Silence. The atmosphere at the moment felt rather oppressive.
Pardo's heart was racing like crazy. In all her life, she'd never witnessed a scene like this. Honestly, she felt like dropping to her knees with a thump right then and there.
Well, even though she'd already done that not too long ago…
But right now, watching that pink-haired big sister Sakura from a distance, so effortlessly, in the blink of an eye, slice the head clean off the hulking monster that had just been chasing her down like a scared rabbit—the impact was simply too much.
Sakura walked over with steady, measured steps.
"Um, uh…"
Pardo was so nervous her tongue seemed tied in knots. The words just wouldn't come out right. Her brain was whirring like an overclocked machine, desperately trying to figure out what to say.
"Didn't I tell you this place was dangerous? Why did you come back?"
Sakura's tone carried clear reproach.
"I—I was just heading home to grab some stuff, and then I ran into this big guy the moment I stepped out!"
Pardo hurriedly explained, her voice still shaky with lingering fright. Afraid Sakura wouldn't believe her, she quickly added, "Thank you so much for saving me, sis!!"
She knew perfectly well—the wise adapt to circumstances. Right now, she had to get those words of gratitude out fast.
And honestly, in her heart, she almost felt like kowtowing to Sakura right then. But she was also a little too scared, so she could only sigh inwardly.
Ahhh, this big sister is way too amazing. Just one slash, and that huge monster was gone.
Pardo felt immensely grateful she hadn't managed to truly anger this sister earlier. Otherwise, she'd probably be as cold and stiff as a sliced-open kitten by now.
"…"
Sakura found herself momentarily at a loss for words. Logically speaking, this girl's luck was really something. Being chased by a Emperor-class Honkai Beast and not ending up with a single scratch? It was strange.
"Sister Pardo!"
Just then, Vya's clear, clear voice rang out as she cheerfully ran over.
"Huh?"
Hearing the familiar voice, Pardo turned to see Vya.
Seeing someone she knew, a huge weight seemed to lift from her chest, and she felt much more at ease.
It made sense for Vya to be here, since this was the sanatorium…
Wait, no. This place didn't look anything like a sanatorium anymore. It was utterly ruined, nothing but crumbling walls and debris everywhere.
"Oh, Vya…"
Pardo's tone unconsciously relaxed, as if she'd found her people.
"You know each other?"
Sakura walked up to the two and asked, her eyes shifting between them.
"Yep! Sister Sakura, Vya has known Sister Pardo for a long time!"
Vya replied with a giggle.
"I see. Understood."
Sakura gave a slight nod.
"Oh, little Vya, you know this big sister?"
Seeing the situation, Pardo leaned closer to Vya and whispered her question, like two kids sharing a secret.
"That's right… Sister Pardo…"
Imitating Pardo, Vya also answered cautiously, acting as if she was afraid someone might overhear.
Watching the two of them like this, Sakura didn't say anything more, just quietly observed from the side.
At that moment, Mobius made a gesture to Sakura, signaling her to come over.
"You know that girl who came running over?"
Mobius inquired.
Sakura then briefly recounted what had happened earlier—how Pardo had almost managed to steal something from her.
"Oh? She almost stole something from you?"
Mobius's interest was instantly piqued. An ordinary person, able to get close to a top-tier assassin like Sakura without being noticed?
Now that was interesting. A different kind of gleam flickered in her eyes.
"Yes, that's correct."
Sakura replied, her expression still calm.
"This person is interesting. Bring her back with you as well. Vya and I will head back first. Handle the rest."
Mobius instructed.
"Understood, Doctor."
Sakura acknowledged. She had to follow Mobius's orders as well.
"See you later, Aponia."
Mobius waved casually at Aponia standing nearby.
"Goodbye, Miss Mobius."
Aponia gave a slight bow, her face still wearing that gentle smile.
…
"Miss Mobius is a rather special person."
Aponia remarked softly, watching Mobius's departing figure, her eyes holding a hint of something inscrutable.
"Indeed."
Sakura nodded in agreement. Mobius had always been hard to figure out.
Meanwhile, Vya was still happily chatting away with Pardo. This little girl had, quite perfectly, become the one person everyone present knew, like a cheerful little connector.
"Sister Sakura is really nice."
Vya said with a clear expression, little stars seeming to twinkle in her eyes.
"Right, right, this Sister Sakura is super amazing and really kind."
Pardo hastily nodded in agreement. After all, she'd tried to steal from her, and the woman hadn't made a big deal out of it. This sister was definitely a good person. Pardo really didn't want to offend anyone else.
"Vya, time to go."
Mobius smiled as she walked up to Vya, a smile that was hard to tell was genuine or not.
"Huh? Aren't we staying a bit longer?"
Vya was puzzled. They had just arrived, why were they leaving already? Her little face was full of confusion.
"They'll be coming to visit us later. We should head back first to make some preparations."
Mobius explained, reaching out to pat Vya's head.
"Oh, so that's how it is. Vya understands."
Vya nodded, seeming to grasp it but not entirely. Still, she chose to trust Mobius.
"Aren't you going to introduce us?"
Mobius shot a faintly smiling glance at Pardo, her eyes landing on the bracelet on Pardo's wrist.
She recalled that Elysia had once wanted to give her a similar bracelet, but she hadn't accepted it at the time.
Under that gaze from Mobius, Pardo felt a sudden jolt of alarm.
"Oh, this is Sister Pardo! She really likes kitties!"
Vya quickly introduced her to Mobius, even adding an extra explanation in case Mobius didn't understand.
"Likes cats, huh? No wonder. She does look rather like a little kitten herself."
Mobius said meaningfully, the corner of her mouth curling up slightly.
"Ahaha… you're right, sis. Meow~"
Pardo, scared, instinctively let out a little meow, trying to lighten the mood, while inwardly groaning in distress.
"Goodbye, little kitten."
With that, Mobius turned and left with Vya, her steps unhurried.
"Bye bye, Sister Pardo!"
Vya waved, her voice clear and bright.
"Okay, bye bye!"
Pardo nodded like a chicken pecking at rice, hastily agreeing. In her heart, though, she was thinking, Let's not meet again. This sister's aura was way too strong and a bit terrifying. Better to keep some distance.
And just like that, Pardo found herself rather bewilderedly brought into MOTH.
Along with Kalpas and Aponia, the children and staff from the sanatorium were temporarily relocated to a relief shelter.
Aponia, though deeply worried about the children, had no choice. She could only follow along back to MOTH for questioning. The whole way, she silently prayed for the children's safety and well-being.
…
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