"Now then, how was that? What you've just seen were the events occurring behind the scenes of My Hero's grand performance—a sort of 'other epilogue,' if you will."
The scene shifted back into the depths of darkness.
Lost, who had been observing the exploits of Yugo and his allies, spoke with a proprietary air, a smirk playing across the part of his mouth visible in the gloom.
"The erasure of a piece of trash who deserved his end. The pathetic struggles of those Reincarnators who are undoubtedly about to get their comeuppance. And finally, the mystery left behind by the man who has taken a temporary leave from the stage... It’s a series of developments that makes one tingle with anticipation for what comes next, wouldn’t you agree? Even my own heart is racing with expectation!"
"Lost... Hey, Lost."
"Exactly how will those Reincarnators attempt to cheat their way out of this? How will My Hero shatter their schemes? And what is the ultimate truth of this world? I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. Not to mention, the scenario we might call the School Trip Arc holds such promise—!"
"Pardon me, are you even listening? Stop ignoring me, will you?"
"...What is it, Drop? As you can see, I am in the middle of a very important monologue."
After Lost had been speaking so joyfully, he reacted with a weary sigh to Drop, who had been calling out to him intermittently. Preoccupied with a large lollipop, she gestured toward the darkness.
"I hate to ruin your mood, but we have a visitor."
"Eh...?"
As Drop spoke, footsteps echoed through the void. A man walked toward them, raising his voice to address Lost, who narrowed his eyes at the approaching presence.
"Magnificent, Lost! Your direction was truly impressive. Even I must offer my applause!"
"Well, well. Quite a rare guest... What brings you here, Abyss?"
The figure who emerged from the darkness was a man slightly older than Lost or Drop. He possessed the appearance of a well-dressed gentleman, clad in a fine suit and a wide-brimmed hat.
"What brings me? I simply came to praise your stellar production... and to inform you that the stage I envisioned is finally ready."
"...Your stage? That’s rather sudden. You haven't made a single move until now."
"A Director must never outshine the actors, you see. I’ve been working diligently in the shadows. For proof, look at this."
Saying this, Abyss produced an object from his breast pocket. It was a piece of paper darker than the surrounding void, with lettering etched in a visceral, blood-red hue. It looked like some kind of ticket.
Lost clicked his tongue softly, his expression souring with displeasure. In contrast, Abyss remained in high spirits as he spoke.
"I see you understand my resolve. Just a reminder: do not interfere with my script."
"Yeah, I know."
Abyss smiled, seemingly satisfied, and with those final words, he vanished into the gloom. Once his presence had completely faded, Drop, having finished her candy, spoke up.
"What now? He seems serious. If things go his way, won't it all be over?"
"I wonder. My Hero won't be broken that easily."
"Hmm... That might be true. But isn't the same true for Abyss?"
"Isn't that fine, then? The time has come for the Hero and the Mastermind to collide. It’s the perfect climax, isn’t it?"
Lost appeared to have regained his composure, his faith in Yugo’s victory unshaken. Exhaling slowly, he watched the screen where his Oshi was laughing with his friends.
"A chaotic turn of events where the Mastermind moves in earnest and clashes with the Hero... Can the Hero crush the evil ambitions that threaten to destroy everything? Yes, it's marvelous! Truly fascinating."
"I suppose those 'Protagonists' were starting to feel a bit dull as opposition," Drop mused. "That's why Abyss is stepping up. He plans to purge the Reincarnators according to his own scenario. But is My Hero on his hit list? If he underestimates that boy’s explosive potential... well, things won't go exactly as Abyss scripted."
Lost was captivated by the prospect. Abyss had likely chosen a specific island as the setting for the Reincarnators' demise. How would Yugo thwart him? That was where Lost’s interest lay.
"He’s prepared everything down to the last detail, and he even has his trump card ticket ready. Whether Abyss wins or loses, it's going to be one hell of a show."
"That would be a shame," Lost countered. "I want to see much more of My Hero. If the story ends there, I’ll be deprived of my entertainment."
Masterminds had their own rules: they didn't sabotage each other's games. That was the law of their kind. However, just watching was boring. While they intended to enjoy Abyss's script, both Lost and Drop harbored the desire to step onto the stage themselves if the opportunity arose.
"The turbulent School Trip Arc, then? I wonder how the dice will fall."
"That's simple," Lost said. "My Hero will win. I don't have proof, but I have faith."
One crisis had ended, only for another to loom. Even for a Hero, there was no rest. As Yugo celebrated the safety of his comrades after the battle with Zaraki, the shadow of a new conflict was already stretching toward him.