Chapter 28: S1.5. A 400 Kilometers Escape Journey - 1

Chapter 28: S1.5. A 400 Kilometers Escape Journey - 1

S1.5. A 400 Kilometers Escape Journey 1

Decline was included in the meaning of devastation.

Where debris of collapsed buildings and miscellaneous items that seemed to indicate someones traces remained, monsters strutted on top of the earth that had buried this old civilization. And looking down from far above were the stars, hidden by a sandstorm.

It was an era where things that had once been brilliant were dying one by one. Though clinging onto what little remained with both hands and holding them tight to prevent it from being taken away, in the end, everything slipped through the fingers, fading to ashes and dust.

In an era where the sweetness of cherished hopes had long faded, leaving a bitter taste, and despair loomed close, too pressing to even lament A young boy was crossing the desolate land.

The boys name was Espero, yet everyone called him Pero.

In this age, someone moving meant one of three things. They either had to run away because of monsters in the vicinity, shifted unintentionally due to lingering inertia, or Very rarely, moved because they harbored hope.

The boy had a hope.

He had acquired a compass from an elderly black market dealer by chance. She claimed that this compass pointed to Paradise a place where one didnt have to worry about hunger and could lead a peaceful life for oneself, their next generation, and even the generation after that.

It might have been a cruel joke by an old woman facing her last days. Perhaps someone else had already claimed this Paradise. Nonetheless, the boy believed and held tightly to hope.

After all, one simply could not continue to live on without hope.

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The boy walked across the vast plains.

Sometimes he was aided by others. In other times, he was chased by looters. Come now and then, he hid in sand pits to avoid monsters. It was a life filled with hardships, but it was not in vain. After all, the distance shown on the compass was steadily decreasing.

However, it seemed his journey had reached its end.

GrrrrrrrrGrrr.

.

A Variant Wolf. A large wolf, walking poorly on two legs, was drooling.

The nasty thing about Variant Wolves was their exceptional tracking ability and speed. The boys chance of escape was virtually non-existent. It was as good as a death sentence.

He was a small boy, with no combat skills or artifacts, so he was more than lucky to have survived thus far. The boy himself knew this as well.

He also knew that luck did not last forever. If he was this lucky until now, there would be a time when he would be unlucky as well. After all, fortune and misfortune came in turns, like two sides of a coin.

As such, he did not feel regret nor did he feel wronged.

Looks like my luck has run out. Dad. Mom.

The boy grumbled once, before making preparations for the next lucky person.

He removed the compass, which he had twisted into a necklace. If he continued to wear it like this, it would end up with him in the stomach of the Variant Wolf. It would be hard for someone to find and it might even get damaged.

So, he decided to take it off in advance and throw it as far as he could.

Hoping that some lucky survivor would find the compass and reach Paradise. Praying that someone else lived happily on behalf of all the lives lost.

With such a wish, he threw it.Discover, Devour, Delight: N♡vεlB¡n.

The compass flew in a short parabola.

And then , it was caught by a scarred hand.

Uh?

Do you need help, Small Gentleman?

A gentle voice was heard.

A beautiful woman with faded blond hair. She was characterized by the shawl around her neck and a deeply cut red dress, accentuating her cleavage. No part of her attire seemed fit for battle but

The fact that she was alive in such an outfit was proof of her strength.

The boy stared blankly for a moment then nodded frantically.

Please save me!

Pero, can you just think that I have lost my memory?

Y-You lost your m-memory.?!

Amnesia cosplay.

It was a tactic often used by agents of the Imperial Defense Bureau when they needed to conceal their identity from civilians. As expected of a tried and true method, it seemed to work on the boy as well.

Yes. I remember my name, but Almost nothing else comes to mind.

Ill help you! So, um., where should I start

Pero began to explain with a stammer. His words were unquestionably disorganized, but his eagerness to help no matter what was vividly noticeable.

Elaine mentally sorted the information, one by one.

1) Humanity is declining due to monsters called Variants.

2) Nations have long since collapsed; the largest groups are purely tribal in nature.

3) The few surviving humans mostly hide in forests or caves.

After hearing the brief summary, Elaine focused her attention on the boy, Pero.

Youre the first person Ive met after wandering for a day. Pero, is it always this deserted here?

Ah, yes. Its a landscape frequented by Variants, after all. Hunters looking for food might venture here, but otherwise, vast plains like these are avoided.

Then what were you doing here, Pero? You dont look like a hunter..

Im searching for Paradise.

Paradise?

Yes. Its said to be a safe place with plenty of food. I was told I could find it if I just followed where the compass pointed!

Elaine examined the compass he had been fiddling with. A red arrow pointed in a direction, with the remaining distance numerically displayed underneath.

It seemed like a well-crafted artifact. As it was far too sophisticated to be just a trick, the story of Paradise seemed fairly credible.

In a world where humanitys survival and source of food were hard to maintain, a safe place with abundant food was a truly sweet tale. If that was the case, she had a question for him.

If that really is true It is undoubtedly a precious item. But then, why did you try to throw it at that last moment?

Because if I got eaten by a Variant, it would be hard for others to find the compass.

What is the point of caring for others after their deaths? Even if you are that considerate. No one will know your kindness.

In the end, if you dont survive, it is all meaningless.

Despite this doubt, Pero answered with a smile.

Some lucky person will obtain happiness! Im sure hell be more than joyful enough on behalf of me as well!

Then, may I barge into Peros happiness?

Of course! You saved me, after all. Besides, in Paradise, theres enough food to last until the generation after the next, so even if two people live there, there will be plenty left!

It might not be enough, depending on the situation, you know?

?

Elaine looked at the watch tattoo on her wrist and set a temporary goal. Whether this world was an illusion or reality, reaching Paradise to ensure safety seemed like a good option. It might also turn out to be a pleasant journey as well.

Besides, in case of any danger along the way..

Having someone who could play the role of bait was necessary.

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Distance remaining to Paradise.

About 400 /genesisforsaken