By the time Hiro and Rize returned to their residence in the 20th Ward, it was already three in the morning.
The streets were utterly silent and deserted. Only the occasional ghoul silhouette lingered in dark alley mouths.
Some ghouls noticed the two of them, but no fool mistook them for prey.
Pushing open the door, Hiro almost immediately buried himself into the sofa and let out a long breath. "Nothing beats the feeling of home."
The fatigue had not yet faded when he looked toward Rize, who had entered behind him, his expression turning serious. "Rize, that was too dangerous. Have you thought about what would have happened if I hadn't arrived in time?"
Recalling the perilous moment, lingering fear rose in Rize's heart as well.
That hard-won freedom had nearly been destroyed. She had to treasure it more.
Meeting Hiro's gaze, she answered earnestly, "Sorry, Hiro. I was careless this time. I'll definitely be more careful from now on."
Seeing her sincere attitude, Hiro's tense expression finally eased. "Good. As long as you understand."
Only after relaxing did Rize notice that her clothes were completely tattered, soaked in blood, and sticky and uncomfortable.
She smiled and pointed toward the bathroom. "I feel awful all over. I'm going to shower first. Want to join me, Hiro?"
Hiro's brows lifted and his lips curved. "A beauty personally inviting me. How could I refuse?" He stood up as he spoke.
But Rize burst into laughter and, like a nimble cat, slipped into the bathroom first, locking the door with a click.
Hearing the water start inside, Hiro could not help but laugh.
He was no saint immune to temptation. The meat right at his mouth had flown away. Though somewhat regretful, he found it amusing.
There was no rush anyway. He would have plenty of chances in the future to thoroughly devour Rize.
The faint sound of Rize bathing drifted from the bathroom. Hiro sat quietly on the sofa, letting his consciousness sink inward, carefully sensing the gains from this outing.
As his awareness deepened, his perception once again entered that marvelous inner-vision state. The cells of his body became countless points of light of varying brightness, like miniature stars.
Compared to before, the number of bright points had increased markedly, now occupying nearly two-thirds of the total.
This newly gained power manifested directly outward. His reactions were faster, his perception sharper, and the strength throughout his body had risen with the tide.
But the greatest change was his control over the core of his power.
Whether the base mutated RC cells or Carnage, driving them before had been like issuing commands to a precise external device. There had been resonance, yet always a layer of separation.
Now, Carnage truly seemed to have become a part of his body, as natural to command as his own limbs.
He did not even need to deliberately focus control. Pure battle instinct and subconscious intent were enough to operate it fluidly.
Next, Hiro separated a small portion about the size of an egg from the main Carnage mass and gently placed it on the table.
Unlike last time, the separated piece still maintained a close connection to the main body. It responded smoothly and naturally to control, without the slightest sluggishness.
Under his mental guidance, the dark red lump rapidly shifted forms. At times it elongated into a small knife.
At times it curled into the shape of a little dog.
Finally, it slowly condensed into a miniature version of Rize.
Entirely red, with facial features and figure faintly discernible, only without clothing.
As if discovering a novel toy, Hiro concentrated fully on manipulating the tiny red figure.
He made her pose in various stances on the tabletop. Her every movement and gesture carried a vivid lifelike quality.
He was so absorbed in playing that he did not notice when the sound of water in the bathroom stopped.
Rize emerged wrapped in a bath towel, wet hair tips still dripping.
The warm water had left her skin faintly flushed pink. The figure beneath the towel appeared even more delicate and enticing.
She had intended to call Hiro to wash up as well, but before she spoke, she saw him bent over, intently fiddling with something.
She quietly walked closer and looked down. A tiny red doll identical to her was being manipulated at his fingertips, performing various embarrassing poses.
And he watched with relish, even chuckling now and then, looking like a foolish boy who had discovered some treasure.
Rize raised a brow, studying Hiro with interest. She had not expected this side of him.
At that moment, Hiro suddenly sensed something. He looked up and met Rize's smiling eyes.
Caught red-handed, he showed no panic at all. His shamelessness was astonishing. "Finished so quickly?" His gaze traveled naturally over Rize's body, filled with undisguised appreciation.
The corner of Rize's lips curved in playful amusement. "Want to see what's inside, Hiro?" As she spoke, her fingers lightly hooked the edge of the towel, as if to pull it open.
Hiro's throat bobbed. Without hesitation, "Yes."
Rize's smile deepened. Holding the two corners of the towel, she slowly drew them apart.
Hiro did not blink.
"Do you like it?" Rize suddenly spread the towel wide, revealing the light purple silk nightdress underneath.
The hem was so short it barely passed the top of her thighs, making her long legs even more striking.
Seeing the flash of disappointment in Hiro's eyes, Rize could not help laughing aloud.
Hiro stroked his chin and leisurely looked her up and down, then nodded. "Not bad."
Rize gave a soft laugh and obediently turned in front of him. The hem fluttered lightly, allowing his appraising gaze to linger.
Hiro stood and walked to her, reaching out to wrap an arm around her slender waist.
Her soft, warm body fell into his embrace, pressed closely against him. He could clearly feel his heartbeat quicken.
Not only did Rize not resist, she cooperated eagerly, looping her arms around his neck and tilting her face up. Her warm breath brushed faintly across his cheek.
He lowered his head, about to kiss those nearby red lips, but she extended a finger and gently stopped him.
"You should wash up first too," Rize said, her voice carrying a lazy smile. "You still smell of blood. I've prepared hot water for you."
Hiro gave a low chuckle and released her. "Alright. Then wait for me. When I come out, I'll properly 'deal with' you."
Watching Hiro disappear into the bathroom, Rize's gaze fell upon the peculiar "mini Rize" on the table.
Curious, she walked over and sat by the sofa, leaning in for a closer look.
The more she examined it, the more startled she became. She did not know what method Hiro had used. The little figure was truly identical to her.
It was like a perfectly scaled-down version of herself, only entirely an ominous dark red.
After hesitating a moment, Rize extended a slender finger, intending to pick it up for closer inspection.
However, the instant her fingertip touched the tiny figure, a sudden change erupted.