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When he sees the old man's fingertip twitch, the mercenary keenly realizes that something terrible is about to go down.

He aims his weapon at the target as fast as he can, but a bullet pierces his shoulder first.

Ugh—!

Dammit, I can't even see what he's doing.

So how come I'm starting to think this is getting fun?

Stop approaching him, you madman!

Careful. Not a step closer, kid.

...I'm putting everything on the line for this.

So you came in here anyway.

Miss Brynley, bullets can ricochet indoors. I don't want to hurt you.

I don't want to hurt you, either. Please take everyone with you and leave.

I'm sorry, but this is the mission handed down to us. Not everyone's a princess like you, who can do whatever she pleases.

I'm so sorry about all this...

The girl's voice is coming from behind the booth seats. It is soft and with a hint of doubt. Just like the mercenary's first impression of her—sensitive and cowardly.

He carefully inches forward with his handgun drawn and held up next to his face.

This...

There is no one sitting in the booth. Just a sniper rifle on the table. The device on the trigger ensures it can be remotely controlled.

A communication device sits beside it. The girl's voice can be heard through its speakers.

...I really am sorry.

The target is not in the rear kitchen.

Second floor is clear.

Not outside, either.

She's not here...

Hurry and withdraw immediately. This is a feint—

If you know I do whatever I please... why did you expect me to act exactly how you anticipated?

No, don't withdraw yet!

A fiery beam of light crashes into the ground outside the window.

All units! Get down—

Before he can finish, there is a loud explosion.

A tire crashes through the window and, still smoking and on fire, makes a few loops on the ground before falling to the glass-strewn floor.

...All blown up. Without any transports, it'll take some time for them to make it to the power plant.

That's plenty.

Were there more of them?

Looks like I need to hurry.

According to the plan, you'll leave through this secret passage, and I'll set off the power plant. Once this place explodes, no one will find the passage.

Leone...

Do you have a map of the route?

Yeah.

This path is connected to the underground sewer system. The passages there are complicated and twisty. Only one will lead you outside the plate.

Jessica hid some transports and supplies near the exit. Avoid military stations on the way to the frontier... There's bound to be plenty of thugs and bandits, too.

Leone, how many times have we been over this already? As for the dangers of the road, Woodrow's talked my ear off about them already. Yes, it's dangerous, we all know that.

I'm just worried...

I don't like making promises, you know.

But I can promise you this: No matter what happens, I'll do everything to reach my destination. Even if I fall—

You won't.

You won't, Helena. Because I'll be right behind you. I'll take down every obstacle that slows you down.

That's my promise to you.

You just need to keep running straight ahead. Remember, keep going straight. Don't look back.

I will, Leone... Goodbye...

Now go. Hurry.

He looks on as the dark, narrow tunnel engulfs Helena's silhouette. Finally, he can't help but turn around to take a look at the plant's generator in the center of the room.

There is barely anyone left on the plate, but the fire in the furnace burns as strong as ever.

The flames are reflected in his eyes. Dancing, stirring, leaping.

Yet even that is unable to melt the frigid ice lying in their depths.

Now... It's just you and me.

You're late. The old Sankta's gone.

Where did he go...?

The mine.

You're wounded...

It's fine. He held back... Ugh... I almost had him. Dammit.

...One suggestion. If you girls run into him, try attacking his left shoulder.

What—

I appreciate the advice. Now if you'll excuse us.

Faster... I have to hurry...

Leone sets the explosives on the wall and lifts his hand to wipe all the sweat that's gathered on his brow, but the heat immediately causes his skin to sweat even more.

Hurry...

His lips start chapping. His saliva no longer serves to moisten his throat and mouth.

Faster...

He sticks another one onto the wall, then another, and another...

The light of the intense fire sweeps into the bottom of his eyes, seemingly tearing his soul in two. One half supports his body's movements so that he can keep working.

While the other half has left his body entirely and stands firm in front of the furnace, staring into the raging fire.

As he attaches another stick of dynamite to the wall, he notices someone walking toward him from the light of the fire.

Come with me, Leone. We'll head to the frontier. That's where our new home is.

Miles... Don't go. Where are you going?

Another stick of dynamite is set on the wall. Miles turns toward the furnace, and a small shadow emerges.

I'm planning to leave Davistown. I don't want to stay here anymore. I'm leaving, Dad.

Benny...

Don't leave me... You're the only child I have left... Don't leave me like Carl did!

Another stick of dynamite on the wall. The fire engulfs Benny, and twists into a tall, young man.

Good news, Dad. There's a mercenary company that thinks I'm pretty good. They say I'm a good fit for the gig... I'll be leaving in a few days.

No... Don't go. I won't let you.

You'll die on the battlefield, Carl!

Another stick of dynamite. The young man turns into a fireball and explodes in all directions.

No... Carl, come back!

The final stick of dynamite is set up on the wall.

A woman emerges from the fireball. He no longer remembers what she looked like, but he never once forgot her voice.

Mom...

Leone...

I have to go now. I'm sorry... I can't support you anymore...

Mom... Don't apologize. I'm doing well here.

Leone, sorry for leaving you all alone.

No, Mom. I have a family here... Everyone here is my family.

Goodbye, Leone.

Stay here, Mom...

Stay here... with me.

Leone, how are things going on your end?

The explosives are all in the place... Once they're set off, the plant will explode in no time. Then, after the energy tower comes crashing down, no one will ever find that passage again.

When are you leaving? I've lured the nearby mercenaries away, so I'm on my way there to pick you up.

No... Don't come.

Have you already left?