Chapter 114: Epilogue: A dream that felt too real
Shin lets out a deep sigh and places the posthumous letter from Alexia, along with the HESPARC Japan reinstatement document, back on the nightstand beside his bed.
Then, he gently strokes Kagura’s nape. She’s asleep on a chair, leaning over the mattress.
~Reinstated at HESPARC Japan after fifteen years... who would’ve thought? And it’s all thanks to Alexia. I’ll never be grateful enough for what she’s done...~
–KNOCK! KNOCK!
A firm knock on the door abruptly interrupts Shin’s thoughts.
«It’s really true what they say—those who don’t die always come back,» Shin comments with mild enthusiasm, as the person who knocked walks into the HESPARC U.S. infirmary.
It’s Vincent Carreaux, director of HESPARC France, father of Chantal, and Shin’s longtime friend since their days at the HESPARC Academy over thirty years ago.
«Yeah, though I have to say, you came pretty close this time, old man. My deepest condolences for the passing of Vice Director Alexia Kendrow. I know you two had a strong bond, and she was a tremendous loss for HESPARC. Anyway, I heard from Ryuji Ishida, the director of HESPARC Japan, that they’ve finally decided to move past that whole thing from fifteen years ago—about the demons you saved—and are offering you immediate reinstatement as an A4-ranked HESPARC agent. I’m honestly thrilled—especially because now I can finally talk to you freely without risking disciplinary sanctions,» Vincent says in a calm and friendly tone, though his voice still carries the seriousness and authority he’s known for.
Within HESPARC, ranks go from D for recruits to A for officers, with A subdivided from A4 to A1.
Above A1 are only the Director and Vice Director.
If Shin accepts, he would rejoin as the lowest officer rank—but still a role of significant responsibility and importance.
«Unfortunately, age is catching up with me, and fighting without my right arm doesn’t make things any easier... The offer is really tempting, and I’d be lying if I said I don’t miss going on missions—especially the ones on N’Raeth, which I haven’t seen since before Hakuto was even born. But... it’s a tough decision. I’ll think about it...» Shin says, a hint of melancholy in his voice.