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Chapter 11 - Chapter 11: Escape from Death (End of Volume One)

Misha's illness came quickly—and faded just as fast.

Although the Oripathy in her body had left her weak for the time being, she was no longer in a critical state. After enjoying a rich breakfast made by Revy using the last of the camp's supplies, the two resumed their escape.

To Revy's surprise, this leg of the journey was far smoother than expected.

Though they stuck to treacherous paths where few would dare tread, the checkpoints and sentries that had once been scattered everywhere had seemingly disappeared. Avoiding the main roads, it took them only two days to cross Siberia and reach the Ursus border.

Just half a day more, and they'd reach the edge of Ursus territory—where Yan borders began, and their destination awaited: Lungmen.

"Sure, Lungmen's policies toward the Infected aren't that great either," Revy said while driving, "but at least they don't toss you all into labor camps like Ursus does."

"I know people in Lungmen. They're not saints, but they're reliable."

He chuckled, thinking of a certain absurd-looking penguin whose influence ran as deep as the ocean.

"Once you get there… are you leaving me behind?"

In the passenger seat, Misha tugged lightly at Revy's coat, head lowered, her tone filled with reluctance.

Maybe it was the lingering sickness—or maybe something deeper—but the girl who had once been distant was now totally dependent on him.

Revy hesitated.

He remembered what he had said to comfort her: that he would take her in, become her big brother. But now, reality loomed—he couldn't just bring her back to Rhodes Island on a whim.

"…Misha, if you remember what I said before, then know this: I meant every word."

Her eyes sparkled with a flicker of hope.

"But Misha… what I have to do next is dangerous. I can't take you with me."

(But I—)Her eyes turned anxious, desperate. Revy sighed, took his right hand off the steering wheel, and gently patted her head.

"Look out the window."

"…What?"

The snowy plains had vanished. On the horizon, a massive mobile city loomed ever larger as they approached.

Towering skyscrapers rose in the distance—like nothing Misha had ever seen.

"That's Lungmen. A mobile city of Yan."

Her eyes lit up in awe… but then dimmed again, the reality of their impending separation sinking in.

Revy noticed, and sighed again. He understood her attachment, more than she realized. But as a Rhodes Island operator and Catastrophe Messenger, his road was too dangerous. He couldn't risk taking her along.

Thanks to Crisis Contract, Misha had been granted a new identity in Lungmen. Revy couldn't let his personal feelings jeopardize the life she could start there.

"Welcome to Lungmen, Misha. A better future awaits you."

Despite his reluctance, Revy left after ensuring Misha was safe.

In those few days, Misha had become something more than a mission objective. She'd become someone he truly cared about.

That's why, during his brief stay, he visited Emperor and asked him to watch over her. That mysterious penguin might act carefree, but he was trustworthy when it mattered. For someone with Emperor's connections, helping one Infected girl settle down in Lungmen was an easy favor.

Emperor, of course, agreed—he owed Revy more than a few favors, and was happy to repay one.

Now, Revy sat aboard a small aircraft specially prepared by Crisis Contract.

He'd cleared the debt he owed them—and more importantly, they now owed him a very large one in return. In that sense, he'd come out ahead.

But after days of sleepless travel, fatigue finally caught up to him. Leaning against the backrest, he closed his eyes.

If his guess was correct, Amiya was already preparing to launch the operation. Personally, he didn't fully support it—but as a Rhodes Island provisional operator, Revy knew he had a duty to help her.

He needed to recover his strength.

(Strange… why am I this… tired…)Instead of dozing off, something gripped his body—an unfamiliar, almost numbing sensation. He could no longer feel the hum of the aircraft under him.

(Am I… dreaming?)

He opened his eyes.

The view had changed—familiar, yet strange.

Just a moment ago, he had been on an aircraft. Now, he was… somewhere else entirely.

(A trap?!)He instinctively reached for his waist—but paused when he recognized the surroundings.

This was Kazdel.

To be precise: the royal palace of Kazdel—before the civil war.

Back when it was the heart of Sarkaz pride and beauty.

Of course, the real palace now lay in ruins.

So why did it stand before him, whole and unblemished?

Revy frowned.

(Where… is this?)

"…Revy?"

The voice made him freeze.

Like a machine, he turned around.

Behind him stood a figure he knew by heart—one burned into his memory, someone he had longed for, mourned, dreamed of for years.

Even if every instinct screamed that this was her—his rational mind knew it couldn't be.

She had died. That day. No question.

This was a dream.

And dreams… always end.

But even so—she was here. So real. So alive.

"…You… are…?"

He murmured like one speaking in a trance.

"—Princess Theresa?"

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