Night had fully claimed the city.
The moment I reached the surface, the humid air brushed against my cheeks. It had started to rain. Fine droplets fell coldly and quietly, dampening the concrete. The streetlights blurred through the drizzle, making it seem as if the night itself were breathing.
A breeze weaving through the gaps between the buildings carried the scent of smoke.
Plumes of fire were still rising from the Vira Corp building. It seemed we’d gone a bit overboard during the shootout inside. Faint red flickers hovered in the distance where the wind blew.
Roselia stood watching the units withdraw, one helicopter at a time. Her hair fluttered in the rotor wash as she shrugged her shoulders in her usual manner.
"Well, one way or another, that company is finished. Plenty of other dirt is bound to come out besides this incident. My Ninth Division isn't exactly at full strength yet, but we'll take it one step at a time."
"Good for them," I replied with a nod, exhaling a long breath.
Physically, my functions were at one hundred percent, but a heavy lethargy clung to me—likely the toll of mental exhaustion. I dug into my pocket until my fingers brushed against a lollipop. I peeled off the wrapper with a crinkle and popped it into my mouth.
The candy clicked against the back of my teeth. Sweetness spread across my tongue, and a moment later, I felt the sensation of blood finally returning to my brain.
"And... what about those girls?"
Roselia crossed her arms and kept her eyes on the sky.
"The transport team took them in. Both sisters are headed for a detailed examination. They'll probably add a psychiatric evaluation to the list, but they'll be fine. It was your Repair; the work is guaranteed. I'll send a report to the Rainburg family from our end."
Her tone was softer than usual. Given her big-sisterly nature, she’d likely developed a protective instinct for them.
"As for the android—Olaf’s daughter—she’ll be undergoing a dismantling inspection for log analysis and tracing until the very last minute. I know it's not the same as a prosthetic, but I'll tell them not to go too far."
I gave a small, expressionless nod. The image of the silver-haired android being loaded into a separate helicopter crossed my mind. She hadn't resisted; she had simply disappeared into the wind, her face devoid of emotion.
From human to machine. Whether that was "salvation" or not... honestly, I didn't have the answer.
"...What about Olaf?"
Roselia lowered her gaze slightly.
"Supposedly, they'll manage him in an organic preservation state for now. But in that condition, I doubt they'll get any useful intel out of him."
"Probably not."
I looked up at the sky. Raindrops traced cold paths down my cheeks, yet the sensation was strangely pleasant. I had checked him with my Repair earlier just in case, but it was impossible. Even if the flesh returned to its original state, the soul would not. He was just a shape now. An empty, motionless vessel.
"Well, you were a big help this time. I'll be in touch."
Roselia spoke briefly and headed toward her helicopter. The rotors roared, and the wind intensified. I shielded my eyes with one hand, silently watching the white craft disappear into the night sky.
The rain grew heavier.
As I stepped onto the street, the city became a hazy blur of reflected light. Neon bled into the wet pavement, casting shadows of red and blue. I turned up the collar of my jacket and walked toward my car.
The crimson body of my beloved ride gleamed dully under the rain. It seemed the guys from the Seventh Tactical Control Division had gone through the trouble of transporting it here for me. Much appreciated.
When I held up the key, the electronic lock chirped. I slid into the seat and turned the ignition. A low growl melted into the night as the gauges glowed to life. I rolled the candy around in my mouth and gripped the steering wheel.
I drove through the blurred neon streets, passed through the gate, and began the descent into the Lower District. Rain drummed against the windshield, and the headlights illuminated the ozone-heavy mist. On the passenger seat sat a bag containing synthetic coffee and the sugar bread sticks I'd picked up along the way.
I eventually reached the garage in the basement of my building. When I pressed the switch, the shutter groaned open. I eased the car inside and cut the engine.
The moment I stepped out, the familiar scent of oil and metal hit me. This was the one. It was far more soothing than the stench of a scorched battlefield. Being back here was the only thing that made me feel like the job was finally over.
I brushed the rain off my sleeves and jogged around to the front. I raised the shutter halfway, unlocked the door, and slipped inside. Fumbling for the switch, I heard the dull hum of the startup sequence as the electronic lights flickered on, bathing the quiet workshop in white.
The workbench in the center of the room, the piles of parts... this was my world.
I sat in my chair and tossed my wet jacket aside. I set the bag on the table with a rustle; the coffee can inside tipped over with a light clink. I leaned back, letting the chair take the weight of my exhaustion.
Just then, the communication terminal on the edge of the workbench pinged. A message from Roselia.
Lucia has regained consciousness. Cecily is stable. No problems.
Only one line. But it was enough.
I exhaled slowly and crunched down on the small bit of candy left in my mouth. A dry snap. A final burst of sweetness.
"...Good," I muttered to the empty room.
I pushed myself up, grabbed my jacket, and headed for the back room. As I killed the lights, the workshop sank into a peaceful darkness. The din of battle and the smell of smoke were gone.
The bedsheets were cool. As I lay down, a long sigh escaped me.
A shower and a meal... I'll handle that in the morning.
I closed my eyes. Outside, the rain continued its quiet descent. The city was not yet asleep, but I let my consciousness sink slowly into the dark.
＊ ＊ ＊
Chapter One: End
To be continued in Chapter Two