27. Transformation

Eriri will be okay, right?

I think so.

You think so... That doesn't exactly fill me with confidence.

That's because... I'm not confident.

Huh? What's the matter?

You're not a new recruit, by the look. Why so uneasy?

Don't worry, little girl. Drake is here. Nobody's gonna die.

Lucky me.

Huh. You don't have any trust in us at all, do you...?

The Crystal Reactor is up ahead. Yulia's people will be inside.

Excuse me, but if we keep going, isn't it going to be very hard to retreat? I mean, if we fail, we're certain to die...

Dude... The Crystal blast is going to take out everything within 13km. You think you're going to be safe staying out here?

At least I won't evaporate on the spot.

Anyway, Awakener, you want to stay outside?

No way. I'm going in with you.

And you, Sui?

If Nanook is in there, I'm going in.

While we're on the subject... can I stay outside?

?

Didn't you just say nobody's gonna die, as long as you're here?!

Why are you cowering now?

What would you know?! My existence could change the course of history!

I don't have to be there in person. I'm more like a lucky charm. I'll do just as well out here.

Fine, fine. No need to explain yourself, though it sounds like desertion to me. What do you think, Captain?

We'll do it your way. You keep watch here.

Yes, ma'am!

You AGREED?!

Okay. Everyone else, forward.

Go team! You can do it! I'll wait right here...

AHAH... AHAHAHAHA... You should have seen your face!

You guessed wrong. I'm only up to Step 3.

How... how... how could you!

Of course I'm going to wait for Yulia's order! What did you think?

You... you're... just messing with me. Screw you!

That's the last straw, Snezhana!

No rush, Eriri. We have plenty of time to chat, before General Yulia issues the order.

Ha... ha...

Had enough yet? You said my figure was not suited for battle.

But it looks like all those hours in the library have blunted your combat reflexes.

Looks like Yulia has given you a good excuse to vent all your pent up frustrations.

You're not like the other rioters we've met, who just spout nonsense.

Devotion to Yulia can be expressed both in words AND deeds.

And your deeds include killing your old companions?

...

Did I see you just flinch, Snezhana? Touch a sore spot, did I?

Niz is no match for Yulia.

Someone who tries to start a pointless war is not qualified to be called a leader.

Not once, but twice, Snezhana. Twice.

As for Bifrost, we have plenty of reason to make those stupid God-lovers give up their religion.

The purpose is to unite the remaining strength of humanity and achieve what the Joint Council could not do.

By killing them all?

How it is done does not matter.

Ha... Hahaha...

I thought you were different from the brainwashed mob, but now I'm not so sure...

... You're too far gone, Snezhana.

As perceptive as ever, Eriri.

Yes. I think I have a very clear understanding of your current condition.

To defeat you, I will need to make some changes of my own.

Changes?

Yeah... you know, a bit like a Cute Girl transformation.

Behold, Snezhana.