeing her brother like that... it's too much."
The room fell quiet again.
Then—
"Miss…"
The tiny voice barely broke through the silence.
Asuna turned toward Allya.
"What's wrong, cutie?"
Allya hesitated.
Her small hands tightened around the fabric of her clothes.
"I… I want to see Oni-chan…"
Something in Asuna's expression softened.
She knelt down beside Allya and gently brushed her hair back.
"I'll talk to the sensei, okay?"
Allya gave a faint nod.
Asuna stood and turned toward Reno.
"By the way… why's Kirito still in the hospital? Didn't sensei already heal him?"
"I've been wondering the same," Reno replied, scratching his head.
Before either of them could say anything else, the door opened.
Sam stepped inside.
"Allya wants to see Kirito?"
Allya immediately looked toward him.
Sam gave a small nod.
"All right. You can bring her tomorrow morning."
"Great!"
Asuna beamed.
"We'll visit him first thing."
For the first time in days, Allya's face brightened.
A gentle smile appeared on her lips.
It was small.
Fragile.
But it was the first real smile she had shown since the tragedy.