Inside and outside the halls of Babel, mercenaries and staff hurried through the corridors with tense faces. One only needed to sense the air around them to know—something major was about to happen.
Indeed, the mercenaries loyal to Babel were busy hauling crates of weapons and supplies. Some scribbled numbers in notebooks, others—perhaps less literate—wrote clumsy letters on scraps of paper, leaving behind their wills.
Among them walked a woman with long pink hair, her steps calm and her smile gentle. She moved between the mercenaries, patiently teaching them how to write, repeating their names over and over. She knew they would remember those names in their hearts—and she, too, would keep each one engraved in hers forever.
"Miss Theresa," a small voice called. A little bunny-eared girl tugged at her hand, looking up with curiosity. "Everyone looks so busy… did something happen?"
Theresa softly stroked the girl's head, making her eyes flutter shut in comfort.
"It's just another battle, Amiya," she said kindly, her tone almost like a lullaby. "But after this one… perhaps Kazdel will finally have a brand-new future."
"If that's true, that would be wonderful! I want to go outside—I want to see the world beyond the horizon."
"Then," Theresa smiled, "when that day comes, we'll go together, Amiya."
As she spoke, she glanced to her side—where Kal'tsit had appeared silently, as usual—and offered her a knowing smile.
"How is the Doctor's condition?"
"The treatment seems to be working," Kal'tsit replied, her usually stern expression softening for once. "I was afraid he'd collapse from exhaustion again, but thankfully, he's recovered his strength."
"Then after this battle, the Doctor can travel with Amiya again—just like before," Theresa said gently.
At that, little Amiya's lips curved upward in joy.
Just then, a mercenary approached and bowed.
"Your Highness, Doctor Kal'tsit… we have guests."
"Guests? At a time like this…?" Theresa began, but her voice trailed off when she saw who stepped out from the lift.
Her eyes widened slightly in surprise before softening into recognition. She took a few steps forward, confusion and warmth mingling in her tone.
"Felix… what brings you here?"
"I heard Babel is preparing for a great battle—perhaps its last," Felix replied with a faint smile. "So, I thought I'd lend a hand… as an ally."
"I can feel the sincerity in your words," Theresa said. She extended her hands, her expression not one of sorrow, but of faith—faith in victory.
"Thank you… both to the Frontier District and to Babel."
Felix smiled in return, but he could feel a sharp gaze burning into him. Following it, he spotted W on the deck, gnawing her nails with a face full of jealousy.
Whose kid is that? he thought dryly, exchanging a glance with Hoederer and Ines behind him. The two mercenaries could only return the look with silent exasperation.
"When do we depart?" he asked.
"Tomorrow morning," Theresa replied.
"Perfect timing then. I brought a few helping hands—hopefully they'll be of use."
Theresa covered her mouth and laughed softly.
"Felix, your presence alone is already a great help… I can feel it—your spirit burns brighter than before. You've grown."
"I just hope I can be useful," Felix replied modestly.
Kal'tsit cleared her throat lightly. "Allow me to arrange quarters for our guests."
"Place them next to my chambers," Theresa said quietly.
"…"
"Tomorrow's Development is an ally of Babel. Felix's status is no different from mine."
"…Understood," Kal'tsit sighed, giving in.
When she turned back, she found Felix already holding Amiya's little hand, chatting softly with her. The girl's face lit up with laughter.
Kal'tsit's gaze shifted again—to Hoederer and Ines, who stood speechless as W furiously scolded them like a rapid-fire machine gun. The two mercenaries, long accustomed to her tirades, could only stand there helplessly.
Behind them, a tall man stood like a shadow beside Felix, his posture stiff with pride, chin tilted skyward—as if no one else in the room was worthy of his attention.
The last among them was a silent mercenary clad in heavy protective gear, saying nothing since their arrival.
Kal'tsit sighed inwardly. Why does Pioneer always bring such… peculiar people?
With a resigned gesture, she motioned for Felix to follow her. Before he left, however, Theresa reminded him softly that they would continue their conversation later that evening.
Felix strolled down the corridors of the Rhodes Island ship, watching the feline woman walking ahead of him. It felt like ages since he had seen Kal'tsit from this perspective. Back then, as a logistics operator, he'd considered himself lucky just to be assigned to her unit. He had always admired her from behind — the cool, untouchable "NPC" that no one could approach.
But now he knew the truth. She wasn't cold — not really. This cat could smile, too. Yet, ever since that fateful battle… since Theresa' disappearance (or so it seemed), that smile had vanished from her face.
"Has the tactical meeting already ended?" he asked.
"It concluded two days ago," Kal'tsit replied with a nod. "If you wishes, you may join my squad for tomorrow's operation."
She paid no mind to W's noisy chatter nearby and added calmly, "Though perhaps, given your history, you might prefer to accompany Operator Ace's team instead."
"No need, Doctor Kal'tsit," Felix said, shaking his head with a faint smile. "I'd rather go with your squad."
He paused, his tone softening. "Teacher Kal'tsit, I like the smile you once had… the one that carried hope—for friends, for the future. I want to protect smiles like that. That's why I fight. Perhaps our strength is small, but if it can help Babel even a little… then it's enough."
At the title "Teacher Kal'tsit," her steps faltered slightly. She turned her head to glance at him before speaking to the others.
"The rest chambers are here."
"Thank you, Dr. Kal'tsit." Hoederer replied, ushering his group inside.
With his social instincts, he immediately realized that Doctor Kal'tsit wanted a private word with the Pioneer. Jesselton, seeing Felix's subtle shake of the head, obediently entered the room and waited for further instructions. Before he went, though, he looked at Hoederer.
"Your name's Hoederer, right? Think you can take three punches from me?"
W bared her teeth, Ines widened her eyes, unsure what to say, while Hoederer's hand instinctively reached for the massive sword on his back.
"Sure. Training ground, later."
---
"Teacher Kal'tsit," Felix said as they walked down the dim hallway, "have you ever thought about what the future might look like?"
"…Once," she answered quietly.
Kal'tsit shook her head. "Her Highness painted a future so dazzling that it drew everyone in—enough to make countless souls who loved this land fight for it."
"And tomorrow's battle," Felix asked, "do you believe it will truly end all of this? Even knowing… that Theresis isn't actually in Kazdel's mobile city?"
Kal'tsit folded her arms, her expression unreadable.
"This is our opportunity. Her Highness and the Doctor both view it as the perfect chance for a decisive strike. They won't know our movements. Once we seize Kazdel's mobile city, Babel will gain the upper hand."
"In negotiations with the Tomorrow's Development?" Felix asked quietly.
Kal'tsit gave him a long, measured look before shaking her head.
"Her Highness has never spoken of ending her cooperation with Tomorrow's Developments. Lord Felix, I believe in her. I think your worries are… unnecessary. You know as well as I do—Her Highness isn't someone who burns bridges."
Felix said nothing, his gaze fixed on the horizon outside the window.
Kal'tsit sighed softly. "I can sense it—the distance between us. What makes you so wary?"
"I just think," he said, still looking out, "that capturing Kazdel's mobile city won't mean victory for Babel. I believe you know that too. What Her Highness desires… is it truly the same as what those mercenaries inside Kazdel want? How much time will it take… before this scarred land can finally bloom with peace?"
Kal'tsit opened her mouth but found no immediate reply.
"Teacher Kal'tsit," Felix continued, "I've always been curious about Kazdel's history—what led it, and the Sarkaz people, to this point. I don't know much about the distant past, but I did come across an interesting record."
He glanced at her meaningfully. "It said that Lord Kal'tsit once led a coalition of nations against Kazdel's armies, breaking their plots and forcing them into a long hibernation. I know you've lived a long time, but the fact that Her Highness trusts you—that she can stand side by side with someone who was once an 'enemy' of the Sarkaz—answers my question."
Felix's tone softened. "I never thought Her Highness would cut ties with us. Because I trust her. And I trust the one she trusts—you."
Kal'tsit studied him for a long moment, her eyes carrying a faint glimmer.
"The difference between the past and now," she said at last, "is what we've lived through. Your experiences have made you stronger."
"Thank you, Teacher Kal'tsit."
She returned to her usual calm composure. "Then, if you'll excuse me, I have matters to arrange."
"Of course."
After she left, Felix turned toward the corner and beckoned gently.
"Come here, little one."
Amiya giggled and ran up to him, and he knelt down, wrapping the small rabbit girl in a warm embrace.
"Good evening, Brother Felix."
"Good evening, Amiya. Hmm… you've grown taller since the last time I saw you. And look at that—you're starting to show your emotions more clearly now. That's wonderful."
Felix gently ruffled the young rabbit's soft hair. The last time they met, Amiya had still been a naïve child—curious about everything, yet always keeping her deeper feelings to herself. But under the care of Her Highness, Doctor Kal'tsit, and the Doctor, she had grown so much. She wasn't yet the poised and respected leader of Rhodes Island that Felix remembered from his past life—but she was already walking firmly along that path.
"I'm really happy you came, Brother Felix," Amiya said with a shy smile. "Everyone's been so tense lately. I can kind of feel it… Is something big about to happen?"
"Mm… don't worry, Amiya." Felix smiled reassuringly. "Once you close your eyes and open them again, it'll be another victory for Babel. By the way—will you still be aboard Rhodes Island tomorrow?"
"Yes," she nodded. "Miss Theresa promised to read me a story tomorrow afternoon."
The girl's bright smile softened the heavy air. After chatting for a while longer, Amiya waved goodbye and skipped off—she wanted to go talk with the Doctor.
Felix watched her disappear down the corridor. The small mechanical drone hovering beside him gradually shimmered and faded into the background, blending with the ship's ambient light.
Tomorrow, Theresa would remain aboard Rhodes Island to command operations alongside the Doctor. If anything were to happen… it would happen here. Something must have gone terribly wrong during that battle—something that led to Theresa' death.
Still, Felix found comfort in one thing: his improving mastery of engineering meant he could now assemble a mechanical familiar with ease. Perhaps soon, he could even begin mass-producing them in a factory setting.
When he returned to his room, he found Jesselton standing at attention like a statue—rigid and proud as ever. Felix waved his hand dismissively. "Go rest."
Jesselton hesitated, a flicker of disappointment on his face. He'd wanted to stay by his Sir's side a little longer.
The room was filled with chatter from the mercenary group, but when Felix entered, silence fell almost instantly. All eyes turned toward him—particularly W, who wore her usual defiant expression.
"So," Felix asked calmly, "what exactly were you all arguing about?"
"W thought we came here because of her," Hoederer explained, rubbing the back of his neck. "We were just clearing up the misunderstanding."
"Hmph," W huffed, crossing her arms. "Even if Tomorrow's Developments and Babel are allies, that doesn't mean you can just insert yourselves into a decisive war. Who knows what the Pioneer's real plans are?"
"W…" Ines sighed, exasperated. "You really have too many prejudices against the Pioneer."
W's cheeks flushed red. She wanted to curse in a thousand different Sarkaz idioms, but she held herself back. That smug Sankta's no good, she thought bitterly. A Sankta who actually gets along with Sarkaz? He must be rotten to the core! Down bad sankta!
But even she couldn't deny the truth: the Pioneers had saved countless Sarkaz lives. She'd never say it aloud, of course—but it was there, unspoken, in the quiet of her heart.
"Hmph! Whatever! I'm leaving!" W snapped, turning on her heel. Before storming out, she stuck out her tongue and made a face at Felix.
What a child, Felix thought wryly.
Hoederer scratched his head with an awkward grin. "Don't mind her, Pioneer. W's mouth is sharp, but honestly? She kinda likes you."
"Who would like a Sankta?! I only like Her Highness!!"
Her voice rang out again from the hallway—apparently she hadn't gone far. She had poked her head through the still-open doorway just to yell it before disappearing for good.
Hoederer shrugged helplessly.
Felix chuckled softly, unbothered. "Get some rest, all of you. Tomorrow, we'll be joining Doctor Kal'tsit's unit in the operation—our target is Kazdel's mobile city. I need everyone in top condition."
"Understood, Lord Pioneer," Hoederer said, nodding firmly. "I know how important this battle is. If Babel wins, maybe… maybe I can finally chase my old dream from before the academy—teaching."
"You'd make a good teacher," Felix mused. "I mean it. How about teaching Sarkaz history?"
It was, after all, Hoederer who had once told him the story of Kal'tsit's campaign against Kazdel.
"Mudrock," Felix turned next to the towering figure in heavy armor, "you too. Get some sleep."
The armored mercenary responded with a low, mechanical hum of acknowledgment.
Then Felix turned toward the door.
He still had one more meeting—one last appointment—with Her Highness.