Desert Kingdom Ruins

The tension runs thick in the explosive situation.

Neither my comrades from the SS Nightmare nor Nine seem like they will back down.

...Hmm, Protos.

I don't think it's my place to say so, but shouldn't you mediate here-

Wait. Protos?

I couldn't reply to her.

The fever boiling through my entire body made me collapse to the ground.

My vision faded. It was like lava was running through my veins.

Captain? Captain-!

You, Protos?!

This is a Chaos mutation...! The values are so...!

Wait, wait! What are you trying to do to the Protos?

We have to move the Captain to the SS Nightmare now!

Otherwise the Captain will die!

...I agree that you have to take action. But leaving the Protos to you is another matter.

I shall move the Protos to my ship. How am I supposed to trust someone who was about to fight me first?

H-How can someone be so stubborn?

Renoa! Suppress that woman and move the Captain!

Before she could even finish, two gunshots rang the air.

Renoa had shot each of her "own legs."

Nine's eyes widened as Renoa keeled to the ground.

You, what are you-?

See? I am incapacitated now.

I'm sorry that I picked a fight. If you still can't trust me, I'll shoot both my arms next. You can take me hostage if you want.

Please. We have to move that person as soon as possible.

Nine flinched as Renoa gritted her teeth to endure the pain.

I think we should listen to them for now, Nine.

Seeing as she's going to such lengths, it doesn't look like she's lying.

...

...Alright.

When Nine took a furtive step back, Owen and Mika ran towards me to help me up.

C-Captain...! Oh my, it's like your body's on fire...!

I'll cool you down! Just a moment please!

Mika maneuvered water energy, which clung to my body.

It was cool. However, it wouldn't last.

The moment the water touched my body, it evaporated almost instantly into vapor.

...Oh my. How are you enduring this? This isn't a temperature that organisms can endure...!

This really isn't normal.

Let's go! Or the Protos will be in danger!

I'll help too!

...I definitely said I'd help.

Tiphera stared vacantly at the handcuffs on her wrists.

Hmm. How strange.

Why are we being treated like this...?

You see, there are security procedures on a normal ship.

Renoa spoke as she opened the door and entered the room.

Oh, how's your leg?

It'll be fine. I can't sit around and rest for a mere wound like this when the Captain's in that state.

Anyway.

The identity of the others have been confirmed.

Except you.

Isn't it normal to specify the identity of an adventurer wandering the universe?

I don't think the Empire's network would be so romantic.

And hey.

Renoa's face turned cold.

That adventurer card isn't even funny.

Wow, you're so mean-

How many people have you killed so far?

...

I knew it from a glance. I've met countless people like you.

You smell.

Like the corpses on your feet. The blood on your hands.

And to have the nerve to call yourself an adventurer... Don't make me laugh.

Tiphera shrugged.

You run into rough situations when you work as an adventurer.

It's rare for the Empire to hide one's identity.

You. What is your affiliation? Why did you approach the Captain?

We met by chance.

...

Fine. Keep telling yourself that.

And call me again if you feel like talking.

You should make yourself at home in this room until then.

Food, water...

...We'll run out of both soon.

Tiana hasn't been feeling well lately, I need to get some somehow...

Tiphera...?

Oh, sorry. Did I wake you?

Hmm, mmm... I was bored standing watch alone.

I didn't even realize I was talking to myself.

...

What are you doing?

Nothing, just.

I guess I should say it keeps me awake.

You're so weird, sis...

...Tiphera.

Yeah, I'm listening.

You got into another fight trying to get food, didn't you?

...They were nothing special.

......

...Why is it so hard for us to get anything?

There must be people who just casually throw away what we struggle to obtain...

......

...I just think it's because everyone has nothing.

In this withered desert... we can't get anything properly...

If this desert could become a better place to live...

If plants, animals, and health were abundant...

Couldn't people smile someday too?

My smart little sister.

Your sister here doesn't read books like you do, so I've never thought about that.

As long as you and I can live well, that's enough.

...Mmm, sorry for blurting out such random thoughts.

But, Tiana.

...If that happened, it really would be amazing.

......

...Right?

I'll do my best to make that happen.

Then to keep your brain working well, my little genius needs to sleep early.

What about you, sis?

I'll go for a little night walk.

I can't sleep if I don't wear myself out.

Call me overprotective, but... where else would you find a child dreaming such dreams in a hellhole like this?

It's like finding a jewel in a trash heap.

...You all think so too, right?

...

So, you're the one who's been poking around here.

Food and water. Hand it all over. Then we'll spare your life.

We know you got hurt this afternoon. The odds are in our favor.

...Hah, as if.

It's too cold to talk, so shall we get down to business?

...What the hell are you doing?

Oh, this?

Kurgh...!

When your head goes numb, even pain hurts less.

......This is completely insane.

Just how long do you think you can keep this up, pushing your body like this?

...Hey, you lot.

You don't have parents, right?

...

Ah, excuse me. Not just parents—you don't have any family at all, do you?

It's common here, after all.

What?

That's why you can't beat me.

You see.

If it's to protect my family.

I can do even worse than this.

Damn bastards...!

Chasing me all the way here and making me work for it.

He, hehe...

Found you, Deity...!

...Ah, Lord Tiberius.

Yes, I've located the position.

I've completed all the requests.

...Alright then, I'll be looking forward to what you promised.

Kuh, keke...

With this, I can finally connect with the Empire's leadership.

I've done so many filthy, dog-shit jobs... Trading people, treating lives like garbage...

But compared to those at the top, it's nothing.

They seem to be planning things that would make what I do look like a speck of dust...

Well, not my concern...

Now then...

Shall we go? To a brilliant future.

Yes. I agree with going toward such a future.

...Who?!

...Urgh, kurgh...!

Thanks for your hard work. I just had to follow you, to locate the Deity's position so quickly.

You saved me so much trouble.

...You, damn b—!

A puppet used by Lord Tiberius, how dare you!

You're being used just the same.

Sorry, but the Empire's leadership has absolutely no interest in anyone other than themselves.

When you stop being useful, they'll just get rid of you, too.

I simply moved the timing up a bit.

Now then, let's go find her.

...

I wonder if she's there too.

The beeping of a medical device display vital signs wake my consciousness.

Hmm, huh-

Maria, it looks like the Captain's awake!

Huh? Y-You're right!

Captain! How many fingers am I holding up?

Huh? Huh?

Th-There's two! There's something wrong with the Captain's vision-

...There's three, Maria. How can you get confused?

I'm sorry, Captain. She's been up two nights in a row with me, and she's out of her mind.

Yeah. It's a familiar ceiling, isn't it?

Maria and I worked really hard to stabilize you for two days!

Yeah, yeah. You look okay.

Your vital signs are stable overall.

...

Of course, it doesn't mean that we can relax.

Captain, you're aware that your body's not normal since what you experienced in Verne, right?

A few scenes flashed through my mind.

My body's nonsensical regeneration abilities, and even the interference of a power that seemed to encroach my entire body.

It is clear that some sort of power is affecting my body.

I conducted all sorts of inspections while you were unconscious.

Then, oh my.

Elaine projected the structure map of a human body before my eyes.

"Something" throbbing by the chest area caught my eyes.

It almost seemed like...

From my analysis, it's identical to the unidentified unit's energy structure that we encountered at Verne's Chaos, "Burning Life."

This seed is continuously permeating its power into your body.

At this rate, you will also become its puppet.

...We tried to eliminate it.

But we couldn't. It had already infiltrated your heart.

...Not as much as you.

I thought you'd be surprised a bit.

It's not like we can't do anything for now.

It's simple. If we eliminate the Burning Life, this seed, a by-product of the Chaos, will also die with it.

It's not permeating quickly, so we still have some time.

The problem is that Burning Life has powerful influence for now.

It's influencing multiple planets, and we need to subjugate all those planets to completely eliminate it...

Right. Although someone was serious about rushing out.

She can't make reasonable decisions because of your state, so do understand her.

...Maria and I were really worried too.

It's best not to strain yourself, but we have our circumstances...

You should go to the bridge immediately if you can move.

We have something that's urgent.

It's about that lady called Tiphera?

With a clunk, the heavy door opened.

Tiphera was whistling and doing nothing in particular on the desk, when she jumped to her feet with flashing eyes.

Ooh, Protos-! I mean, should I call you Captain?

You're fine! I'm so glad!

Ahaha. I'll call you Captain, then.

I think that scary woman by our Protos's side will be angry if I don't.

...

Again! With that scary face.

Keep frowning like that and you'll grow wrinkles soon enough.

Captain, I've said this multiple times, but can't you leave it to me?

I'll find out what she's hiding at once.

...Will you accept my apology if I give it right now?

...What?

Do you mean that? I can't leave you alone with someone whose identity we haven't even confirmed-

...

...You mean it.

Renoa sighed.

I'll be right up ahead. Call for me if something happens.

With that, Renoa left the room.

Meanwhile, I sit across from Tiphera.

Ahem, hmm. Ahem-

Hey, Captain.

I know I shouldn't be the one saying it, but don't you think you trust people too easily?

If I were a skilled assassin, you would already be dead once your guards are gone.

Oh, that's true. But I was saying that you seem too careless.

...

It's been a while since I last met anyone who would use standard tactics.

Although I haven't roamed the universe for that long, but still.

It makes me feel you are prone to betrayal.

Otherwise, nothing will change.

Unless one of us offers a hand first, it will be an everlasting parallel line.

...

Whatever Tiphera is hiding, I believe that it won't be something evil and reach out with my hand.

We will be able to help those in need.

That's how we do it on the SS Nightmare.

...

Tiphera stares in my direction as though she is lost for words.

Soon, she shakes her head with a forced laugh.

I'm sorry, but... your personality would make it hard for you to live a long life.

I've never met anyone like you either.

...Alright.

You're making this much effort. I should give you, just you, a hint.

Tiphera tilts her head a little to wink at the camera in the room.

Oh, Miss Witchy Vice Captain? I'm not drawing my weapon!

...The camera creaks violently.

Tiphera takes no notice and rummages in her pockets.

She placed a locket with a faded photograph on the table.

It was a picture of Tiphera and a girl who looked just like her.

Captain, I'm looking for my family.

...She's my only flesh and blood. Tiana. My younger sister.

I would do anything for her.

Tiphera's expression looked more serious than ever as she spoke.

She managed to become an administrative negotiator from having nothing and on the streets.

But ta-da.

She suddenly went missing. A while ago.

...The last of her were the rumors that she was meeting some guy called Fang at that Black Market.

...

You said you'd help me, Captain. Alright.

Tiphera beamed and craned her head.

I made a promise with Tiana in the past.

That if she's ever in danger, I will do whatever I can to save her.

So.

Please give me 5 minutes alone with that Fang person.

...Whatever method you use. I'll be able to hear what I want to hear.

I'll do whatever you want on that condition.

What do you think?

...

I told you to stop making that face, Nine.

We all know you have a nasty personality even if you don't frown.

...Alcea.

It wouldn't kill you to apologize.

The circumstances are now crystal clear. Are you going to pretend you didn't do anything wrong?

Wow... It's been a while since I met someone with patience and duty...!

Rei... Why are you so obsessed with that...

...

Yeah. We should get that cleared up.

I'm sorry. I didn't have enough information to judge the situation properly.

It seems clear that you and the Protos are comrades.

...Captain, not Protos. Pay attention to the title.

Renoa's voice cuts in between the conversation.

Renoa, Captain! And...

Tiphera, please! I hope you add me there in the future!

...Uhm, she's unique.

Enough chitchat.

Every second counts. We have to eliminate the seed of the Burning Life in the Captain's heart.

The hologram of a structure of nearby galactic bodies was projected inside the bridge.

Starting with Verne, all the nearby planets are being affected by it.

We need to begin lessening that influence, and move toward complete "purification" of Burning Life.

...About that.

I've done my own analysis over the past few days.

Analysis?

Why did the market take root in Speitz, and why were they using slaves in an underground arena?

Things like that.

Alcea approached the hologram projector and touched the consoles.

Although we did defeat it... that thing at the underground of the arena had the nature of sucking in negative feelings to grow.

In other words, building an arena on that specific spot means they had the intention of "awaking" and "raising" it.

The possibility that the arena itself was a steppingstone for some "real purpose".

Fang tried to wake that monster and use it somewhere... You could come to a conclusion like that.

Nine smiled a fishy smile.

...I can guess where he was trying to use it.

He's the only one who knows about the whereabouts of the Egg of the Deity.

And that egg is obviously under the protection of the Deity.

N-No way...!

The possibility that he was going to wake the monster, kill the Deity, and take the egg for himself.

Fang's signals remain on Speitz. I don't think he's given up yet.

Although I don't know how he's going to manage that.

The Deity...! How...!

The Deity has protected Speitz for a very long time. If they were to be harmed...!

...Here are the simulation results for that.

The green energy of the Burning Life on Verne was amplified at once.

Before, it only used to furtively surround Speitz.

Green energy encases all of Speitz in a matter of days after the Deity dies.

And if Burning Life's influence gets to be that strong...

It will also accelerate the ignition of the seed inside the Captain.

If a whole planet is devoured, the mutation would greatly speed up.

...You mean that the Deity should be alive, if not for the Captain.

Everyone, prepare for descent.

Looks like everyone's in accord.

Renoa concluded flatly.

We will chase after him.

Space coordinates are stable. Agent vital signs are also stable.

Descent complete. Good luck!

...Alright.

We're going to breakthrough as fast as we can, fighting as little as we can. That's how we selected the people too.

This is where we traced Fang's last signal.

Captain, lead the way, please.

It gives me a sense of deja vu.

I knew it, this must be Critias' ruins.

Wait. Didn't you say you selected the people?

I don't think she'll help in rough work like this.

I, the location got on my nerves...

I'd be able to help if they're ruins of the Critias kingdom.

...Well, alright.

I don't care so long as we can find him and retrieve the Egg of the Deity.

Detected multiple vitals inside...

Looks like we found the right place. Although it doesn't look like it would end easily.

Hmm. You don't know what unknown things wait for you in an adventure.

First, shall we begin?

Those lunatics followed us all the way here?

Tell Fang! Ring the alarm- Aagh!

...I don't think they've been trained very well.

You had trouble with these guys? You really aren't that skilled-

Renoa was about to say something, when her eyes narrowed.

Probably because Nine was already sitting on the top of a mountain of guards.

Oh, keep going. I wondered how long it would take for you to beat a few.

...Why didn't you help the Captain escape faster from the arena, when you can do that?

I could have done it once I'd secured Alcea's security. Anyway.

It makes me worry about the Protos. If their close associates are this bad, you won't even last a month in the mercenary market.

...

...

...Says the roaming stray.

...Back at you, tamed hunting dog.

Thick veins pulsed in both their faces.

And that rage poured out into battle.

Nine and Renoa beat the market guards as though they were competing against each other.

Gunshots, sounds of a greatsword being swung, and human screams filled the air.

We don't need to do anything, do we?

My, why can't they get along...

...I suppose that's one way of looking at it.

Hmm, anyway.

Tiphera looks around the surroundings as the guards are overpowered.

In the base camp of the market inside the ruins, his "products" were scattered in all directions.

This is too much.

...They're all living people.

Has the market... been selling their fellow residents of this planet as slaves?

By drugging them like this, so they can't come around...!

I knew they did human trafficking, but I didn't imagine it to be on this scale.

This is more than just earning pocket money. It's a professional "business."

...

...Yes, that's what I thought.

Honestly, I wondered how someone like Fang could grow his market faction this quickly.

This doesn't make sense unless he has connections with the Empire.

There's also what we saw at the arena too...

Why is the Empire overlooking such an act?

These people are innocent victims!

...Sacrificing the lesser for the greater good.

If the Empire was to receive the Egg of the Deity for sponsoring Fang's "business."

I think we can understand the intention itself.

...Wait, what?

You understand? Something this atrocious...?

Rico, I'm sure you're aware since you grew up on the desert planet.

How people change in the end when there aren't enough resources and the environment turns barren.

People are suffering because of such terrible environments on countless planets.

The Egg of the Deity is the means to save those who hang on by a thread at once.

...

Well, it is sketchy. Since the Deity is the guardian of Speitz.

I won't say that all means can be justified. This is a disgusting crime.

But if many more people can be saved for the price of sacrificing some,

someone may decide for it to be that way. That's what I'm saying.

From that person's perspective, they're making the right decision. For more people.

I don't understand.

Sacrificing ten people to save a hundred is making a hundred people murderers.

You're saying what the Captain said.

Tiphera looked bitter.

...If only I were also in a position to think that.

Just then.

I see a familiar face between the drugged, limp humans.

...A face I'd never imagined I'd see here.

Wait, Captain? What's wrong?

After beating all the nearby enemies, Renoa gives me a curious look. But I disregard her and walk forth.

The pocket watch begins to react.

I could feel Zero's displeased sigh sweep across me toward this certain "individual" I had apparently met before.

I spoke to the "girl" who was limp in a steel cage that resembled a container.

The girl's unfocused eyes weakly moved up and down.

I quietly reached out to place my finger on her face.

The warmth returns consciousness in the girl's unfocused eyes.

...

...?

Soon, the girl regains consciousness, and then scurries back against the wall of her steel cage.

She has an obvious look of terror in her eyes.

G-Get away from me...!

Wh-What's that? Captain, do you make a hobby out of purchasing slaves...?

...Of course not.

Who's that? Do you know her?

Should I say I know her?

Although you don't know me,

I was very happy to meet you again.

I was very, very happy.

I have definitely seen her.

She seemed to know me at that time.

I don't know people like you...!

Where am I...!

I can't remember anything.

She only seems confused at seeing me.

She is beyond confusion, and it is clear she is finding it difficult to hang on to her consciousness.

Although I had no idea how this happened,

it was clear what I had to do.

...Alright.

To help the people here, right?

Let me just put it out there that we need to go after Fang as quickly as possible.

If that gets delayed, you'll be in danger too.

...

...I've already contacted them.

I thought you would do something like that the moment you see this.

If you're going to do something nice, you might as well be nice about it. I don't see why you're acting annoyed.

Does it hurt to be nice?

...

...

...Ha, haha. People, let's stop. There are no more enemies too, so-

Oh, r-right! Captain, how do you know the girl?

I'd like to ask myself.

I quietly stare at the shivering girl who is trying her best to stay as far away from me as possible.

It does not look like she remembers me.

Like she's a completely different person from when we met before.

...

...Your name.

The girl clutched her head as though she had a headache.

I-I don't know...

I can't, remember...

I don't know, my name...

I spoke as softly as possible, making it apparent that I would never harm her.

...

You're going to help me...?

Why...? I don't even know who you are.

Because... You've already helped me.

I didn't know who she was or how or why she helped me, but the girl had definitely saved me in Verne.

So I'm only returning the favor.

...?

I look at the girl's bewildered face.

...Rita?

...

I don't exactly like it.

Ha.

W-Wait, sorry. I shouldn't laugh-

When I spoke, the girl shook her head.

No.

...

I don't really like it.

But for some reason, it has to be that.

The way she spoke sounded like it had to be a name I gave her.

As though she felt that it had to be it.

The chase continues.

The winding insides of the ruins showed the huge foreground of the years of the ancient city.

Amazing...

I did hear that the old civilization of Critias was excellent, but this...

It must have flourished in its prime.

It's not something we can look down on for being an extinct civilization.

...

But Rico had the darkest expression as she looked on.

Oh, Captain...

Yes, I am okay.

I just have something to think about.

...

I heard that Critias definitely cultivated a great civilization.

It's the pride of the Speitz residents. I was one of them, but...

Rico closely examined one of the installations nearby.

Captain, do you see this?

It's an extraction device.

The "magic" of Critias is studies established by utilizing energy from lives.

But it was never revealed how they obtained such energy...

Once I heard up to that point, I understood why Rico had such an expression.

Because I could infer from the structure of the extraction device she was pointing at.

It was structured more like a grinder than an extractor.

...Yeah.

A civilization as huge as this probably...

It's highly likely that it was established with energy from "sacrificing" lives.

Rico's eyes swept bitterly through the ruins.

Do you remember what Tiphera said just now?

That we can't do anything about sacrificing the lesser to save more lives.

Desert planets like Speitz find it hard to get resources.

Maybe the people of ancient Critias made this choice because they know.

To sacrifice a few even if it makes them murderers, rather than everyone dying.

...

I'm not sure.

Can we really do things like this to survive?

Is using all necessary means and ways the essence of survival...

That choice itself may be up for dispute,

but I can't forgive them for that.

Nine scoffed and looked in the direction of a particularly striking structure within the huge ruins.

The shape of the building that exists down the way toward the underground gives me a strange sense of deja vu.

A coliseum...?

They used perfectly normal lives just because they didn't have resources, but it looks like they could afford to build that.

It's easy to see. The first time's always the hardest.

...What are you talking about?

The essence of life, did you say? That's nonsense.

There's a line that people should never cross.

I've seen countless many who unknowingly cross it, while I worked as a mercenary.

And once.

Once you turn a blind eye and cross that line, you can never return.

We have the accursed ability to get used to anything.

These Critias people too. That must have been the result of getting used to "sacrificing" things.

Once they crossed the line, their morality would have faded.

From having to unavoidably sacrifice life in order to survive, to making the struggle for survival an entertainment.

From extracting devices to coliseums. The journey to corruption lies in between.

Like this path that leads underground.

If only they honored the sacrificed a little, the civilization itself wouldn't have grown so big.

You can't try to compromise with morality. It's the last dignity we can keep.

Like the audience at the underground arena we were in, who cheered at life being torn to pieces. Like the Peltion, who calculated human lives by money.

...

...Haha, that's true.

You know how to say the right things sometimes.

In that sense... I quite like this Protos.

I've seen a few other Protos, but this one is the most humane.

...It seems like you are really trying to give a compliment, but-

Tiphera intervened when she saw Renoa's face turn stormy.

Th-Then-!

Where's Fang? Would the SS Nightmare be supporting us?

She had barely finished when comms popped up before our eyes.

Oh, about that.

Fang's signals leads deep into the coliseum you are all looking at.

And one more thing.

We found a huge source of energy in disguise when we scanned the depths.

I'd hazard a guess that it's the Deity.

Looks like it was hiding itself with the remaining power of magic in the Critias ruins.

Creating a safe place... It's what a mother would do during breeding season.

That means the egg would also be there.

Alright. Let's hurry. We must get there before Fang.

Oh, Captain?

This isn't too important... but I found some unusual information.

I investigated the planets that Burning Life is influencing.

It was interesting. They were all desert planets like Speitz.

It's like someone was choosing "desert planets" to influence them.

Well... if anyone were to weed out the desert planets and release plant-related Chaos,

it makes me assume that they are trying to change desiccated planets... into something green.

...

Hmm. That's intriguing.

We're almost there. Fang's signal is nearby.

I assume that he'll put up a fierce fight, so I recommend you to do some final checks.

When we were given the time to align the battle lines, we set up a simple camp within the ruins.

And I could feel one thing while looking around at everyone's faces.

Yes?

Even if we compare it to normal Chaos explorations, this breakthrough speed can definitely be seen as a hard schedule.

Even if we rest, I'm sure we can't shrug off our fatigue in this moment.

If he's here to kill the Deity, I'm sure that Fang person also has something up his sleeve.

I know everyone's having a hard time.

...But if we don't do this, you'll be in danger, Captain.

...It's my fault you're in such a state.

So I hope you let me take responsibility.

There's no need to be that responsible.

But before I could speak, some comms intervened.

I-I wish the Captain would take some responsibility too!

That Rita girl the Captain brought. She's causing so much trouble.

No matter how hard I try to care for her, she won't listen to me!

She's like a wild animal.

Elaine looks exhausted as she speaks.

...It looks like she really did suffer.

...She has to drop down like the Agents if I want to send her there, though.

Wouldn't it be too much to make a child do that-

...Uhm, Elaine. I think she can...?

Huh?

I conducted a physical checkup before I treated her, but her stats all look fine.

...No, they're not just fine, they're unbelievably good.

Such that I can't believe how they're like that when she's been abused for a long time...

Oh, anyway. The descent itself wouldn't be a problem.

...That's what she says.

Do I really send her down...?

I feel sorry having to keep making you take care of her.

And the moment I saw Rita show herself to us, I could see at a glance why Elaine was having a hard time.

Go away-! I told you to stay away from me-!

I'm going to hit you if you get too close-!

She was precisely like a wild beast.

Those were the words that came to my mind when I saw the growling Rita.

Hmm. She's had a hard time for so long, so it looks like she is very wary.

It's natural to have reactions to stress, but...

Alright, alright. Stop that-

When Rico smiled indulgently and tried to approach to console her, Rita headbutted her, hard.

Rico flew into the distance with the smile still on her face.

...It's not the physical strength of a normal child.

Are you sure she was confined in the slave prison? She seems very capable of fighting too.

Captain, what are you going to do?

Never mind. I had called her here, and there's no choice but to calm her.

I approached Rita, who was jumping about and growling like a wild animal.

The look in her eyes wavered for a moment as though she recognized me.

You too. Stay away!

I'm going to bite you if you come near me!

I took no notice and approached her.

When I reached out and placed my hand on her head, Rita had a fit in surprise.

Her teeth dug into my hand. She really had bitten it.

Rita's eyes widened. She looked surprised at her own actions.

But I didn't move, and looked quietly down at Rita with my hand between her teeth.

...

Rita hesitated, then cautiously opened her mouth and took a step back.

I smiled at her and opened my mouth.

...

Rita slowly shook her head.

No.

...

Rita nodded.

She was blushing a little.

Mmm...

Rita continued eating as though intent on clearing all the combat rations we brought.

Wow, she's wolfing it down.

I heard that the other slaves barely stomach water and porridge. What's with this child?

I don't know that, but I know she's special.

Which is why she saved me at Verne.

But you approached her even after seeing what she did to Rico.

If she bit down hard, you might have lost your hand.

...It's absurd hearing that from someone who's really been bitten.

Is this what you need to be able to do to be a Captain?

Said Tiphera, laughing out loud.

Soon, her gaze drops down to Rita, who is sitting in my lap.

...It's like seeing my younger self.

There was a time when I used to be like a wild beast like her.

People change to be like that if they go through too many hardships.

I didn't exactly live a sheltered life either.

And even if I act unruly like that, it's also the same for me that I open up to people once I get close to them.

...

Oh, Captain. Can I make a confession?

Tiphera grinned and began to speak.

I'm not actually an adventurer.

I'm on quite an important mission from the Empire.

...

Please give me some sort of reaction, Captain.

Even if you ask me for one...

I think that not only myself but everyone else already assumed...

...Ahem, anyway.

Someone approached me too, when I was going through some hardships.

That person seemed so cool... and I wanted to do something similar.

...

That's how it began.

Tiphera's voice darkened.

Do you know about the trolley dilemma?

Sacrificing less people to save more people on the tracks?

What choice would you make, Captain?

...

Captain. I tried to do something just.

I wanted to gift small happiness to the unfortunate.

I wanted to save those in pain.

That's what my company seeks. It's a good place.

...Although they did say that we can ignore small sacrifices to do such work.

Tiphera would have always been the one pulling the lever to save more people.

Nine said that there's a line people shouldn't cross.

If we were to judge based on that... I'm already a beast, not a person. Haha.

Captain.

Everyone else were furious when they saw the modified slave.

Talking about how the Empire would cooperate with people who do this, and how people could do it.

You didn't.

May I ask why?

I am unable to explain clearly about the reason.

Tiphera's eyes widened.

...Pardon?

It's not something that can be known yet.

Just as Tiphera said, if that was the only choice...

I didn't want to rage like the others. Since the others will do that for me.

Choosing a terrible method to save more people.

It's evident that it's wrong. If anyone tries to do it where I can see them, I will make sure to stop them.

However. If they did it out of good will,

if they pulled the lever while crying bloody tears to save more people in any way,

Wouldn't it be okay for at least one person in the world to reassure them, and say that they made a difficult decision?

...

Tiphera opened and closed her mouth.

She had a confused look on her face as she slid her hand over it, then chewed on her lip and turned away.

Her face and ears were blushing. She looked more confused than I had ever seen her.

...Oh, haha...

I-I didn't know I'd hear that.

Would there be anyone... willing to reassure me of that?

Well, even so.

As Nine said, we're not beasts. Such things should never happen.

...Ha.

I'm not. I'm not doing that.

Tiphera grinned.

The Captain is a fun person.

I understand why Nine and Renoa want to split you in half and have one half each.

...That sounds strange.

Oh, and I have one more thing to confess.

I quite like the Captain too.

...

...Hehe.

Tiphera grinned before the campfire.

It was the first time her face showed "real emotion" since I met her.

We had almost reached the end of our pursuit.

I can feel that we will soon enter the heart of the ruins.

It's right up ahead.

Nine, are you ready?

Always.

With a firm wall before her, Nine takes a deep breath.

Hmph!

It's a simple cry of effort, but what unfolds afterward is not so simple.

Her single strike smashes the thick wall.

At the strike resembling that of a siege gun, the people beyond the wall come into view.

...Ha. Haha...

Those nasty guys. Did they really follow us all the way here?

How did you do it so quickly?

Even if you have a Protos among you, this speed is unbelievable.

Revenge, rage, malice. Take your pick.

Alright, then-

As she speaks, a savage grin spreads across Nine's face at Fang who seemed to find it ridiculous.

Let's talk.

There's a lot of people here who want to know what you have to say.

Intriguing, but we'll have to take a rain check.

Trust is the basics of a merchant. I have some business matters soon.

Hmm. You run your mouth even in a situation like this.

I wonder how long you can keep calm.

F-Fang! We can't stop them!

All our defenses have been broken down-

That must be why they're standing in front of me. Tell me something I don't know.

Well...

Fang took something out of his pocket. It was a button that looked like a "control device" of sorts.

Fortunately, we have one last one.

With those words, he pressed the button.

And a beastly roar rang out.

Isn't this, a vibration...?!

The entire ruins is reverberating!

Protos, get down!

While the vibrations seemed to shake the very earth, Nine grabbed me and rolled away.

We saw a huge unit smash through the wall opposite the one we smashed.

A combat weapon remodeled based on a human body.

A cyborg automaton?

...It's different from the ones we've beaten so far.

The modifications... and it even has proper gear.

We can't go easy on that. It's something that goes against army units.

Haha, I wondered what kind of backup they had to look for the Deity.

You had that hidden up your sleeve?

Still, you surprised me. I didn't think you'd make me take this out.

...Although that's all the praise I can give you.

Fang sneered. He seemed absolutely confident in his weapon.

Have fun getting slowly squashed to death.

Goodbye, I need to go and succeed.

You fool-!

Enraged, Nine tried to follow Fang. But the automaton's huge roar cut in.

The roar alone rang my head. All of us staggered.

And I could feel it.

That the thing before us wasn't an easy enemy.

...Agh.

With this gear and stamina...!

We should retreat. It's too dangerous!

No...!

If the Deity died and Burning Flame got stronger, the Captain...!

Yes, I agree.

We have too much to lose if we retreat here.

But we can't continue fighting in this state. We might all die...!

Well... True.

If we fight the way we've been fighting up till now.

...What are you talking about?

I wasn't going to use this...

With a sigh, Tiphera steps forward.

...Wait. What are you doing?

If you try to face it head-on, you'll die...!

Before Renoa could continue, the cubes in Tiphera's hand began to shine.

Requires user authentication.

Empire task force Marshal Tiphera.

Confirmed. Please state your purpose.

Although she has shown us this ability a few times before, the shine feels different now.

Quantum seed use.

It used to feel like an interesting tool...

Clear maximum output.

But now, it seemed to have changed for "combat."

ㅡ!!!!

And then, the automaton dealt a heavy blow to Tiphera.

Damn it, watch out...!

The battle tool dealt a direct hit at the small girl like the sky collapsing.

But Tiphera stands unscathed underneath.

The shining cubes above her head made a curtain to protect her.

...You blocked that?

What is that kind of equipment...!

Ugh, eek...!

Stop admiring it, give me a hand...!

I-I did step up confidently... but it's still tough...!

Renoa speaks in a shocked voice at the grunting Tiphera.

...Wait.

Task force? Marshal?

What's a marshal doing here...!

Yeah, yeah, I know!

That the Empire marshals have a bad name-! Makes bloodbaths wherever they go-!

And that they're terrifying people with absolute power so even the space pirates can't touch them-!

B-But let's deal with that later, let's get rid of this guy first!

...

...I know we're in an urgent situation, but I need to ask.

What is a marshal?

They're the direct Agents of the Empire's chief executives.

If I were to exaggerate a little, they can destroy planets.

...!

Nine looks shocked.

...I-I didn't know you were so great...?

Yeah-! Normally, it's a disaster for us to reveal it in the first place-!

So-!

Even while looking like she was on the verge of tears, Tiphera winked at me.

Captain, make sure to pay me back for this-!

Ugh... I was going to hide it until the very end, if only you weren't in danger!

Who told you to find your way into my heart? So... take responsibility for it!

I laugh hollowly as she speaks.

Haha, I'm glad that you know, at least!

Stop joking around.

With a sigh, Renoa muttered and raised her weapon.

You're right.

...Let's think about it after saving the Captain.

There's one thing I want to ask.

...Didn't you say the Deity is some sort of guardian of Speitz?

I did.

Rico's voice is full of anxiety.

Probably because Renoa suddenly asked her the question.

But why.

...Does it feel like Chaos is growing stronger as we go deeper inside?

It looks like she is not only feeling Chaos, but some sort of deja vu.

The plant roots exploding out, the traces of life that seemed to have inflated in a strange way.

It looked similar to the core of Burning Life we saw at Verne.

Everyone must be thinking similar things through the silence.

That the Deity cannot be in any normal state.

Looks like the Deity's residence is up ahead.

We have no time to waste. Let's go.

With that, Nine smashed the door.

And then, the scene unfolded.

"Something" was wounded greatly and not moving on the ground in the center of the room.

And a huge monster stepping on top of it.

A small person was holding the egg from within the nest.

...

The person holding the egg was...

...

...T-Tiana?

Wh-What are you doing here...?

A small girl who looked just like Tiphera.