Episode 2: Last Wish

Have you thought about why suicidal thoughts come and go? Why is it that at different points in time, you alternate between living and dying? Which ‘you’ of which ‘now’ do you listen to?


⌏▫☆ Hwang Eunha◆▫. ¸

Would you believe me if I told you that I had a friend who had lived the future? A future where humanity perished, and the demonica won?

A future where I joined the other side, and became a demon myself?

She prevented many disasters with her foresight. Stray Cloud Hives that had been overlooked were discovered before they grew too large. The mass defensive movement of the second and third stratum never happened as Horyuji Island never fell. Most pivotal in my own life, my father who should’ve died during the Battle of JeonJu was still alive and breathing.

Through various exploits from the information she knew in her past life, she was able to network and bring together the right people to advance humanity’s movement in this endless war.

From colonising the Fourth Stratum to the invention of new technology which would soon revolutionise the way we fight.

For her contributions, she was likely to be remembered as a key historical figure for decades to come.

My best friend and rival.

“EunHa, marry Kenji and never step foot in the military ever again.”

You see, in the future she lived, I became a Lieutenant Commander in place of my father.

As Lieutenant Commander, I led my future people to victory through countless battles.

Triumph and glory blinded the world from the dangerous truth.

I had become inhuman.

A demon.

A world where I ended humanity.

A world where I killed Kenji with my own hands.

It didn’t matter how well I performed. In the most crucial of moments, I was always the one to screw the world over.

It has been proven countless times.

This curse of mine.

She knew the leading events at the end of mankind.

The many horrible things I did to her, Kenji, and the world, sitting on top of my throne bathed in blood.

The end of the world which I had caused, and still refused to admit that I was at fault.

She gave me so many chances, too many to call it generous.

So I couldn’t take it.

The happiness she wanted me to experience in this life was to marry Kenji and become a mother. In a world where people are dying every day, children are our future.

She knew the future, so it must be reasonable to think that humanity would be saved if I just listened to her.

Create a family.

Produce a lot of children.

And watch them grow up.

Wouldn’t that be wonderful?

The love I threw away?

Do I regret my decision now?

No.

I don’t really.

I’ve always known myself to be a mentally unstable person. Even if I did it for Kenji, I know the marriage would bring nothing but pain.

It would never end.

I can’t stand the thought that I would bring eternal suffering to the person I love the most.

What if my children were born with the same curse as me? What if they grow up wrong because of my inability to be a mother? What if getting married never did anything to stop humanity’s demise?

I can’t possibly let Kenji go through any of this.

The brief pain of loss would be better than a forever regret.

I know he can do well.

I know he can do even better without me.

He will grieve, regret, and remorse.

The thought of it was agonising; a sight I wish to never see.

But, for such an amazing person like himself, he will surely move on after my death.

It’s enough to know that I will forever remain a memory in his heart.

I shall be the catalyst that lights his flame.

I will no longer tie him down with my tears.

All for you Kenji.

For I am such a cruel person.

A curse born to destroy the world.

Sorry.

◜\⌝▫◆▫.

Some people refuse to acknowledge the question, others dismiss it as something irrelevant to their life.

As for myself?

Yes.

I believe there is such a thing as fate.

Only recently did I come to accept something so amorphous.

When I was younger, I denied all notions of a fixed destiny.

Refute and disprove.

My whole life had been a mission to prove that fate couldn’t bind me.

I thought that believing in fate was for the weak. An excuse for the irresponsible.

If things went wrong, it was fate’s fault. If things went right, it was thanks to their effort.

Isn’t this how people view the world?

After all, why would anyone admit their whole existence to being a puppet to the puppeteer known as fate? Whereby all good and bad was not an outcome effort, but by external circumstance?

No one would believe such bullshit.

People did not die because of the demonica.

They died because we hadn’t sufficiently prepared.

Humanity was still standing strong not because of chance.

But because of our tenacity to survive.

Humanity would end because I’m alive.

Hence I should just die.

After all the searching and sacrifice, the answer to achieving my life’s purpose turned out to be so simple.

So certain, so obvious, anyone could’ve thought of it.

If I just disappear alongside that fate, people would stop suffering.

Kenji would survive and live happily.

And humanity would live on.

It was truly ironic that XiaoLe refused this suggestion until I showed her how serious I was about saving the world.

I was the fool in my own story.

Become a hero and save the world?

Shut up.

All I ever did was a desperate act to save myself from reality.

My efforts were futile to begin with.

To save the people I so desired.

I just had to die.

It was that simple.

Snap.

Cinnamon’s biting sound brought me out of my thoughts.

I woke up having realised that I was staring at the finger where our engagement ring used to be.

“Cinnamon is bored. He says he wants to take a walk after this.”

Two days have passed since that battle.

I was told that not many people died, only a few came out injured. For the most part, the subjugation of the Category 2 Cloud Hive was successful.

But.

There was bound to be a bigger disaster.

One that would reap more lives.

So before that happens…

“Can I join?”

I asked.

“Of course.”

The Black Siren answered promptly.

.- ▫☆\*: .。 _ ▫.。.:*☆▫.-

Cinnamon is Rize-chan’s pet sky turtle.

She introduced me to him just yesterday. Ever since then, it’s staring at me with those sparkling eyes more frequently than I check my own appearance.

Is my hair off somewhere? Why was it looking at me like that?

I have no idea how Rize-chan was able to form a bond with a creature like that. A few snaps were all it took for her to interpret his words, and it wasn’t random guessing either.

She could ask him questions for me and receive answers. When I asked if Cinnamon could do tricks, it showed off a spin.

Anyways.

With chains that bound my arms, like a pet, I was being yanked along the passageway by Rize-chan. The sight of a young girl walking an adult must make for quite the joke.

I heard voices like:

‘The Black Siren has gone completely batshit crazy. Be careful.’

‘Careful not to get too close, you might be her next target.’

‘Who is that girl? How pitiful.’

It was a great contrast to the respect Rize-chan received when she first brought me in. What the hell happened for people to suddenly see her so differently?

“Ms. EunHa, do you want to check out the garden?”

“I think I’ve gone there once before.”

“Really?”

Yes. I went there Ms. Chu.

“Let’s go again.”

With no option but to accept, I went to the coral garden for a second time.

On the way, I saw the field of battle which took place two days ago. There was not a single speck of blood anywhere on the field. I couldn’t help but think the protocols set in handling battle start to end was astonishing. No wonder it was rare for any Cloud Hives to breach past the First Stratum.

So this is the might of humanity’s Last Bastion.

“This way Ms. EunHa.”

“Ow.”

Snap.

Cinnamon’s fin grazed my ear as he went on ahead of us.

He jumped at the seaweed patch up ahead and started biting.

It was a silly sight to see him tuck in and out of his shell, struggling to wring the green piece of vegetable off the stalk.

Rize-chan shook her head.

“He tries too hard sometimes.”

Those words felt like they were meant for someone else.

She reached over and broke seaweed into smaller pieces. She invited Cinnamon over. The sky turtle refused to accept, stubbornly holding onto the invulnerable seaweed

“Cinnamon, I have some here!”

Rize-chan complained. The turtle continued in its struggle.

“Ah, figured.”

She gave up persuading the turtle and let the seaweed piece in her hand scatter. They caught the wind and drifted higher and higher into the sky.

I remembered seeing a sign earlier saying no breaking the coral plants.

“What’s your favourite coral?”

Rize-chan asked.

“I never thought of it.”

“Me neither.”

Then why did you even ask?

“But if you were to pick one, which would you?”

“Maybe… this one.”

I don’t know what species of Staghorn Coral this was, with bright blue calcium stems and a pale yellow tip.

It was a random pick, the one which caught my eye at the moment.

“…You didn’t even put effort into that did you?”

“…I said I don’t know what coral I like.”

“So you arbitrarily lied. Boo—”

So what? Why does it matter if I lied or not? As long as it prevents someone from getting hurt.

“Trivia, coral is an animal!”

“I know that.”

“I didn’t either!”

The hell. She’s basically musing herself a bunch of bullshit.

She kept asking me nonsensical questions like what the city in the Third Stratum looked like, and what kind of food I preferred.

“Next question! Why can you fly?”

As I’ve mentioned before. I was born with a special constitution.

And part of this special constitution is why I attract demonica.

In the future, I would also become one of them.

But I don’t know what happened for that change to occur. XiaoLe didn’t know either.

From receiving direct wounds to accidentally ingesting their blood–so far, no change in my biology had been seen after so many close contacts.

“That’s because… I’m a mutant.”

“Say what?!”

I’m a monster.

“Show me!”

Though it seemed she cared nothing for my sentiments.

“If I do that, I’ll become a magnet for demonica.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes. Because they think of me as fish when I fly.”

“Oh~ so was that why there were so many of them on your tail that day? I almost died from a heart attack, you know?”

As if she could.

“But there is no one around. So just quickly please?”

I rolled my eyes.

The veins near the surface of my skin glowed with the appearance of a subtle halo forming around me.

“Wwwoooooowww!!”

It is really cool to be the only human able to fly.

“How much weight can you hold in the air?”

“Basic equipment.”

“Then you can carry me! Uwa! I’ve always wanted to fly!”

She reached out her hand towards me. I dropped back to the ground. Her expression cracked.

I felt as if I had just completed some huge achievement. The expression of utter disappointment on her face was surreal.

Cinnamon whizzed by and sat on my head.

Snap. Snap.

“No fair! Cinnamon, get off her head!”

“You know…”

“…What?”

“I have a question of my own.”

“What is it?”

“How did you send an orca flying with your fist?”

“Because I’m strong!”

“No way. Let me look at your arm.”

“N-No!”

She must be wearing some sort of special exoskeleton underneath. It didn’t seem impossible that support equipment like this, invented by Kenji’s engineering team, had reached soldiers on the First Stratum.

Fwoosh—

A fireball about the size of a small clock coalesced.

“This is why I can punch the orca.”

The flame stood between us, floating in the air. I doubted my eyes.

“Back then I used reinforcement magic combined with a little wind magic.”

The flame dissipated, replaced by a sphere of water.

“What…”

“What do you think? Cool right?”

The water sphere froze up into ice. Then from ice it split into shards. Those shards turned a deep purple and melted into some kind of black substance that dispersed in the air.

As far as I understood, there existed no such thing as magic. Thaumaturgy studies existed as a branch of science, but nothing about creating flames from thin air ever existed, or anything of the kind should have existed…

No.

It’s not far-fetched to believe that it does.

…Befriending XiaoLe who was living her second life.

…Meeting Kenji who came from Earth.

…Now this.

If those two had these kinds of experiences, there was no telling that there could be people with other, more tangible supernatural powers.

Magic could exist.

Rize-chan was no different from them in that regard.

-☆▫.-▫.。.:* ▫⌎.☆\*: .。 ▫.-

The day passed like that.

We went to a few other places. The engineering department, infirmary, training hall, and Fortress cockpit among other key facilities required in the operation of this massive vehicle.

We spent the afternoon playing cards. She also brought along a few of her favourite novels.

Of course, none of the activities really took my mind off imminent death.

It was peaceful.

The sun was soon to set on another day.

For humanity’s front lines, this place was beautiful.

To live off the grid like this.

And fending against demonica.

It sure is one hell of an interesting life.

“Why did you stab your husband?”

What kind of question…

“I’m guessing you had a good reason. Were you forced to marry someone you don’t like?”

“No. It’s nothing like that…”

“Then? The fact that you stabbed him means you don’t like him.”

“It’s not that I didn’t like him, okay?”

“Really? Then why did you stab him? Isn’t that a contradiction?”

True. Wasn’t that a contradiction?

Maybe for my sins, I have to deal with the conundrum this stupid girl was trying to put me through.

“It’s not something I can just explain.”

“I don’t care. Just try to tell me, tell me!”

She tugged at my dress hard, begging as if an idiot would over candy.

“No.”

“I beseech you to tell me right now!”

She was really whiny for a brat.

My lips loosened.

“He won’t die from that.”

She stopped and listened.

“I made sure he would survive.”

He will survive.

He must survive.

I can’t imagine someone like him, who had been living for years with a cursed person like myself, dying from something like this.

“But why would you even hurt him, to begin with?”

“Because I loved him.”

You wouldn’t understand.

The kind of torture I had to endure to reach a conclusion like this.

An option that was much more foolproof than quitting the military and living the rest of my life in peace.

Death.

“…He would be better off without me.”

What the hell am I saying? Is there any reason to tell her my sob stories?

“So by stabbing him, you got yourself a death sentence.”

Yes.

It was my safest, most assured option to ensure my death.

Stabbing him during the wedding would leave the deepest impression on everyone. Except for my brother, nobody else wished for my death, as much of a necessity as it was.

I suddenly recalled XiaoLe’s expression.

Most probably because I was expecting her, of all people, to act ahead of everyone else.

It left the most lasting expression on me. The state of shock, remorse and… guilt.

I wondered just how much compassion a person would have to feel guilt for a monster like myself.

Why, despite everything I did, would you not have just killed me?

Really.

You should know better having experienced life once.

Seriously…

“Ah. I can somehow relate to that.”

“…What?”

“Yup. I know that feeling, that feeling of, wouldn’t it be better if I didn’t exist?”

“…”

“But that was pretty long ago. I’ve gone through that period and stepped out the other side, I still remember how that feels.”

Does she really now…

“And that’s why, I’m your best bet! You can tell me anything if you need an ear.”

She’s unbelievable.

“Impossible.”

“It’s not impossible. I can prove it to you!”

“You need to kill me.”

“…”

“You have to. Before you regret it.”

I thought she was messing with me.

Even now I can’t be completely certain she wasn’t.

But,

Having been with her the past three days, it made me realise something.

She probably had no intention of killing me.

If she had, I wouldn’t be sitting here like this.

And.

Just the vibe of the whole squad and company in charge of me didn’t exude any hostility.

Everyone was friendly, and kind.

At the worst time of my life, I was receiving compassion.

Hold it in.

Just hold it in a little longer. Everything will be over soon.

A few days more. A little more and then it’ll be over.

I soothed myself.

If there’s anything I’ll regret before death… it would be meeting this girl sitting in front of me.

¸☆▫.-.- ▫☆\*: .。 _ ▫.。.:*

“EunHa. Has anyone told you how nice it is to touch your hair?”

Rize-chan asked as she ran a comb through my hair. Pearl blonde, reminiscent of that of a glowing field of sand.

“Yes.”

There were two.

First was my personal aide, MinGyeo-unnie who did my hair whenever I had an important meeting I needed to attend.

Second was…

“Then I’m third!”

This lass should die.

I turned around, and my hair which she held between her fingers slipped onto the bed.

“Rize-chan, can I ask you a real question?”

“What question isn’t real?”

“That’s not what I mean.”

“Then?”

We faced each other, the hem of the similar nightgown we wore overlapped as our knees almost touched.

Her raven black hair and clear aureate eyes created such a contrast—beguiling. She easily ranked among the few most beautiful people I’ve met.

“You don’t wish to kill me. Right?”

Even so.

She had a promise she couldn’t fulfil.

“I never said that.”

She pouted.

“Then why aren’t you doing anything? Do you plan to make me regret death?”

“Of course not. I’d rather give someone a painless death than torment them.”

“Then when are you going to give me that painless death you promised?”

She tilted her head. Her eyes glanced away before meeting mine once more.

“Whenever I feel like it?”

I was left stupefied by such a bare response.

Staring deeper and deeper into her eyes, I felt my body relax as her jewel-like eyes seemed to dazzle in a mysterious light.

The thought suddenly came to me that I couldn’t die as long as I was by her side. Not when she didn’t permit it.

It was insane.

Just… what does she want from me?

◜\⌝▫◆▫.

Snap. Snap.

“Good night Cinnamon. Good night EunHa-san.”

“G-Good night…”

She slept in my room yesterday too. But I couldn’t get used to her presence.

Just as she did the first day, she slept in the sleeping bag on the floor. I started to think perhaps everything had been a misunderstanding.

It wasn’t that she planned to torture me.

She had genuine intentions to spare my life. And if put into that perspective then all her actions made sense.

She wasn’t trying to make me regret my decision for the sake of self-pleasure.

She was trying to make me regret, in order to see that there was an alternative to death. Selfishly, she was telling me I could follow my desire to live.

But,

I gripped my dress and sat up.

I can’t give into her serenade.

The Black Siren’s compassion and mercy. It was just like Kenji’s.

I had to kill myself somehow.

Before my will broke… and the fear of death consumed me.

But how?

I grabbed the curtains. Quietly I wound the fabric around my neck and tied another end to the edge of the bed frame.

It was tight.

Using the weight of my own body as the vice, I leaned back as if falling. The fabric tightened until I couldn’t breathe.

I felt warm liquid slip down my cheeks.

The pain against my neck grew more intense as my body relaxed more and more.

I grabbed the fabric that clung tight around my neck with both hands.

I’m scared.

As all sounds disappeared, the only thing I could hear was my loudly thumping heart.

I’m scared.

I began to struggle as my lungs pleaded for oxygen.

Let go.

I writhed, the hands which kept the tension of the fabric constant trembled greatly.

Let go…

The world began to darken. My head felt incredibly light.

EunHa…

I dangled half lying as I waited for my time.

I don’t want to die…

Snap—shadow moved past me, and the curtain split into two.

Air I so desperately needed entered my lungs. I fell against the floor.

She grabbed me by the shoulder and stroked my back as I coughed violently.

Snot, spit and tears covered my eyes as unholy sounds left my orifices.

It was terrifying.

To think I would be capable of something like this…

I don’t want to die.

I want to live.

Because as long as there was someone out there who cared for me.

I couldn’t die.

.- ▫☆\*: .。 _ ▫.。.:*☆▫.-

⁛ Origin Year 137, 32nd of Dal.

About a month ago…

“Is there anything you want to eat?”

“I’m in the mood for ice cream.”

“Ice cream, in this weather?”

He looked up at the bright blue sky.

There wasn’t snow, but the temperature was awfully cold. Both of us had to wear our thick overcoats.

Is there anything wrong with eating ice cream at the end of the winter season?

“Well, if I become cold won’t you warm me up with your hug?”

“Hahaha. That, well…”

He scratched the back of his head with an embarrassed expression.

Seriously, what is with him? We’re going to get married soon and yet he still acts all embarrassed about something like this.

“…Kenji”

“Of course, of course. There aren’t a lot of places that sell ice cream, so should we just stop by the usual?”

There was a store near one of the parks which Kenji and I frequented known for their quick bites. Their two most popular combo items were fish n chips with tartar sauce and vanilla ice cream.

People usually buy one and eat them while taking a nice stroll around the park. A popular food service during dates.

“EunHa.”

“Ahh—”

Kenji fed me one of the fish chips.

The soft-crispy taste accompanied by the tangy tartar was delightful.

“Kenji.”

“Ahh—”

This time, it was Kenji who received a bite of my cup of green tea ice cream.

“How is it?”

“I still prefer yoghurt.”

“Only babies like milk.”

“How is yoghurt related to being a baby?”

He rolled his eyes. I giggled.

“Look, koi.”

“Wow. There are so many of them.”

Colourful koi crowded around the people who were offering them fish feed. Their small, shiny scally bodies reflected the colours of the sky.

Seeing them soaring so freely in the sky, I was reminded of the new technology he was working on.

“Kenji, how is the development of the drones going?”

“The drones? It’s still in the prototype phase. I can’t say for certain that it’s good enough yet. If Yoshida-san and Aoki-san can fix the issue of recyclability, we can make them much more deplorable. Otherwise, the production of it would eat up materials. Why do you ask?”

“I was just wondering how things are moving along. It doesn’t seem like I’m needed in this anymore.”

“EunHa, you’re not unneeded.”

“As in being your wife, that is. But outside that, I’m only a problem magnet.”

“Being a problem is only in your head. I never thought of you in that way.”

“Then please explain to me why I can’t serve in the army any longer?”

I glared at him.

“EunHa…”

Kenji’s expression hardened. He looked like he had bitten a snail… it was kinda cute.

“Alright, alright. I’ll stop it here.”

If I pushed too far, we might actually get into an argument.

“You’re not useless. All those people died, yes. But if not for your contribution, things would’ve been much worse.”

“…”

I’m a pessimist, he’s an optimist. Sometimes I wish I could see the things he sees.

I’m aware of my own self-deprecating tendencies. But what can I do about it when it’s ingrained within me?

If only they were still alive today, then maybe I would be less pessimistic in my thoughts.

People die whenever they’re with me.

I thought I would eventually get used to it but… each death blows out a candle of hope inside me. As more and more deaths pile up, the darkness within my mind spreads. The candle flames were fragile. Hard to light, easy to put out.

“Look.”

“What… umph?!”

“Gotcha.”

He shoved it in my mouth mid-sentence. It was the last piece he had in his hand. He threw the paper bag into one of the trash bins.

“If it burdens you to see people die all the time, then it’s fine if you just stay back in the city. You’ve done more than your fair share of work.”

“My fair share of work huh?”

I’ll be retiring from the army to become a full-time housewife. From there, I’ll be responsible for taking care of five children and…

“Achooo—”

I sneezed. My body trembled.

“You okay?”

“I-I’m fine.”

“This is why you shouldn’t eat ice cream in the cold.”

“Then you shouldn’t have paid for it…”

He took off his scarf and wrapped it around my neck.

“Let’s go somewhere warmer.”

He held my hand.

I felt his warm palm on my cold skin…

“Alright.”

◜\⌝▫◆▫.

We were now inside headquarters.

It was the nearest available facility we could access which had the heater on.

“The ice cream is melting.”

“Here.”

“You don’t want it anymore…”

“Sorry. You’re right. I shouldn’t have eaten ice cream.”

“I don’t mean you can’t just… nevermind. I’ll help you eat the rest.”

We took a seat in the lounge area, a secret spot out of sight. Kenji finished the ice cream in a few bites and threw the paper cup away.

“Cold?”

“Yeah.”

I was freezing.

“Then it’s time to fulfil my job.”

“Hey. We’re in public you know?”

“We’re getting married, you know?”

I couldn’t answer his retort as I melted into his comfortable embrace.

So warm…

“How long should we stay like this?”

“Until you’re back to normal temperature.”

“What if I don’t return to normal temperature?”

“Then we’ll stay like this.”

“…”

It was a guilty pleasure of mine.

The ice cream wasn’t the main reason I bought it to begin with. Kenji probably knew as much as well. Otherwise, he would’ve seriously disagreed.

As a mutant, I am weak to the cold. My body didn’t regulate heat as well as normal humans. Even things like sake and alcohol don’t help much.

Only by cuddling Kenji would I be lifted from this bitter cold.

I was just about to fall asleep in his arms when I felt a buzz. It was the communication device in Kenji’s pocket.

“What is it?”

“Um… looks like something came up.”

“About?”

“It’s a secret. But I think you can tell from just that much right?”

Yeah. It must have something to do with the wedding. To think they’d use military equipment for personal reasons like this.

“Can you return by yourself?”

“Of course, I can.”

“Great.”

He kissed my forehead.

“…!”

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“O-Okay.”

He left me after waving goodbye.

I remained unmoving on my seat, feeling the lingering warmth of his burning kiss on my forehead.

Thump. Thump.

My beating heart…

It felt cold.

◜\⌝▫◆▫.

I was infamous as The One Who Heralded Death. Any squad, or platoon I was assigned to dies with me being the only one alive.

So getting rid of me would stop the unnecessary casualties in the army.

For my father, it ensured my safety.

For my brother, it secured his position as the next lieutenant commander.

For XiaoLe, it was a fail-safe in case I turned into a demon.

Most importantly, for me and Kenji, we get to fulfil our lifelong dream of building a family.

It was a win-win situation for everyone—this wedding on the pretence of love which also served as a political getup.

In the short term, it clearly benefited.

But how about the long term?

What would be the effects of my continued existence on those around me?

How can I be certain that I wouldn’t continue to terrorise people that care for me?

I could never stand on my own, always having to rely on the grace of others.

Kenji would not admit it but… I had always been a dead weight tying him down.

Short tempered, weak, emotionally unstable, scared, whiny…

Could he actually stand someone like me in the long run? It was a scary thought.

Only because he promised, he obligated himself to stand by my side.

Even though it was uncertain if our marriage could ever last.

His future life could be ruined by my hands.

I didn’t understand why.

When I was unable to provide the love and care to reciprocate him.

All because of these…

Dark intrusive thoughts.

My self-loathing… if I could stop making things worse with the way I think.

If I could look to the bright side.

Then even if I stopped serving in the army, I could be the wife to coddle him in times of sadness and pain.

I had to get rid of them.

I had to do something about them…

Something to stop all this ridiculous, bleak, inhumane…

The tip of the blade ran down my arm.

I felt the sensation of warm blood trickle down as all thoughts ceased.

Only the feeling of pain and stickiness remained.

I felt calm.

Watching my own blood drop onto the table.

It felt like salvation.

My mind felt clear for once.

And as the minutes passed and blood began to soak my clothes.

The reason why I’m doing this is because I had nothing to do.

Nowhere to go.

So I use my noggin to think.

Because thinking was the only alternative I had to make progress in helping those around me.

Reflection and innovation both begin with an idea.

And ideas are what I need the most.

To get out of this situation I…

I cut myself on the other arm.

Warm blood trickled.

As long as I was in pain, everything ceased. Thoughts stopped bothering me and I felt at peace with myself.

Why not read a book?

Nothing was interesting to read.

Take a walk in the garden?

I didn’t want to meet my father and brother.

Take a nap?

I was scared of waking up.

“EunHa!”

My wrist was grabbed. I turned around and…

“Just… what are you doing?!”

“K-Kenji. I-I can explain…”

…I thought he went back home?

Using his coat as a temporary towel to support my bloody arms, he pulled me to the bathroom.

Running the tap, he forced my arm under the running water.

The searing pain turned into a stabbing one. Blood covered the entire sink, some spilling onto the floor. The relief I felt earlier had now turned into despair.

I troubled him again.

Many trains of thought collided to form complex chain reactions in my mind. The pungent smell of oil and blood spreading everywhere.

My throat seized up. I couldn’t breathe.

“…!”

I couldn’t understand what he was trying to tell me.

“…!”

My mind registered none of his words.

He grabbed my neck and plunged it into the water.

He smashed my face into the mirror.

He slammed my body against the ground and stomped on my head.

Soldiers died being impaled into the ground by the Deep Ones.

Soldiers died having lost their entire upper body to the jaw of a Smiling Whale.

Soldiers died being torn into pieces by swarming Parasitic Piranhas.

I screamed at the many grotesque images that flashed through my mind.

…Losing myself in the process.

A light found me in the darkness.

The dark veil which covered my view lifted.

With ragged breaths and arms frozen to the side in his tight embrace. A sudden dizzy spell sent me into a daze.

I was sitting on the floor of the bathroom. He held me in his arms.

W-What the hell just happened…

“K-Kenji I…”

“Are you feeling better?”

“I… I…”

“Don’t think.”

He forced his lips on mine. The taste of sour lemon and blood—it was enough to wipe my mind blank.

I had hurt him.

He pulled away.

Tears fell uncontrollably.

He was bleeding.

“Everything is alright—”

“Stop forcing yourself.”

“It’s fine to stop.”

“You’ll be safe.”

“I promise.”

“I’ll protect you.”

He reassured me.

For hours.

Just the two of us.

Until I stopped crying.

◜\⌝▫◆▫.

“Here.”

He handed me a glass of water.

“T-Thank you.”

I received it with shaky hands. Together with the water, I gulped down two pills.

Antidepressants.

I had refused to take them, thinking that I would be fine without them.

But it was a mistake. Look at what I did.

“I’m sorry.”

Kenji apologised.

“W-Why? I-I’m the one at fault.”

“The wedding.”

“U-Uh?”

“I know it’s the reason why you’re like this.”

“…It’s for the best. XiaoLe said that for the world’s sake, we can’t delay…”

“…If you can’t accept the wedding now, I’ll ask them to delay it. Your health is more important to me than… ”

“N-No. We mustn’t delay. It’ll only make me feel worse.”

If we delayed, for how much longer would I have to drag on this anxiety?

“I’m sorry.”

He apologised once more.

“Just a few more days… EunHa.”

Guilt riddled my heart.

“Just a few more days.”

What kind of wife am I?

To worry my future husband like this?

Why can’t I just sit still for a few days?

Why do I have to keep worrying him all the time?

When will the nightmare stop?

“EunHa. You’re strong.”

He held my hand.

I could feel it.

His trembling fingers.

He was scared too.

Of what our wedding entailed.

“We can do this.”

Tears choked up in my eyes.

We can do this.

We must…

“Do you remember what I promised you?”

Yes.

“No matter what, I will protect you.”

Fate… was cruel.

“EunHa.”

Kenji.

“Don’t forsake yourself.”

I’m sorry.

“I need you.”

For leaving you.

“I love you.”

¸☆▫.-.- ▫☆\*: .。 _ ▫.。.:*

⁛ Origin Year 138, 18th of Hana.

There were tears in my eyes.

“Uwa! Ms. Lili! She’s crying! What should I do?!”

I lost myself in my thoughts telling Rize-chan about my past.

Well, I was bound to recall these things if I reveal too much about myself. I should’ve kept silent to begin with.

Hold on, what were we talking about again?

In my confusion, I heard another voice. She wiped the tears from my face.

“Ms. EunHa.”

A mother-like woman with a compassionate appearance, dark blue hair and eyes resembling that of coral—Staff Sergeant Chu Lili. I almost didn’t notice her.

“It must be hard living with Rize-chan like this so… please bear with it a little longer.”

“What?! EunHa. Tell her how much of a good girl I’ve been to you.”

“Rize-chan, that’s blackmail.”

What… was she trying to say? Bear with it a little longer?

Really, I…

“Can’t… can’t I just die already?”

It was already the fourth day. Three more days until the deadline. My will was crumbling, my mental state deteriorating.

Closer, step by step.

Treading towards the edge of my life. My body trembled at the thought of death…I don’t want to die.

“It’s a little late, but how about lunch? First Sergeant Hai wishes to talk to you.”

She flashed a bitter smile. Her kindness was warm.

I didn’t think I’d feel this emotion again.

.- ▫☆\*: .。 _ ▫.。.:*☆▫.-

Staff Sergeant Chu Lili, the only other officer who often drops by my room to check on my condition besides Rize-chan.

Gunnery Sergeant Shun Kato, a quiet sergeant who rarely speaks; and Sergeant Shang MinHa, an officer with a large build and tiny eyes. I never got to know them, so much of their personality remained unknown to me.

Vice Admiral Chen QiangWei, the bridge between their squad and connections to the navy. His fleet had been in charge of bringing me to Fortress 13.

Tatsuki Rize, no rank, hailed as the Black Siren. Besides the fact that she was moderately infuriating, she held an important miscellaneous HR position in the squad. She had never once left my side ever since I got injured during the fight two days ago.

Last but not least, First Sergeant Hai Aki, the team leader.

Key members of the squad were all present here in this one room.

“What do you think?”

“Passable.”

Rize-chan gave her critique to the food Sergeant Shang prepared for this luncheon.

“Did you prepare dessert?”

Rize-chan asked.

“I have. Gelato.”

“You’ve grown so much.”

“Thank you. It’s an honour to receive your praise master.”

I observed as Rize-chan wiped a fake tear to Sergeant Shang’s fake salute. I was speechless.

“Don’t mind them. That’s just how things work around here.”

Ms. Chu told me from the side. I nodded.

I felt antsy as nothing noteworthy was mentioned during the course of the meal, until…

“Rize-chan, can you tell the chef to get the dessert.”

First Sergeant Hai said. Rize-chan looked at him confused.

“What—I thought Mr. Shang was…”

“Do it.”

“But why?”

“The chef wants to see you.”

Mr. Shang said, adding upon First Sergeant’s claim.

“Really?”

“Yes. Because there’s some finishing touches I couldn’t decide on.”

“Heehh… is that so?”

“Yes. that is correct.”

“…Hm. You better not be lying.”

She complained comically then went out of the room. There was a moment of silence, then someone got up and checked the door where she left.

“She’s not standing listening outside right?”

“Nope, the coast is clear.”

“Kato-san, go double-check.”

“Do I really need to?”

“It’s clear, it’s clear. Are my testimonies that untrustworthy?”

Confirming Rize-chan’s absence, they all breathed out a deep sigh.

…What the hell is going on?

“She can be a troublemaker sometimes. Let me apologise on her behalf.”

First Sergeant Hai said, lowering his head.

I nodded slightly in response. I was unsure what kind of response I should give at this moment, so I said nothing. His apology took me by surprise.

“We never got to listen to your side of the story.”

He continued.

“Why exactly did you hurt your fiance? How did you end up in this situation?”

Why? How? It seems I have a need to explain myself not only to Rize-chan, but the others too. Seriously, these people…

I opened my mouth to speak.

“Is there any other reason to do so except to die?”

My answer elicited various reactions. Shock, disgust, confusion, worry… First Sergeant Hai merely steeled his cold gaze.

There had been a vague sense that nobody took my death seriously. Alas, it seems they were in cahoots all along.

“Let me repeat my question. Do you really think you’re the cause of the people’s deaths?”

Do I think?

No. It’s not ‘do I think’.

It is a ‘fact’.

I can understand why they would doubt the superstitious claims that brought me in for death. Even I denied it for years. It can’t be helped if they still doubted me.

“I wish it was a lie.”

I really wish it was.

“If I continue existing, the world will end.”

Don’t I sound like an irrational person whose wish was to die? Of course, I do.

Only a depressed lunatic would think of something so crazy.

Oh, right. I am depressed.

“Hey.”

In a harsh voice, Vice Admiral Chen called me. He leaned against the table with one hand propped against his chin and stared at me with furious eyes.

“Just admit it if it’s some political problem. You don’t need to put up an act like this. If we seriously try, we can save you.”

I tried to speak, wanting to clear the misunderstanding. But a lump in my throat held my voice back.

What’s the point?

Alternating thoughts, the turmoil in my mind—in the end, I couldn’t even give them the proper explanation they wanted one. It would be too complicated to explain everything from A to Z, and I would only cause more trouble to everyone if they knew the truth.

“Sergeant Hai asked you for an explanation. Stop being such a stubborn brat and answer his question.”

“Cut it out Mr. Chen.”

Ms. Chu glared at him. He clicked his tongue.

“Seriously, if you wish to die so badly, why didn’t you do it earlier huh? Rize broke her right arm for you, and all you’re going to say is ‘You want to die’? Give me a break.”

What? She broke her right arm?

I then remembered that she smashed the Bloodfin Orca with her fist. A grimace naturally formed on my face.

“Chen QiangWei. Enough.”

First Sergeant interrupted, cutting in between the argument.

Vice Admiral Chen suddenly rose from his seat and leaned against a wall far from where I sat. He was probably disgusted by me.

A sigh was heard from elsewhere.

First Sergeant turned to me.

“This goes against the order, but it’s what we as a collective have decided after gathering opinions. Think about it properly. If in three days, you still feel that you should end your life, we’ll respect the decision.”

Three more days…

“You’ll be put to sleep so that you wouldn’t feel anything. It’ll be painless.”

There’s that option too, wasn’t there? No need for any flashy methods of killing, or the need for someone to point a gun at my head. An overdose of anaesthetic drugs was enough to end my life.

I won’t need so much courage to die if I use a method like this.

It’s fine.

“However, if you realise that you wish for another chance, we’ll do everything in our power to protect you.”

Protect me even though I’m a criminal? The thought of it made my chest hurt. If someone outside of the squad found out about this, they would be accused of complicity. I can’t risk ruining the image of their squad just because I didn’t have enough resolve to die.

“Don’t tell Rize-chan about this. If she knew, it would be difficult for us to proceed with this.”

Because she opposes my death… I know.

Still, why do that after spitting all that bullshit about killing me when we first met? It’s so funny.

Seriously. It’s so funny… why would anyone go so far for a sinner like me?

“Staff Sergeant Chu and I will step in.”

Vice Admiral Chen followed up.

“You won’t be seeing Rize-chan after this. Ms. Chu will take her position as your guardian.”

“I’m not as free and easy as Rize-chan, so I will be unable to accompany you wherever you wish to. However, don’t hesitate to consult me if you need anything.”

Rize-chan will be gone from now on. Okay.

The unusual thought of if I will ever meet her again before my death crossed my mind. I hope to wish her goodbye at least.

“Do you have anything to add?”

No. This is good.

Now that Rize-chan is gone, I have the freedom to kill myself earlier or later. Maybe tonight, I’ll do it.

“Thank you.”

I said, lowering my head.

“Crazy.”

Vice Admiral Chen clicked his tongue.

“Don’t break the news to Rize-chan, we’ll let her know about this in stages.”

First Sergeant warned.

Snap. Snap.

“Same goes for you, Cinnamon. Don’t tell Rize what we said.”

Snap. Snap.

When did Cinnamon become a part of this discussion?

“That’s all we have to say. Now, back to the original question regarding why you came to the conclusion of your death. No matter how much we thought about it, we can’t seem to find an explanation as to why you would do something like this.”

“That… I…”

The words failed to leave me, because…

All it took was a brief slip in my composure, falling complacent and desiring that everything be alright if I just told them…

A reminder of the many deaths I caused.

Because feelings of hope like this sparked disaster every time.

I don’t want anyone else to die.

A dark emotion engulfed me.

I put my hands together and closed my eyes.

No, please. Don’t please…

God…

Save them. Protect them.

Promise me nothing more will happen before I die… when the sincere prayer left my mouth, an ominous sensation chilled my spine.

It was too late.

Rize-chan suddenly burst into the hall with a cart of gelato pudding.

“Ta-da! Dessert is here… ah!? EunHa?!”

I was crying. The tears couldn’t stop. Ms. Chu was comforting me and I didn’t even know it.

What happened?

I don’t know… I really don’t know.

.- ▫☆\*: .。 _ ▫.。.:*☆▫.-

“Rize-chan, I’m going to do an audit of the ships, want to come along?”

Vice Admiral Chen QiangWei asked.

“No thank you. I have to watch out for EunHa-san. I don’t know if she’ll try to hurt herself if I’m not there for her.”

“Ms. Chu said she’ll help look after her for a bit. Don’t worry about that.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really. My crew wants to see you too. It’s been a while, they’ve been asking where the cute Rize-chan has gone…”

Rize gave Chen QiangWei a suspicious stare.

From how they insisted Rize to pick up the gelato to how the chef purposely slowed down the preparation… she couldn’t help but feel like a fool. Not to mention, EunHa was crying when she returned.

“Tell me.”

“Tell you what?”

“What did you guys say to EunHa-san while I was away?”

“Eh…”

Her chilly expression intensified. Cold sweat formed on his forehead.

Snap. Snap.

“So that’s what they told her?”

Cinnamon the turtle said something, QiangWei couldn’t understand a word it snapped so he began to panic.

Snap. Snap.

Trying to restrain Cinnamon now would be suspicious. If the sky turtle said what he shouldn’t have then… everything would be over!

“You told her about my arm huh? You idiots! She’ll start blaming herself that I got injured! I have to see her now!”

“No, wait. Rize-chan!”

“I’m glad that all of you are in it to protect her, but she’ll only try to do worse. The root problem isn’t the deadline, it’s her mental state. It’s pointless if we don’t change the way she thinks!”

“Rize-chan, just give Ms. Hwang a break. She said she’s uncomfortable around you and feels like she’s being constrained by your care!”

“Shut up!”

“Rize!”

She left QiangWei and headed for EunHa’s room. However, when she unlocked the door…

“…!”

The room was empty.

-☆▫.-▫.。.:* ▫⌎.☆\*: .。 ▫.-

“It’s not as spacious, but it could fit the both of us. It’s not too uncomfortable for you is it now?”

“It’s fine.”

Ms. Chu was busy with a lot of work, so she wouldn’t be able to visit me if I continued to stay in my room alone. So in order to fulfil both duties properly, she moved me to her personal cabin.

Despite being the Staff Sergeant, she was playing a role similar to that of a secretary for some reason. She processed letters, orders, and arranged them into schedules and plans. It would later be distributed to those dictated.

I noticed a picture frame sitting beside her desk. It was a family photo of her, her husband and two children.

“When was this taken?”

“Hm? Oh, a few months ago.”

“And you’re still working?”

“It’s not like I have to move my body physically. Just paperwork.”

“Still… to leave your family at home like this…”

“I know.”

She said with a smile full of affection.

“That’s why I plan to retire soon.”

Ah. Her gentle eyes… so this is what being a mother looks like.

Certainly, she had the qualities. She was someone who understood what it meant to love and be loved…

I sat on the bed silently as I watched her tap away on the keyboard. I had no experience with filling out forms and tabulating data, so I remained as quiet as I could to not disturb her.

Honestly, reflecting on it all, I hadn’t expected the last few days of my life to feel so meaningful. To leave all my future experiences behind for humanity… I was starting to doubt if it was the right choice?

I can’t believe their persuasion was beginning to work.

It was ridiculous… I should just die.

Stop forcing yourself.

It’s fine to stop.

You’ll be safe.

I promise.

I’ll protect you.

EunHa.

I…

I wish there was another way…

“Lay down properly now if you want to sleep. It’s bad posture to sleep like this.”

“Mn..?”

Ms. Chu shook my shoulders gently. Only then did I notice I was dozing off upright. I rolled over and flattened myself on the bed. She pulled the blanket over me.

The sun hadn’t even set, and I’m already sleepy.

“Good night.”

Ms. Chu said.

“Good…”

Good night, Ms. Chu.

.- ▫☆\*: .。 _ ▫.。.:*☆▫.-

“Just where in the world did Ms. Lili bring her?”

Rize pondered. QiangWei saw it as his chance.

“For now, how about we give her some space? Let’s leave it to Ms. Chu, I’m sure she’ll be safe in her hands.”

“Mwu. I’m afraid she will try to kill herself before we can make a change in her mental state.”

“I’m sure Ms. Chu is already aware of this problem. She’ll figure something out. Let’s trust in her alright?”

“But…”

“You don’t want to make Ms. Hwang hate you right?

“…Ugh.”

“Right?”

“Righttt…”

Reluctantly, Rize conceded.

She had ascertained that no one had any intentions of killing EunHa. So it was safe to say that instead of an execution squad, they had become a rehabilitation team.

It was important for EunHa to mix with other people. And knowing Ms. Chu, Rize believed that she would be able to give that last push to change her heart.

There was a limit to what a single person could do.

QiangWei heaved a sign internally.

“Now, my fleet is waiting for us. We need to get on board.”

“Fine, fine. Lead the way, future admiral.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

◜\⌝▫◆▫.

QiangWei didn’t hate EunHa. But that didn’t mean he particularly liked her either. He was the kind to treat those within his circle of comrades kindly, while harsh to those that brought any possibility of harm to those he cared for.

He didn’t consider EunHa an ally. If anything, he found her a spot for sore eyes. Worse, this girl was taking away all of Rize’s attention.

It was a secret known by few—QiangWei had a crush.

But there were two problems.

The first was that this person was underage. So until she was at the marriageable age of 15, he would ensure her safety. His goal of receiving the rank of Admiral and owning his own fleet was for her sake.

The second problem was that she didn’t seem to show any signs of special interest towards him.

At first, he thought it was because she hadn’t reached an age where she could feel love. But after further contemplation, he thought that couldn’t be true.

She was an adult in a child’s body. Her knowledge of what it meant to be in love likely surpassed that of his own.

“Rize-chan, is there anything you would like to eat for dinner?”

“Dinner onboard? Now ain’t that fancy.”

Snap. Snap.

“Hehe. Cinnamon is excited too.”

“Of course.”

“How about snacking on some fruits while you do your audits? I don’t want to take up too much of your time. I’ll feed you while I’m at it too!”

Feed you while I’m at it.

QiangWei’s smile twitched involuntarily. Rize, who had always been impulsive, didn’t pay much mind.

Problem number three about this girl: she was dense.

“Where’s the ship pantry?”

“Calm down, Rize-chan, we’ll get there eventually.”

Before that, it was important they met with the captain of this ship.

The audit would involve the seven airships of the fleet, so it would likely take up to a day to complete.

He had complete confidence that Rize would complain about it. And that was exactly the gap he was aiming for.

Since the airships had already left the dock, she couldn’t return to the Fortress even if she wanted to.

In that way, he would ensure that she was kept away from EunHa.

◜\⌝▫◆▫.

Rize held a basket of sea vegetables and fruits in one bowl, a piece of starfruit pierced in the fork on another.

Following behind them were the captain and crew of the ship. QiangWei inspected various sites, asking questions regarding management protocol and revision of safety systems that were in place.

They came to the cockpit area. Rize took a seat on the captain’s chair (without consent) and munched on dried seaweed sticks as she admired the scenery.

“Wow, it’s so starry outside.”

Gazing out at the field of distant stars, small dots of lights scattered about. Each tiny speck of light representing individual airships that filled the sky.

“Show me the crew member reports, ship maintenance logs, and communication resource logs.”

“Yes sir.”

Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Chen QiangWei was working hard, sifting through important documents onboard and ensuring his men were in order.

“We’re so far away…”

Rize-chan mulled. From the glass windows that showed the entire sky view, Fortress 13 looked like a miniature castle model.

◜\⌝▫◆▫.

They stepped out onto the open deck. Rize braced herself by holding onto one of the rails. The strong night wind blew against their uniform.

She looked straight up. Far out in the distance, the size of her palm, she could see Fortress 13.

They were truly far from the rest.

Her long black hair swept into a gentle dance. Like precious jewels, her golden eyes sparkled brightly, illuminating even the darkest corners of the night. Befitting the title of a Black Siren, even her profile gave off a charm that truly dazzled.

A small smile was seen on QiangWei’s lips.

The kind of beauty she would become when she matures into an adult—he couldn’t fathom.

“Let’s proceed to the bow.”

Ending his thoughts, he spoke to the captain.

But then Rize interrupted.

“Sorry to ask. Mr. Chen, you’re not going to have me follow you around all night are you?”

“If you want, you could go to sleep first?”

“How about you? Aren’t you going to sleep? This is like, what, the first out of seven ships you need to inspect?”

“It’s my duty. Don’t worry about it and get some rest first.”

“No way. I’ll stay up until I can’t. Let’s go!”

Rize walked ahead.

The captain and crew shook their heads. Truly a noble girl.

The soldiers on sentinel duty saluted them as they passed.

Rize, who had some leftover dried seaweed sticks, tried to force one of them upon a pitiful soldier. QiangWei stopped her.

The soldier who managed to resist Rize’s temptation was praised for maintaining disciplinary conduct as a result.

“Don’t do that.”

“But it’s so sad, you know. It’s so cold out here. The only thing you’d want is to sleep.”

Nothing was seen out of the ordinary. The equipment on deck was well maintained, machines and weaponry seen in excellent condition.

“Yeah, yeah. So are you going to go to bed now or what? I’m planning to jump aboard the next ship.”

“Yeah! Next ship!”

The coordination skills of the two captions were put to the test when transferring people across two moving ships.

Moving at the same speed while maintaining parallel steering, via a zip-line attachment system, Rize and QiangWei managed to hop aboard the other side safely.

The captain of the second ship saluted, and they were ushered into the cabin. It was 11pm when they entered.

.- ▫☆\*: .。 _ ▫.。.:*☆▫.-

I woke up sometime in the late evening.

The light of the room had been switched off, and I could hear the sounds of clicking and tapping. The bright lamp on the table was the only light source currently on.

I looked at the clock, it was 11pm. I pushed the blanket to the side and took a seat on the empty chair beside her desk.

“Oh, how are you feeling?”

Stopping her work for a bit, Ms. Chu turned to me and asked.

I replied appropriately.

“Sleepy.”

“I only have a bit more left. You can sleep some more.”

“No. It’s alright. I’ll wait.”

I didn’t know for how long I sat there watching, my mind was blurry. It was good that I couldn’t think of anything positive or negative. Eventually, Ms. Chu managed to finish the last of it and stretched on her desk.

“Ya-hoo! Finally.”

“Good work.”

“Awh, thanks sheesh.”

“Are you going to sleep now?”

“I’m going to take a quick shower before I do. Thanks for waiting.”

“Un.”

It was easier to get along with Ms. Chu who had boundaries, than Rize-chan who always forced herself on me.

I went back to lay on the bed and closed my eyes, realising that I couldn’t sleep. It was after a while of me tossing around the duvet that Ms. Chu returned.

She tugged on the blanket and took the other side of the bed. Our backs faced each other.

I could hear the sounds of the clock hand ticking at each second, and the background hum of the engine that moved the giant Fortress. An ocean scent coming from her skin greeted my nose.

“Can’t sleep?”

She asked.

“Can’t.”

I answered. I’ve slept plenty earlier, perhaps that’s why I couldn’t fall back asleep.

“Do you want to talk about something then?”

“I don’t know.”

“Is it alright if I choose a topic?”

“Sure.”

“Can you tell me about your past?”

My past huh…

“I thought you already know the general recounts of it?”

“You can’t believe that a flimsy report can tell me what kind of person you are, can you know?”

I fell silent. Ms. Chu waited for me to speak.

My lips parted after some hesitation.

“…I don’t mind being cursed by others.”

But,

“…What I’m afraid of is seeing people I know die in front of me—my friends… comrades who died so I could live.”

Over and over again.

“My greatest regret was not being able to save them.”

Just a little further… just a little more.

It was always when I thought the light was within reach that…

“It’s the scariest thing in the world when the person you promise to help dies.”

An inch, a centimetre—it didn’t matter how I was to the light. If I didn’t reach, their last embers shatter and die off. All I could do by then was watch in despair.

Ms. Chu shifted her body under the blanket.

“I know.”

She said, turned to me then gently stroked my hair.

“It’s really painful being the only one to bear their lives.”

She hugged me. Her scent was comforting. I didn’t know that there was someone else that could make me feel this way besides Kenji.

“Ms. Chu, thank you.”

I pushed her away. I noticed the hurt look on her face.

“I’m sorry for doing that.”

I murmured.

Ms. Chu said nothing, merely smiling bitterly.

“No. It’s my fault for suddenly hugging you…”

“I… I didn’t mind.”

“…I’ll go to sleep first.”

“…Yeah.”

She turned around. I turned around. Our backs faced each other once more.

Even if it was out of natural habit, suddenly hugging a stranger was really too much.

An awkward atmosphere hung in the air.

“…”

“…”

I don’t think either of us could sleep if nothing was done to clear this atmosphere.

“Ms. Chu.”

“…Yes?”

“Can you tell me about Rize-chan?”

It has been bugging my mind for a while now. This terrifying girl that calls First Sergeant Hai her ‘papa’.

“What do you want to know about?”

“Like, how did she join the squad?”

“Let’s see… we met Rize-chan I think six or seven years ago. Sergeant Hai was the one who found her.”

I suppose that explains why she called him ‘papa’.

“Ever since then, she has been part of our squad… now a company. She kept pestering everyone, and eventually found her home here with us.”

I could imagine something like that.

“We owe her a lot.”

“She was only a child back then, wasn’t she?”

“Yes, she is a child. But the main difference between her and those her age is the presence of knowledge from her past life.”

A past life…

Ah.

That explains so much. So it wasn’t just talent.

Kenji was a a reincarnator. He came from before the Second Revelation, so he possessed ancient knowledge of people’s lives on Earth.

On the other hand, XiaoLe was a regressor. She returned to the past from the future to change the ultimate fate of humanity.

Rize-chan was just like the both of them, a God’s Emissary. Hers was of the same concept as Kenji’s—reincarnation.

“She must’ve been lucky to come from such a convenient world…”

I muttered.

“I think it’s the opposite. She must have had a pretty hard life.”

“Opposite…? Why?”

“You’ve met her, so I think you’ve experienced it yourself. She’s not normal.

…The words she says.

…The demeanour which she presents herself.

…All the things she does.

So that’s what a broken person is like…

How have I never considered this…?

It made so much sense.

I’ve always thought of a broken person as mentally ill, and unfit for work.

But to think Rize-chan could contribute so much to the world with her broken mind.

She, who stood within the realm of insanity.

And I, who had only experienced a glimpse of it.

We were so different.

“You may have experienced many tragedies, many people have died because you failed to save them. The world is hateful, it’s unfair. Some people scorn it, others blame fate.”

Yes, fate is truly unfair.

“Still, despite it all you did your very best.”

Be proud of yourself.

“You’re not a monster. Don’t think of yourself as one.”

No one.

“No one wants you to die.”

Except myself.

“So please rethink your decision.”

Fate would go to such lengths to mess with me…

If I choose a different path, a long, uncertain road awaits me in that future. An ending that doesn’t guarantee a better outcome for the world.

“I’m here for you.”

She pulled me into her embrace again.

“You’re lovely just the way you are, Ms. EunHa. Don’t waste it.”

Truly.

Why did the world…

When I should be the one cursed…

Why…

I’m sorry.

I’m sorry for what I did.

Please forgive me for being so stupid. So selfish.

I… cried.

I cried really hard that night.

So much that I would have no tears left to shed once dawn broke.

¸☆▫.-.- ▫☆\*: .。 _ ▫.。.:*

⁛ Origin Year 138, 19th of Hana. 5:23am

“Vice Admiral! Sir!”

“Sir!”

“Sir! Good day!”

Soldiers and officers saluted him as he brisked through the corridors.

Chen QiangWei didn’t have the time to stop and greet everyone. Guided by Captain Ren, they rushed to the radar room.

The metal door slid open. A dark room with dozens of monitors on display with stretches of control panels managed by an intelligence team composed of technical soldiers.

Everyone rose to their feet and saluted.

“Vice Admiral Sir! Captain!”

“Where is it?”

QiangWei quickly moved to the commander’s station and observed the change on the large display happening in real-time.

Multiple large red dots surrounded a giant cluster of dense reds that filled the entire screen. No matter how many times he blinked, the lights just wouldn’t go away.

“It can’t be…”

A Category 5 Cloud Hive.

Was this the bad omen they spoke of?

“Hugee! I’ve never seen anything like this in years! This has to be a bonafide leviathan-class isn’t it?!”

While everyone showed anxiety, oddly enough, Rize was ecstatic. Her snappy remark loosened the tension in the room.

“Has the Fortress been notified?”

“Yes. They’ve requested more information.”

From current data, engagement would happen within two hours.

But that is if the Fortress remained stationary. It could be extended to three or four hours depending on how they act from here on out.

For an advantageous battle, the Fortress and Hive should engage horizontally for an even distribution, the battle shouldn’t be concentrated at the bottom.

“Tell all crew members to prepare for battle!”

If the Fortress was an anvil, the fleet was the hammer.

Now that the enemies have been spotted, they need to collect as much data as they can. And, depending on the command issued by the Fortress, they might need to perform multiple preemptive strikes to direct the Cloud Hive.

One wrong move here and the whole Fortress could end up falling from the sky.

QiangWei resolved himself.

“Don’t worry.”

He felt the touch of Rize’s hand on his shoulder.

“We got this.”

Her confident grin gave him the courage to do the impossible.

Who would deny her after saying something so bold with such a cool face?

“Yeah, we absolutely do.”

He had to respond to her conviction.

.- ▫☆\*: .。 _ ▫.。.:*☆▫.-

Abyssal-class, leviathan-class and colossal-class. These are the three main categories for large size demonica.

Throughout the course of mankind’s history, the abyssal-class demonica had appeared only one time. It was during The Great Fall—the day when humanity lost the entirety of Stratum Zero.

That harrowing monster was best described as a True Leviathan. A long body serpent so long it spanned multiple islands, and so large it had a girth that exceeded the size of a military-grade mothership by many folds.

It was said that if it ever appeared again, humanity had no way to stop its damnation.

One step below that would be the leviathan-classes. Monsters of this class were roughly the size of a mothership. A demonica of this size could terrorise an entire city alone.

Depending on the marine life which is personified, some demonica of this class were easier to deal with than others.

Finally, there were the colossal-classes. Demonica of this class were much smaller in size, ranging between the size of a Corvette-type airship and a bus.

However, despite their seemingly small comparison to their larger counterparts, some colossal-class demonica could swallow as many as three whole humans at once.

“Six huge Krakens. Leviathan-class.”

“Approximate the size, look out for other species of monsters and gather data on composition.”

Estimated composition, hive cohesion, volume, shape, command structure— detailed information had to be gathered and relayed as soon as possible.

The swarm also presented signs of sentient-class demonica like Deep Ones and swarm-class Whirl Leeches.

Deep Ones were malnourished humans with blue skin, fins and hollow eyes that fight like drowned zombies. Whirl Leeches moved like locusts, swarming a host in the thousands and sucking them dry of blood. It was a horrible combination.

“This… this report will definitely send the command centre crazy…”

By protocol, a Category 5 was a scale which required the combined effort of at least two Fortresses and a battle-ready fleet.

The chances of Fortress 13, which had been sent far off the grid reach another partnering ally before engagement was low.

Furthermore, made up solely of Destroyer-type airships in absence of the main mothership, QiangWei’s current fleet was half the size of what would be considered a complete fleet.

Other airships operating around the airspace of Fortress 13, were Frigate-types designed for smaller, spread out engagements. They were robust and mobile, but didn’t have the firepower to tackle anything above the colossal-class range.

They were way below minimum requirements needed for a successful battle.

“Still, it’s too soon to declare defeat.”

The demonica had shown their might. Now, it was their turn.

“The Black Siren is with us.”

The forecast was terrible, that much was true. But, those that have been part of the company since the founding days knew—victory will be theirs to seize.

The Goddess of Victory, Black Siren, Rize-chan… it was their devout faith in this girl who had created miracles time and time again that gave them the courage to fight.

With her onboard, nothing was impossible.

¸☆▫.-.- ▫☆\*: .。 _ ▫.。.:*

⁛ Origin Year 138, 19th of Hana. 6:12 am.

I woke up to the sound of blasting sirens. My body jolted, and quickly I rushed up to the closet to realise… this wasn’t my room.

I looked out the window. A pale blue sky tinged with strokes of cream-coloured clouds. However, far out in the distance slightly below the horizon was a giant black mass.

A chill wrecked my body.

“N-No, no. What should I do, what…”

This disaster. I felt it yesterday.

I knew it. I should’ve died.

“I have to…”

I have to? Really?

Even though getting involved would only lead to even more casualties?

Ms. Chu was gone. I reached for the doorknob.

A stifling feeling grabbed my chest.

A nauseating dilemma.

Serve death on their platter.

Or do nothing and watch them die.

“There’s only one way.”

Before things got worse.

I have to…

I pushed open the door and ran out.

◜\⌝▫◆▫.

All soldiers were mobilised and gathered at the assembly.

The commander gave a brief, solemn speech informing the soldiers of the current status.

Words like ‘Category 5’, ‘Leviathan-class’, and ‘sacrifice’ were tossed around, my body trembled uncontrollably.

The classification of Cloud Hives was based on an exponential scale. In that regard, wouldn’t that make this Hive at least ten times larger than the previous one?

The soldiers were going to take on a Hive this size?

If the scale of battle I become involved in expands like this…

What XiaoLe meant when she said I was too dangerous of a factor… It was only when I was present that these massive Hives appeared.

She would’ve made sufficient preparations if she knew something like this would happen at Fortress 13, the fact that she didn’t would mean that this event didn’t happen in her knowledge of the future.

The future had deviated, I didn’t have much time to waste.

Before people die.

I must…

I ran down the stairs and headed towards the open platform.

Ignoring the confused eyes of those that noticed me, I reached the fifth line of defence.

Proceeding to the fourth and third…

Someone grabbed my hand.

“The hell are you doing?”

It was First Sergeant Hai.

“Let me… go. I will sacrifice myself, the demonica will stop…”

“Go back.”

“Leave me!”

First Sergeant tried to reel me in.

I, against his resistance, stood my ground.

“Ms. Hwang. Go back to your room, we have this handled.”

“You d-don’t understand. I brought this horde. Everything was my fault. People will die if I don’t do something. I must be killed. Otherwise, I’ll bring ruin to every—”

“Go back, things will be alright!”

“No—!”

BANG.

Ah.

First Sergeant Hai said something. I couldn’t hear a thing.

My ears buzzed really loud.

White smoke left the barrel of the pistol he held.

He… actually pulled the trigger on me.

I dropped to the ground completely limp.

I hadn’t expected this to be so painless.

Finally.

With this, it’s over.

God…

Protect them. Grant them victory.

I lost consciousness.

◜\⌝▫◆▫.

“First Sergeant!”

“Do you have any idea where Staff Sergeant Chu is?”

Hai Aki turned to the soldier who approached him.

“No sir.”

“Bring her to the infirmary and lock her up properly. Don’t let her commit suicide.”

“Understood sir!”

The soldier carried EunHa who had fainted and went on his way without questioning anything.

…You d-don’t understand. I brought this horde. Everything was my fault. People will die if I don’t do something. I must be killed. Otherwise, I’ll bring ruin to every—

She didn’t die, and he didn’t shoot her either. The shock from firing the gun beside her ear was enough to make her faint.

“You’re the cause of all this huh?”

It had nothing to do with the people or politics. He finally understood after hearing her crazed delusion that the problem with her life was herself.

He stared towards the horizon—the black mass in the distance growing larger and larger.

“Just you watch.”

Many times, he thought that it would be his last. Yet despite such thoughts, his troops still prevailed everytime.

It happened over and over again until he realised a certain truth about the nature of reality.

“We’ll win.”

The one with stronger conviction bends things to their will.

“Rize-chan.”

He noticed small squarish shapes in the distance, the airships which Rize was supporting with Vice Admiral Chen.

“Don’t let your papa down.”

So what if you had a fate that attracted disaster? The disaster herself was here to break it.

.- ▫☆\*: .。 _ ▫.。.:*☆▫.-

“What do you recommend?”

“We will engage from this side.”

Strategist Koek drew figures on the map with a marker.

“Based on the weather data we currently have, the wind current is likely to form some barrier here. It would create the needed resistance to push the swarm.”

“If the bow of Fortress 13 was north, they would have decided to point against the wind. The first engagement will happen on the eastern side. While the Fortress continues steering Northwards, slowing the demonica will likely attack the southern side, thus reducing concentration in this area. The spiral shape Hive would turn into an L-shape formation, stretching the battle along the east and south coast.”

“Instead of defending the Fortress’s southwest quadrant, I suggest we perform a blitzkrieg from the southern line. With the demonica’s attention focused on the Fortress, we will make a break and kill the queen.”

“For that to work, we would need at least five of the six Krakens attacking the Fortress.”

This offensive plan suggested would incur more deaths on purpose. However, just because they were creating more casualties, it didn’t mean playing defence was the right option either.

If they dragged the battle on for too long, everyone might just die.

“Tell backup not to defend, but support us in a joint assault from the southern line. We will make the hammer stronger, the anvil should be able to hold.”

“How about the Whirl Leeches? There’s no way the Fortress can hold against those.”

“I got an idea! We can try to get rid of as many of them as possible before engagement with the Fortress by throwing fire at them. Remember the chemical fire we used last time? We’ll use that, we just need a strong catapult device or launcher to ignite the first spark.”

“How about using the bazookas?”

“But the range…”

“If we fire downwind, it’ll reach a maximum range of 2 km.”

“Then we’ll need one ship to close in on the Hive.”

“How about contacting one of the Frigates?”

“We’ll do it.”

Suggestions thrown here and there.

“It’s impossible to break into the queen with our fleet alone. We still have to wait for backup. I think it would still be better to position our fleet towards the southwest. We can still make our way to the south when Admiral Lan arrives.”

“But that would require us to get into formation afterwards. There’s no guarantee that we’d have enough time, or if the condition of the Hive changes.”

A major decision, despite its logic, was met with pushback.

Destroying the queen of the Hive was at the core of their strategy.

With limited resources and time, they wouldn’t be able to thin out the monsters enough to reach the core easily either.

It must be a focused assault. One that was fast and strong enough to break through the defences of the Hive before it was replenished.

“If we continue towards this direction, we’ll enter a large cloud storm. That would become a disadvantageous field for soldiers on the Fortress.”

“Mr. Koek, calculate the latest possible timing for engagement and give me an estimate.”

“We can have the Fortress move slightly eastwards during flight. We don’t need to compromise time for them to prepare.”

Criticism served as feedback to improve their strategy.

“We can use up the excess poison bait bombs Rize-chan made last time too to stall them can’t we?”

“Right! We should shoot them together with the chemical flames!”

“No. We’ll use those to direct attention to the western side if the southern side becomes too dense.”

◜\⌝▫◆▫.

“Are the warheads good?!”

“Here ya go!”

“Load it up guys!”

“Hey! Frontline defence! Some of them are getting too close!”

With strong winds beating at her face, Rize-chan complained to the receiver.

[“Understood. Will correct our mistake.”]

“Squad! All in position, yes?!”

“““YES RIZE-CHAN!!”””

“All ready and bucked to go?!”

“““YES RIZE-CHAN!!”””

“To Captain and Chief Gunner Team! Cease firing and decelerate ship in 3, 2…”

The deceleration created a great force pushing them towards the front.

“NOW! FIIREEE!!!”

Rize’s roar coincided with the coordinated firing of multiple bazookas.

Many of the warheads exploded preemptively at the collision with stray demonica. But some of them managed to find their way into the first layer of the Hive.

The ship suddenly began accelerating in the opposite direction.

“UUWAAA!!”

A few stray demonica managed to reach onboard. Deep Ones and Redfin Swordfish rushed towards one of the soldiers.

“Private Lin!”

Rize lept and threw her hand down like a conductor with a wand.

Sharp blades of ice coalesced and quickly pierced the demonica.

Black blood splattered aboard, their corpses quickly fell off the deck from the wind current.

She grounded herself and heaved a sigh.

“Thanks.”

“No problem… ow…”

Rize grabbed her right arm.

The purple-red explosions kept popping in the direction of the Hive. The blaze soon engulfed the whole front face of the spiral-shaped Hive.

It was as if a giant burning ball of flame.

It created a truly mesmerising sight.

Sure, Rize was an inspiring commander and fighter.

But one would wonder how she concocted something so dangerous? She wasn’t even a chemical engineer. If a terrorist got their hands on this, couldn’t they burn down an entire island?

[“Hey. Is it just me or does this look way more destructive than the last one…”]

“I upgraded the recipe, you know?”

[“…”]

[“Fuck. You go girl.”]

The Hive spread out to prevent the flames from further spreading.

The Fortress was notified that the Hive movement had changed. The strategy and distribution of soldiers were allocated as needed.

Assess, process and change.

War was constant uncertainty.

Such a review system continued until the battle’s end.

¸☆▫.-.- ▫☆\*: .。 _ ▫.。.:*

I believe that everyone is born with a purpose. From fulfilling a political position to taking arms to war. Bringing new innovation to the frontier, or helping those in need.

Defining life in this manner would imply that death is a form of purpose too.

Culturally, suicide is taboo. Even more so in this world where human resources were scarce and fleeting. Every life mattered.

The kind of pain and trauma you would bring to people around you if you took your own life wasn’t worth the trouble.

But if viewed as an act to remind those around them of the importance of life… it didn’t seem too bad.

Death was the simplest solution to life’s problems.

I’m sure many would disagree.

But who the hell cares.

Death forces people to reflect and change.

Change for the better.

And I believe this to be my ultimate purpose.

I felt an impact shake the ground heavily.

In my disoriented state, I touched my head. My eyes opened to a room with busy people running around yelling commands.

I had not a single wound. There was no pain, just vertigo.

So he didn’t shoot me.

Hence I didn’t die.

Fuck.

I recognize this place.

It was the sub-command centre of the underground dome Rize-chan showed me last time.

But unlike then, the whole room was a giant mess. Officers of various ranks were dishing out orders and commands into receivers. Displays of the current situation on big monitors detailing orders and demonica movement.

The ground shook heavily again.

Trying my best to comprehend the situation, I notice Ms. Chu conversing with someone in the distance.

There was no clock here so I couldn’t tell the time.

Her expression didn’t look too good.

How long had I been out?

Why am I still alive?

What was going on outside now?

Are we winning the battle?

Ms. Chu quickly noticed my gaze and excused herself.

She quickly hugged me. A soothing, gentle embrace that made me melt into further confusion.

“Ms. EunHa. P-Please don’t do anything rash… alright?”

“W-What is going on…”

I said in between choking breaths.

“It’s going to be alright. We’re going to win—”

The shaking of the whole Fortress was growing worse.

“Sorry, I need to work. Please don’t go anywhere.”

Don’t go anywhere?

Looking towards the window, my hair stood on end at the sight of the dense swarm of demonica. The thing they were covering was the Fortress’ prana core.

Soldiers at the lower levels pointing their guns up towards the prana core dome were fighting to their deaths. Corpses of both humans and demonica littered everywhere.

“Where are the damn reinforcements!”

“We need assistance down here! There are no troops left alive!”

“Have the noncombatant teams safely reached the bunker?”

“The eastern Fortress is gone. Tell the second platoon to fold in and focus on defending the central core. Use the hidden passages of the Fortress to their advantage!”

“Tell the airships to fucking do something about that Kraken outside!”

“Isn’t it about time we leave too?!”

It’s going to be alright?

After seeing all this, you’re saying we’re fine?

Liar.

You fucking liar. How is this alright?

“You’re that damn devil aren’t you?”

It’s been too long since I heard people call me that.

I turned to the gruff voice addressing me. A soldier in his mid-twenties like myself wearing a dark expression.

He seems to know my identity well. But I didn’t know how to reply to him.

Yes.

“You’re the one who brought this disaster on us, aren’t you?”

Yes. I’m the one.

The harbinger of death and calamity, the devil, The One Who Heralded Death.

“You fucking curse! If you knew this was going to happen, why are you still here?!”

In this world, superstition holds a degree of veracity because science has failed us.

I sympathised with him. Even I myself wonder why I’m still here.

“So many people died because of you! So many fucking people…!”

I hear you loud and clear. You’re not the first to say this to me.

I know it’s my fault.

I should’ve died a long time ago.

I shouldn’t have come here.

I didn’t die, so this happened.

Because of me everyone…

Everyone was going to die…

“Sergeant Suzuki! Stop it!”

“Hey, you guys all agree right? We should finally put an end to this girl? You know, The Devil? The one to bring disaster wherever she goes? You remember right? We were told just earlier in the week that we’d have a special guest, you remember right?”

From fear, and despair.

“So all this time…”

“This girl is the one?”

“No… I thought those were lies…”

“Damn it. If it helps then just kill her! It’s not like she can contribute anything to battle now!”

They needed something to release the tension, something to ground them back to calm.

When death was knee-deep, and logic fails, they turn to the supernatural.

The man, Mr. Suzuki, pointed his gun at me.

I closed my eyes, hoping that this time, he wouldn’t miss his mark.

“…”

BANG!

I felt warm liquid.

But it didn’t hurt.

I squinted my eyes open.

And saw Ms. Chu.

Blood trickled down her chest as she coughed up blood.

“Please…”

Her voice was faint.

“No matter what…”

She pressed her head against my shoulder.

“Don’t die…”

“AHHHH!!!!”

“No! Sergeant! Why would you protect her!!”

Those who saw it went into a frenzy.

For me, sounds faded and the world slowed to a crawl.

What do I do?

What should I do?

What can I do?

Why does this always happen?

Why do people always sacrifice themselves for me?

Why am I the only one who comes out unscathed on the other side?

Why do they put my life before theirs?

Why God?

Why do you curse me with so much pain?!

With each breath she took, a groan leaked from her lips. Blood began trickling down the side of her mouth.

“Someone get the first aid!”

“It’s all been used up!”

“Get something to patch her with?!”

“Get it from the infirmary!”

Save her.

Someone save her…

…I’ll save her.

I grabbed the pistol on her waist and checked the contents before pulling Ms. Chu over my shoulder.

I started burning my prana. The veins on my skin glowed, chills ran through my entire body, a weightless feeling spread along my limbs.

“What the hell?!”

Ignoring the complaints of the superiors, I kicked the door open and threw myself out towards the upper platform.

I ran down the mezzanine pathway with Ms. Chu on my back.

Burning the prana in my body allowed me to compensate for some of the weight against my body.

Emitting prana in a suppressed quantity, instead of a bleeding fish, I represented a wounded one.

In a tank of sharks where a giant chum existed—the meteorite-sized prana core—I would only attract the attention of the strays.

The closer demonica that had been roaming quickly set their sights on me.

I will save her.

At the cost of my life, I will protect her. For the life she has given me.

Deep Ones, SnapJaw Narwhale and Redfin Swordfish.

These were the main enemy composition. No visible swarms.

There were only 12 rounds inside the semi-automatic pistol I took from Ms. Chu. I need to conserve—

No.

I can use weapons from the dead soldiers.

A bullet to the eye for each of them, I finished all 12 rounds and passed it to Ms. Chu who was on my back.

I grabbed the nearby rifle in a mad dash up the stairs.

A Redfin Swordfish jousted with its rapier-like beak.

I twisted my body to the side and smashed it with the stock.

Following that a single bullet pierced its brain.

With the remaining ammo, I sprayed the bullets towards the wall of demonica coming at me. Most of them hit critical points.

Click. Click.

I threw the empty weapon hard towards the SnapJaw Narwhale trying to get me.

A Deep One came with a spear.

I braced Ms. Chu and dodged. Grounding myself, I grabbed the shaft of the spear and reversed the direction from where it came from. It pierced the Deep One’s head.

“Ugh… H-here.”

Ms. Chu desperately clung on.

“…!”

She passed me the pistol from earlier. It now had a full magazine.

I didn’t waste another second and emptied all 12 rounds.

I snatched a random pouch off the floor and found PP-grenades inside.

PP-grenades were short for Prana-Pulse Grenades. They short circuits prana function in devices and organisms.

These are just as dangerous to demonica as they are to me, so I had to be careful to stay out of range.

I pulled the pin on them and let them scatter.

When they exploded, the demonica in the vicinity sank to the ground.

I finally left the dome through the upper exit and reached the long-stretching colonnaded halls of the Fortress interior.

There were no soldiers in sight, the place was teaming with demonica.

Just how far have we fallen?

“There—!”

She pointed to a security door with a big sign saying ‘emergency’.

“Here?”

“Quick…”

I heeded Ms. Chu’s advice and entered the door she pointed out.

She operated the complex twist handle mechanism with deft movements.

The door unlocked. We entered, and quickly shut it from behind.

The sound of demonica banging against the reinforced door echoed.

I stopped burning prana, my body returned to normal as I breathed out a breath of cold mist.

I didn’t know what kind of hallway this was, but they looked like secret tunnels.

“The infirmary… go.”

Ms. Chu weakly pointed towards the darkness.

I had no idea where any of these paths led to.

In the dark I noticed a light. I felt Ms. Chu’s grip loosen.

Soldiers.

We weren’t the only ones here. When they saw me with Ms. Chu, they quickly helped me carry her to the infirmary.

Even though it was only a bullet wound, I felt that her blood had soaked through the entire back of my clothes.

It was the consequence of not performing hemostasis earlier.

But what choice did I have?

The infirmary was located a few turns ahead.

The main entrance had been barricaded to protect against the demonica outside, yet the sight of so many injured soldiers was awful. With the lack of beds, many had to resort to laying on the floor.

The smell of Chinese medicine, western medicine, sweat and blood created an unearthly odour.

Ms. Chu was immediately attended to by the medics.

I was assessed for injuries, but nothing was found wrong. It was only my dress, so they provided me with a change of clothes.

I sat on the ground blankly as I waited for the result.

Funnily enough, my mind was completely clear.

No. It was completely white.

The battle continued outside, but about thirty minutes later the tremors died.

There was a short phase where large popping explosions rang out constantly and then silence.

Then a transmission. The chattering in the infirmary fell silent.

I wasn’t sure who the person was listening in on the receiver but…

“We won.”

The news he gave everyone.

It was just as Ms. Chu had said.

“The news just arrived. The queen is dead, all Krakens have been disposed of. The small demonica are scattering.”

He declared our victory.

“We won?!”

“WE WON!!!”

“WAAWWWWWHHH!!!”

Tension ran high. Everyone cheered.

For some reason, the heavy feeling weighing on my body since yesterday also disappeared.

I must be dreaming.

This can’t actually be real.

“Miss, please come here.”

The medic called me from over the curtain. I walked over, still fuzzy in the mind.

“She…”

It wasn’t a dream.

“…didn’t make it.”

Afterword

Oh gosh… I don’t know what else to write here except to say thank you for reading? The Afterword for Episode 1 was something I wrote in the very beginning when I just started publishing the story.

Move on, move on…