Mentioned Characters: Sakuya, Meiling

"I see. So this is how you're meant to use these clothes. It's finally time to face the Lost Word Incident head-on. If called upon, I wouldn't mind saving the day like I did in that dream a while back. *sigh* Why does everyone keep trying to fly over the gate? I'll have to get serious."

Hong Meiling's Fantasy Rebirth Qi is a term used to describe all the unseen forces in the universe. However, that's the thing with forces―none of them can be seen. In this way, the philosophy of qi shares the same fundamentals as the laws of physics. Believing in the unseen is the source of imagination and abstraction. Since humans can believe in things that are not there before them, they can learn from the past, form involved and complex plans, minimize risks, and hope for a brighter future. Society is upheld by humanity's ability to create stories. The existence of phantoms and monsters is also a result of this ability. Speaking of stories, Meiling seems to like horror novels and comics.

"Whenever anyone asks the gatekeeper for help, it's already too late for me to make a difference. Then again, when I fight you, I'm always one step behind. But I guess I got to see you at the very end... so it's not all bad."

Land of Taiji "When did I first start working for a vampire? I'm not sure, but I'm happy that I did. Even if I wasn't much help, even if guarding the gate was pointless, there was honor in serving her. The nights spent with the Scarlet Devil and her subjects forged inseparable bonds between us. Thanks to her power over fate, I discovered my true calling. I loved this insignificant and leisurely job, and taking care of the flowers in the garden was the icing on the cake."

"Even with my ability to manipulate time, I cannot return to the past. I have to use a different method to achieve my ambition. At first, I wasn't sure it would work. But now hunting has become second nature to me. I took what I needed from another enemy today. It's easy because they always let their guard down." [Torn page of a report written by Sakuya Izayoi.]