Case 81: Breakdown.

Case 81: Breakdown.

''...''

''...''

In the dimly lit office of the late Vincent, I stand beside Luxia, who is immersed in the file on her hands. She has her head all the way down, hands crushing the paper, trembling.

It has been a while since she began reading the paper. Perhaps the whole concept of Vincent's plan is too outrageous, causing her to reread it several times.

Yet, the content of it won't change no matter what, so she eventually turns to me.

''How am I supposed to believe this bullshit?'' She grumbles, glaring at me. ''What is your motive? If you obediently spit out everything, you might be forgiven of torture. When Wings find you—''

''Wings are dead.'' I reply.

''What kind of delusion are you on?!''

Luxia abruptly stands up, throws the file onto the table, and closes our distance. While having a stare-down contest with those piercing eyes, I quietly reevaluate my approach.

It seems she is not convinced at all. I more or less expected this, though.

''Stay still.''

With that, I briskly walk out of the room. A quick scan around tells me there are a total of six people still camouflaging around me and Nova. Three of them are Sierra's, so that leaves the remaining three holy knights.

I raise both my hands and aim in two separate directions. As I wield my ice magic, two frozen chains immediately shoot out from my palms. They quickly catch my targets—one female and one male knight at level 30s—and with a slight pull, they arrive in front of me.

''S-Shit...''

''Ugh...''

The rest seems threatened. Nova looks amused, though.

''Do not kill them.'' I order.

I wasn't going to anyway.

Nodding lightly, I turn around and drag the two captured into the room. Their eyes widen the moment they see Luxia.

''Saintess! Are you alright?!'' One of them exclaims.

''Please get out of here—''

"Hey. " Luxia cuts them off with a nearly pained expression, hyperventilating. " What happened while I was gone?! "

Perhaps reading that she has been missing for a whole day, Luxia gets right to inquire about the situation.

As the two knights divert their eyes, a guilty countenance is apparent on their faces. As for Luxia... Her condition has never been worse.

''Hah... Hah... Ugh...''

Her breathing is extremely short, and her eyes are shaking like an earthquake. Luxia hugs her face, her whole body quivering as she crouches, burying her face into her thighs.

''Hic... sniff... sniff... Ugh...''

That has been my resolve since the beginning of this operation.

''...''

Once outside, I notice the holy knights and the people from the academy are surrounding the main church instead. Even the students are here. Why?

...I guess it doesn't matter.

I raise my right hand into the air, successfully startling most of them. Then—

snap—!

A colossal portal appears in the sky, connecting this place to the Backrooms. As instructed, the marine army in the sky begins to retreat, passing through the rift. Nova joins them soon after, leaving only me behind.

''Well... See you next time.''

Unable to determine what has caused me to say that sentence, I open another gate beside me and cross through it. The scene of my crew hanging around in the Backrooms greets me.

''...''

Hah... I just want to sleep tonight.

December 27th, 1834.

It has been a few days since the incident in Neveah happened.

News surfaces as quickly as the writers can type out letters. The focal point of many outlets seems to be the fact that Vincent Neveah and Wings—some of the most influential figures—have perished and that I am the cause of their deaths.

While technically true, it is out of context. There is no denying that both the dragon and the golden armor were hostile toward everyone. Reputable outlets do mention this fact, but some others don't.

Adding to it are the numerous questions raised against the figure 'Silaerob,' who has appeared with Orcinus Nova, the ruler of North Zircon. Many are turning against me just because they see me together with a 'monster.'

In short, my popularity is skyrocketing, but my reputation is taking a hit.

Do I care, though? No.

In any case, we're now back in the academy, and things are going as usual, aside from the talks about Neveah never stopping. If there is one thing... Well, I have not seen Luxia ever since that day.

I suppose she is taking her time to digest this situation.

''...''

At some point, I think I got used to having a bubbly and overly exaggerated-girl by my side. It's like having a second Chloe, somewhat. After a few months together, I can confidently say that Luxia is one of my friends.

So, please, Luxia, recover from this. I know I do not have the right to say it, but still.

For now, though...

''Chloe.''

''Hm?''

''What's the next event, again?''

''Ah... The New Year festival?''