Pluto appeared before Asagi and his group, looking as she had in Origin, but now in her human form. Alongside her was Mari, who had also joined Vandalieu’s ranks, much to Asagi’s surprise. The last time they saw Mari in Origin, she looked to be in her thirties; now, she appeared to be around fifteen, her form changed by her powers as a Metamorph. Both Asagi and his companions were visibly startled as they greeted the two.

"Let’s save the catching-up for after we address the reply," Pluto said. "I don’t have much to say, but I’m sure Mari has a few things, right?"

"Yeah, I get it," Mari replied. "But first, let me apologize. Sorry about everything, all three of you."

With a slight bow, Mari expressed her apology, leaving Asagi, Tendo, and Shouko visibly puzzled.

"Why are you apologizing?" Asagi asked.

"Shouldn’t we be the ones apologizing, for not realizing we were being used by Rikudou until it was too late?" Tendo added.

"It’s not about what happened in Origin," Mari clarified with a laugh, lifting her head. "I mean, I knew you three were in Orbaume but didn’t reach out to you until now."