The calm waves of Bang Bao Beach gently crashed against the shore, the golden sunlight reflecting off the ocean as a peaceful breeze passed through the villa area.
On one of the beach chairs, David Shield was fast asleep.
He was snoring lightly, completely unaware of the world around him, with a pair of sunglasses resting perfectly on his face.
"…He's out cold," Melissa whispered, holding back a laugh.
Arata smirked. "Perfect opportunity."
Melissa quietly crouched beside David, carefully uncapping a marker. With extreme focus, she began drawing on his face—small doodles here and there, adding little details with each passing second.
Meanwhile, Arata was just as busy.
He picked up a handful of seashells and started placing them strategically on David's body—on his chest, his stomach, even right on his belly button.
"Symmetry is important," Arata muttered seriously, adjusting one shell slightly.
Melissa snorted quietly. "You're taking this way too seriously."
"This is art," Arata replied with a straight face.
A few steps away, Kaina—also known as Nagant or Novak—was lying down, enjoying the sunlight as she tanned peacefully.
She glanced toward the trio, watching their antics.
A small laugh escaped her lips.
"…Kids," she muttered softly, though there was no real bite in her tone.
She closed her eyes again, letting the warmth of the sun settle over her.
Her thoughts drifted.
From her time in the HPSC… to everything she had done… to everything she had seen.
And now…Nova Genesis.
A quiet breath left her lips.
'…This break… really is a blessing.'
For once, there were no missions. No targets. No blood.
Just peace.
Nearby, Aiba was crouched in the sand, completely focused.
"No, no… it needs to be taller…" she muttered, carefully shaping her sandcastle with both hands.
Beside her, Tobita was… doing something entirely different.
He had turned the water beneath him into a rubbery surface and was currently lying on top of it, floating slightly above the waves like it was a soft mattress.
"…This is the life…" he sighed happily, completely relaxed.
Far away from the peaceful beach, Inside the headquarters of the Humarise.
A large group of people stood gathered in a dark hall.
At the front stood Flect Turn, his gaze sharp as he looked over the crowd.
"The time has come," he said coldly.
Silence fell instantly.
"To begin the purge… of quirked humans."
"YEAHHH!!!"
The crowd erupted into cheers.
The operation of Humarise… was about to begin.
Back at the beach, some time later.
David stood with an annoyed expression on his face.
Or at least… he tried to.
Because the moment anyone looked at him—They burst out laughing.
His skin was nicely tanned… except for very specific areas.
A perfect outline of his sunglasses remained on his face.
And on his chest and belly…There were shell-shaped patches where the sunlight hadn't touched.
"…This is not funny," David said, trying to stay serious.
But even he couldn't hold it. A chuckle escaped him. "…Okay, maybe a little."
Arata was already laughing openly. "You look like a designer mermaid!"
Melissa wiped tears from her eyes. "Someone get him a tail!"
Even Kaina, who had come over by now, smirked slightly.
Aiba clapped her hands. "It's actually kind of cute!"
David sighed, shaking his head.
"I raised you better than this…" he muttered toward Melissa.
But before the laughter could settle—Tobita calmly walked forward.
And placed a bottle on the table.
Hot sauce.
Everyone went quiet for a second.
Arata's grin slowly widened. "You know the bet."
David froze. "…Do I have to?" he asked, his voice suddenly uncertain.
Melissa handed him a spoon.
On it…Was a thick, dark red hot sauce.
So red… it almost looked black.
David gulped. "…This looks illegal."
"Do it," Arata said, wiggling his eyebrows.
Everyone watched.
David took a deep breath.
"…For dignity…"
And shoved the spoon into his mouth.
Silence.
One second.
Two seconds.
"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!"
David shot up instantly.
"VERY SPICY! NEED WATER! WATER!!"
He ran around frantically, grabbing anything he could find.
Outside the villa…A few crows that had been peacefully sitting on the roof suddenly flew away in panic.
Because from inside—All they could hear was a man screaming for his life.