Victor rose to his feet with an imposing presence. His smile etched a subtle impression into Selith's mind. Her heated body calmed, drifting in a daze for several seconds. She needed time to process her feelings. In her trembling eyes, he saw happiness, her flushed face paired with a lifted, bright smile.
The sensation—the warmth she could feel and the sincerity conveyed through action—was enough; there was no need for elaborate explanations.
Victor quickly turned his attention to the control panel ahead. Every component appeared old and corroded, rust clinging to the three levers. Letters marked "Unlock" from levels one to three.
The panel also displayed dials for water levels and the machine's power supply. An old radio was embedded in the panel, too outdated to operate. The internal wiring was chaotic, frayed, and broken.
Selith stepped closer, examining it with interest, though she was not entirely unfamiliar with it.
"This machine was designed by the Contributor!"
"Hm… can you explain more?"
"When I was a child, the Contributor brought me here," she recalled. "During additional construction, a large machine was designed to store massive amounts of water beneath this place, divided into the four corners of the hall."
"What was the purpose of this machine?" Victor asked.
She searched her memory.
"The Contributor hinted at the final moments of this place… it would be necessary… something like that, I think."
Upon closer inspection, the letters indicated that this section of the machine was active, likely part of a final contingency plan prepared for New Fanrein.
Since this was the last step, the water inside—stagnant and useless—had only one purpose for maximum effect.
'To flood the giant hall.'
Realizing this, Victor did not hesitate to observe the potential outcome of this mechanism. His goal remained clear: acquire the bullets and move on to Mission Two—above all else, it was critical.
As they pondered, vibrations and the roar of the massive machinery resonated, as if the world itself were collapsing.
Both tore their eyes from the control panel and rushed toward the large door, pushing through a maze of narrow passages, arranged like a miniature labyrinth. No signs or markers indicated direction.
Selith led confidently.
"I know this route fairly well. But where do we go next? Other districts under the Revolution are too far."
"The capital district."
"That's extremely dangerous! Tens of thousands of soldiers are stationed there, and it's the administrative center of the leadership."
"We'll explain more once we get out of here. Right now, we must leave immediately!"
Victor's eyes snapped to the large door. As the machinery's heavy explosions erupted, torrents of water surged through the hall, crashing over the control floor in waves, slamming the metal flooring in overlapping rhythms.
The immense force destroyed the door ahead. At the brink of death, Selith lunged forward, embracing Victor.
Darkness concealed everything. The scene blurred under the warm glow of evening sunlight, bathing them both.
They stood amidst a grassy field surrounded by towering trees in a public garden.
Far above, violent waters erupted like a torrential storm, toppling buildings around them.
A flock of crows scattered in all directions as the abandoned city collapsed. Military vehicles roared madly along the streets.
The area had become a focal point. The longer they lingered, the more dangerous it became.
New Fanrein lay empty.
It was no surprise, considering they had destroyed the city to collapse the underground ceiling. Evacuation may have been underway in the suburbs.
Escape was not difficult thanks to their rapid shadow-based movement, granting them time to rest before the next journey.
Victor scanned the surroundings, spotting another hotel two blocks away. Taller than other buildings, it loomed at a street corner.
He turned to Selith, whose face had drained of color. The scene before them represented many sudden losses, but lingering on her feelings would only slow their progress.
He took her hand, leading her across the grassy field into the luxurious hotel. The interior was elegantly decorated, impressively grand along the main hall.
Daily meals were left cold, untouched by time.
"You should take a bath and change. Tonight, we will resume our journey."
"Yes…"
Selith's state mirrored that of someone soulless. Her emotions had been fractured and confused, her mind crowded yet unable to release anything.
Victor could not let her walk alone in this state, so he quietly followed her up the stairs to one of the rooms.
The room was clean and ready for occupancy.
She focused on the bathroom. Bare, she submerged her feet into the warm water, easing her body into the bath. Tears streamed down her face, sobs catching in her throat, each breath a struggle.
She hugged herself tightly, anguish consuming her.
Victor observed her for a long time—not out of concern, but to understand how she communicated with Oliver.
It was possible she would use this time to report back to him.
Suddenly, Selith fainted.
Her neck tilted, eyes fixed, chest still.
Shortly after, she sat upright, calm, her eyes wide and vacant.
Softly, her lips whispered,
"What happened?"
"She's safe, though still distant. He has been kind, and my heart races at his actions… I'm scared… scared of today's events."
"That's not the answer I need. Report everything about Victor."
"She's safe, but there's still a hint of aggression. He forced me to kill officials to seize ammunition. He's perceptive, but sometimes I feel he's pretending to be kind to me."
"Continue monitoring him. Do not let him suspect the truth. And regarding the Miracle Choice he made—no consequences or truths have surfaced yet, correct?"
"Yes, nothing is known. Even without prior knowledge of the conditions, he survived."
The strange conversation ended. Selith remained still, then trembled before rising from the bath, gently drying herself.
Victor quickly hid under the bed.
His dark eyes widened, breathing erratic. His rough hand twitched uncontrollably. His vision blurred, unable to focus.
Fear gripped Victor's mind.
'Have I been mistaken all along? Oliver doesn't just control crows… he can control all living beings, even humans.'
'What are the conditions!? Am I being controlled?'
One hand reached for his gun unintentionally. He exhaled, swallowing hard, hoping he wouldn't act rashly against her.
After she dressed and left the room, Victor stealthily emerged, showered, and changed into a clean, formal suit. His black tie matched perfectly. Soon, he quietly left the room.
He seated himself in the luxurious dining area, staring at untouched plates. Checking the time repeatedly under dim lamplight in the quiet night.
The city was dark; no one remained.
Sounds of collapsing buildings continued, distant and safe.
Selith appeared in a flowing dress, rushing toward him with a smile.
Victor rose, moving a chair to greet her like a gentleman.
She paused briefly, then sat, embarrassed.
"Thank you, Victor."
"Let's eat quickly. Tonight, we continue our journey."
"Why are we going to the capital district?"
"That mission isn't fully complete. A new duty has been assigned, but the direction remains the same. I can't reveal more until the Contributor informs you."
"A duty… very important, then. I've always wondered, Victor, how significant you truly are. You seem unofficial yet simultaneously embedded within everything here."
"You suspect my relationship with the Contributor? My presence and all connections leading me here?"
She shook her head.
"I'm not doubting!"
"Suspicion is not rude. You have the right to question. To learn more about me, do you want to share your story?"