Nemesis' rays filtered through the thin, white curtains, casting a faint glow over the bedroom. Kaito stirred, feeling the soft warmth of Adira's body pressed against his. That ever-worried girl was leaning against him from the side of the bed while sitting on a wooden chair. A gentle smile curled his lips as he opened his eyes, taking in the sight of her. She looked so peaceful, her short, light purple hair cascading over the edge of her shoulders by his bed.

  Starfire's eyes fluttered open, her own smile lighting up the room.

  "So you finally woke up." she whispered, her voice laced with affection.

  "G-Good morning..."

  But as she became aware of her own emotions, her smile faltered, replaced by a deep blush.

  "I... Y-You... You've been sleeping for almost two days straight. Aren't you... Aren't you supposed to be invulnerable or something?" she stammered, trying to hide her feelings behind a flustered and defensive tone.

  The boy with the messy hair couldn't help but chuckle, reaching over to gently cup her cheek.

  "Don't worry about me, Starfire. I'm okay. We have all the time in the world to spend together now." he reassured her.

  "T-T-Together you say?!"

  "Yes... Like scavenging together, I mean."

  "O-Oh, I see..."

  The Drow girl's blush deepened, her eyes darting away from his.

  "Well, I'm glad you're not in a hurry to leave. But don't think you can slack off on me all the time!" she teased, her voice gaining confidence.

  Kaito felt a thrill of excitement at this new, more vulnerable side of Starfire. As they spent the next couple of minutes together, laughing, talking, and enjoying each other's company, he knew that this was a memory he would cherish forever.

  The door to Kaito's room creaked open, and in walked Mallas, the grizzled old Duergar with a kind heart. His weathered face lit up with a smile when he saw the young hero awake.

  "Ah, you're finally up, kid. How do you feel?" Mallas asked, walking over to the bed and placing a comforting hand on the boy's shoulder.

  "I feel much better, thanks to you and Starfire." Shirai replied, giving the Duergar a grateful smile.

  The old Greyforge's smile faltered for a moment, as if he was about to say something, but then he seemed to change his mind.

  "Well, that's good to hear. I'm glad you're on the mend. But I've got some bad news. You see, Maendar's goons, they came and made a mess of my shop a few days ago. They broke a lot of my equipment. I'll be busy for a few days, fixing everything. So, I won't be able to help you as much as I'd like, while you're still recovering."

  Kaito's eyes widened as he remembered that mess, and he felt a pang of guilt for not being there to help Mallas when he needed it.

  "I know... I'm sorry, Mr. Mallas. Is there anything I can do to help? I'm not quite up to fixing things, but I could at least help you with some of the repairs." he offered.

  Greyforge's face softened, and he patted the boy's shoulder reassuringly.

  "Don't worry, lad. I've got it under control. You just focus on getting better. I'll see you around, once I'm done."

  He nodded, grateful for Mallas's understanding. As the old man was about to leave the room, Kaito couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility for the community that had taken him in. He would make it up to the old man and the others, once he was back on his feet.

  "Starfire, can you tell me what happened to Tal Maendar? Did you see him after the battle?" the Immortal Ghost asked curiously, as he sat up in bed, feeling much stronger.

  Starfire let out a sigh of relief, her eyes shining with happiness.

  "My idiot brother was arrested by the Neon Knights. They took him to prison. The city can finally breathe a sigh of relief."

  Ghost was overcome with a sense of satisfaction at the news. The city would be safer without the likes of Tal Maendar running rampant.

  "I see. But that was expected in the end."

  "As for Sir Galliard, the last time I saw him, he was in a panic. It seems he had to fill a mountain of paperwork for the Technocrat Council. They're not going to be happy about the chaos he let unfold in the city."

  The boy chuckled at the thought of the by-the-book enforcer being scolded by the Technocrats. It was a small bit of satisfaction, but it brought a smile to his face.

  "It's good to know that things are starting to return to normal. And I'm glad you're safe too."

  She blushed slightly, her smile growing as she crossed her arms.

  "Thank you, Ghost. You were a big part of making that happen... We couldn't have done it without you."

  Kaito's eyes widened as a stunning figure suddenly entered his room. She was a catgirl, her skin a rich, golden-brown hue, her hair a deep, velvety wine color. She wore a revealing outfit that hugged her curves, her long tail swaying gently as she approached the bed. Her eyes were piercing, rimmed with heavy eyeliner.

  "W-Who's...?"

  The boy's cheeks flushed a deep red as he realized it was Hedda, the very Hedda who guided him through the ethereal realm. He had no idea she could manifest herself in this material form.

  "H-Hedda... I didn't expect to see you in person!" he stammered, trying to regain his composure, "Or rather, in this form..."

  Hedda's smile was warm and kind, her feline yellow eyes sparkling with mischief.

  "Sala-Tis' defeat has given me back some of my powers. I can now manifest myself more often, though I'm still limited. But I wanted to see how my champion was doing, Immortal Ghost. You've been through a lot, and I'm proud of how you've handled it all."

  He felt a surge of gratitude, and his heart swelled with affection for the enigmatic ancient deity.

  "Thank you, Hedda. You've been a true friend to me, in both worlds. I don't know what I would have done without your help."

  The goddess leaned in, giving the young man a gentle hug.

  "We're in this together, Immortal Ghost. And as long as we're here, we'll keep fighting for what's right. Now, let's get you back on your feet and show those evil beings a thing or two."

  Kaito couldn't help but smile, feeling encouraged and reassured by Hedda's presence. With her blessings, he knew that he could face any challenge that came his way.

  Mallas scratched his long black beard, surprised by the unusual situation with the ancient goddess. The old Duergar let out a deep sigh, shaking his head.

  "I'm afraid I can't accommodate more people here, lad. My repair shop is not an inn, you know..."

  The boy nodded, understanding the old Duergar's predicament. He would have to look for a proper place for his friend to stay.

  As the conversation continued, Hedda couldn't resist the opportunity to tease the flustered boy a little. She grinned mischievously, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

  "Aw, don't worry about it. I'm sure you wouldn't mind having a cute roommate around. I mean, you did sleep quite comfortably next to me, didn't you?"

  The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  Kaito's face flushed a deep red, his ears growing hot with embarrassment.

  "H-Hedda... Please don't remind me of that. And you were just a book then!"

  Starfire, who had been listening to the conversation, now felt the need to intervene. She blushed profusely, her voice laced with indignation.

  "Goddess, that's quite inappropriate! And for your information, you will be sleeping in my room from now on! We're both girls, so there is no problem with us sharing a room... and that's not something we should be discussing in front of other people."

  The beautiful goddess raised an eyebrow, a smirk still playing on her catlike lips.

  "Alright, alright. No need to get so worked up, Starfire. I was just teasing a little. But don't worry, I'll make sure to be a good girl."

  Kaito, Mallas, and Starfire shared a moment of awkward silence, each of them trying to regain their composure. The air in the room was thick with a weird tension, but at least the issue had been resolved.

  Hedda leaned in closer to Starfire, her voice soft and soothing as she whispered into her pointy ear.

  "Don't worry, my cute follower. I'll be a perfect roommate, and I promise to treat you well. Thank you for being so accommodating."

  "E-Excuse me?!"

  The Drow girl's face flushed a deep red, her ears twitching nervously. She had never been this close to anyone before, and the sensation of the catgirl's touch sent shivers down her spine.

  Meanwhile, Kaito, lying on his bed, could only watch the scene unfold. His heart raced, and his cheeks grew warm as he witnessed the intimate interaction between the two women.

  "..."

  In that moment, a gush of blood erupted from the poor boy's nose, his body jolting as he sat up, startled by the sudden pain. The sight of the blood on his clothes and the bedding was a stark reminder of just how overwhelmed he was by the sensations he was experiencing.

  Mallas and Hedda both turned to look at him, concerned. Starfire, still flustered, rushed to his side to help him.

  "Hey, are you alright? I knew you were a pervert! Let me get you a cloth to stop the bleeding."

  The goddess and the old Greyforge exchanged muted glances, both sensing that something was troubling the young man. But for now, their focus was on helping each other through this uncomfortable ordeal.

  Mallas scratched his head, the receding hairline revealing some wrinkles on his forehead. A sense of disappointment filled him as he let out a deep sigh.

  "I'm too old for this..."

  He stood up, leaving the room with a heavy heart. As he closed the door behind him, he could still hear the commotion inside. The voices of the other three filled the air, intertwining in a cacophony of confusion.

  "Mr. Mallas, wait! Please don't leave me alone with these two! WAIT!!!"

  "Shut up, Ghost! You airhead! Idiot! Pervert!"

  "Oh my, dear children, you don't have to fight for me..."

  The Duergar then made his way downstairs to open his repair shop. He knew he had a lot of work ahead of him, but he was determined to see it through. The sight that greeted him outside the Greyforge was a long line of angry clients, each of them holding their broken equipment.

  Mallas Greyforge took a deep breath, steeling himself for the task ahead. He stepped outside, addressing the crowd.

  "Please, my good people, be calm. I assure you that I will take full responsibility for any losses or damages to your equipment. I'm sorry for the inconvenience, and I'll do my best to get them repaired as quickly as possible."

  The people grumbled, but the Duergar could sense their frustration easing a bit. He had earned their trust over the years, and they knew he wouldn't let them down. With a renewed sense of determination, Mallas headed back inside, ready to face the mountain of work that awaited him.

  ***

  In the ethereal realm of Amenthes, where the ancient deities of the other world rested, a vast and enchanting landscape of palaces, mausoleums, and other architectural wonders unfolded. Amidst this sea of splendor, a solitary pyramid stood tall.

  Unlike the golden palaces or the white marble mausoleums, this structure was made of a dark, ominous stone. It seemed to radiate an aura of malevolence, as if it was a beacon for all things twisted and evil.

  The black pyramid loomed large, casting a shadow over its surroundings. The intricate carvings on its surface depicted scenes of suffering and despair, a stark contrast to the images of peace and tranquility found in the other structures.

  In this realm where time held no meaning, the pyramid remained untouched, its secrets buried deep within its enigmatic walls. And yet, despite its isolation, there was a sense that it was still connected to the mortal world, waiting for the opportune moment to wreak havoc and spread chaos once more.

  In the timeless expanse of Amenthes, the black pyramid stood as a reminder of the ever-present darkness that lurked in the shadows, biding its time until it could once again unleash its wrath upon the world of the living.

  Inside the black pyramid, three shadowy figures began to stir. They had lain dormant in their sarcophagi for what felt like an eternity, but now, a subtle energy began to pulse through the chamber.

  The first figure, a man with the body of a serpent, emerged from his sarcophagus, made of a dark, lustrous metal. His skin was a mottled green, and his eyes glowed with a sinister red light.

  The second figure was a woman, her body covered in scales and feathers, with the head of a hawk. She arose from her sarcophagus, which was adorned with glittering gems. The feathers on her body ruffled as she stretched her wings, revealing the true extent of her form.

  The third figure was a towering, hulking creature, a fusion of man and beast. His sarcophagus was made of solid stone, and as he stepped out, the air around him seemed to grow thicker, more oppressive.

  As they moved, the darkness in the chamber seemed to cling to them, as if it were a physical entity. The hieroglyphs etched into the walls above their resting place read "Triad," a clear indication of the significance of their reawakening.

  The red, pulsating glow from their eyes seemed to have a tangible effect on the environment, causing the very air to shudder in fear. Any mortal who had the misfortune of witnessing this scene would have undoubtedly been reduced to a quivering mass of cowardice.

  Reunited, the three figures began to explore their apparent freedom, the darkness clinging to them as they set their sights on the mortal world, ready to wreak havoc once more.

  "Mmm..."

  The sky outside the black pyramid began to change, the once-bright, white expanse transforming into a deep, impenetrable black. The shift in the celestial backdrop was ominous, as if the heavens themselves were preparing for the return of the malevolent forces within.

  Despite the foreboding change, the realm of Amenthes remained unperturbed. The silence that enveloped the place continued to hold sway, as if the inhabitants were blissfully unaware of the impending chaos.

  The air, though heavy with portent, was still peaceful, the ethereal realm seemingly at ease. But little did the inhabitants know, the darkness that had been released from the pyramid would soon bring turmoil to the mortal world, setting in motion a chain of events that would alter the course of history.

  The black pyramid, a beacon for the forces of darkness, stood tall against the inky sky, waiting for its servants to wreak desolation on the unsuspecting realm below.

  ***

  A few days have passed since the events at the top of the Magnum Building. Kaito, now fully healed, felt a renewed sense of energy and purpose. He decided it was time to venture out once more, to scavenge for valuable artifacts in the ruins of Techno Tombs.

  Nemesis had just begun to rise when Kaito, Starfire, and Hedda left the safety of the Greyforge. The air was crisp, and the sky was painted in hues of pink and orange coming from the lights of the neon city. Kaito felt a sense of excitement as he prepared for the unknown challenges that awaited them.

  He wore his neon engraved fingerless gloves, now reinforced with metal bits by the skillful hands of Mallas. Kaito admired the work, knowing that the added metal would make his gloves perfect for dealing with the dangers they would face. His sacred blunderbuss is now strapped to a holster around his right leg.

  Starfire, dressed in her usual attire, looked on with pride at Kaito's new gear. Hedda, in her revealing outfit, bounced alongside them, her tail swaying gently.

  "So that's it. Are we all ready to go?" said the Drow girl, looking more excited than usual.

  "Yeah!" the boy replied, his voice laced with determination, "Let's hope this next Techno Tomb is worth our time and effort."

  "Don't worry, my children. I'll be right here to help you." Hedda reassured them with a grin.

  The trio set off on their latest adventure, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. They walked hand in hand, ready to bravely plunder the Techno Tomb, seeking fortune and glory.

  Hedda, her eyes gleaming with excitement, turned to Kaito, a playful smirk on her lips.

  "You know, Immortal Ghost, your work is far from over. There are still many evil deities lurking in the shadows, just waiting for their chance to wreak havoc. You've proven your worth, and I have no doubt that you'll be ready to face them when the time comes."

  Kaito nodded, a sense of determination filling him. He had faced and defeated a powerful deity, and he knew that with the support of his friends, he could overcome any challenge that lay ahead.

  "You're right, Hedda. I'll be ready to face those evil deities when the time comes. But for now, let's focus on our current mission. We'll scavenge these ruins, and who knows, maybe we'll find some clues to their whereabouts."

  The goddess' smirk deepened, her tail swaying gently. She loved nothing more than a good adventure, and she was thrilled to have Kaito and Starfire by her side.

  "Sounds like a plan, my dear champion. Let's conquer this Techno Tomb and discover the secrets it hides, together!"

  With that, the newly assembled team continued their journey, eager to explore the ancient ruins and unravel the mysteries that lay within. They walked on, ready to face whatever challenges the next Techno Tomb had in store for them, their bond growing stronger with each step they took.

  As Kaito, Starfire, and Hedda walked through the bustling streets of the glowing cyberpunk megatropolis, the Techno City, their spirits were high. They chatted and laughed, eager to embark on their latest adventure.

  Unbeknownst to them, their tale was being chronicled. Back in Kaito's room, the book titled "The Immortal Ghost" lay open on his desk. It had been blank when he left it, but now, the first chapter, "Part I - The Demise of Sala-Tis" had been meticulously written.

  The story began with the introduction of a young outsider, his unfortunate past, and his emergence as the Immortal Ghost. It went on to describe the events at the top of a mysterious skyscraper, from the battle against the heretic cultists to the riveting confrontation with Sala-Tis.

  The words on the page were a testament to the heroism and courage Kaito had displayed, as well as the unwavering support of his friends, Starfire and Hedda.

  It marked the end of this particular saga, but little did the boy know that the pages of his book were far from finished. With each new adventure, his legend would continue to grow, immortalized in the annals of history.

  And so, the book sat on Kaito's desk, waiting for the next chapter in the life of the Immortal Ghost to unfold.

  FIN