[Main Story 22-01]
My self in the mirror wore an ill-fitting wig and glasses. The uniform I had on was the only thing even close to fitting me.
After confirming multiple times that the Special Task Force employee card was in my bag, I nervously walked out the door.
My previous identity had been forgotten in this world. ‘{{mc}}’ had become a completely non-existent person.
Today, I was STF registrar ‘Mary Sue’.
Pausing before the main door of the Loveland City branch of STF, I pushed back the heavy pair of glasses I was wearing, lowered my head, and walked into the lobby with the rest of the crowd.
After deliberately choosing a line with relatively many people, I started furtively observing what the people in front of me were doing.
Everyone was silently swiping their cards, and not a single person had noticed me, a ‘new employee’ in their midst.
I inched forward with the rest of the line, placing my employee card in the indicated spot with feigned composure and also looking up at the camera like the others.
I followed all the steps exactly like I was supposed to, but an emotionless electronic voice spoke up without warning–
[Error. Please swipe again!]
I nervously took out my card and put it back in, but the warning voice never stopped.
The people around me started commenting quietly, and from the adjacent turnstile came a strangely familiar chuckle.
??: Your glasses. They’re blocking your face.
Suddenly realizing my error, I quickly removed my glasses and finally passed the ID verification.
[Identity verified for: Registrar Mary Sue. You are now clocked in.]
I didn’t know if it was intentional or not, but the fake name Shaw gave me was as awful as always.
But I didn’t have time to complain now. All I wanted to do was catch up to that guy in the hat and say thanks, but he had already gotten in an elevator without so much as turning his head.
{{MC}}: Why does he seem so familiar…?
I didn’t have time to think about that either. First, I had to find my work station before work started.
After taking my seat, I swiped my card to turn on my computer while I sent Shaw a message–
{{MC}}: ‘I’m in.’
??: No shirking on the job now…
A shadow accompanied by a voice fell across my desk, causing my hand to slip in panic and guilt!
The person behind me deftly reached out and caught my falling phone, then placed it firmly back into my hand.
He propped one hand on my desk as he leaned toward me and pulled at the brim of his hat.
To my surprise, the person who had given me that reminder downstairs was none other than–
{{MC}}: Shaw–!?
A finger was quickly held up to my lips, cautioning me to hold my tongue.
Shaw: Hey, you can’t go throwing my name around like that.
Shaw: Especially at a place like this where I’m a ‘celebrity’.
At STF, his name indeed was quite well-known.
After all, it was at the top of their most wanted list!
Although, since he already had me coming here, why did he still have to put himself in such a clearly dangerous situation?!
At any rate, ever since I met him, I haven’t been able to figure out why he does any of the things he does.
{{MC}}: Do you have a death wish?! If you’re found out…
Shaw: If I’m found out, we’ll just–
He made a threatening, slashing gesture across his throat. His mouth curled in a smile as brazen as ever.
Meanwhile, a chill was going down my spine at the thought of being caught as the accomplice of a wanted criminal.
Shaw: Alright, it’s office hours, so get back to work.
Shaw: I’ll see you again tonight at 7 in the archives room.
As he said that, he walked casually out of the office, as if he was never there.
I didn’t know what he was plotting, but it seemed the only thing I could do was follow his orders.
After all, as the only person in the world who remembered me, he was my only hope of finding a connection to this world.
[Main Story 22-03]
Close to 7, I arrived at the archives room, having avoided patrolling inspectors along the way.
[Advanced document qualifications verified for: Mary Sue. Archives room sections A to Z access granted.]
Thinking of how Gavin had to be approved to enter the archives room previously, I couldn’t help but feel a little impressed at Shaw’s counterfeiting abilities.
Upon entering the archives room, the only sound in the vast space was the sound of computers running.
And Shaw still hadn’t arrived.
Knowing that my own privileges were open to the highest level, I immediately tried searching for records related to the snow.
I quickly browsed through several documents, but I had the feeling that STF’s investigation had hit a bottleneck.
After initial confirmation that the incident wasn’t a normal meteorological disaster, progress on the case just halted.
Just as I was getting ready to open the next document, the door behind me suddenly opened.
??: Who’s there?!
The sound of hurried footsteps drew near. Whoever it was, it clearly wasn’t Shaw!
I instantly closed all of the windows open on the screen and turned my head with feigned calm.
I never wouldn’t expected that the person who just came in was Eli!
{{MC}}: Eli, sir! I’m Mary Sue.
Eli: I’m not familiar with that name…
He was of course unable to remember me. With a furrow of his brow, he walked around the computer where I had begun investigating.
All of my search records had been automatically deleted, but that didn’t lessen his suspicion of me.
Eli: What were you just doing in here?
{{MC}}: I was just…
Thinking about how Eli and Gavin used to be good friends, in my desperation I decided to try a little name-dropping.
{{MC}}: Actually, I was looking for Gavin’s file.
Eli: Gavin? You know him?
It seemed this topic had the desired effect, so I hastily seized the opportunity to clear myself of suspicion.
{{MC}}: Yes, we went to the same high school, but after graduation we lost touch.
{{MC}}: Because information on all Evolvers is recorded here, I thought I’d try to see how he’s been doing.
My lie seemed pretty air-tight to me, but Eli’s expression only grew more suspicious.
At odds with what I had imagined, when he said the word ‘Gavin’, it was actually with a look of anger!
Eli: Gavin is a freak over at NW. How could he have been high school classmates with you?
He said this through gritted teeth, his face full of unvarnished disdain. It was clear he wasn’t joking.
{{MC}}: Did you say that Gavin is a freak…?
Eli: Are you telling me that someone like that is worthy of being called ‘human’?
His words seemed like a misplaced thread woven into the fabric of my memory, giving me an inexplicable feeling of dissonance.
They shouldn’t be on such bad terms…
There must be some kind of mistake…
{{MC}}: But you two used to be… wasn’t he your squadmate?
Eli: How could that be?
Eli: How would a big shot like Gavin take time to come and ‘play house’ with the likes of us?
Eli: And you better stop with the made-up stories around here.
He let out a cold grunt and then spoke into his walkie-talkie.
Eli: Be advised, Agent B-2 has discovered a suspicious person. My location is the Basement 1 archives room. Please lock down this area.
The sudden sound of alarms and the flashing of red lights left me disoriented.
I sprinted for the door, but was shocked to discover that even to get out, I’d have to swipe my card!
Just as I pressed my card to the reader, Eli was catching up with me.
If I had been any slower!
Before I could do anything, a brusque hand shot out through the opening door and pulled me to its owner’s side.
Behind me, Eli naturally had no intention of letting go either, and with his other hand he felt for his holster.
Shaw: Duck.
Shaw pushed me to the side, then strode forward and kicked the gun away before Eli could take aim.
Eli shot us an enraged look as the handgun clattered to the floor. To be more precise, his gaze fell mostly on Shaw.
Eli: You’ve got nerve showing your face!
Shaw: Just came to pick up something.
Even at a time like this, this guy was still making quips without a care in the world!
The smile on Shaw’s face didn’t fade a hair even as Eli started to lunge at him with a murderous look on his face.
He nimbly pulled me aside to dodge, as nearby the sound of footsteps from other special agents could be heard.
Eli: There’s nowhere to run.
Shaw: I happen to disagree.
As he said that, a current of air brushed past my face, and a long leg kicked out at Eli.
While Eli was blocking it, Shaw spun around, pulled me, and ran out of the archives room.
Shaw: Run!
{{MC}}: Wait, what about the documents you need?
Shaw: Already got ’em.
I suddenly noticed that there was a black electronic chip in his hand, which he flipped cavalierly in the air before catching it securely again.
Shaw: Seeing as how you provided me with cover, I’ll give you a copy when we get back.
Shaw: Provided that you can keep up with me while we escape.
He seemed to be in good spirits, as if the escape we were about to embark on was just a game to him.
(Breaking News: Loveland City Police cordially reminded the public: Evolvers, don’t forget to register!)
[Main Story 22-04]
Alarms sounded throughout the entire STF.
Pursuing footsteps were always close behind, and security gates up ahead fell shut one after another.
I pushed myself to keep up with Shaw, and after not long I was gasping for breath.
Shaw: Remind me to take you training after this.
{{MC}}: You… how about you get us outta here first!
Shaw: I know a shortcut.
As he spoke, he skidded to a stop as doors on either side closed shut.
We were trapped like rats!
But Shaw still looked cool and collected as he pulled me straight at one of the walls–
{{MC}}: Aaaah! Can we not think of some other… hey?
Shaw: What are you shouting about? You really think I was going to crash you into a wall?
I looked back in disbelief, surprised to find that the realistic ‘wall’ was just a hologram.
And the pitch-black secret passage in front of us must be that ‘shortcut’ he was talking about.
If everything went smoothly, we should be able to walk to the faintly-glowing other end in a matter of minutes.
But if the two ends of this path were to be sealed up, then we really wouldn’t have anywhere to run…
The only one worrying about this was me though. Shaw was swaggering confidently the whole time, even humming a song.
The rousing tune kept stopping in the same place, and then returning to the beginning and starting over.
The fragmented melody overlapped with the sound of our footsteps, reverberating through the secret passage.
It seemed clear that no more agents were chasing us, but he never let go of my hand.
{{MC}}: You can let go… I can keep up just fine.
Shaw: If you trip and fall, I’m not going to double back to pick you up.
{{MC}}: And I don’t need you to!
I tried to shake off his hand in a huff, but he only pulled back harder.
Shaw: If you get caught now, that won’t be any fun.
As if in answer to his words, the ground and even the walls started to shake violently.
{{MC}}: What’s that?!
Shaw: Some meddlesome punks have caught up with us.
Footsteps continued to sound behind us, and not far ahead appeared a thick cluster of silhouettes.
The agents on either side drew nearer. My fears had come true after all!
The light of hope that I’d clung to began to get snuffed out, and my heart ran cold.
But in the dying light, I still saw a smile plastered across Shaw’s face.
Shaw: If they wanna play, then let’s play…
This guy really does just want to watch the world burn!
At any rate, he’d let go of my hand and stepped forward alone to meet the agents arrayed before us.
The agents raised their shields high and gave him a final warning–
Special Agent: You are surrounded! Don’t make another move!
Shaw: I think not.
Every move he made was testing the limits of the agents’ patience. All I could do was stand behind him, looking on in a cold, nervous sweat.
Although, since he was so brimming with confidence, then surely he must have a plan for breaking through this blockade!
I had no choice but to trust him.
Shaw stepped forward, causing the agents to cautiously raise their stun guns.
And this was exactly what he wanted them to do. A white, electric light cracked like a whip, instantly knocking the agents’ tight formation into disarray.
Electricity flowed from his finger tips and faded into the walls.
His puffed-up profile was highlighted in the silvery white light, and the circuits in the passageway seized up with a flick of his finger.
The agents with their electronic ear-piece comms all hit the floor, clutching their heads in pain, instantly losing the ability to fight back.
With sparks still flying from his fingers, Shaw shot me a glance and then looked toward the exit.
Shaw: Run, or else you’re on your own!
{{MC}}: Just… just a second.
I had been caught off guard by his attack too, and now my body was so stunned that I couldn’t lift my feet.
Shaw let out a ‘tsk’ from up ahead, but he still turned back around and, after extinguishing the electricity in one of his hands, he put me on his shoulder.
Shaw: Luckily this stretch of corridor isn’t very long.
{{MC}}: What is that supposed to mean!?
Shaw: Hm, you seem to be getting your strength back… How about getting down and running yourself?
Worried that he might really go through with that, I nervously gripped his shirt tighter.
A low chuckle sounded over my head. With the threat behind us, he continued humming that unknown tune again.
[Main Story 22-05]
It’s true I never would’ve been able to escape without Shaw, but if you really think about it, he’s the reason I got in this mess in the first place!
After all, ever since I met this guy, danger has never been in short supply.
After getting set down by him like a sack of potatoes, my mood had shifted from predominantly fear to anger.
Shaw: Has anyone ever told you that you look awful when you’re angry.
{{MC}}: I wonder who I could be angry at!
Before I could do anything, he stretched out a hand again and patted my head. Then in the same motion, he took off my wig and threw it in a trashcan.
Shaw: Well, do you still feel angry seeing this?
That little chip appeared again between Shaw’s fingertips as he dangled it deliberately in front of my face.
Shaw: The stuff in the archives room is just there for appearances.
Shaw: This has the stuff they don’t want you to know.
{{MC}}: Is the solution to resolving this snowfall in there too?
Shaw: I didn’t give it a close look. Should be.
{{MC}}: What do you mean ‘should be’!
I almost forfeited my life providing a distraction for you, and all we got were some files that may or may not be useful!
Shaw: When you react like this… who can resist teasing you a little?
{{MC}}: Cut it with the games already!
Shaw: Don’t worry. You’ll get what you want tonight.
He picked up the skateboard he had placed by the side of the street, then rolled away a few meters before looking back to ask me:
Shaw: Need to hitch a ride?
Thinking back on how he’d hauled me down that corridor before, I hastily waved my hands.
{{MC}}: N–no, thanks… I can take a late-night bus.
Shaw: Suit yourself.
He looked completely nonchalant, and his grin even widened a bit.
A sudden bout of rain came spattering down, blurring the view of the street before me.
{{MC}}: Strange… I was sure the weather forecast said that it wasn’t going to rain today.
Shaw: Well, did the weather forecast also tell you when it would stop snowing too?
Not willing to banter with him, I just put a hand up to my brow and trotted forward. A jacket was placed over my head.
Shaw: Remember to wash it good before giving it back.
The rain started to fall harder, causing my rain-soaked jacket to hang more heavily on my head.
As I looked at his silhouette receding in the distance, I let out a sigh at my bad luck and then ran off through the rain toward the bus stop.
{{MC}}: This thing isn’t waterproof at all… he’s just using me to wash his clothes for him.
I disdainfully shoved the jacket off my head. The brief shower of rain hadn’t lasted that long anyway.
Just like Shaw himself, coming and going at will.
If I’d gotten anything out of this relationship with Shaw at all, it was the ability to accept situations like this.
Even after escaping from such an intense fight like that, I could still wait like this for the bus back home so calm and composed.
[Payment timed out. Please scan code again.]
The automatic vending machine behind me kept repeating the same sentence.
I turned to see what was the matter and found that the machine wasn’t on the fritz– there actually was someone continually trying to make a payment.
I couldn’t help but go over and see if I could help.
A pair of eyes as clear as glass turned on me.
Although there was a gentle look in those eyes, there was also a subtle feeling of distance.
I suddenly recognized that face! It was that famous piano player whose face was in advertisements everywhere– Cyril!
I tried hard to suppress the look of surprise on my face and pretend that I didn’t recognize him at all.
{{MC}}: Excuse me, do you need help?
A hint of warmth suffused his cold eyes as he gestured in frustration at the vending machine.
Cyril: I just want to buy a bottle of water, but I don’t quite know how to use these machines.
If it wasn’t for that sincere look of confusion on his face, I totally would’ve started thinking that I was on a prank show or something.
If I was still at my company, I would definitely invite him to come do a show. It would be called: ‘A Day in the Life of a Piano Prince’!
Thinking that to myself, I patiently explained to him how to use the machine.
{{MC}}: First, choose the drink you want, then press the button under it.
Seeing that he was about to press a button with a red light lit up, I quickly added:
{{MC}}: A red light means it’s sold out. You can only pick ones with a blue light.
Cyril: Oh, I see.
He then began to scan the twenty-something different kinds of drinks again, looking carefully at each one.
In the end, he pushed a button underneath a bottle of iced milk tea.
{{MC}}: After choosing one, you just need to open your payment app and scan this QR code displayed here.
I tried as much as possible to speak in a way any modern person would understand, but when he looked at his phone, he fell into another bout of consternation.
After pausing indecisively for a moment, he finally held up his phone to the code on the machine, but the app he opened was actually his camera app…
Cyril: Seems like it still doesn’t work.
{{MC}}: That… could you give your phone to me for a second?
After getting a look at his screen– without a single payment app downloaded on it– I instantly found the crux of the problem.
Did he think this machine used a face scan for payments or something…?
If I waited for him to download and set up an app then and there, I would almost definitely miss the last bus.
Instead I decided to just point at the app on my own phone and gave him a brief explanation.
{{MC}}: Later you can download this app, and next time you’ll be able to buy one yourself.
{{MC}}: This time, I’ll just buy it for you. This is the one you want?
Cyril: Right, thanks.
{{MC}}: You’re welcome. I really like this drink too!
As I said that, I handed his phone back to him.
When I accidentally brushed against his long, slender fingertip, there wasn’t even a hint of warmth.
{{MC}}: Your hand is ice cold. How about I buy a warm drink for you?
He seemed a little hesitant, but he gave a slight nod and accepted my proposal with a smile.
Cyril: I’d be much obliged, thank you.
The drink thunked down into the dispenser, and before I could react, he had already bent over and retrieved both his bottle and mine from the machine.
When he extended the drink to me, I realized that under the bottom there were two pieces of paper, which appeared to be tickets of some kind.
{{MC}}: Oh? What’s this?
Cyril: Consider it a thank-you gift.
Cyril: If you have time, bring a friend along.
I lifted them up and carefully looked at them. They were tickets to an upcoming and very sold-out piano concert tour.
Moreover, it was for the final VIP performance aboard the HMS Victoria.
{{MC}}: No way! This is too expensive. I can’t accept!
Cyril: No need to be polite. I hope to see you again then.
Just as we were in our standoff, the last bus that I’d waited on so long finally pulled up to the stop.
Unable to give them back, I was forced to take the tickets. After I got on the bus, I waved to him until it pulled away.
{{MC}}: He may not look it, but he’s actually quite a warm, kind person.
Thinking back over the encounter, I couldn’t shake the feeling that he sounded familiar, but I couldn’t say where we had seen each other before.
{{MC}}: Must’ve heard it before in a video.
Just then the TV playing ads on the bus happened to cut to one of his. Even coming out of the poor-quality speakers, the sound of his music was intoxicating.
The silver-haired youth watched as the bus drove away, and the drink in his hand turned to solid ice without him noticing.
As snow drifted down around him, a faintly perceptible smile formed on his lips–
Cyril: I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
(Breaking News: Experts: Cause of Heavy Snow Last Night Still Unknown.)
[Main Story 22-07]
I felt so nervous watching the progress bar inch forward as I loaded the documents, like there was a ticking time bomb in my chest.
Although the documents Shaw found were indeed more complete than the ones I saw in the archives room, they were still just some scattered clues.
Some documents were just a set of coordinates and a few photographs, and some recorded nothing but a few people’s names.
In order to find the lynch pin connecting these fragmented incidents, I’d have to thoroughly organize everything.
Before I slowly advanced my way nearer to the truth, I first confirmed another fact–
Special Task Force actually was secretly monitoring and stealing NW documents!
NW had begun investigating the ‘Eternal Winter’ incident two months previous, but STF had only gotten involved in the past month.
If the two sides were sharing documents through a partnership, then they would’ve split up investigating suspicious locations to save time and effort.
But, from the looks of the documents, STF didn’t do any of their own on-the-ground investigating. They pretty much just copied the NW reports entirely.
But what surprised me even more was that the person in charge of the Eternal Winter incident at NW was none other than Gavin!
Did he know that STF was secretly monitoring their investigation?
Why didn’t he take any measures against it?
And also, did he run into any danger while carrying out missions…
If possible, of course I wanted to ask him about all this in person.
But as a member of NW now, according to what Eli said today, he probably wasn’t the same Gavin I used to know.
It occurred to me that I might be able to find some clues from before when I asked him to do a show, so I did a search of Miracle Finder videos.
At first, I thought I had somehow misremembered the episode number, but none of my searches turned up that episode with Gavin.
Finally I just entered ‘Miracle Finder Gavin’, but under the search bar, it just said ‘no video results found’.
{{MC}}: …How could this be?! That episode with Gavin was even a trending topic!
Those words that Eli said, which seemed so strange at the time, echoed in my ears.
A terrible thought suddenly welled up in my mind.
When I switched Gavin’s name for Lucien’s, the search results turned up empty again.
Unwilling to give up hope, I searched for just ‘Miracle Finder’ and found subtle differences from my memory of the show…
Had all of those times we crossed paths all been erased away?!
Had I truly been temporarily forgotten by them, by the world?
I couldn’t confirm it, but my guess at the answer sent shivers through me.
Solving this ‘Eternal Winter’ incident that was very probably the source of all of this, just moved from the ‘want to do’ list to the ‘absolutely must accomplish’ list!
I looked at my computer screen and took a deep breath, trying to get my focus back on the matter at hand.
At first I thought the people behind this were Black Swan again, but NW and STF both ruled them out.
{{MC}}: If it’s not Black Swan after all… then who would plot such an incident…
{{MC}}: And as for the people plotting all this from behind the scenes, what could their ultimate goal be…
All of the evidence that might point the way had dried up mid-investigation. Pretty much every clue had hit a bottleneck.
As it stood, the only hopes for a breakthrough were in a few spots showing sustained anomalies in Evol fluctuations.
These clues clearly seemed like a trap deliberately laid by the perpetrators, but to get at the truth, it seemed like following their script was the only choice.
Gavin’s report stopped at North Mountain, and so I deduced that he was still in that area investigating.
And so I looked into the situation at North Mountain and found out that already one month ago it had been sealed off due to safety issues brought on by a heavy snowfall.
I didn’t know how to get on the mountain, but all the same I decided to get a good night’s sleep and then set out early the next day to check it out.
Before my back could hit the bed, my phone on the table started ringing urgently.
Shaw: You got what you wanted, and not a word of thanks?
You’re calling this late at night just to say that?
But I deserve this!
{{MC}}: You’re calling this late at night just to say that?
Shaw: Yep.
Shaw: And if I don’t hear those words, then you can forget about getting any sleep tonight.
{{MC}}: …Thanks.
{{MC}}: But I deserve this!
Shaw: What about helping you escape though?
{{MC}}: What about getting us into that situation in the first place?
Shaw: I shared the documents with you, didn’t I?
Shaw: Did you find out anything useful?
{{MC}}: Tomorrow I’m taking a trip to North Mountain to see if I can turn up any clues.
Shaw: Not going to start with the anomalies inside the city?
{{MC}}: Because Gavin…
Shaw: Really all you do is follow him, isn’t it?
{{MC}}: He’s the person in charge of the whole investigation into the Eternal Winter incident, isn’t he? Wherever he goes, there’s bound to be something crucial!
Shaw: The closer you get to the truth, the more dangerous it will be.
Shaw: The same level of danger is just a minor threat to him, but to you it could mean life or death.
Shaw: Do you really need me to explain that to you?
He rarely spoke so straightforwardly. It was obvious that he knew something.
My reason was strongly urging me to listen to him on this one and give up my plan to investigate on my own, but–
{{MC}}: As far as I could see, right now there’s nothing more important than getting to the bottom of this thing.
He didn’t say another word, and a few seconds later a dial tone played on the other end of the line.
Outside the window, a bolt of lightning flashed, as if hinting at the danger looming on the horizon tomorrow.
I pulled up my blanket over my head and forced myself to fall into a deep sleep.
[Main Story 22-08]
{{MC}}: Is this cable car really okay…?
Early the next day, I arrived at the foot of North Mountain, surprised to find that the mountain’s cable car was still operating.
But listening to the creaking and groaning of the cables that had long fallen into disrepair, I thought to myself that going up on foot would probably be better.
??: If you’re going up, you can buy a ticket over here.
A petite, middle-aged man walked out of a metal shack off to the side, with a gravelly voice that was a bit grating to listen to.
{{MC}}: I– I’m just looking.
??: Even if you hop the fence and go up, the trail has been impassable for some time now.
As if he could see through my intentions, without waiting for me to reply, he went ahead and tore off a ticket for the cable car and placed it in my hand.
??: This is the only way up the mountain. Pay upfront. 50 bucks one way.
{{MC}}: Hang on! This is clearly price-gouging!
??: Pay up to get up.
As he said that, he held out his hand to take back the ticket.
Not wanting to waste any more time, I had no choice but to clutch the ticket and pay the unreasonable fee.
{{MC}}: Alright, alright, I’ll take the ticket!
After finally getting on the rickety cable car, I felt a sting of regret at parting with my money.
{{MC}}: Forget it. Gotta keep focused on the positive…
I tried to keep my spirits up and look for a way to distract myself from the groaning sounds coming from overhead.
After not long, the mountain’s peak appeared not far away.
But the car all of a sudden creaked loudly and started swaying violently!
As I was thrown to the floor, I scrambled to prop myself up on the chair and try to keep balance.
The sound of explosions in the distance drew nearer, and electricity towers on the mountain ridge fell over one after another like dominoes.
I reached out and hit the emergency alarm by the door, but nobody responded over the intercom.
Watching the explosions cascade this way, I could see that the tower closest to the cable car station was in the path of destruction too.
If I stayed in this car, it looked like certain death!
Not far away, yet another electricity tower toppled over!
A wave of heat gusted toward the cable car, filling it with sweltering, suffocating air.
I looked in all directions, considering my odds of survival if I jumped out.
And fate seemed to be giving me one final chance. Down below, between patches of jagged mountain terrain, there was a fairly level plain of snow.
If I jumped out here, it might just work.
I snatched the emergency hammer and broke open the glass door, receiving a blast of scorching air in the process.
Normally I didn’t even have the guts to go bungee jumping, but now I braced myself at the door and took a deep breath. I closed my eyes and leapt–
Howling wind filled my ears– and then I seemed to fall into someone’s warm embrace.
Then, when a cold but familiar voice sounded, I finally opened my eyes in disbelief.
In an instant, my vision was filled with a sky filled with firelight and fluttering snow, and that face that always showed up just in the nick of time.
The wind enveloping me was bitingly cold, like a sharp blade. I felt like my skin was going to cut open, but I clung tightly still.
{{MC}}: Gavin! How did you…
Gavin: You again.
Gavin: That was you that hit the emergency alarm just now?
I wanted to try to appear calm, but my voice quaked as soon as I opened my mouth. All I could do was bite my lip and nod.
After my wire-taut nerves relaxed a bit, the fear at almost losing my life started flooding over me.
Then another loud sound came. In the blink of an eye, the still-moving cable car exploded into bits.
My racing heart felt like it would leap out of my chest any moment. I clutched at his collar, not daring to loosen my grip.
He didn’t say anything, only turning his body slightly to shield me from the swirling blast of fire.
I scrunched his neatly-pressed uniform in both hands, unable to stop trembling. But he didn’t seem to mind, and even softened his tone a little.
Gavin: Maybe next time you’ll remember this fear and stay away from danger.
The piercing gold and red light was totally absorbed by that dark uniform, leaving just a faint outline of gold.
Just like that unchanging warmth of his deep down in his heart, always silently shining through.
[Main Story 22-10]
At first I wanted to talk about the STF report from last night with Gavin, but a flashing light on his ear piece kept indicating that he was receiving communications, denying me the opportunity.
Even though his brow was twisting with anger, he still dispatched his team for follow-up work with perfect orderliness.
Gavin: We’ve got a clear idea of the situation. Initiate emergency protocol.
Gavin: Squad One, get all the personnel on the mountain under control. Don’t let anyone slip the net!
Gavin: Squad Two, get to Suspect Area No. 4 immediately and report anything you find right away.
Gavin: Backup squad, call the rescue center and seal off North Mountain.
The foot of the mountain, that was barren just a while ago, was now crawling with several military vehicles and cordoned off with caution tape.
A few skiers with all their gear were lining up before a recently-erected tent, probably waiting to have their information taken down.
A middle-aged man with a relaxed look on his face came out of the tent. It was that same guy who just sold me the ticket!
He clearly took notice of me, and his disturbing little eyes behind his yellow glasses squinted in a half-smile.
I saw him pull aside a worker and point at me as he said something, then that person came walking right toward me.
He held up an instrument I’d never seen before and scanned me, and it instantly broke out into a constant ring of warning.
Before I knew what was happening, the person grabbed my wrist and twisted my arm behind my back.
Worker: Our initial determination is that this incident is the work of an Evolver. We hope you’ll cooperate with the investigation.
{{MC}}: Isn’t that ticket seller pretty suspicious too? You’re just going to let him go like that?
Worker: He’s just a normal person. He’s been cleared of suspicion.
{{MC}}: This is outright discrimination! On what basis are only Evolvers being suspected?!
My hand was twisted to the point of pain, forcing me to contort myself along with it. Then, to my surprise, I suddenly felt a hard object pressed to my back.
Worker: I urge you to comply with the investigation.
{{MC}}: And what if I refuse? Are you just going to gun down an innocent civilian?
The worker laughed coldly, and then I heard a clicking sound behind me.
Worker: It seems you don’t know the difference between NW and the normal military.
An indescribable fear twined around my heart like a vine, and then drew tighter.
Until a cold, but ever-reassuring voice stopped that person short.
Gavin: I’ll interrogate her.
Worker: There’s still the investigation at the mountain peak…
Gavin: You just worry about your own affairs.
Gavin’s chilling gaze swept over the man, and without another word he led me back behind the tent.
At first I thought he was stepping in to save me out of concern, but I soon discovered from his expression that this was far from the case.
Gavin: I can confirm that you’re not a suspect in this incident, and I can let you go right now.
Gavin: But the next time you’re apprehended by NW, you better be clear about the consequences.
Having said that, he turned and walked away.
Out of desperation, I added a bit of embellishment on the truth and came clean to him–
{{MC}}: Actually, I’m a member of STF.
{{MC}}: I’m not sure if you know, but STF has been stealing NW documents regarding this ‘Eternal Winter’ incident.
Gavin: So you came here just to tell me that you’re a traitor?
{{MC}}: No! I– I just want to work with you, together…
Gavin: No need.
Gavin: The power of NW alone is enough to find the person behind this.
{{MC}}: But, all your leads here at North Mountain have dried up.
{{MC}}: According to the latest information I got at STF–
{{MC}}: The transmission base and signal tower of the unknown signal originating from North Mountain are in completely different locations!
{{MC}}: If you agree to work with me, then I’ll share our intel with you.
He didn’t say anything, opting instead to demonstrate his decision with his actions– taking me to the scene of the incident at the peak.
Gavin: Do you know how STF deals with traitors?
{{MC}}: I don’t.
{{MC}}: But no matter what it is, I won’t regret the choice I just made.
Gavin: Putting yourself in danger over and over. Just what are you thinking?
{{MC}}: I…
I momentarily froze up.
I definitely didn’t want to tell him at a time like this about how he had forgotten me, because it would only sound like the lamest of excuses.
So I just tried to look as composed as possible, suppressing the complex emotions rising up and calmly telling him:
{{MC}}: There’s just someone that I have to get back.
Only after all this is over, the ‘us’ from before can meet again in the future.
Gavin: Then, when this incident is over, tell me that person’s name.
Gavin: You need to learn more about how to rely on others.
{{MC}}: Thank you.
{{MC}}: Although…
I gripped his lapel tighter, letting the now chilly wind blow my tears dry.
{{MC}}: I’ve already decided to learn how to stand on my own.
(Breaking News: Chain of Apartment Explosions! 5 Dead, 47 Injured!)
[Main Story 22-11]
Gavin and I had reached the site of the incident first, before the other members of the search team could get to the peak in their helicopter.
Looking down from the peak of North Mountain, on one side was Loveland City, looking like a snow-encrusted ice sculpture. On the other was a neighboring city, alive with verdant spring colors.
According to NW’s previous conjecture, the reason for the heavy snows blanketing Loveland City could be traced back to an Evolver.
And the signal towers on North Mountain that had been illegally turned back on were very likely being used to receive and spread this person’s power.
Allowing the person behind all this to easily control the climate of the entire city of Loveland.
However, now it could be seen that these signal towers crisscrossing this wasteland had lost their efficacy.
But the heavy snow in Loveland City continued to fall, completely unaffected.
Which was to say, these signal towers and the explosions made to look like destruction of evidence were nothing more than the mastermind’s red herring!
Gavin turned to the side, casting a probing look in the direction of the toppled signal towers.
{{MC}}: Gavin, STF’s investigation…
Without waiting for me to tell him STF’s hypothesis, a cyclone lifted up an huge iron tower lying prone on the ground.
The violent winds kicked up a swath of dirt and rocks, crashing against the giant tower.
The massive weight was like a feather on Gavin’s fingertips, as if the broken signal tower was just a toy block to him.
In a snap, he had moved the huge tower to the side without even the slightest effort.
A faint but neatly-cut square hole appeared in the ground just now covered under the weight of the tower. It seemed to be an entrance underground.
According to STF’s investigations, there was a slight discrepancy between the signal source and the positions of the towers.
And Gavin seemed to have discovered this already, without needing any information from me at all.
Gavin: As I said before, we don’t need the assistance of normal civilians to handle these incidents.
{{MC}}: Then why did…
Gavin: I just didn’t agree with that person’s methods.
Without any more explanation, another gust of wind blew away the earth covering the entrance.
After throwing off a rusted iron sheet, an inky black corridor extended into the ground, with no end in sight.
After giving precise coordinates of the entrance to a squadmate, Gavin hunched over and went in without hesitation.
Watching as he was about to disappear entirely into that darkness so thick you couldn’t even see your hand in front of your face, I had no choice but to chase along after him.
Inside the passageway, it wasn’t quite what I’d imagined. Everywhere there were intricate instruments and machines.
And every several dozen meters there was a kind of electronic screen.
After following along the winding passageway for who knows how far, the screens suddenly started showing a countdown.
{{MC}}: Is it a time bomb?!
Gavin: I’m not sure. It might be a bomb. It might also be in preparation for the activation of something else.
Gavin: The only thing I’m certain of, is that we’ve been detected by the people here.
Even though Gavin had said there was an element of uncertainty, I still wasn’t able to talk myself into keeping calm.
The crimson red letters ticked away, as if cruelly snickering at our total helplessness.
{{MC}}: Is this their attempt to threaten us into leaving…?
Gavin: Then we definitely can’t fall into their trap.
Gavin: I have no way of knowing for sure what will happen next, so I can’t guarantee your safety.
Gavin took a gun out of his holster and held it out to me, giving me the final decision.
Gavin: This is your last chance to back out.
{{MC}}: I already said, I won’t have regrets.
Even though my hands were shaking uncontrollably, I still reached out and grabbed hold of the gun.
Gavin’s warm yet dry palm covered my hand holding the gun and squeezed firmly.
Gavin: Hold it steady. I’ll tell you how to use it as we walk.
Gavin: You have to remember every word I say.
I nodded forcefully and listened diligently to his clear, simple instructions, being sure to remember every point.
The gun in my hand was hefty, reminding me of the possibility of ruthless dangers up ahead.
We finally came to the end of the secret passage. Before us appeared an old iron door.
At first sight, it seemed totally ordinary, but neither of us knew what might lay behind it, waiting to strike in the darkness.
Gavin: After we go in, no matter what happens, your first and only mission is to keep yourself safe.
Seeing a black cyclone now swirling around Gavin’s body, a bad feeling spread uncontrollably from my chest.
I followed anxiously behind Gavin, gripping onto the hard, cold handgun with all of my might.
[Main Story 22-13]
Under the force of a gale from Gavin, the stout iron door seemed like just a prop, toppling at the first touch.
Behind the door, there was no person awaiting us, only a dense jungle of instruments and machines.
Gavin cautiously and decisively stepped around wires on the ground, swept a patch of floor clear with his foot, and then without concern for the thick layer of dust, pressed his face to the floor.
Gavin: There’s something hidden under here.
As he said that, I noticed that there was indeed a piece of flooring in the center of the room clearly different from the others surrounding it.
After pulling me behind himself, Gavin pressed down tentatively on a button.
Just like some secret lair in a movie, a circular elevator suddenly rose up out of the ground.
As I was getting ready to get in the elevator with him, he held me back.
Gavin: I’ll go down first and scout it out.
{{MC}}: We’ll go together. We’re almost out of time as it is.
I stubbornly pushed aside his hand and walked into the elevator, and he didn’t prevent me, only looking silently at the gun in my hand.
Gavin: Don’t forget how to use that thing.
{{MC}}: I won’t. Don’t worry!
Gavin: If something happens, you make a run for it.
{{MC}}: …
Gavin: Got it?
{{MC}}: I got it.
I answered with confidence, but it was only to hide the uneasiness I was feeling inside.
Since entering, everything seemed to have gone too smoothly, as if it was a trap the other side was laying for us.
And we had no other choice but to keep going deeper in, step by step.
With a clunk, the elevator arrived at the lowest level.
The layout inside was in large part no different from above, just– On the machines was displayed: [Deleting data. Current progress: 33%].
On the largest screen, the information being deleted was flashing rapidly by, from which one could see in broad strokes the ambitions of the mastermind behind all this.
‘Signal radiation’, ‘Satellite launch schedule’, ‘Global eternal winter’…
They want to use satellite signal coverage to radiate the whole world with the Evol affecting Loveland City!
This disaster affecting Loveland City is just a little experiment of theirs?
If their plan succeeds, then what kind of chaos will the entire world be plunged into?
Can humanity really survive in a world of eternal winter?
This insidious plot had me shaking with chills. And that person behind this seemed to be flaunting it in our faces, deliberately letting us see the whole thing, powerless to stop it.
He let us know the whole plan, the precise launch date of the satellite, even the key to undoing everything–
[The single point of failure for the Eternal Winter plan: The Black Swan Queen. Search still ongoing…]
Gavin: It seems Black Swan aren’t the only ones in pursuit of the Queen…
Gavin: We have to find her before they do.
Although I didn’t know what my identity had to do with unraveling this whole situation, I knew I trusted Gavin.
If I only told him…
I took a deep breath as I quietly made up my mind, then I turned my head to tell Gavin the whole truth.
{{MC}}: Actually…
Gavin: Duck!
In a flash, a mechanical arm appeared out of nowhere before Gavin and me, abruptly cutting off what I was about to tell him.
??: Like what you see?
A distorted, electronic voice sounded from speakers in every direction. Both the voice and what it said were very unpleasant.
??: Unfortunately, these are secrets that must be left buried underground.
??: Now, you two stay here like a good little boy and girl and rot along with them!
After a bout of maniacal laughter, the mechanical arms all focused around Gavin, swarming on him in a vicious attack.
A fierce battle broke out between the swiftly lunging arms and Gavin’s cyclone. Try as I might, I couldn’t keep up with their speed.
As Gavin had his hands full dealing with the twisting whirl of arms coming at him, a new arm suddenly burst out of a hole in the floor.
Before I could think, my legs started moving, and I dashed to Gavin’s side.
Thinking through the steps that Gavin had just taught me, I first unlocked the gun’s safety.
My whole body was shaking with nerves. It was all I could do to hold the gun steady between my hands.
Seeing that the mechanical arm was about to swipe into Gavin, without time to take careful aim, I quickly fired off two rounds.
It wasn’t a very effective attack, but it nonetheless slowed the arm’s movements down a few seconds.
That sliver of time was all Gavin needed to use his gathering storm of an air current and lift up a nearby machine, throwing it at the arm.
The seemingly alive robot arm nimbly dodged, but its outer metal shell was still torn open.
The tangle of wires and components inside were laid bare to the air, but it didn’t seem to have much impact on its mobility.
I scrambled over to Gavin’s side, standing in between him and the machine.
Gavin, his hands still fully grappling with this gigantic metal monster, managed to give me a basic command.
Gavin: Attack those red sensors!
{{MC}}: Got it!
I tried to follow the arm’s movements, aiming as well as I could at the ever-moving target.
*Bang–*
The first shot missed.
The closely-following second shot barely grazed the side, only kicking up some sparks.
Even through my clothes, I could distinctly feel the hot, concentrated wind emanating from Gavin.
Sweat from my palms slid down the gun handle, and I anxiously held my breath.
Gavin: Notice the regularity in its movements.
Gavin: Wait for the pause after it rotates.
Following his instructions, I gathered my focus and waited for my opportunity.
Gavin trusted me enough to have me by his side. I couldn’t let him down!
With a squeeze of the trigger, a sensor on top of the mechanical arm burst into pieces.
I– I really did it!
Gavin didn’t have time to turn his head, but I clearly heard him say:
Gavin: Nice shot!
Explosions still rang out all around, but his little, offhand comment drowned out all other noise.
It spoke right to my heart.
Even though we were still in danger, and might still have to face more, unknown challenges…
…still, the worry and helplessness that clouded my heart was dissipated on the wind of his words.
[Main Story 22-15]
Meanwhile, the untiring mechanical arms waved on.
Every time Gavin felled one, a new one would spring up from somewhere underneath us and take its place.
The wreckage on the floor piled higher and higher, but new arms just kept attacking without end.
Our sole exit, the elevator, had been blocked up long ago, as if our adversary had planned it that way from the start.
Although I had been following Gavin’s instructions and trying to conserve my bullets, I knew that there weren’t that many left.
And the currents Gavin was manipulating grew less steady over time as well, missing their targets several times.
Noticing that we were running out of stamina, our unseen enemy behind the scenes decided to fill the room with even more mechanical arms.
??: You two have put on quite a show, but I’m getting bored.
??: It’s time for the final curtain.
As he said that, a number of ice cold arms concentrated on Gavin, surrounding him.
In a panic, I fired off the last of my bullets at the arms, but all I did was graze them and send up a few sparks.
Holding off a rabid machine with one arm, Gavin didn’t forget to prop open his force field of wind with the other.
Gavin: Get ready to run!
Clearly if he concentrated all his strength, he might be able to hold out a little longer, but he just didn’t want to let go of that layer of protection around me.
{{MC}}: Gavin! To your right!
He reacted in time, dodging nimbly to the side, but before I even had a chance to celebrate, he was struck by an arm coming from the other side.
The icy machine hurled him cruelly aside. I watched with eyes agape as Gavin was slammed into a wall.
The force field cast over me weakened for a moment, and I hastily freed myself from it.
All of the firepower in the room seemed to be concentrated on Gavin at the moment, allowing me to run unimpeded to his side.
I could see him try to tell me with his eyes to stay where I was, but I couldn’t just look on and do nothing.
His clothes were already stained with blood till the color was unrecognizable, and his exposed skin was covered with deep lacerations.
But he still held up his possibly broken right hand and brought his left hand awkwardly up to his abdomen to try to staunch the flow of blood.
The wind that he was still able to muster up started to dissipate, but he still hadn’t thrown in the towel.
Electric static came from the speakers again, followed by a smattering of applause.
??: Truly admirable persistence.
??: But there are some endings which mere persistence cannot rewrite.
The voice that should’ve come from the speakers now sounded directly inside the underground room!
We both followed the sound of the voice and saw a giant mechanical arm come rising out from under the floor, a grim-faced man sitting atop it.
It was him! The man who sold me the ticket at the foot of the mountain!
With a stiff smile on his face, he rode the arm in front of me, a look of gleeful determination written across his face.
??: No wonder you were so insistent on buying a one-way ticket.
??: It seems you knew all along you wouldn’t be returning.
He controlled the icy mechanical arm and plucked me into the air as if I was some lifeless object. Then he threw me roughly over to Gavin some distance away.
Even though a pile of mechanical arm wreckage broke my fall somewhat, I still felt a sharp blow to my back.
In so much pain that I could barely make a sound, I watched as the man’s figure turned toward Gavin. With all of my remaining strength, I yelled at him to stop.
If we can just hang on a little longer, maybe reinforcements will get here!
{{MC}}: Just what is it you all are trying to do!?
The mechanical arm whirred as it spun back toward me, but the man’s smile was even more ferocious than before.
??: And just what would you do about it if I told you?
??: Sorrowfully take the secret to your grave as you’re buried alive under here?
{{MC}}: I just want to know the truth!
??: The truth? Then why do I get the feeling that you’re just trying to stall for time?
??: Even if your reinforcements do come, I just need to take care of you two before they arrive, then make up a moving tale or two and get off scot-free.
??: ‘They fought off these giant mechanical arms till the very end– all to save me!’ How does that sound? Quite moving, yes?
??: After all, normal people are always just damsels in distress when it comes to Evolvers. No one would ever suspect the truth of the matter.
{{MC}}: But if you’re just a normal person, why would you help Evolvers carry out this plan?
??: The ultimate symbol of the pinnacle of human evolution? Who wouldn’t want to see that?
There was a madness in his expression that seemed disturbingly at odds with his diminutive frame.
Ignoring any further questions from me, he sat back on top of the mechanical arm and turned to Gavin, who was barely clinging to consciousness.
??: Alright, that’s enough time spent chit-chatting.
??: Now it’s time to get down to business.
All of the mechanical arms in the room surrounded him, pointing at a single target.
Even Gavin wouldn’t be able to take such a heavy blow!
As I prayed for a miracle, a yearning for strength surged in me like I’d never had before. All kinds of complex emotions swirled in my chest: worry, dread, grief, anger…
Scenes flashed through my mind of Gavin saving me from the cable car, patiently teaching me how to use the handgun, shielding me from the attacks of the mechanical arms…
Whether in the past, or now, I was always the one being protected.
I could feel something budding in my heart. I could feel them urgently trying to break free of the chains binding them!
I also wish to have the strength to protect those important to me!
{{MC}}: Gavin!
I lunged at him unthinkingly.
But I wasn’t in time.
I watched wide-eyed as the mechanical arms bound up Gavin, unable to make even a sound.
I could feel my will inflating to a degree that my body could no longer contain and surging outwards.
I raised the gun in my hand.
But there was only one, final bullet inside.
Watching that body, that had shielded me from everything, fall lifelessly to the ground, I suddenly felt powerless.
No! There must be some way!
A power that I couldn’t control broke through the bounds of my body, filling the entire underground room.
After a burst of brilliant white light, a silence instantly fell over the room.
It effortlessly blocked the swarm of mechanical arms hovering before Gavin, while also flinging that man off his perch at the same time.
Was this force… coming from me?
The man had also clearly witnessed everything that just happened. He wiped traces of blood from his face, which had begun to contort into a grimace.
His quivering lips worked up and down, and finally perked up into an unsettling smile.
He skipped over to me and extended his arms in a hug.
??: We‘ve been searching for the Black Swan Queen for a long time. It turns out she is right here.
[Main Story 22-16]
A bitter cry sounded in my ear, and I heard some sort of sticky, oozing sound.
The man who was clamoring moments ago now lay atop a pile of those cold, mechanical arms he’d made with his own hands. Dark red blood meandered unsettlingly beneath him.
I was sure that I did not exert any force just now, nor had the reinforcements arrived.
Gavin, who minutes before was lying motionlessly by the wall, had stood up again, a chilling current of air swirling around his body.
He frantically swiped aside the arms in front of him, even pointlessly bashing at them all over again.
The turbulent gusts hid the expression on his face, but judging from his movements, he looked very out of sorts.
{{MC}}: …Gavin?
I tried calling out to him, but he let out a garbled, low roar and looked coldly in my direction.
I was caught frozen in that icy stare and sat limply down on the ground, watching as he limped over to me.
I wanted to go over and embrace him, but fear gripped my heart, leaving me motionless.
Out-of-control mechanical arms flailed in the air, but in a flash he turned them all into a pile of scrap metal.
Sharp shards of metal scratched his skin here and there, but he remained totally unaffected by them, never taking his eyes off his one objective.
Gradually, I was unable to distinguish if he was controlling that swirling black vortex, or if that unfathomable power had already devoured him.
Quickly, those arms that were just now were about to overwhelm us had all been utterly destroyed, but he still didn’t stop.
With no more targets to attack, he bristled for a moment, and then he launched another pointless attack on the wrecked components still hanging in mid-air.
The overly-forceful movements tore open the wounds covering his body, and blood dripped out steadily once again, but he was as heedless as ever.
The way he was right now, it was just like Eli had said, not fit to be called human.
I didn’t know how to get him to snap out of it. All I could do was keep calling his name over and over again.
He seemed to struggle several times, and some of his old self seemed to show in his eyes, but it was instantly suppressed again by that other ‘him’.
I kept taking steps toward him, just hoping that he could throw off this force that had overcome him.
But then the reinforcement squad entered the room at just the wrong time, sending Gavin back into fight mode after he had finally steadied himself a bit.
He attacked the oncoming squad indiscriminately, his old expression gone completely from his blank eyes.
The squad quickly got into formation, but they didn’t dare make any attacks on him.
The squad leader reported the situation over his walkie-talkie and readied his squad for action.
[NW717 is out of control. Dangerous category B. Taking actions to subdue and recall.]
Now surrounded by an unyielding wall of shields, Gavin still tirelessly whipped up wave after wave of black cyclones.
With each unleashing of Evol, his own body was hit with a backlash effect twice as strong. Blood flowed from his wounds, mingling together into a gruesome sight.
I wanted to rush in front of him, to call him back to himself, but the impenetrable wall of wind kept me completely cut off.
So then I started pulling on the uniforms of the outermost soldiers in the formation, shouting my lungs out for them to save Gavin, but they gave no response.
Soon, Gavin’s lacerated body hung like a puppet with its strings cut, and he dropped straight to the floor.
He stubbornly struggled to stand again, but the squad quickly seized this opening and rushed him, pressing him to the ground.
In the chaos, I squirmed through the soldiers and squeezed in close to him, holding my arm out between him and the squad members.
{{MC}}: What are you trying to do to him!? Can’t you see he’s severely injured!?
The squad member scanned my face without a flinch of emotion and placed his ice-cold pistol up against my forehead.
Squadmate: Who are you? We have the authority to execute any suspicious persons on the spot.
It was starkly clear to me that if I didn’t demonstrate my worth to them right now, I’d very likely end up on the receiving end of that pistol.
I wasn’t sure if it was a good idea or not to expose my identity right now, but I had to try to speak up for Gavin’s sake!
{{MC}}: I’m the key factor in solving the snowfall incident. I’m…
A cold hand forcefully yanked on my wrist, cutting off what I was about to say.
I looked in the direction of the sharp pain on my wrist, and found myself looking into Gavin’s exhausted eyes.
He still seemed in an unstable state, as if fighting with some unseen thing, struggling to maintain his precariously restored consciousness.
{{MC}}: Gavin!
That pair of bloodshot eyes swung toward me, and cracked lips parted and closed as he hoarsely called out:
Gavin: NW717 will obey the recall order.
Gavin: But before that, first let me talk to her.
The squad members nodded their consent, yet at the same time showed no intent to fall back.
So before the stares of everyone, Gavin put an arm around my neck and pulled me toward him.
A heavy scent of blood filled my nose. I could feel a tingling in my sinuses, but I tried hard to hold back the tears forming in my eyes.
His movements were stiff, but still gentle, like in the past, when we still knew each other.
{{MC}}: Go ahead. I’m listening.
I bent over obligingly, tilting my head close to his lips.
His weak breath fell on my ear, as he haltingly spoke out a request that I would find hard to comply with:
Gavin: …Don’t tell them… your true identity.
{{MC}}: But!
Gavin: Let go of being the Queen….
Gavin: Live your life as a normal person.
Without giving me a chance to refuse, his hand on the back of my head suddenly tightened in a protective gesture.
Even in the situation we were in, even though we were complete and total ‘strangers’…
He still held on tighter and tighter in his protecting embrace and didn’t let go.
Tears streamed down onto his face, mixed with those still-wet streaks of blood there and blurring his outline.
Gavin: Why are you crying?
Gavin: Promise me, that you won’t get involved in this anymore.
Gavin: No matter who you are, the fate of this world shouldn’t have to rest on your shoulders alone.
Gavin: I’ll find a way to resolve this, and I’ll find the person you’re looking for.
Gavin: These things are mine to do, not the Queen’s.
His voice grew quieter and quieter as his breath weakened.
With his last bit of strength, with his hand on the back of my head, he pressed our foreheads together, while with his other hand he put something into my palm.
Just from the texture and the shape of it, I could tell what it was–
It was the ginkgo leaf bracelet he had given me before.
No matter how many times I lost it, just like now, he would help me find it again and again.
Gavin: Keep it safe.
Gavin: Don’t lose it again.
Gavin: Take it. Get out of here. And live.
With that, he raised a hand and signaled to the squad that he was ready for the tranquilizer shot.
I was taken away too, but I was no longer afraid. Because I knew now: that Gavin that I was looking for– he’d never gone away.
No matter how the world and everyone else treated him, he still had that sense of justice and faith inside him, and was ready to fight for it with every fiber of his being.