The morning haze lingered over Lively Valley as our camp slowly came to life. The quintuplets were bustling about — Miku carefully slicing vegetables, Nino arguing with Ichika over seasoning, Yotsuba energetically setting the table, and Itsuki making sure everything was perfectly balanced. Futaro stood nearby, overseeing their activity with a calm, if tired, expression.
Nearby, Uzi and N were engaged in a lively debate about energy sources, while V observed quietly, arms crossed, his ever-watchful gaze scanning the group. Boyfriend and Girlfriend practiced their rhythms, their music blending with Miku's soft humming. Ayaka and Daniel were deep in discussion about magical theories, occasionally breaking into laughter.
As I sipped my tea, a sudden stillness fell over the camp. The usual noises — chopping, talking, laughter — all faded away like a switched-off radio. A cold shiver ran down my spine.
From the edge of the forest emerged a figure — a girl with long black hair tied in a high cowlick, her green eyes piercing yet calm. She walked with quiet confidence, her simple clothing belying the strong presence she carried.
Futaro's eyes widened in shock. "Raiha?"
The girl gave a small, warm smile. "Hello, Onii-chan."
Everyone's attention snapped to her. The quintuplets looked confused, sharing glances; the others stayed silent, watching carefully.
Futaro took a hesitant step forward. "How did you get here?"
Raiha's smile didn't waver, but a shadow flickered across her face. "It's complicated. But what matters is I'm here now."
I stepped up, offering a polite smile. "I'm Rose. Welcome to the camp."
Raiha inclined her head gracefully. "Thank you, Rose. It's good to meet all of you."
She spoke calmly, blending seamlessly with the group, yet something about her felt distant — like she carried a secret heavy on her shoulders.
Later, as the fire crackled and voices grew softer, Raiha suddenly stood. Everyone quieted down, curiosity sharpening.
She cleared her throat. "There's something important you all should know."
All eyes locked on her.
"I am Secret Pillar 3," she said steadily.
Gasps broke out. Futaro's brow furrowed. "Secret Pillar? You mean… one of Jerry's elite?"
"Yes," Raiha confirmed. "Chosen by Jerry to be one of his Pillars — his top lieutenants. But I never agreed with his methods. I've been working secretly to sabotage him from the inside."
A murmur rippled through the camp. Trust cracked like fragile glass.
I looked her straight in the eye. "Why tell us now?"
"Because the time to act is near," she said quietly. "Jerry's power grows every day. We have to unite."
Slowly, everyone nodded. Despite the shock, her sincerity was clear.
Futaro gave her a reassuring smile and said, "We'll stand with you."
Her smile flickered with relief.
But then, something subtle happened. Raiha's eyes briefly glazed over — a flicker like a digital screen only she could see. I caught it.
In her mind, a cold voice spoke, clinical and harsh:
Incoming system message: REPORT TO MASTER IMMEDIATELY. PROVIDE DETAILS ON RECRUITS AND PLANS. FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL RESULT IN REMAKING. FINAL WARNING.
Raiha's lips pressed together tightly. Her breath hitched ever so slightly.
No one else noticed, but inside, she was battling two wars — the one in front of us, and the one inside her own mind.
I must keep them safe, she thought fiercely. But I can't fail the system. I won't be remade again.
Her expression returned to calm, but the weight behind her eyes was unmistakable.
That night, under the cold stars, I watched her sitting alone by the fire. She stared into the flames, face unreadable but haunted.
Fail… and you will be remade. Worse than before.
The threat echoed in her mind like a guillotine's blade.
This war wasn't just against Jerry. It was inside Raiha herself.
How long could she hold on before the darkness claimed her completely?