Ren, who had initially been leaning against the wall, slowly slumped to the ground in relief after using all his strength to throw the "Wolf's Grave" sword to Texas. Having witnessed her beautiful, indescribable swordsmanship and her victory, he smiled with joy—but there was also bitterness in his expression.
"In the end… I really am weak."
After bidding farewell to her family, Texas turned and began walking toward him. Ren, though trying to force a smile and stand up, struggled as if one of his bones had broken, making it a difficult task.
Seeing this, Texas rushed over to help support him.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine… but I think the communicator broke when I fell. I can't reach Exusiai anymore," Ren replied casually, glancing at the shattered earpiece on the ground before looking back at Texas with a smile.
"More importantly, we won, didn't we?"
"Yeah… we won." Texas nodded with a smile, then lifted his arm over her shoulders to help him up.
Since they weren't far apart in height, the motion wasn't awkward, but it was still slightly embarrassing for Ren—who had never been this physically close to a girl before. (Lappland/Exusiai: "What about us?") He caught a whiff of her perfume and blushed.
"Is this really the time to be thinking about stuff like that?" Ren scolded himself, pushing away the inappropriate thoughts.
"Let's head back to the others. There's a staircase behind us. When I was hanging above just now, I saw a hidden path in that direction," Texas said, pointing behind them.
"No need, I can summon a stone pillar to carry us up." Not wanting to burden Texas, Ren raised his hand to conjure the pillar…
But she gently lowered his hand, speaking with a serious expression.
"Ren, your body is already at its limit."
"Limit?" Ren didn't understand what she meant, but when he looked down at his trembling hand, he was rendered speechless.
It wasn't just the shaking—his heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might burst out of his chest. Yet Ren wasn't surprised by these symptoms. He had lived with them every day while bedridden.
But what he had forgotten was… that this body wasn't sick anymore.
"That condition is called 'Overheat.' When the body uses Originium energy without a medium for too long, it can't adapt. The early stages make it hard to breathe. Later, you'll feel feverish. In the final stage, your body weakens, and your heart works overtime to circulate blood and prevent the Originium from going berserk inside you."
"Judging by your symptoms… you might already be in the final stage. How many times have you used raw Originium power today?" Texas asked with a frown.
"Um… I honestly can't remember." Ren looked away, admitting the truth.
He had felt the symptoms ever since summoning the giant rock from the sky, but hadn't paid much attention to them. They worsened when he turned that rock into a golem.
It seemed like his body had more energy than normal people, but because most of his powers were incomplete, it consumed more of his internal energy instead of drawing from elemental particles around him. That was probably why his condition had deteriorated.
"If you keep pushing yourself… you could have a heart attack. Or worse—you might become Infected." Texas said gravely.
But Ren still didn't understand.
"Why is a heart attack less scary than becoming Infected?"
Texas looked away as she answered.
"Because death… might be better than living in endless suffering."
"Every Infected person suffers from Originium disease. Even if they gain some power, they can never return to a normal life. They live in constant physical pain. Only sedatives and suppressants can offer temporary relief. I don't know exactly how much pain they endure, but it's enough to drive a normal person insane with despair."
"There's no cure for the disease?" Ren asked. He had seen Lappland's memories before, but she wasn't someone who explored much, and her medical knowledge was limited. She too had given up hope, even attempting suicide multiple times due to the pain. Eventually, she stopped thinking about a cure and turned her pain into anger.
"There's no cure, Ren. It's been like this for hundreds of years."
"Wait… no cure?!"
"Many companies in Columbia have tried to find one—even through illegal research that involves kidnapping Infected off the streets. But after all these years, no one has made real progress. The best they've achieved are temporary suppressants… but that's nowhere near a cure."
"In the eyes of the world, the Infected are no better than filth… Not because they're disgusting or undeserving of help, but because no one can help them. No one wants to take responsibility for a ticking time bomb. Infected can die at any moment—in the streets, during a meal, even in their sleep. And their death isn't peaceful. Their bodies explode into Originium dust, spreading the infection to anyone nearby."
"That's the true terror of Originium."
"The infection… really is terrifying." Ren thought. His symptoms were similar, except for the lack of crystals forming on his body, and he didn't gain new powers. But the constant pain—every breath hurting—might feel the same. The disease might seem less painful than his condition, but to him, it felt like a cursed gift. Though he could heal himself… he wasn't even sure if what he did counted as healing. Maybe he needed to ask Lappland.
"Still… I don't really care if I become Infected or not. If I can save you and Sora, it's worth it." Ren smiled casually, trying to lighten the mood.
But it had the opposite effect.
"I care!!" Texas shouted.
Ren was shocked. When he turned to look at her, she was glaring at him in anger.
"Don't ever say that again."
"I-I'm sorry… I didn't mean it that way," Ren quickly apologized, not realizing his words would upset her so much.
Texas, realizing she'd lost control, shook her head regretfully.
"No… I'm the one at fault. You risked your life to come save me, and I yelled at you… I should be the one apologizing."
"That's not true! I was the one who said something careless… I just wanted to ease the tension." Ren chuckled awkwardly, still confused by Texas's strong reaction to the word "Infected." Could it be related to Lappland?
Texas looked at him, then lowered her head and softly asked:
"Ren… what does the word 'family' mean to you?"
Ren flinched slightly. He didn't know why she asked that out of the blue, but he had to think carefully… and not give a careless answer again.
"Um… people you care about and feel happy being around… I guess," Ren answered uncertainly, not realizing he had missed an important point.
"He didn't mention blood relations," Texas thought.
"So that's what 'family' means to you?" she asked. When Ren nodded, she murmured, "I see…"
"For me… 'family' means someone I can entrust my life to."
"Entrust… your life?"
"Yes. It doesn't matter who they are, what kind of past they have, or what they've done. As long as they see me as a friend, and trust me enough to risk their life, I'll do the same. That's what I call 'family.' A second home I've been searching for."
Then Texas began telling her story.
"A long time ago… my family, the Texas family, relocated from Siracusa to Columbia. We couldn't bear the oppression and vengeance from the society in Siracusa at that time. My grandfather, who had just become the head of the family after his father passed away, made the decision to migrate his people to Columbia to start a new life. Even though he was branded as a 'Perro'—a derogatory term used by the people of Siracusa—he didn't care. He gave up his dignity to protect the people he loved."
"But… no matter how much the people of that country looked down on him, he still loved that place. He always dreamed of returning to his homeland." As Texas finished speaking, she smiled slightly before continuing, as if reminiscing the stories her grandfather used to tell her.
"When the Texas family first settled in Columbia, it wasn't smooth sailing… There were already mafia gangs there who had migrated earlier and were in control. Even though my family was stronger than the others, my grandfather chose not to use force. Instead, he negotiated peacefully, uniting smaller gangs into one group to drive out the more violent factions from the area."
"Everything ended quickly. No wars. No extended fights. The mafia war ended easily… with only a handful of casualties."
"From that day forward, the Texas family rose to prominence in Columbian society. Leaders of other families tried to nominate my grandfather to be their head. But he refused. He said that no family should be under the rule of another. He simply said… we each have our own pride, our own honor, and our own family to protect. That is the true heart of a family. Becoming one, to support each other like true blood relatives—that's what a real family should be."
"That led many of the families to merge into the Texas family, which quickly grew into one of the most influential groups in Columbia. A peaceful mafia that ran only legal businesses and opposed drugs and all forms of contraband. The townspeople respected and loved them greatly—even government officials trusted us."
"Your grandfather sounds amazing," Ren said, admiring the man who had turned a struggling family into something so powerful.
"Yes… he was the smartest man I ever knew. A kind soul… but never soft when it came to protecting the family. A leader worthy of admiration… and a master swordsman."
"But still… he was too sentimental when it came to the word 'family.'"
"Because our family grew so quickly, our fame also grew—along with our enemies. There were too many of us. Soon, people began to betray each other from within. They infiltrated the family, hoping to use the Texas name for their own gain."
"I was born during that chaotic era. And the job I did most often after becoming an assassin… was killing traitors from within my own family."
"To me, no one in that family ever truly felt like family—except my grandfather and my uncle, who taught me how to wield a sword."
"My mother wanted to use me for a political marriage. My father wanted to exploit my talent for killing to gain fame for himself. My half-brother and half-sister envied my appearance and talent and wanted to stab me in the back. Even the servants tried to poison and assassinate me daily—on orders from relatives I'd never even met. I never had a friend or anyone I could trust… except my grandfather and my uncle."
Ren noticed how stiff Texas's hand became as she spoke of those things.
"Every single day I spent in that mansion… I never truly lived, except when my grandfather visited, or when I trained with my sword master."
"Didn't your grandfather try to help?" Ren asked.
Texas sighed… and shook her head.
"He tried. Like I said… he was too attached to the idea of family to ever harm or punish them. That was his only flaw—and the biggest mistake that led to his…" Texas fell silent. But even without finishing the sentence, Ren could guess how that old man's story ended.
"My uncle tried to help too… but as you can see, his end wasn't much different from my grandfather's. Maybe even worse." Texas looked behind her, toward the spot where Shadow's body had disappeared, then turned back quietly.
"Ten years ago, after my uncle's betrayal and my mother's death… when my grandfather saw how things were deteriorating, he decided to send me somewhere he thought would be safe—his homeland. As a daughter of the Texas family, I was placed under the protection of a prominent family there."
Ren knew that the family she was sent to was the Saluzzo family—Lappland's family.
"At the time… I dreamed that it would be better than the mansion I'd grown up in. A land of freedom, like in my grandfather's stories."
"But no… it wasn't like that at all."
"There, I saw the true face of society. Nothing like the peaceful image my grandfather painted. Just a city with a calm facade hiding cruelty, deceit, and senseless murder. People died like animals, often without even understanding why they were alive in the first place."
"I saw a promising young gang member lying dead in the street because of a grudge he didn't cause. A small-time chef who made delicious carbonara, dead behind his kitchen for displeasing some rogue mafia. A mother hugging the shredded remains of her daughter—killed in a gang war explosion."
"Every day, I saw things like that. Repeatedly. Guilty and innocent alike. Until I grew sick of it."
"I once asked a girl I thought was a friend… if this kind of thing was normal here."
"And she just smiled brightly, like it was nothing, and said—'This is Siracusa. Stuff like this happens every day.'"
"That's when I started reflecting on my life. And wondered—was this place really meant for me?"
"I never liked killing, but I didn't hate it either. I never liked violence, but I didn't hate that either. Honestly, I didn't even know what I truly liked or hated."
"…The only things that brought me peace were my grandfather's words… and music."
"That's why… I thought that if one day I could grow numb to everything, and love my family the way my grandfather did… maybe I could become like him—someone who could change everything."
"I believed that for many years." Texas sighed, before whispering the coldest words she'd ever spoken:
"Until my grandfather was assassinated… by his own son."
"My father… Giuseppe Texas. I always thought he was a greedy man who wanted to bring Texas back to greatness—so he could return to Siracusa in power."
"My grandfather refused him many times. I once saw the look in his eyes—pure hatred aimed at my grandfather. I might have already known something like that day would come. I even warned my grandfather… but do you know what he told me?"
"He said, 'Selena, we must have faith in our family. No matter how terrible my son becomes, blood is thicker than water. Family would never harm one another.' That was the last thing he said to me before I was sent to Siracusa. And it was the last time I saw him."
"I always believed him. That's why a small part of me still had hope for the Texas family… but it all shattered the moment that bullet went through his skull."
"I'd had enough of everything…"
"That's why, when I returned to the Texas family… I killed everyone involved in his death. I killed my arrogant older brother. Killed my money-hungry sister. Killed the servants who once poisoned me. Killed everyone… then watched the mansion I grew up in burn to the ground. And finally… I stabbed my father in the heart. Even in his final moments… he still saw me as a tool—not his daughter."
"…" Ren held Texas's shoulder tightly. He wanted to say something—but no words came out. He was too ashamed to speak.
As if sensing his intention, Texas just shook her head quietly, as if to say she was fine.
"That was the last day I ever believed in family ties. The Texas family… was destroyed by my own hands."
"But it's not what people think… I didn't do it out of revenge. I didn't kill them because I hated them. I killed them to break free from the chains they put on me. I killed my father because he destroyed everything my grandfather built… and tried to keep me from escaping him."
"I gave all of them a choice… and they made theirs."
"I… once thought about dying with the name Texas that day. But… in the end, I still wanted to see it endure."
Texas thought back to her time in Siracusa.
That day, the sky was clear, and the market was unusually peaceful.
No fighting. No gang wars. Perhaps it was the first day of true peace in years.
A small family walked hand in hand, shopping with smiles on their faces. Schoolgirls laughed, arms linked, entering a movie theater. Office workers walked drunkenly down the street, arm in arm after work.
They were able to live happily like that—even in such a cruel land.
That might have been the very first time Celina Texas ever felt true envy and yearning in her heart.
Just like the time when she remembered the image of a silver-haired girl who once promised to plant grapevines all the way to the front yard of the Texas family estate… and then promised Celina that she could eat grapes from her garden every day. And that was the first time Texas had ever truly hoped for something to happen.
Thinking of that impossible scene again, Texas could only smile wistfully...
"I, too… want to live freely and have a life of my own… even if it means making a deal with the devil."
The image of the dark wolf standing before her in the silent forest, with hellfire-red eyes, offering her a sweet contract, was still etched into Texas's memory.
Even if it was only a temporary promise—one that would ultimately drag her back into the past she hated—she still wanted to know what it was like to live as a normal person.
"So… was the life you gained in exchange for that contract worth it?" Ren asked.
And that was the first time he saw Texas smile with pride.
"Every second of it," she replied.
"..." That answer left Ren speechless. And for a brief moment, he showed a rare flicker of unrest in his expression.
But it quickly faded when he heard her next words.
"I took the name Texas because of the promise I made to that devil… to make sure I'd never forget the past or the deal."
"But the reason I use the codename Texas… has nothing to do with that promise."
"I just… had a little hope that I could find a new home—one where I could truly call the people there my family."
"My grandfather's story proved that blood ties alone don't make a family. While some people would die for others… even if they weren't related by blood."
'Same bloodline…'
"I think I've found that home. And I hope… you'll find one too," Texas turned to say to him.
"…" Ren fell silent. He tried to recall the faces of the family he could barely remember…
Texas's past was far more brutal than his own.
Not just her—even Lappland… their pasts. If it had been him going through what they did, he would've gone mad or given up long ago.
He knew he shouldn't compare himself to others, but… he wasn't strong like them.
When faced with hardship, he wanted to rely on help. When something seemed impossible, he wanted to run.
He was willing to fight through physical struggles, but mentally… he was weak. He had considered giving up many times.
Even now… he couldn't help but hate himself a little—for feeling envious of Texas, who managed to keep moving forward despite a past so cruel she didn't even want to think about it.
'Maybe one day… I'll be able to do it too,' Ren clenched his fists tightly and nodded to himself.
He figured it would take time—time to build up the strength of his heart. If he became stronger, maybe someday… he'd have the courage and confidence to move forward like her.
Yes… it was only a matter of time.
"I… will do my best," Ren turned and smiled at Texas.
Although she could tell that smile was fake—just like always—Texas still offered him encouragement.
"I believe you can do it."
———
As Ren and Texas made their way up via the hidden staircase, Ren—who saw Texas carrying the great wolf sword on her back—couldn't help but ask:
"Doesn't that sword feel heavy, Miss Texas?"
"Not at all. Ah… I'm sorry. I forgot to return it to you," Texas said apologetically, as though she had completely forgotten the sword wasn't hers. Her expression showed genuine guilt.
"Do you like it?" Ren asked.
"I just feel… some kind of connection to it— I don't know. When I hold it in my hands, it feels like I can do anything. But—yes, I do like it. A lot."
"In that case… please keep it," Ren replied.
"Are you sure?" Texas asked hesitantly. It was clear she really liked the sword, but she also felt reluctant to accept something so valuable.
"I'm not strong enough to use it right now. So it's better off with you… of course, if it makes you uncomfortable, just consider it on loan."
Naturally… the sword was heavier than the dragon spear. Just throwing it to her earlier took all of his strength. Using it properly was out of the question—he didn't even have the talent to wield a greatsword. It was far more useful in her hands.
"Then… I promise I'll take good care of it," Texas said. At the same time, Ren noticed her tail swaying happily, like a cheerful puppy. He couldn't help but think she looked kind of cute at that moment.
Once they reached the top floor, Ren and Texas made their way toward the hall where Exusiai and Croissant were likely waiting.
'Why hasn't this mission ended yet…?' Ren glanced at the mission tab, which still hadn't marked "Help Texas" as complete. Shadow was dead, that traitor had been frozen outside, and the Blood Demon was gone too. The only threat left was that multi-armed woman, and she didn't even seem all that strong. So why wasn't the mission over?
"We're almost there."
As Ren was still wondering, Texas told him they were nearly there. He looked up toward the hall ahead—it had no door and was just around the corner to the left.
But oddly… there were no sounds. No voices from Exusiai or Croissant.
And then… faint music began playing, only to stop suddenly.
"Miss Texas, I think something's—" Ren tried to warn her, having caught the strange noise. But he didn't finish.
BANG!!!
A gunshot rang out from behind. And the black-haired Lupo beside him collapsed to the floor.
A look of pure shock was frozen on her face, along with a bullet hole straight through the back of her head.
Ren, who had been leaning against her, collapsed with her, staring in horror.
"Miss… Texas?" Ren shook her gently, dazed. Then recoiled in shock as dark red blood spilled out from her head.
Fwooo~ One more down~
A breathy exhale and a cheerful, raspy female voice rang out behind him.
Ren slowly turned his head—and the sight before him made his eyes go wide in utter horror.
The six-armed woman was walking toward him from the path they had come from. She was spinning a very familiar gun in one hand—Exusiai's gun. And the mechanical arms behind her were carrying three freshly severed heads.
He couldn't see the faces—but the red hair with dark rings like dead light bulbs… the brown hair with bull-like horns… and the blonde hair with Lupo ears. He instantly knew who they were.
"Ahh~ That delicious scent…"
"The pain… that's what I love the most~" the woman said with a twisted smile.
As if time rewound, the smiling faces of everyone Ren had ever cherished flashed through his memory—before being burned to ash like dust.
His mind went blank… but the moment he saw that sickening smile, his fists clenched so tight his palms bled. His Lupo ears and tail emerged, and his eyes turned silver—this time radiating a savage aura.
Ren forgot all his exhaustion. He charged forward like a madman.
There was only one goal.
"You… DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
-----------------
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