Nearl had arrived in The City several days earlier.
Hai's repeated duels with Don Quixote had lasted more than half a month, and during this period, The City had seen tremendous changes.
Preparations by The City Head for the Zwei Association—the Second Association—were nearly complete and would soon open for public registration. The population continued to rise steadily, now reaching approximately twelve thousand. Additionally, mid- to high-level combatants from various countries had gradually begun migrating to The City.
Nearl was among them.
Following Pioneer's casual invitation back then, Nearl had quickly journeyed to The City. Regrettably, she hadn't seen Pioneer again since. However, upon arriving in The City, she discovered that Pioneer hadn't lied to her:
This place truly did not discriminate against the Infected.
But even more astonishing revelations awaited Nearl.
Not only did The City accept the Infected, but it could even treat them!
She'd personally witnessed that miracle—a single ampoule from K Corp completely cured a Sarkaz Fixer's Oripathy, freeing him from death's grasp. From that moment, Nearl had resolved deep within her heart:
No matter what, I must find a way to obtain that ampoule.
She would take it outside, offering hope to the countless suffering Infected.
Nearl knew well that she alone couldn't save many people. But if she could save even a single life—even if it seemed insignificant—that was reason enough.
Small sparks would eventually coalesce into radiant sunlight.
Even if it's just one life, it's worth the effort.
Driven by that resolve, Nearl swiftly registered as a Fixer. Her remarkable efficiency quickly earned her a bit of familiarity with Hai.
Yet today, when Hai suddenly visited her, asking if she'd like to join a Fixer Office, she was still taken aback.
Looking up, she observed Don Quixote carefully. Instinctively, Nearl sensed that this cheerful, smiling man with white hair was not a bad person.
"Hm… He's sort of a friend of mine. Extremely strong, with an insistence on founding a Fixer Office. Since I couldn't dissuade him, I thought of possible candidates, and you're clearly the best choice. So, I'm here to ask your opinion."
Hai glanced at Don Quixote before calmly explaining to Nearl. She hesitated briefly, then asked politely:
"Forgive me, but… may I ask who you are?"
"I am Quixote—bearing the noble surname Don, thus Don Quixote—currently the only Bloodfiend Fixer in The City. Miss Nearl, I presume? A pleasure."
Don Quixote smiled warmly, giving a slight bow. He could sense Nearl's strength was somewhat average, but that hardly mattered to him.
All he needed was a dependable partner!
A Bloodfiend?
Nearl was startled by the term, but couldn't detect any obvious Bloodfiend traits in Don Quixote.
"Don Quixote… isn't exactly a typical Bloodfiend, rather he's unique to The City," Hai clarified, noticing Nearl's reaction. "Rest assured, we've set clear rules—he won't casually take blood from others."
Detecting Nearl's interest, Hai further added:
"He's exceptionally powerful… even stronger than myself. I strongly recommend forming a Fixer Office with him. Admittedly, I have a personal interest, but partnering with him would enable you to handle more challenging and rewarding assignments."
Nearl seemed visibly moved by these words. Meanwhile, Don Quixote boldly offered his hand, declaring:
"Come on, friend! Let's build a fantastic Fixer Office together!"
"…Alright. I agree."
After careful consideration, Nearl nodded firmly.
From her perspective, Hai was already extremely strong, comparable perhaps only to her uncle. Yet Hai described Don Quixote as "even stronger"? It was nearly unimaginable.
Furthermore, Hai's words had precisely addressed Nearl's ambitions and needs.
"I'll send over your official Fixer Office certification soon… Don Quixote, we'll set your Office location at the place where you awoke."
Hai exhaled deeply, casually addressing Don Quixote, who nodded repeatedly, grinning cheerfully.
Immediately afterward, Don Quixote turned to enthusiastically chat with Nearl. Hai turned to leave without hesitation, throwing a reassuring wave to Nearl.
Assignments would arrive soon enough.
After all, I shouldn't be the only one working myself to death…
...
Half a day later, in the room where Don Quixote had first awakened, he let out an admiring sigh.
"A Kazimierz Knight… an exiled Infected… fighting for the sake of the Infected?"
"What a noble dream!"
Nearl sat to the side, smiling faintly as she watched Don Quixote sitting on his throne of blood. After half a day together, the two had rapidly grown familiar, mutually realizing something:
A little annoying, but definitely not a bad person—Nearl's initial impression of Don Quixote.
A bit rigid, like Hai, but this kindness, noble spirit, and upright character… Hai certainly chose well! I approve!—Don Quixote's first impression of Nearl.
In truth, they got along famously. Nearl seemed to have stepped directly out of a Fixer story, to the extent that Don Quixote had seriously considered charging out of The City, heading straight to Kazimierz to help her exact revenge.
Only Nearl's firm insistence that "it's my battle, and I must handle it myself" prevented chaos from breaking out across Kazimierz.
"My apologies for rambling… By the way, what is your dream?"
Seated in another chair, Nearl suddenly asked Don Quixote.
Don Quixote paused briefly, then burst into hearty laughter:
"Me? Still searching. But for now, let's just aim to become the greatest Fixers ever."
At that moment, the door was knocked lightly, and a messenger left a document on the ground. Don Quixote picked it up, discovering it was the official registration for their Fixer Office.
All they had to do was choose a name.
"What should we name it?"
Don Quixote turned to Nearl questioningly.
"You choose. Naming isn't exactly my strong suit."
"Hm… Let's call it La Mancha Fixer Office."