The old man's expression was grim.
"So, you're targeting our Kurta clan?"
"Because of our Scarlet Eyes?"
"You think the one interested in our eyes might be the same person who killed your friend?"
Sheila nodded. "That's right."
The old man exhaled slowly. "Then have you considered something?"
"What is it?"
"Your friend suffered a terrible fate, but if you do this to the Kurta, aren't you treating us the same way your friend was treated?"
He fixed Sheila with a piercing stare. "If she were still alive, what do you think she would say about what you're doing?"
Sheila shook her head. "It's not the same."
"You're outsiders. We are from Meteor City."
"The people of Meteor City are the world's rejects. We're not the same as you."
"I just want revenge—my way. Everything else is irrelevant to me."
The old man's voice turned cold. "So if you survive today, you'll keep doing this?"
"Yes. My revenge won't stop."
"It doesn't matter if innocent people die? Even if more innocent lives are lost than the number of actual killers?"
"Yes."
Silence stretched between them.
To be honest, the old man couldn't accept it.
His entire clan had been exterminated—for what? A completely irrational reason.
The tragedy with Sarasa had nothing to do with the Kurta.
Her killer wasn't from their clan. They weren't even connected to him.
And yet…
The old man realized something unsettling—he had no way to make Sheila feel guilty.
Her sense of morality didn't align with normal values.
Even if he killed her, it wouldn't bring him satisfaction. She wouldn't beg, she wouldn't regret. It would be nothing more than another death.
"…Are all people from Meteor City like this?" he asked finally.
"Not exactly," Sheila replied. "I can't speak for everyone, but the Phantom Troupe took a different path than I did."
"They turned Meteor City into a haven for criminals."
"They chose to be the worst of the worst."
"They spread fear outside the city, so that others wouldn't dare treat Meteor City's people like disposable trash. They wanted to stop outsiders from trafficking our people like livestock."
"At the same time, they attracted more and more ruthless criminals."
"They believe the person who killed Sarasa was likely dealt with by his own master. And those kinds of people… they always leave traces behind."
"Photos, videos, recordings."
"But that's not my way."
Sheila paused, then continued.
"I know you're furious about the destruction of the Kurta clan. And I understand that."
"But I won't apologize. And I won't feel guilty."
"This world wronged Meteor City first."
"We despise all outsiders."
"But if your hatred for what happened to the Kurta clan can't be quelled, then don't kill me."
"I only exposed where they lived."
"The ones who actually massacred them weren't me—it was the outsiders."
"And they're all on my list for revenge."
"As long as I'm alive, I'll keep hunting them down."
"Until I die."
"There were many enemies of the Kurta clan."
"I'm just one of them."
"If you kill me now, you'll have one less enemy."
"But if you let me live, the enemies of the Kurta will keep falling."
The old man narrowed his eyes at her. "Are you afraid of dying?"
"I'm not afraid," Sheila said without hesitation. "If you kill me now, it won't matter. I've already taken the first step in avenging Sarasa. Even if I die here, I won't have any regrets."
"But if I'm alive, I'll keep going."
The old man's eyes flickered with emotion.
"…I have to admit, you almost convinced me." He sighed. "But unfortunately, I can't let you go. And you have no way out of here."
"This place is sealed off. A dead zone."
"No one is leaving."
"Even if you have spatial abilities."
"My time is nearly up."
"My life is at its end."
"Soon, I'll die."
"And in a short while, so will you two."
"There's no water, no food. Even Nen users can't last forever."
Then, the old man suddenly turned toward Kaizen.
"…Little one. What's your name?"
"Kaizen."
The old man's expression softened slightly. "Kaizen… I'm sorry you got dragged into this."
"I only meant to trap her, but I didn't expect to bring you in too."
"I can tell… you haven't taken any Kurta lives."
"You were part of the invading group, but you're not like the others."
"With your strength, killing a Kurta wouldn't have been difficult."
"Tell me—why didn't you?"
Kaizen hesitated before answering. "I'm an assassin. If you want someone dead, you have to pay."
"The Aiyi family hired me. They offered me a pair of Scarlet Eyes—worth almost 500 million jenny."
"But at that price, it wasn't worth it."
"That's why I didn't target the Kurta."
The old man blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected that answer.
"…That's unexpected." He sighed. "Then why did you come here? The deal was set before you arrived. If you weren't going to kill, why come?"
"I practice Nen Beast techniques. I need to observe different places and people to create a beast that fits me. The Kurta clan… was valuable for observation."
"…I see. That makes sense."
The old man sighed again, his face filled with exhaustion.
"…I'm sorry for dragging you into this."
"But I can't send you out."
"You weren't meant to die here, but now…"
"Unless someone gains Sumas' approval…"
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