The evening air hung heavy over Uroun, painted in a warm wash of amber and red as the sun dipped low on the horizon.
The soldiers of Obsidian Fang moved in loose pairs across the battered plains, their armor loosened and shoulders relaxed. There was no urgency in their steps. Their weapons not it sight anymore.
Two soldiers, younger than most, strolled a little further from the main road, speaking idly about how quiet everything finally felt. Their words echoed softly against the broken ridges of stone and ash.
"Almost feels wrong," one muttered, kicking a pebble across the dirt. "After all that chaos… it's too quiet."
His companion gave a short laugh. "Quiet's good. Means we're done. No more blood, no more screaming."
But their steps faltered as the smell reached them first—a thick, metallic stench carried by the breeze. It was faint, but undeniable, worming its way into their noses. Both exchanged a puzzled glance, brows furrowing.
Following the scent, they pushed past a cluster of broken stone and rubble… and froze.
There, sprawled unnaturally against the cracked ground, was a body.
It wasn't just dead—it was desecrated. The torso had been ripped open as though torn apart from the inside, ribs jutting out like broken, blood-soaked branches. The skin had been shredded in long, jagged slashes, the kind no blade could leave. What remained of the face was contorted, twisted, eyes glassy and wide, as though the man had died mid-scream.
The blue hair of the man was turned red from all the blood.
The soldiers gagged, one clapping a hand over his mouth.
"Fucking Insane…" the first whispered, voice trembling. "That's… a Remnant."
The second swallowed hard, trying not to retch as he forced his eyes away from the mangled corpse. "He must've come across Sir Neo or worse Sir Zazm."
"Unlucky for him."
They were just talking when they suddenly heard a shout from behind.
"HEY STOP TALKING AND LOOK FOR INJURED AND CORPSES."
" YES SIR!" Both soldiers shouted simultaneously before running back to continue the search.
Both of them walked forward until they reached and several people were unconscious on the ground.
"Are they dead? Wait no" One of the soldiers walked forward and checked.
"No they are alive quickly call the medical team."
The other guy ran back quickly as the man checked condition of everyone one of one. Until he across a huge peice of flesh. He looked ahead and there was a body that looked like it had been blasted with something.
"Looks like they all didn't meet the same fate."
---
Zazm walked in silence, his boots crunching over scattered fragments of stone and metal. The battlefield was quiet now, eerily quiet, the smoke still rising faintly in curling streams against the ruined skyline. His expression remained blank, unreadable, eyes fixed ahead as though already calculating the next step, the next war, the next necessity.
A sudden drift of violet caught his eye.
A strand of purple hair fell lazily into his vision, fluttering down. Zazm tilted his head up, and there she was—Zephyra—drifting above him, floating upside down in the air like a feather that had ignored the laws of gravity. Her long hair dangled toward him, brushing faintly against his shoulder as her eyes stared at him with their usual detached amusement.
"Sorry," she murmured lazily, voice soft as though she had just awoken. "Took me a while."
Zazm's gaze sharpened for a second, then shifted—not to her face, but to the small glint of silver at her right ear. A delicate earring shimmered faintly in the dim light.
"You got it," he said simply, his cold tone betraying neither surprise nor warmth.
Zephyra rotated upright in the air, floating beside him now. She gave the smallest of nods, brushing her hair back with a lazy flick. "Mhm. But it was a pain."
"Like what?" Zazm asked, voice monotone.
Instead of answering, Zephyra yawned, stretching her arms as if the very question was too much effort. In one effortless motion, she dropped down and latched onto him from behind, her arms curling tightly around him. She rested her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes as if the battlefield around them didn't exist.
"I'm too tired," she mumbled against him, her tone carrying its usual air of boredom.
Zazm's eyes flickered slightly, but his expression remained composed, cold as ever.
"Did you have to make yourself visible?"
"Mm...Yes." Zephyra gave the faintest nod, her cheek pressed to his shoulder. Her grip tightened a little, out of habit.
"I'm sleeping again," she whispered, eyes already closing.
Zazm exhaled softly through his nose—something close to a sigh, though lacking emotion. He simply continued walking forward, his silent, steady gait unbroken.
The silence broke with a voice.
"Yoo, Zazm!"
Zazm stopped mid-step, his body stiffening slightly. He turned, his gaze calm but cutting. Asher was striding toward him, one hand in his pocket, the other raised in a lazy wave. His red eyes glimmered with mischief, his smile sharp and careless as always.
Asher closed the distance with easy steps. "Teleport me back to the EIAA," he said casually, then paused, tilting his head. "Wait—aren't you going there too?"
Zazm gave a single nod. "Give me a while."
Asher hummed, scratching his chin before smirking again. "Oh yeah, I heard you used some special attack. Wiped out like… eighty percent of the forces by yourself. Am I hearing that right?"
"Yes," Zazm answered simply, his tone flat. His eyes flicked sideways to Zephyra, still draped against him, her breathing slow as though already asleep.
"And what about Neo?" Zazm asked.
Asher shrugged, looking away with a smirk. "Neo'll have to stay here for a while. Once your Vana restores, let me know. I'll help with the search and whatever else you've got cooking."
Zazm gave a slight nod. He said nothing more.
The scene drifted away, dissolving into the quiet hum of nighttime.
"Do we have classes tomorrow?" Zephyra asked yawning and Zazm nodded.
Zephyra slammed her head on his shoulder, "damn it all....."
---
The dormitory was calm, its halls dimly lit by the faint glow of the moon filtering through the tall windows. The night air was heavy, pressing down on the academy grounds. Inside, footsteps echoed—two figures walking in unison.
Minos's jaw was tight, his fists clenched. His usual calm was replaced with barely-contained frustration. "Where the hell did Zazm go? Because of him, we couldn't practice at all today."
Kiyomasa walked at his side, posture calm, hands tucked behind his back. His voice was steady, patient. "He used his pass. Apparently, he went outside for today."
Minos snapped his head toward him, eyes sharp. "What type of nonsense is that? We literally told him yesterday to be here. Today, he just… goes out?"
Kiyomasa's tone softened, though his words were measured. "What if he had important work?"
"Important work my ass," Minos growled, voice rising. His steps were heavy on the floorboards. "What exactly would he have? He doesn't even—" He stopped himself, his teeth grinding.
Kiyomasa didn't respond immediately. He allowed Minos's words to linger before speaking again, his tone steady. "It's nighttime. He would be back by now if he were coming. Let's go."
They walked together, their footsteps echoing in sync until they reached Zazm's door.
Minos raised his hand and knocked once. Silence.
He knocked again, louder this time. Still no answer.
"Tch." Minos scowled, crossing his arms.
"Don't tell me he's asleep now. After everything."
Kiyomasa let his hand drop to his side. His voice remained calm. "Not like we can do anything. Let's just wait for tomorrow."
Minos's glare lingered on the door, but after a moment he exhaled sharply through his nose, muttering curses under his breath as he turned away.
The hallway grew silent again, the closed door behind them untouched, its occupant absent, elsewhere, carrying burdens neither of them could yet understand.
---
The engineering zone was dimly lit, a low hum of machinery and distant sparks filling the cavernous halls. Sparks danced across walls and railings, catching in odd flashes against the endless steel that surrounded them. The air smelled faintly of molten metal, sharp and heavy, the lifeblood of the factory flowing sluggishly through channels in the floor.
Renzo and Toreth walked side by side across the steel bridge that cut high above the pit of machinery. Renzo's massive figure, towering at twelve feet, made the bridge groan softly under each heavy step. He looked every bit the giant he was, broad-shouldered and imposing, yet his expression carried none of that intimidation—his dark eyes held only quiet thought, his presence strangely gentle despite the bulk of his frame.
Toreth, in stark contrast, seemed almost out of place. Slightly hunched, his lean form draped in layered clothes, his hands forever twitching with odd little motions as if he was assembling something invisible in the air. A permanent crooked smile tugged at his lips, the kind that could be read as foolish—but behind it lurked a sharp, calculating mind, the kind that could turn madness into genius.
"This is bad… at this rate…" Toreth muttered, tapping his fingers against the railing in a rhythm only he seemed to understand. His voice was light, almost casual, though it carried an undercurrent of unease.
Renzo's jaw tightened, his deep voice a rumble that resonated in the steel around them. "At this rate, we definitely won't be able to finish it."
Toreth hummed, squinting at the molten channels below as if he could see solutions swirling in the glowing liquid. "Is there… anything we can do?"
Renzo shook his head slowly. "None. Nothing that won't take ten times longer than we have."
"Mm…" Toreth's sigh wasn't heavy like Renzo's. It came out almost amused, as though the failure itself was an intriguing puzzle. His fingers twitched again, mimicking the twist of a screwdriver, the tightening of bolts that weren't there.
The two continued in silence, Renzo's massive form moving with surprising care across the bridge, while Toreth seemed to skip between steps with restless energy. Below, the zone stretched like a half-dead beast—machines coughing sparks, skeletal frames of unfinished constructs looming in the shadows, the sound of energies echoing like a heartbeat.
When they reached the highest point of the bridge, Renzo rested his massive hands on the railing. The bridge seemed tiny under his weight, yet he leaned with gentleness, his gaze wandering over the fractured maze below. His voice broke the silence at last.
"Toreth… have you heard about Zazm?"
Toreth tilted his head, his grin widening faintly. "That remnant kid? The one ripping through the frontlines?"
Renzo nodded once. "He's made a name for himself. That boy's been fighting for humanity with everything he has."
Renzo looked up acknowledging his hardwork, "He deseveres it, we made the right decision trusting Rhyes."
Toreth's eyes glinted, faint reflections of molten light sparking against his odd gaze. "Yeah… I heard Uroun turned into history the moment he stepped in. Whole battle rewritten just by his presence."
"Fascinating…" Toreth muttered.
They stood there for a moment, the weight of silence pressing down, the bridge creaking softly under Renzo's massive frame.
Then, suddenly, Toreth snapped his fingers, his crooked smile curving wider, excitement flashing like lightning in his eyes.
"Wait, wait, wait… doesn't he have someone with him? That other remnant… the one with quantum matter manipulation?"
Renzo turned his head, brows raising slightly. "You mean Minos. His power is… unusual."
Toreth's grin sharpened, and he tapped the side of his temple, his voice lilting with amusement.
"Unusual? He's exactly what we need. A walking solution to impossible problems. He can create Matter out of nothing. Our solution."
Renzo's stern face softened with a hint of hope. "…You're right. That might actually work."
Toreth twirled on his heel, his coat fluttering with the motion, his hands already twitching like he was sketching blueprints in the air. "Then what are we waiting for? I'll head to EIAA now and fetch him myself."
Renzo straightened, his towering shadow stretching across the bridge as he gave a single firm nod. "I'll hold things together here until you return."
Toreth waved lazily over his shoulder, his crooked smile never fading. "Leave it to me. When I come back, we'll have more than just hope—we'll have results."
And with that, Toreth disappeared into the dim, chaotic sprawl of the engineering zone below, his laughter faintly echoing in the metallic gloom.
---
The scene shifted abruptly to the training chamber. The air was warmer, buzzing with casual chatter, the hum of energy from the many Catalysts still lingering in the room.
Zazm entered, his expression cold and calculating as always, eyes drifting across the chamber like a sharp blade. The atmosphere immediately seemed to quiet down, a subtle weight pressing on everyone nearby.
Nova gave a low whistle, leaning back with his hands tucked behind his head. "Well, well. Look who finally decided to show up."
Minos pushed himself to his feet, his tone sharp. "Where the hell were you yesterday?"
Zazm didn't answer right away. His face was unreadable, his posture unyielding. When he finally spoke, it was with a flat simplicity. "I had some work."
Ai's eyes narrowed as she stepped closer, suspicion threading her voice. "What type of work? You don't just disappear. You're not the type to take a day off."
The tension in the chamber thickened, everyone subtly attuned to the sharp edge in her tone.
Zazm's gaze didn't waver. He didn't even meet her eyes, his stare moving instead across the others, methodically scanning the room as if measuring each of them in silence.
Nova stepped in with a half-smile, raising a hand as though physically cutting through the tension. "Easy. Let's all take it down a notch." His voice carried a steady, grounding quality, trying to diffuse the weight hanging in the air. "So? Did you go relax somewhere… or what?"
Zazm remained silent, his calm gaze sliding past Nova to the corner of the room, where a space sat empty.
Lisa's voice carried across the chamber, level but edged with strain. "It's really hard to find someone good these days."
Kiyomasa crossed his arms, his voice gruff. "Most people are either too weak, or they can't follow orders."
Miwa leaned against a rail, casual as always, but her words were pointed. "What do you expect? The good ones have already been taken."
Jennie's gentle voice rose above the others, warm and reassuring. "We'll find someone. Don't worry."
Zazm's eyes flicked briefly to her, still cold, still expressionless. "We'll lose again," he stated plainly.
Jennie's smile didn't falter, though her eyes softened with a quiet firmness. She shook her head. "No. We won't. If we don't push for the final round, then we won't have to risk it. Two- or three-person teams. Maybe solo, if it comes to it. That's how we'll move."
Her tone carried certainty, her warmth steady even under his piercing stare. She looked at the group with that same quiet resolve and added, "Shall I start?"
Every head nodded.
The moment Jennie activated, the chamber seemed to ripple. Reality itself blurred at the edges as their surroundings faded, bending into the layered fabric of the virtual field.
Jennie's eyes snapped open.
Zazm was already there beside her on the bench, sitting with the same effortless stillness, as though he had simply materialized from shadow. He rose soundlessly, precise in every movement, and a window appeared before them, flickering with crisp letters.
Mission 11: Hidden Among Us
Objective:
Locate and identify enemy assets disguised as civilians. They are gathering intel on key targets. Neutralize their operation with discretion and without public notice.
Note:
They are masters of disguise, but their true nature is a tell. Look for the glint of hatred in their eyes. It's the one thing they can't hide. Use their animosity as your guide.
Jennie glanced at Zazm. "Looks like the first is a duo mission."
Zazm nodded once, calm and silent.
Jennie adjusted her hair, brushing a strand of hair aside. "We should keep it low profile."
Zazm looked down at his plain hoodie and mask. "Agreed."
Another window appeared, offering them outfit choices. Zazm selected a dark hoodie with a mask covering his lower face. Jennie picked a round cap and sunglasses, her umbrella resting lightly against her shoulder.
Zazm raised his hand, and a sleek, phone-like device materialized in his palm. He handed one to her. "It is probably a communication device."
Jennie nodded, slipping it into her pocket. "Got it. Do we split or move together?"
"Wait Zazm look at this we have a map."
Before he could answer, she expanded the hovering map window, spreading it until the city unfolded before them in glowing clarity.
Zazm leaned closer to her looking at map, he analyzed it for a second before his finger tapped two points. "You take City Hall. I'll take the market."
Jennie's brow furrowed. "We're splitting up?"
He gave the faintest nod. "City Hall is quieter. You'll handle it easier."
Jennie thought it over, then exhaled. "Makes sense… and you're picking the market because it's packed. More ground to cover."
He didn't confirm, didn't deny, just shifted his weight, preparing to leave.
Jennie raised her hand with a small smile. "Let's meet at the lakeside in six hours. We have a time limit of seven so we'll be fine."
Zazm's reply was monotone.
"Ok."
---
Jennie walked through the bustling courtyard of City Hall, weaving between clusters of civilians. Their conversations rose and fell around her, laughter and idle chatter masking the hidden threat.
Turning a corner, she accidentally bumped into an elderly woman, who stumbled with a startled gasp.
"Oh! Sorry!" Jennie bent quickly, steadying her. But as their eyes met, Jennie noticed it—a flash of raw disgust beneath the woman's warm smile.
"It's alright," the woman said softly, her voice smooth. But the hatred flickered again, too sharp to miss.
Jennie's lips curved in a gentle smile. "Where are you headed, granny?"
The woman gave a practiced chuckle. "Just the market."
Jennie tilted her head. "I'll walk with you."
The woman's smile thinned almost imperceptibly, but she nodded.
They moved together, slipping into a narrow side alley. The old woman glanced ahead. "We can take a shortcut from this alleyway," she whispered.
"Really? That'll save us time." Jennie followed with a smile without hesitation.
Then, the shift. The old woman's lips pulled into a grin far too wide, and her hand snapped forward like a striking viper.
Jennie's reflexes were instant. Her body twisted, her hand snapping up, and in one fluid motion she caught and broke the woman's wrist before snapping her neck in silence.
The body collapsed to the cobblestone, lifeless.
Jennie stood frozen, her breath catching in her throat. Her hands trembled faintly as she stared down at the lifeless figure. The disguise had peeled away, leaving only the twisted sneer of a Remnant who had been moments from striking her down.
"It's just… a simulation," she whispered, her voice soft, almost pleading. Yet her chest tightened, guilt spreading through her ribs like a vice. "But it feels real."
Her gaze lingered on the broken body. She pressed her trembling fingers to her lips, as though trying to quiet her own breathing.
"I don't want this… I don't want to kill anyone."
The words slipped out, fragile and human.
But then her fists clenched, and she forced herself to look away.
"I am Naive but not enough to not know, If I hesitate I might lose someone close to me..."
The weight pressed harder, but she drew a shaky breath, grounding herself.
"I can't keep being a burden."
Jennie stepped away from the body, the quiet resolve in her eyes belying the storm in her heart.
Suddenly a window appeared Infront oh her.
Number of Spies Caught: 4/10
"Huh? I only killed one tho..." she quickly got over her confusion nodding. "I forgot Zazm is there too..."
She walked out fixing her disguise when a thought appeared in her head.
'Zazm choose the hard thing for himself and left me on an easier path.'
It wasn't the first time something like this had happened. From the very beginning Zazm always kept the hard stuff by himself.
"I know it's because he cares about us but still...." She looked down and clenched her fists with a solemn look.
Nova was an equal to Zazm. Probably the only person Zazm would entrust with stuff...for others he would go on to fight entire wars alone so they don't get involved.
He treated everyone equally putting them onto fights and small missions but it was obvious he didn't want them to get involved in big stuff. The reason wasn't because he didn't trust them it was simply because they were far precious for him to lose.
---
The night air was sharp and cool, brushing gently against the cobblestone path as Jennie dragged the last body into a corner, her breathing slightly ragged.
The simulation was too real—the weight of the disguised remnant, the resistance of the limbs, even the faint smell of iron. She heaved it into the dumpster and shut the lid with a dull thud.
"That makes it four…" she murmured to herself, brushing her hands together. Her chest rose and fell as she summoned the mission interface. The floating numbers blinked into existence: Target Eliminated: 10/10.
Jennie let out a sigh of relief. "We're done… finally." She checked the time: 19:22. That meant the mission still had nearly forty minutes left before it concluded. She frowned a little but smiled after. "Guess we just have to wait for the time limit now."
Her feet carried her quietly toward the lakeside. The further she went, the quieter it became, until all the distant sounds of the simulation—the chatter of fake civilians, the noise of cars and streets—faded into silence.
The main gate was closed, barred with an iron lock. A warning sign hung nearby:
"Trespassers will be prosecuted."
Jennie tilted her head, then chuckled under her breath. "Looks like I'll be a criminal today."
With an agile motion, she climbed the steel bars and hopped down the other side, brushing dust off her knees.
The cobblestone path stretched before her, lined with glowing streetlamps, each one spilling a pool of warm yellow light on the ground. The breeze picked up, carrying the scent of water from the lake ahead.
And there—under one of those streetlamps—stood a lone figure.
Jennie stopped, squinting to see through the dim. When her eyes adjusted, her breath caught. It was Zazm.
Hands in his pockets, leaning casually against the pole, his eyes were half-lidded, cold, and still, as if the world itself held no meaning to him. The faint light outlined his sharp features, the rest hidden in shadow.
Jennie hesitated for just a moment before walking forward. "Why are you here?" she asked softly, her voice breaking the stillness.
Zazm tilted his head slightly, his eyes lifting only enough to meet hers. He pointed toward the lake, where a small tower rose from the water, faintly lit by the lamps reflecting off the waves. "The last one was there," he said, voice quiet, cold, and matter-of-fact. "So I had to come here."
Jennie followed his gesture, then looked back at him. A playful smile curved her lips. "And then you just stayed because of the breeze and atmosphere, huh?"
Zazm gave a small nod—barely noticeable, but there.
Jennie chuckled lightly, removing her sunglasses and cap. She let her hair loose to catch the breeze, closing her eyes to enjoy the feeling. "We still have twenty minutes," she said softly.
Zazm didn't reply.
The silence between them stretched, filled only by the rustling of leaves and the soft lapping of water.
Then Zazm's voice cut through, flat and sudden. "How have you been doing?"
Jennie blinked, surprised. For a second, her face softened in warmth before she answered brightly, "Really great. I'm enjoying my time at EIAA a lot."
And then the words came pouring out. Like a child who had been waiting for someone to listen, Jennie began rambling—her voice sweet, animated, filled with life.
"You never have time to properly talk, so let me tell you everything. Nirin is so lazy, she's always sneaking naps in class. And about Lisa—don't misjudge her temper, she's actually really nice. She wants to be a medic and join Sable Viel! Talking about that, Nirin wants to too. Oh, and—"
Her words tumbled one after another, bubbling with excitement. But halfway through, Jennie suddenly stopped, cheeks flushing faintly. "Sorry… it's been a while since we talked, so I guess I got carried away."
Zazm's gaze, steady and unreadable, remained fixed on her. Then his voice came, sharp and cold, slicing through the moment.
"It's fine. Moreover…" His tone shifted slightly, though still devoid of warmth. "Is something bothering you?"
Jennie froze. His precision struck too close. She shook her head quickly, forcing a smile. "No, nothing at all. I'm as happy and cool as ever."
Zazm exhaled softly, lowering his eyes back to the ground. For a while, silence lingered. Then, his words landed like stone.
"Jennie, I'm not dumb. And nor are you."
Jennie's lips parted slightly. The bluntness of it disarmed her.
After a moment, she let out a small breath and her smile softened into something sad. "Looks like nothing still escapes you, huh…" She turned and leaned against the streetlamp beside his, staring up at the dim glow. "I'm just… worried, you know?"
Her voice trembled, though faintly. "I think I'm not doing enough. I'm also a part of the team, but most of the time… I have to be protected. I know I'm naive, and I don't understand as much as you all do. That's why I want to be better. It doesn't mean I don't trust you, Zazm, or Nova, or anyone else. I just…"
Her fists clenched as she looked down, unable to finish.
Zazm looked down at a small puddle near his feet as he saw his reflection in it, his voice was quiet, but absolute. "You're wrong."
Jennie's eyes flickered up, startled.
"I noticed this a while back," Zazm continued, his tone flat yet cutting with accuracy. "You and Kiyomasa both think of yourselves as burdens. The difference is, Kiyo's just an airhead kid. But you—you're older than all of us, more mature and observing. That makes you feel guilty."
Jennie's breath caught. He'd stripped her feelings bare without hesitation.
She whispered, "Miwa's also a kid, but she's doing great. And Minos and Kiyomasa too—they're young, but they're strong. Ai's confident and independent. But me? I'm naive and still soft. Still kind. And that always gets in my way."
Zazm stared at his reflection in the puddle under his feet, voice low but steady. "Being kind is something to be proud of."
Jennie blinked.
"Those that choose to remain kind after witnessing reality," he said, eyes never leaving the ground,"are the strong ones. The world is full of weaklings like me."
He stared at his reflection in the puddle as if looking at something he hates.
Jennie opened her mouth but stopped, unsure how to reply. Something about his words felt heavy—too heavy, as if he wasn't just speaking to her, but to something buried deep inside himself.
Then his gaze lifted, meeting hers for the first time. "You're not a burden. You never were. Not you, not Kiyo, not Miwa. None of you. We all have our roles. And yours… is the most crucial."
Jennie blinked, taken aback. "Me?"
Zazm nodded faintly. "You're kind. And because of that, we've stayed together. You resolve things with simplicity, and everyone loves you. Your role is like a mother in a family, while we're the children. And besides—" His eyes dropped again, voice flattening. "You're just as precious as anyone else."
Jennie stood frozen. Shock, warmth, confusion—all of it swirled inside her. Then she felt it—the sting in her eye. A tear rolled down before she realized it. Quickly, she turned away, wiping her face with her palms and forcing a smile.
"Thanks," she whispered, leaning against the lamp with her back to him.
Her lips quivered, her voice barely hanging on the edge of breaking — then, all at once, the tension snapped.
She burst into laughter.
"Did you realize," she managed between breaths, her shoulders shaking, "you spoke more in these ten minutes… than you have in the past two years?"
The sound spilled out of her like a spring breaking through stone. Not the restrained, trembling chuckles from before, but a full, wholesome laugh — pure, unrestrained, ringing in the quiet night.
For a moment, it was as if every weight had fallen from her shoulders. The grief, the doubt, the silence — all scattered into the night air.
She laughed as though she were free, like a child again, like a fairy dancing lightly in the glow of the lamp, untethered from worry, from regret.
And in that fleeting moment, she truly was.
Zazm didn't answer.
Jennie tilted her head back to look at the lamp's glow. Her voice was soft, almost fragile, as if she was holding herself together with every word.
"…This reminds me of when Nova found me," she said, forcing a small smile. "Before I joined the Catalysts, I lived such a plain, boring life. Nothing special. Just… empty days."
Her fingers brushed her hair behind her ear, a nervous little motion as she kept her eyes on the light instead of him.
"But then Nova approached me, and everything changed." She chuckled faintly, the sound trembling at the edges. "I used to find him under lamps like these. He'd play silly little games with me. At first, I thought he was just a weirdo, but then… it became something I looked forward to."
Her voice dipped quieter, tinged with something tender and unspoken. "And that's when I fell for Nova."
Zazm's reply was flat, unbothered. "Good for you."
Jennie let out a brittle laugh, pressing her hands together as if to stop their slight shaking. She kept talking, softer now, like confessing to the air more than to him.
"You remember, right? When Nova first brought me to meet you and Kiyomasa?"
"Yes," Zazm said simply.
Her smile wavered, the corners of her lips trembling. She held it anyway, refusing to let it break. "…It wouldn't be wrong to say Nova really saved me."
Silence. He didn't correct her. He didn't question it.
Jennie's heart sank with quiet certainty.
When he turned to walk away, she lifted her hand as if to reach him, but it faltered halfway, fingers curling uselessly in the air. Her eyes shimmered, her voice breaking into the gentlest whisper, a truth too fragile to give him directly.
"…It wasn't Nova." A pause, her throat tight. "…It was you who saved me, Zazm."
The wind carried it off before it could reach him, leaving her standing under the lamp's glow, her smile thin and trembling, holding herself together even as the truth weighed her down.
_______________________