Dongxian Middle School is located on a small hill in Kyoto.

The rooftop of the teaching building is not off-limits because of the protective wire mesh, so students can freely use the rooftop during their leisure time, which is a great benefit that other schools do not have.

The advantage of the rooftop compared to the playground lies in the scenery. Real estate properties increase in value due to their beautiful views, and rooftops are also popular because of the scenic beauty, especially in historical cities like Kyoto.

However, at this moment after school, there are only a boy and a girl on the rooftop, while other students are busy with their club activities or after-school tutoring.

The girl's name is Ito Yuno, a middle school student in Kyoto. She has short hair, bright eyes, and an elegant and confident demeanor. Although she is a girl, she shows no signs of weakness.

The boy, on the other hand, is relatively complicated. He goes by the name "Ziongzong" and is associated with Kyoto as a middle school student. His real name is Takemi Tao, and he wanders the world to fulfill his own wishes. In this late winter to early spring season, he has temporarily settled in Kyoto.

"If I told you..."

"There is a way that might bring Ziongzong back to life..."

"...but it might cost you your life."

"Would you be willing to try?"

Ito Yuno calmly spoke these words to Takemi Tao, without any pretense.

She looked directly at him, waiting for his answer. And Takemi Tao's attitude was even more steady than the stable rooftop. Before he responded, he showed no emotions, as if the person Ito Yuno mentioned who "might die because of this" was someone else, not himself.

If it were someone else, it would be difficult to maintain such a calm attitude when faced with words like "would you be willing to die to bring someone back to life."

Takemi Tao, with extraordinary composure and mental resilience, slightly moved his neck after tens of seconds, as if his neck had become stiff from thinking for too long. Then, he stared at Ito Yuno's face with uncomfortable intensity, and spoke calmly.

"I see, the old man's research is complete."

This response, after a long wait, made Ito Yuno extremely angry. Takemi Tao evaded the question and only talked about what he was interested in.

Ito Yuno felt insulted that her seriousness was being undermined.

"What I'm asking is whether you are willing to bring Ziongzong back to life!"

The fluctuation of emotions was evident in her tone and volume. Yet Takemi Tao continued to look at Ito Yuno, enjoying her reactions as if an experienced hunter was observing an unaware prey.

"With regards to this matter, what I am concerned about is your reason for seeking me out. Is it out of guilt for Ziongzong?"

Takemi Tao responded to Ito Yuno's anger with a calm and composed tone, and the mention of "guilt for Ziongzong" hit Ito Yuno's soft spot, making her uncertain and unable to maintain eye contact.

"At that time, I didn't know that you were two separate people... I didn't know that 'Ziongzong' was a persona you used."

"Oh, a persona."

Takemi Tao repeated the term Ito Yuno used with interest, then slightly raised his voice and continued the previous topic.

"I don't know how you got hold of this information, and it doesn't matter to me."

"Just now, based on your answer, can I assume that your reason for seeking me out is indeed out of guilt for Ziongzong?"

If the previous question shook Ito Tomono's state of mind, this judgment completely stripped her of an equal position in the conversation with Takemi Tao.

Ito Tomono lowered her head, her gaze falling on the ground, unable to meet Takemi Tao's eyes again.