Zenless Zone Zero: Morax in a New World!

While Billy and Arataki Itto were happily battling beetles outside Hare's House...

Inside the house, Sam Li, Nekomata, and Soldier 11 sat together on the couch. Sam Li was sipping tea, Nekomata was watching TV, and Soldier 11 sat idly in a chair, waiting for Anby to return.

Anby had gone out to grab some burgers.

After a moment of hesitation, Soldier 11 turned to Sam Li and asked, "Can I ask you something? It's about sword technique."

During her time at Hare's House—over ten days now—she had followed Sam Li and the others on missions, including the C75 Hollows Golden Bangboo incident, and more recently, the treasure chest hunt.

She had witnessed Sam Li's overwhelming strength.

And she'd noticed something else.

Billy, Anby, even Nekomata—each of them had grown stronger.

Under Sam Li's guidance, Anby's swordplay had become faster and more refined, Billy's footwork was much more agile, and even Nekomata had learned an unusual martial art called Meow Meow Fist...

Seeing everyone improve so quickly, Soldier 11 couldn't sit idle any longer.

Seeing her genuine curiosity, Sam Li agreed. "Ask whatever you want."

"I don't know how to describe it," she said after a pause. "Come with me—I'll show you."

Without waiting for a response, she grabbed Sam Li's hand and led him outside.

Sam Li: "…"

"Quickly."

...

Not long after, Anby returned, arms full of burgers.

She didn't disturb them—just watched quietly while Sam Li and Soldier 11 demonstrated sword moves. She memorized the forms silently.

...

The afternoon passed like that.

Billy and Arataki Itto stayed outside battling bugs, Nekomata was engrossed in a variety show called 100 Reasons Why Cats Are Smarter Than Dogs, and Sam Li continued training Soldier 11 and Anby in swordsmanship.

It wasn't until dusk that Nicole returned, excited from her errand.

As she approached Hare's House, she spotted Billy and Arataki Itto still going at it outside.

"You two are still at it? They're just bugs. Is it really that fun?"

"It's super fun, Boss Nicole! You wanna try?" Billy said with a grin.

Nicole shook her head. "I'll pass…"

Then she walked inside, clutching a wallet, and saw Sam Li, Nekomata, Soldier 11, and Anby still lounging in the living room.

She hurried over, beaming, and held up the wallet.

"Guess how many Dennies we made today?"

Sam Li thought a moment. "A million?"

Nekomata tilted her head. "A million and a half?"

Nicole confidently held up three fingers. "Three million! I didn't sell the crates directly. I opened them and sold the goods inside. And guess what—I actually hit the jackpot!"

She animatedly told the story.

At first, it was all junk—she regretted not just selling the boxes unopened. But the very last crate revealed a full set of Old Era mechanical blueprints, and someone instantly offered a million Dennies for it.

After hearing her tale, Anby let out a breath. "As expected of Boss Nicole. Another smart call."

Soldier 11 commented coolly, "Cunning hares tend to get lucky."

Nekomata grinned. "Nicole, we were all waiting for you to get back. So, where are we going for dinner?"

It was tradition at Hare's House.

When you made bank, you treated yourself.

"Lumina Square," Nicole said, smiling. "I passed by and already booked a spot."

She called out to Billy and Arataki Itto, and they all piled into a vehicle headed for dinner.

...

On the way, Sam Li suddenly said, "We need to stop by Victoria Housekeeping."

Nicole raised a brow. "What for?"

"I need to speak with Venti," Sam Li replied.

He was, of course, referring to sending Arataki Itto back.

The connection between worlds was still unstable, and Sam Li's progress with his roleplay hadn't reached 100%. To ensure Arataki Itto returned safely to Teyvat, Sam Li planned to ask Venti for help.

When they arrived at Victoria Housekeeping, Venti was there.

Upon hearing the group was headed to Lumina Square for a feast, Venti immediately invited himself along—and Sam Li was happy to let him join.

...

At the restaurant, Nicole leaned toward Venti and asked, "So? How's your loot been these past few days? Make any Dennies?"

Venti thought for a second. "Dennies? Not sure. But we did find over a dozen treasure chests, so probably quite a bit."

Nicole sighed. "If we hadn't been chased around by the Security Bureau, we'd have found even more."

Still, they made a solid haul—nearly three million Dennies.

...

During dinner, Billy and Arataki Itto were deep in conversation—still talking about beetle battles.

They sounded like long-lost brothers with endless things to share: from bug dueling to ghost clan heritage, from the Arataki Gang to the Narukami Shrine, from Shinobu to the Raiden Shogun...

It was a whole new world of people and stories.

Billy was fascinated.

"I didn't realize there were places like this beyond the Outer Ring. If I had the chance, I'd love to visit your hometown."

"Come anytime," Arataki Itto said proudly. "You're always welcome."

"Tomorrow, I'll take you to Sixth Street's arcade. They've got a new game—Strange Companion, I think."

"Is it better than kabuto fighting?"

"They're both fun. We've got plenty of time. I'll show you around New Eridu, help you get used to things."

The two kept chatting, already planning out the next few days.

...

But then Sam Li interrupted gently, "You've been gone all day. Shinobu and the others must be worried. After dinner, let Venti take you back."

Arataki Itto paused, then sighed.

Right... He'd disappeared without warning—Shinobu and the gang were probably searching high and low for him by now.

He turned to Billy, serious for once. "Billy, I'm heading back. But I'll come again soon—next time with Shinobu and the Traveler."

Billy didn't know Kuki Shinobu personally, but from Itto's stories, he understood how important she was.

He sighed. "Alright. Next time, I'll take you to the arcade for sure."

Itto grinned. "Don't be sad, Brother Billy. I'll be back before you know it."

...

After dinner, Arataki Itto prepared to leave with Venti.

But before he left, he handed Billy two Onikabutos as a parting gift.

And Billy, in return, gave Itto his coat.

"It's getting late. Might be chilly on the road. Take this."

Itto took the coat with both hands and smiled. "I'll wear it proudly."