Viu woke up in the guest room he recognized as part of the Barrielle mansion. And as if that wasn't enough, it was Al at his bedside. He sighed...

- You understood where my second authority comes from, didn't you? And you have a similar authority.... And you come from another world just like me. You from Japan and I from an island south of Benin. We were chosen by the same person, you to kill her but you didn't succeed..... Sorry you had to find that out, Al.

Al, seated by Viu's bedside, nodded quietly, his expression solemn.

- Yes, I understand the origin of your second authority, and we share a lot in common, he replied in a hushed tone. We both come from different worlds, and we were chosen by the same person, though for different reasons.

Al paused, his gaze distant, as he continued,

- Though my task was to kill her, I failed...and now I have to live with the consequences.

- I guess you won't tell Priscilla anything, just like I wouldn't have told Emilia anyway.

Al smiled faintly, appreciating Viu's discretion.

- You guess right, he confirmed, his voice still soft but tinged with understanding. I have no intention of sharing this information with Priscilla, just as you wouldn't have with Emilia. Some things are better left unspoken.

- At the same time... Priscilla and Emilia are our weaknesses.

Al sighed, acknowledging the truth in Viu's words.

- Unfortunately, you're right, he said. Priscilla and Emilia, in their own unique ways, are our weaknesses, our chinks in the armor. The more we care about them, the more vulnerable we become.

Suddenly, Viu looked horrified.

- Now that I think about it, Priscilla is going to brag about saving my life! Oh no!

Al chuckled softly at Viu's sudden concern.

- Ah, yes, Priscilla and her penchant for claiming credit, he mused. Don't worry, I can already hear her boasting about saving your life like some kind of knight in shining armor.

- I'm screwed.

Al nodded, a sympathetic smile on his face.

- Yeah, I'd say you're in for a good round of 'I saved your life' teasing from Priscilla. She loves to relish in moments like these.

Nevertheless he smiled.

- Thanks anyway.

Al returned the smile, appreciative of Viu's gratitude.

- Of course. Despite the impending bragging session from Priscilla, I'm glad I could be here for you.

As Viu and Al entered the living room, they were greeted by the sight of Meili launching herself into Viu's arms. Viu, caught off guard initially, chuckled and embraced Meili loosely.

Meanwhile, Priscilla stood to the side, an arrogant smirk on her face, relishing in the moment and waiting to boast about her "heroic" rescue, no doubt.

- Priscilla Barielle, thank you very much for two things, no, three.... 1 - For having prevented in your own way a more than stubborn Emilia from coming to where you found me. 2 - For coming here in renford with Al and without a spirit art user in addition. 3 - For taking me and my film here and.... leaving my army and the Mabeasts outside.

And yes.... I had at least from my search for Petergeuse via my senses seen what happened in detail. It was hard but that's how it is: like the sun.

Priscilla, still sporting her smug expression, raised a bemused eyebrow at Viu's unexpected gratitude. She had expected some sort of snide remark or mockery, but his thanks puzzled her.

- I must say, Viu, your appreciation is quite unexpected, she responded, her tone laced with slight surprise. I take it you're feeling quite indebted to me for preventing Emilia's impulsive attempt to join us, sheltering us safely, and sparing your army and Mabeasts from danger. Quite the turnaround from our usual banter, isn't it?

- It at least proves that you have a sense of priorities, but I intend to even the scores.

Priscilla smirked, intrigued by Viu's determination to 'even the scores'.

- Oh, do tell, she taunted, crossing her arms and leaning back. How do you intend to even the scores, Viu ?

He smiles slightly and hands her a treasure then said :

- Your participation in the battle against the Hakugei will increase your rating. And there I am, I have paid off 2 out of 3 debts.

Priscilla's smirk widened as she accepted the treasure Viu handed her. Her eyes narrowed slightly, weighing the value of the item.

- Participation in the battle against the Hakugei, you say? she mused. And thus, two debts are repaid. But, pray tell, what of the third?

- We won't stay far away and you can make sure that no one will know we're here. That's 3 - 3. Bye!

Viu disappeared with Meili, his army and the Mabeasts.

Priscilla was taken aback by Viu's quick disappearance, vanishing along with Meili, his army, and the Mabeasts. She had expected more banter or a more direct confrontation, but this unexpected exit left her momentarily dumbfounded.

She shook her head, a mixture of annoyance and intrigue playing on her face.

- Damnit, Viu, she muttered under her breath. Always full of surprises...

Al, witnessing the entire exchange, let out a small chuckle at Viu's audacious exit.

- Looks like Viu took the phrase 'make a quick exit' very literally, Al commented with a hint of amusement.

Priscilla, her initial surprise turning into irritation, shot a sidelong glare at Al.

- Yes, he certainly did, she grumbled. And not even a proper goodbye or a thank you. Typical Viu.