Soon enough the workbench is clear, though, and there are a few decent tools still on it.

"Nice," Ryuji exclaims with a tired grin. "This should be a good place to build shit we're gonna use, starting with Akira's grappling hook."

"Yeah." Ann leans against the table for a moment. "Okay, we just gotta get this put together and then we can go home."

Morgana carefully talks them through assembling it. It comes together surprisingly well, considering it's mostly made from parts salvaged from shadow loot. Two leather straps secure it to the user's wrist, and this loop of metal here ensures the cord is in the perfect spot to be grabbed after the hook catches.

"It wouldn't be quite reliable to use in the real world, but in the Metaverse it will work great. Good job, you two!"

"Wow, we really just made that!"

"Yeah!"

Ann pauses and looks over at Akira.

She's still fast asleep.

Ann continues a little more quietly. "Good, we didn't wake her."

She frowns. "I want to be able to text her tomorrow and tell her what all happened, but it's super skeevy to just grab her phone. Should we wake her to get her number?"

"Maybe Sakura-san has it?"

"Great idea. Let's go ask him for it."

And back downstairs they go.

Two customers are just heading out the door, and Sojiro is cleaning up the dishes. "Hey. How'd it go?"

"Solid, we got things sorted out. Do you have Akira's phone number by any chance? I'd like to be able to text her tomorrow about what all's happened."

"Sensible. Write yours down too and I'll give 'em to her when she gets up." He pulls out his phone and reads off Akira's number for them.

"Thanks, Boss!" Ryuji saves it in his phone, and writes his number on a piece of paper.

Ann writes hers down too.

"Thanks. Now I think it's time for us two to get home."

"Be safe out there."

Ann and Ryuji head home, Sojiro locks up, and Akira sleeps peacefully.

Once more she is awoken by piano chords in a jail cell.

As she stands and walks to the door, Igor greets her. "Welcome to the Velvet Room."

"This is a real place, isn't it?"

Akira frowns. "At least as real as the Metaverse is."

He nods, the grin widening fractionally. "Indeed it is. I thought about resuming our previous conversation tonight. That is why I have summoned you.

"What are your thoughts? Are you becoming accustomed to this place?"

"More accustomed, yes. Is this... my Palace?"

"An insightful guess, but incorrect. I am glad to hear you are becoming more accustomed, however. It seems you have nerves of steel.

"The goal of your rehabilitation is to thwart the fated ruin. However, such a feat cannot be done by you alone. Today, you began partnerships, including with those who have awoken to the same power which you reached today, did you not?"

"Yes," Akira says. "I did."

"Involving yourself with others is an important foundation for your recovery. You've done well. That said, I am not advising the formation of superficial relationships. It must not be of frivolity, but a ring of those who would, by morals or faith, lend you their strength. In other words, they are bonds with those who have been robbed of their places to belong. The expansion of said ring will, in return, help you mature as well."

"Personas are the strength of heart. The stronger the bonds that surround you, the more power your Personas will gain."