Cherreads

Chapter 143 - Shutdown

-CITY CENTER-

-4:04 PM, MARCH 10, 2017-

A low hum faded.

Slowly.

Like a breath being released.

-INTERIOR CORE-

-4:05 PM-

The screens dimmed.

Then flickered.

Then stabilized.

Rikuu stood still.

Watching.

Waiting.

Ichika beside him.

"…Is it really done?" Ichika asked quietly.

Rikuu nodded slightly.

"…Yes."

A pause.

"…The system's no longer active."

Silence filled the room.

Not heavy.

But calm.

-CITY OUTSIDE-

-4:10 PM-

In the distance—

Sirens faded.

Lights steadied.

Traffic resumed.

-CITY STREETS-

-4:12 PM-

People began to move again.

Slowly.

Confused.

But safe.

-INTERIOR CORE-

-4:14 PM-

Rikuu exhaled.

"…It's over."

Ichika looked at him.

"…We did it."

A quiet moment passed.

Then—

Ichika smiled slightly.

"…We actually did it."

Rikuu looked around.

Then back at her.

"…Yeah."

A small pause.

"…Together."

The system remained offline.

No longer a threat.

No longer controlling anything.

Ichika stepped closer.

"…What now?"

Rikuu thought for a moment.

Then—

"…We live."

A soft silence.

Not empty.

But peaceful.

Rikuu looked at Ichika.

"…No more running."

She nodded.

"…No more fighting."

Just quiet.

Just them.

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