“Do we really have to part ways like this?”

“If we do, we’ll be fighting alone in opposite corners of the world. If anything happens, we won’t be able to help each other right away.”

This was Ming Yi’s deepest worry. Yu Chen and Alice were capable leaders. Old Lei was honest and quiet—Ming Yi feared he might get bullied alone. But worst of all…

The East Asia Branch would be left with Xiao Chengcheng, a chuunibyou teen who barely used his brain, and Dandan, who lacked confidence and needed protection. Every crisis would fall on Ming Yi’s shoulders.

Could he really handle it? Could he ever measure up to Yu Chen and Alice?

Honestly, Ming Yi felt zero confidence.

Ever since joining the External Affairs Department, he’d been Alice’s quiet shadow—never leading, never deciding. Yu Chen and Alice handled everything flawlessly, leaving him with nothing to do. Their perfection made him feel small. He’d often wondered: *Could I ever be like them?*

He truly didn’t believe he could.

Yu Chen noticed Ming Yi’s troubled expression. “Xiao Yi,” he said gently, “come with me for a moment. I need to talk to you alone.”

Ming Yi blinked, then nodded.

—

—

In the next room, they sat side by side on the bed.

“Xiao Yi, I’ve wanted to say this for a long time.”

“I know what you fear. If we split up, Alice and I will be fine. Old Lei’s quiet and avoids trouble—I’m not worried about him.”

“The only one I’ve ever worried about… is you.” Yu Chen met his eyes squarely.

Ming Yi stayed silent.

“But you’re misunderstanding me. I don’t doubt your ability to care for Xiao Chengcheng and Dandan. I worry you doubt *yourself*.” Yu Chen’s voice turned firm.

“Xiao Yi, your judgment, attention to detail, and calm under pressure have always matched Alice’s and mine. You just hide behind us, avoiding decisions.”

“Alice and I never meant to pressure you. You’ve been pressuring yourself.”

“Remember our first Ravager chase?” Yu Chen smiled faintly. “You woke to a monster you’d never seen. You swallowed your fear, stayed calm, and signaled me without provoking it.”

“That choice saved us all. Even Alice or I might not have done better.”

Ming Yi remained quiet.

Yu Chen was right. He wasn’t as weak as he thought. He’d just grown comfortable living like a slacker—never trying, never risking failure. He’d set Yu Chen and Alice as his impossible standard. Over time, timidity had seeped into his bones.

In the External Affairs Department, that mindset was harmless. But now? Responsibility loomed. Unease tightened his chest.

“And never underestimate your comrades,” Yu Chen added meaningfully. “Xiao Chengcheng seems airheaded, but he’s shrewd underneath. If you’re stuck, talk to him.”

Ming Yi froze in surprise.

“That’s all. I know you’ve made your choice. Go say goodbye.” Yu Chen stood, walking toward the door. He glanced back with a warm smile. “Don’t let me down.”

—

—

Dawn. Thin mist hung in the crisp air. Ming Yi and the others stood fully dressed at the building’s entrance. Two cars waited. Luo Yan stood quietly beside them.

“Dandan,” Alice stroked his hair, “take care of yourself after I’m gone. If anything happens, find Brother Xiao Yi.”

“Waaah! Senior Alice, don’t go!” Dandan sobbed, tears streaming. “What if Xiao Chengcheng bullies me?”

“If he dares, call me. I’ll fly back and castrate him myself!”

Xiao Chengcheng shuddered and turned away, cheeks flushed.

Ming Yi clapped Old Lei’s shoulder. “Stay sharp out there. Don’t start trouble, and don’t let anyone push you around.”

“I’ve got it,” Old Lei said with a shy, sun-browned grin.

Ming Yi and Yu Chen exchanged a silent, knowing smile.

Between men, farewells need few words. True feelings stay buried deep.

Ming Yi turned to Alice.

“Senior Alice, I…”

“Hmm?”

Her delicate, angelic face stole his voice.

*Three years without seeing her.* A crushing loneliness squeezed his chest.

This woman he’d admired silently for so long—whose place in his heart he could never measure.

Maybe greater than life. Maybe greater than everything.

Laughable unrequited love. She belonged with the perfect Yu Chen. Yet he couldn’t let go.

This longing had become bone-deep habit.

Alice stepped forward and hugged him.

Ming Yi stiffened like he’d been shocked.

“Remember my words,” she whispered into his ear, her breath warm against his skin. “I’ll become the strongest Shatterborn and come back to have your backs.”

“But if I can…”

“I also hope to stand safely behind *you* one day… waiting for *you* to have *my* back.”

Ming Yi’s throat tightened. Emotion surged, finally breaking free.

“Mm. Next time we meet… I’ll be someone who makes you proud.”

“I swear it.”

Alice smiled, sweet and soft.

Luo Yan’s voice cut gently through the moment: “Everyone, it’s time. The other branches’ planes have been waiting at the airport.”

The three nodded, stepping into the cars. Through the windows, they waved until the vehicles vanished down the road.

A hollow ache lingered in Ming Yi’s chest.

“I swear it,” he murmured, voice barely a whisper.