“I don’t mind walking.” Joscelin is still looking quite gray and weak, but stuffing himself silly with Ayumu’s delicious cooking did a great deal for his energy level. He’s no longer in any danger of keeling over.

He can’t help but look around a bit as they travel. He’s only been to the Near Shore once before, and that visit had ended abruptly after his fight with Shin. Just like then, he finds he prefers the dirt and pollution of the city much more than the stuffy, immaculate same-ness of heaven.

He runs ahead of Ayumu a bit when he sees an electronics store. “Mistress, look! They’re having a sale on Nintendo Switch!”

He’s so engrossed in looking at the game consoles in the window that doesn’t notice the many-eyed shape approaching from behind.