After defeating Maruki, Ren had found himself at a bit of a loss. Nothing was… the same as it used to be. The Metaverse was gone, he had moved away back to his home in the country since his probation was over, and perhaps the issue most on his mind was Akechi’s disappearance.

He really didn’t want to believe his rival was dead. Even thinking of it now made his heart squeeze uncomfortably.

Ren still has the glove Akechi gave him. He holds the soft leather in his hands as he sits in an empty coffee shop, turning it over and over.

His phone on the table flashes, and he glances at it, surprised. Is that… the Metaverse symbol?

A sudden flash of adrenaline courses through Ren, and he rushes out, not caring how crazy he might look to the two other customers.

When he steps outside, his vision warps in that lovely, familiar way. Somehow, the Metaverse is back, in its eerie, red tinged glory.

Ren is still holding Akechi-kun’s glove.