The sight of miners and wanderers holding hands in peace should have been heartwarming—but to Seele, it felt surreal. Her brows furrowed as she watched the two groups, once on the brink of violence, now exchanging smiles and promises of cooperation.
Too easy, she thought. Too clean.
March leaned toward Dan Heng, whispering, "Doesn't it feel… weird? They were about to throw punches, and now they're hugging it out?"
Dan Heng nodded slightly. "It's not logical. Their anger was real. Something changed them too quickly."
His gaze drifted to Ellie, who stood a little apart, humming softly to herself. There was a glint in her eye—one Dan Heng couldn't quite read. He thought of his own past, of the things he'd buried. Maybe Ellie has her own secrets too.
Antonina, now accepted among the wanderers, approached Xi'er with a bright smile. "Seele! They're really willing to change! But please, Wildfire still needs to keep an eye on them."
Seele blinked, pulled from her thoughts. "Got it, Antonina. But…"
Antonina tilted her head. "But what? Come on, what's with the hesitation?"
Seele hesitated. "I just… don't get it. Why the sudden change? It feels off. Be careful, Antonina. Don't let your guard down."
Antonina laughed, brushing it off. "What, you think someone rewired their brains?"
Seele chuckled too. "Yeah, right. Like that's even possible."
Stelle crossed her arms. "Are we done chatting? Shouldn't we be finding Oleg?"
Seele groaned. "Alright, alright. Let's move. I'm starting to feel uneasy too."
—
After navigating deeper into the mining zone—solving puzzles, unlocking gates, and dodging Fragmentum threats—the group finally stumbled upon a strange sight: a towering robot in patched clothes speaking gently with a small white-haired girl.
They listened quietly.
"…even in extreme conditions, humans cannot avoid division and struggle," the robot said.
"But Mr. Svarog…" Clara began.
Svarog cut her off. "Humans who attempt to subvert calculated outcomes are the greatest threat to lower-zone survival. Calculations confirm: force is the most efficient solution."
Seele stepped forward, voice sharp. "Svarog! We're not done with our last encounter. Call off your minions!"
Svarog ignored her, his sensors locked on Ellie.
"Unknown variable detected. Risk assessment: indeterminate. Clara, we're leaving."
He scooped Clara into his arms and retreated, leaving behind a squad of robotic minions.
Ellie stepped forward, smiling. "Interrupting someone is rude, you know～♪ And ignoring people? Even worse."
Seele stared at Ellie, stunned. That one strike… it was like watching a star collapse. Who is she really?
Before she could ask, a cheerful voice rang out behind them.
"Oooh? Seele? Did you just solve the problem Svarog sent your way?"