Colder. Heavier. Similar to when Rena was in the outer territories, but it felt more dangerous. That was what Rena felt and couldn't shake off as she walked toward leaving the outskirts of the city.
The night wind blew silently. No tightly packed houses, no warm light from windows. Just a long road… leading into darkness.
Rena walked beside Claire. Her steps remained steady, but her mind was clearly unsettled. Her gaze was still full of questions about the city, about the residents, about… the men.
Claire glanced at her. She could see the hesitation, the unanswered questions.
…you're definitely still thinking about earlier, aren't you. About what you saw and what you felt when you looked at the people there—whether ordinary residents or those working… all of them were the same.
Claire's straight-to-the-point voice broke the silence.
Hearing that, Rena was confused by Hero Claire's words. With darting eyes, her left hand tucked into her large robe pocket, Rena said.
How do you know, Hero Claire??
Hero Claire didn't answer immediately. She kept walking, but this time she started talking. Softly, while squinting her eyes.
They know what's happening to the men taken by the otherworldly heroes… because… now, the men that exist…
She paused for a moment.
…are no longer fully human.
Rena froze for a moment. Now her right hand tried not to go into her large robe pocket, as if still hoping. Her steps slowed.
…N-no… that's impossible… I-if that's the case!! If that's the case, then the otherworldly heroes must have a reason for taking them, right!!!
Claire finally opened her eyes. Her gaze was sharp, but not trying to intimidate. Just… honest. Her face remained flat as she said.
That's right… what the otherworldly heroes are doing is not without clear reason. It's because those human men have already become half-monsters.
Hearing that, Rena was a little shocked. Her eyes could only dart around, her lips slightly parted. This time, she fell silent.
…
Meanwhile, Claire faced forward again and continued, her eyes squinting.
Their bodies are changing. Their strength is increasing. But… their humanity is slowly disappearing.
Hearing those words, Rena just stayed silent. Her mind tried to process the words she had just heard.
Her voice was soft, as if making sure, with both hands now inside her large robe pockets.
…so… a-at least they didn't disappear, right??
Claire answered without hesitation. But this time, her jaw tensed slightly, as if she didn't want to say it.
They didn't disappear. But their current selves are being taken over by another version of themselves…
Then Hero Claire paused for a moment, her lips trembling and her steps slowing slightly.
…and what remains…
Hero Claire stared into the darkness ahead of them.
…is something even this kingdom isn't ready to face.
Hearing that, Rena's face turned shadowed, but she kept moving—as if asking alone wouldn't be enough to get her answers.
Their steps continued. Now it wasn't just an ordinary journey, but a journey toward answers about the world, about something much darker waiting out there.