Emilie

During her leave of absence, Ren almost never left her room, spending time alone by listening to music and daydreaming. This went on for a long time, during which she was tormented by her inability to live normally like her peers; most frighteningly, her Ascension Ability made her aware that in the hearts of her parents, who seemed to care for her deeply, impatience and struggle were also growing like thorns.

The day she realized this, Ren painfully fled from home. Without a clear destination, just thinking anywhere would be fine, Ren somehow got caught up in an opening performance at a shopping mall in the bustling district of Shoggolith City. A magician was putting on a magnificent and grand show on stage, while the audience below cheered and laughed; but even in this lively scene, Ren could not ignore the thorns piercing her view—

When she regained consciousness, the crowd had already screamed and scattered, and the surrounding BCRL Agency troops were shining flashlights this way. The atrium of the mall was in complete disarray, with only Ren, who had caused all this destruction, at its center. She didn't know when her emotions had gotten out of control, nor did she understand why she had done such a terrible thing.

The magician on stage a moment ago appeared in front of Ren and extended an invitation to her.
"It's unfortunate. You do know there's no place for you here, right? If you come with us, at least you will find people who truly understand you..."

After joining Night Chains at the invitation of that magician, Goethe, many things that once confused and troubled Ren found answers. For instance, the sound similar to tinnitus that had disturbed her since childhood turned out to be a kind of "noise" that most members of Night Chains could hear. It was not frightening; it was just that no one had ever explained it to Ren before. Similarly, her Ascension Ability and the various incidents it caused could actually find corresponding solutions under reasonable conditions, rather than repeatedly destroying her life as in the past.

More importantly, Ren found new friends. Lin, who is also an executor, has a personality similar to hers, and they would often discuss new clothes and accessories they saw in magazines and occasionally go shopping together. Maruha, on the other hand, seemed more like an experienced senior in the role of executor, jokingly nicknaming Ren's Weapon "Highway Destroyer" and often scaring her with some half-true jokes.

Life seems impeccable at present, but there remains a question in Ren's heart that has yet to be answered: Even after encountering so many wonderful things, does she still have to endure the pain of seeing thorns?

This question was eventually answered on a sunny day.

"The title 'Night Chains Executor' may sound a bit intimidating, but doesn't the name 'Highway Destroyer' pique your curiosity? Next up is 'Into the Tales'! Today, in the bustling area of Shoggolith City, we suspect we have found traces of him!"

"Cameras, zoom in on the road below—now it's blocked off. Earlier, an out-of-control mob appeared on this road, but now the mob has been taken down! Judging by the surrounding destruction and impact marks, there's no doubt that the 'Highway Destroyer' stepped in to subdue him. We will now look around for possible eyewitnesses for interviews! This young lady—"

The camera turns to a girl in a black dress with purple hair, who seems startled in front of the lens.

"Miss, did you see the scene where the Highway Destroyer punished the villain?"
"Uh, ah? No, I didn't... I was just passing by, going to buy something... can I..."
"But you're right here, judging from the direction you came from, you even passed by the scene!"
"No..."
"Please tell us a bit about what happened!"
"...Well, then... the Highway Destroyer did well... resolved it quickly...I guess?"
"Exactly! Thank you for your testimony!"
As the host excitedly turns back to the camera to start explaining, the girl quietly sneaks away.

"I saw you on TV today, Ren. Were you compromised?"
"I don't think so... probably..."
"But I thought you were not the kind to meddle in others' business. Ah, unless that person was too annoying at the time!"
"...It's not like I lost control... After spending a lot of time with the Conductor, I've become... much calmer. Not likely to lose control anymore."
"Eh, so this time... was it intentional?"

Under Maruha's surprised yet teasing gaze, Ren seems embarrassed as she takes out two boxes of tapes.
"Because I wanted to go to the store to buy this. They're for the Conductor... but that person was blocking the door... so I just, kind of... um..."