The birds in the trees chirped back and forth, as if forming a small orchestra that awakened every inhabitant of the forest.
The three of us began packing up, while the refugees rested after having breakfast together.
Just like yesterday, their plan for today was to gather food supplies and manage what provisions they still had. It seemed they would be staying in this forest for quite some time, turning it into a temporary settlement until the situation truly recovered. Other refugees might arrive eventually as well.
Unlike them, we had to continue our mission.
Before dawn earlier, Dania and I had observed the city from a distance. The situation was beginning to stabilize. There was some movement—possibly patrols. If everything was ready, we could depart immediately.
"We'll be taking our leave now. Thank you very much for the shelter."
"No, it's we who should be thanking you. You've helped us greatly," the Elder replied.
"Be careful, Azca. And you two as well," Marco added. "All we can do is place our hopes in people who bring change like you. May you always be protected."
"Thank you, Marco. You too—may safety always be with all of you. Well then, until we meet again."
"Yes. Until we meet again."
We left them—people I hadn't seen in so long since I joined the Black Robes. It felt heavy. But everything I'm doing now is also for them. For my homeland. That's why I will fight with everything I have.
We chose a route along the outskirts of the city near the residential area. According to Marco, there were still several residents hiding there. Our mission was surveillance, but that didn't mean we would simply stand by. If possible, we would rescue them.
Unfortunately, the area we had just entered was eerily silent. No signs of residents. No trace of the organization we were investigating.
We hid inside an abandoned housing complex.
"There's no one here," Dania said.
"Right. My NightVision isn't detecting anything." I turned toward my shoulder. "Percy, take flight. Check from above."
"Roger!"
Percy floated up from my shoulder, his body turning transparent before slowly circling the area. Every movement appeared across my field of vision. I could see what Percy saw as well.
We monitored for quite a while—until something finally appeared.
"Percy, do you see that?"
"[Yup. A group of armed troops just exited the shopping mall.]"
"What are they doing?" Naira asked.
"… They're running out. It looks like they're firing at something."
"At what?"
"… I'm not sure—Eh?!"
"[A-A-Azca! That's—!]"
Percy sounded just as shocked as I was. My chest tightened.
"What happen?" Naira demanded.
"There's a large creature chasing the armed troops. There are civilians there too."
"Could they be captives?" Dania looked worried.
"Maybe. But what is that thing?!"
Percy shouted again. "[A-Azca! There's one above too!]"
I followed Percy's line of sight. From the mall's rooftop, a giant serpent slithered down rapidly. Its body gleamed like steel, shattering the glass it passed through. And what made the hairs on my neck stand on end—there were three of them.
"Dania! Naira! This is bad! Giant serpent monsters are chasing civilians! They're in danger!"
I was about to run, but Naira grabbed my shoulder.
"Wait! What are you doing? Remember, our mission is only surveillance!"
"But I can't—"
"Azca! That's an order!"
I froze. She… shouted at me?
"Last night you said I had to protect what I have now. But now… you're stopping me. I don't understand, Naira!"
"I did say that. But that doesn't mean you can act recklessly. We don't even know what those creatures are. There's no guarantee we can handle them."
"But—"
"Do you know why I'm assigned to your team? Because Sis Jasmine asked me to keep an eye on you."
"…!"
"You always move according to your heart. Sometimes you lose control. There are times when you must restrain yourself and think clearly. If you act on impulse, you could fail again—just like before."
Her words struck harder than the monsters.
"Calm yourself. Follow my lead."
"… I understand."
"Good. Let's analyze the situation first." Naira put on her navigation glasses. "Percy, link to me as well!"
"[Understood!]"
Reflected in her lenses was a visual of the situation—the armed troops, fleeing civilians, and the monsters' movements.
"Two monsters are attacking the troops. One is chasing civilians. We split up. Azca, north. Dania, east. I'll take south. Remember—move quietly. If you must fight, be careful. You're not only facing monsters, but protecting civilians as well. Herd them to a safe place."
"Roger!" (x2)
"Okay… three… two… one... Go!"
We moved.
I dashed north, leaping across buildings toward the city center. Percy returned to my shoulder, guiding me through navigation. I caught up with the panicked civilians.
"Everyone! Run to the forest on the outskirts! You'll be safe there!"
Without hesitation, they followed my directions.
From afar, I saw Naira and Dania doing the same. But the monster was getting closer—and its distance was nearer to them.
"Naira! Dania! It's heading your way! I'm coming!"
"[No!]" Naira shouted. "[We'll handle it!]"
I halted. "Huh?!"
"[You take care of the civilians!]"
"But—!"
"[Stubborn! You have Core-1st, right?! Use it if there's a sudden attack!]"
"[Azca, they know you better!]" Dania added. "[They'll trust you!]"
I gritted my teeth.
"[Trust us.]"
"… Alright." I turned back. "I'll return soon."
There was no reply, but I knew they heard me.
I guided the civilians toward the forest—where Marco and the others were. At least there, they would be safe for the time being.
Remaining alert, I kept wondering—what were those creatures? In all my life, I had never seen anything like them.
Human experimental creations?
Or something else entirely?
What was certain was that they targeted only humans. Even when passing by livestock farms, they showed no interest in the animals at all.
I glanced at the intercom hologram. Naira and Dania were still holding on, but it was clear they were overwhelmed. I had to hurry.
After ensuring the civilians entered the forest and followed the trail path, I turned back toward the city.
The city was small, but still too far to cross on foot. I needed the help of the iron sphere on my shoulder.
"Percy! Flight mode!"
"Roger!"
Holographic wings appeared, attaching themselves to my back. In an instant, I lifted off, darting toward the city center.
But suddenly—
'Wooosh!'
A massive chunk of concrete shot toward us from an unexpected direction.
"Wah—!" Percy screamed in panic.
We managed to dodge it, but lost balance and crashed down. Fortunately, we weren't seriously injured.
I quickly stood, searching for the source of the attack.
On top of a shop building, someone stood watching me.
A white knight's uniform—the kind from Asteria. Long blonde hair tied in a ponytail. The face of a girl very familiar to me.
"Y-You…?!"
Her smile hadn't changed—just like that night when we first met.
"Hey, little girl. Long time no see."
※ ※ ※ (Chapter – 08) ※ ※ ※