The last of the Corrupted collapses, leaving a radiant arc where the flames still flicker in the air.
Taking careful aim at the fallen enemy's power core, you fire one precise finishing shot.
As the smoke dissipates, all those Corrupted lured by the sound devices lie defeated.
Lucia stays alert, scanning the area. She places a hand on her hip and gently brushes the dust off that Froggie's head.
The patrol team arrives to assist, confirms the enemy signals, and moves in to examine the remains.
Lucia, standing right beside you, quickly regains her focus and settles back into a defensive stance by your side.
Whoa... Gray Raven really is something else. It's my first time seeing an elite squad from Babylonia in action!
That was so clean and efficient! Flawless teamwork!
Alright, that's enough! Keep it down and let them catch their breath... Sorry for interrupting!
The calm patrol member presses down on the still-excited teammate's head.
Based on our request, once this shopping mall is cleared, your mission is basically finished.
Got it. We'll handle the handover soon...
He hasn't finished! Sure, your mission's officially over, but the transport craft back to Babylonia won't arrive until the day after tomorrow. So until then, feel free to do whatever you like—mmpf...
The calm patrol member firmly presses his head down again.
That's about it... We'll head out to pick up the scavengers' stuff and return it to them. You're free to do whatever you like
He hauls away the teammate who still seems eager to speak, leaving in a hurry.
What's with all the pointless chatter? Sometimes it's exhausting just listening to you!
Come on, that's not true! They seem to enjoy chatting with me...
All around, the patrol members swiftly clean up the Corrupted remains and head off, leaving the once lively scene to fall suddenly quiet.
Now we have an unexpected break.
Hmm...
Lucia handles sudden battles with ease, but when she's faced with a surprise vacation, she finds herself momentarily at a loss.
If she can't make up her mind, maybe you should give that local specialty in the conservation area a try, just like the patrol squad captain suggested...
Commandant, how about a nice soak in the hot spring?
Surprisingly, Lucia doesn't linger on the thought for long before speaking up.
Yeah. I've heard the water there is naturally flowing, so if we tidy it up a bit, we can probably use it...
Before you know it, you have already slipped past that hidden path and reached the abandoned hot spring.
Even though nobody's been here for years, the fresh running spring keeps the place from looking as bad as you expected. After scooping out the fallen leaves, the rising steam soon clouds your view.
You soak both feet in the spring. The water is slightly hot, stimulating your senses, and the tiredness from days of travel gradually slips away.
Behind you, the girl gently sets her hands on your shoulders, applying just the right amount of pressure as she massages your stiff neck and back.
Back in the library, I came across a few books on massage.
You often work through the night, Commandant. I believe this will really help relieve your fatigue...
The air falls silent again, leaving only the soft trickle of the flowing water.
It almost feels like a dream.
I still can't believe how dreamy these past few days have been.
I ended up going back with you to a battlefield from my past, spotted a rainbow out of nowhere, and even stumbled on that Froggie I'd been hunting for ages.
When I first heard about this hot spring, I thought maybe I'd get to visit it with you someday—never expected it'd actually happen...
You know, when life runs this smoothly, it feels almost unreal, like you're dreaming.
Commandant?
Lucia nods, sits down beside you, and immerses her feet in the soothing warmth of the spring.
She anticipated the chance of underwater combat before venturing into the forest, so she waterproofed her frame beforehand.
Mmm... it's really warm.
Her sensory modules transmit every ripple to her M.I.N.D. She lowers her gaze and quietly follows the gentle flow of the water.
Hmm?
She hesitates for a second, feeling a bit caught off guard.
...Nothing gets past you, Commandant.
I still have some downtime at Babylonia to fine-tune my frame, but you've been running around nonstop on the surface.
It's not just this mission—there was the last one, and the ones before that...
Commandant, you really should take a proper break.
I'm fine...
After you returned to Babylonia, you checked Lucia's adaptation records from that time. To speed up her compatibility, she spent almost every moment in the Science Council, apart from the bare minimum sleep and downtime.
I just want to help...
Those words perfectly sum up Lucia's character.
You're spot on, Commandant.
...
I'll take responsibility for you, Commandant.
They say the more time two people spend together, the more alike they become—sounds just like us, doesn't it?
But you picked this mission spot so I could catch my breath, right?
Your hopes align in a simple way—you just want to look after each other and keep fatigue from wearing each other down.
From the moment you began this mission, you both have been seeking a chance to help each other unwind.
In the gentle rush of the water, this unspoken concern seeps into your hearts without a word.
The hot spring eases your thoughts, intertwining them, and once the truth emerges, a subtle emotion steadily grows.
Commandant...
Commandant.
[player name].
Everything's going to be okay, right, Commandant?
Mm...
I'm so glad I got the chance to meet you, [player name].
The girl's eyes cut through the soft haze, focusing on the person right beside her.
Just being at your side makes me happier than anything.
She lets her eyelids droop a little, partially concealing those ruby-like eyes.
Commandant, can you promise me something?
That gentle warmth eases your fatigue and intensifies your emotions, growing until you're almost impossible to hold back.
Lucia leave the remaining words unsaid, pouring her unwavering emotion into a single, direct act.
She gently loops her arms around your shoulders, pressing her forehead to yours as a comforting warmth settles just beneath your nose.
A sensation warmer than any hot spring flows into your soul the instant your skin touches.
Then, a tender brush grazes your cheek and lingers at the corner of your lips, leaving a light, fluttering kiss—like a dragonfly touching the water's surface.
The rush of water slips away, the breeze goes still, and even the sound of breathing fades to nothing.
Now, right here in this moment, all is hushed save for the steady beat of your hearts, echoing in perfect unison like a delicate two-part harmony.
Ba-dump... Ba-dump... The rhythm of your pounding heart builds to a crescendo. In a single breath, Lucia dips her gaze and moves in for another kiss—again and again.
Gentle whispers linger at your ear, gliding over your cheek as softly as a bird's downy feathers.
They're the words she never finished.
Promise me... that we will never be apart.
