Hajime-kun has had a wonderful time in the Citadel, meeting new people with new problems and different flavors of suffering.

  The Selection is about to begin, yet let us not forget that his story is just one of many intertwining threads.

  Elnora and Merry have effectively turned Adlantis into a bastion of purity. This place will forever remember the sacrifice of Hajime, and his role in the ascension of these peasants to the joys of higher quality entertainment.

  Elnora is now drinking tea with Merry.

  Elnora: “Princess Merryad, what is it that has you so out of sorts?”

  Merry, sipping tea against her blocky face: “I just miss the hero… his perpetual scowl and gentlemanly demeanor have left a hole in my heart.”

  Elnora: “You should not worry. He’s in the great city of Sub. I can guarantee he is safe and being advertised with the finest of products.”

  Merry: “That’s all well and good, but he—” mumble mumble

  Elnora: “What did you say?”

  Merry, in a low voice: “He never posts anything on his Sub page…”

  Elnora checks Hajime’s Sub page and freezes.

  Elnora: “That is indeed true… I should correct this after the Selection.”

  Merry: “I’m so worried for the hero. I don’t think he’s interested in clout!”

  Elnora, sage-like: “Do not worry too much. Clout will arrive to those who are deserving.”

  Merry: “Let me check my subscriptions… give me a second.”

  She takes at least ten minutes browsing through her endless subscription list.

  Elnora, reminiscing: “I stopped checking my Sub list a long time ago. Too many to count at this point.”

  Suddenly Merry finds a new Sub titled: “Whalescalibur Hero x Sword Subscription.”

  She clicks it and sees a collage of images and drawings of Hajime’s heroic events.

  Merry: “I think I’ve found something about the hero.”

  Elnora: “Do tell.”

  Merry, confused: “I see the hero escaping an elevator with a golden cow…?”

  Elnora: “A golden cow?”

  Merry, still confused: “There’s also an orange colored nine-tailed fox girl holding her tails and blushing in Hero-kun’s general direction.”

  Elnora’s teacup explodes into dust.

  Elnora: “This must be a bad fanfic from a Sub… don’t take it seriously.”

  The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

  Merry: “I don’t think it’s a fanfic…”

  Elnora stands up, biting her lip.

  Merry: “There’s also one of him talking with a divine being with majestic features.”

  Elnora rushes over and sees the image of a heavenly, blocky goddess.

  Elnora: “That is Deus… this cannot be faked.”

  Merry: “Here is one about Hajime talking with a farmer? In a dungeon???”

  Elnora: “What the hell is the hero doing over there!?”

  They spend several minutes aggressively gossiping about the hero’s antics while waiting for the construction of the portal to the Selection.

  She is streaming her usual quota for the day—move her leg to the right, flex the calves for seven seconds, move the feet in jam—

  Then suddenly a hero with striking features bursts through the wall.

  Hero: “No matter what stream or firewall divides us, I will find you, my queen!”

  Nocture: “Hero!!! How dare you invade this demonic domain!?”

  Hero: “Demon, human, divine—none of them matter! A wall will never separate your feet from my abs!”

  Clutching her chest dramatically:

  Nocture: “Take me, hero! Let’s run away!”

  Hero: “It’s not necessary. Just sign this contract and we’ll be set.”

  Nocture takes the contract and begins reading:

  “Super Deluxe Premium Exclusivity Deal — You Are Mine Now?”

  She grabs a pen—

  and just as she is about to sign—she hears a loud snore.

  Nocture groggily wakes up to see an unknown girl with Walletbreaker sitting nearby.

  Nocture: “Who the hell are you?”

  Girl: “A pleasure. I am Haruka, resident intern from the Predatoriad Marketing/Tracking Division.”

  Nocture: “Marketing division… you’re from that skank's division.”

  Haruka stays silent.

  Walletbreaker: “Nocture, you’ve awoken!!! Excellent, then we can finally begin.”

  Nocture: “Shut up, you overpriced toothpick! Begin what!?”

  Walletbreaker: “Your training arc. Your mom is helping out!!!”

  Nocture: “Mom is here??? Where is she?”

  Walletbreaker: “She’s evaluating your partner. She told me you should behave while she’s out!”

  Nocture: “Behave??? I’m the most well-adjusted individual here.”

  Walletbreaker: “…Are you sure?”

  Nocture: “Of course I’m sure! You’re not a person and neither is the intern—ain’t that right bitch?”

  Haruka looks at her calmly.

  Haruka: “Non-human sentiment detected. Clearly maladjusted to social interaction.”

  Looking at Nocture’s legs: “Third rate.”

  Nocture’s beeps spike.

  Nocture: “Who is your boss, scum?”

  Haruka: “I’m my own boss.”

  Nocture: “You’re a damned intern!!!”

  Haruka: “Yes. I’m glad you’re paying attention. Good to see you don’t have too much brain damage.”

  Nocture trembles. She has never dealt with a bitch like this, except the Saintess!.

  Nocture: “You will regret this…”

  Haruka smiles sweetly like sakura petals.

  Haruka: “You’re not the first to say that to me. And certainly not the last.”

  Her tone turns ominous as she gently touches her ring finger.

  Haruka: “I heard a lot of interesting things while you were asleep.”

  Nocture: “So? You’re going to blackmail me?”

  Haruka: “That wasn’t for you. Just a reminder for myself.”

  Nocture groans.

  Nocture: “Dealing with you is a headache. Shut up and leave me alone!”

  Haruka goes silent but does not leave the room.

  Walletbreaker: “Nocture-san, I’ve informed your mother you are awake. She is coming over!”

  Nocture smiles and closes her eyes.

  Director: “How are the preparations for Project Stardoom?”

  A greasy employee replies:

  Employee: “Almost ready, Ma'am. We only need the pieces to fall into place. Infiltration has been successful!”

  Director: “Excellent news. Let’s sink the competition once and for all!”