|Location: Wasteland, Campsite|
-ZERO-
I darted around the ashen trees, my smile wide and carefree, hand stretched out as if trying to touch the swirling fog itself. The mischief bubbling inside me was impossible to contain after the chaos with the traps. Ever since I'd accidentally set off those primitive contraptions, I could feel everyone's eyes locked on me—Dia, Nuk, even Hansel—each silently hoping I wouldn't do something foolish again. But how could they take me seriously when all they saw was me giggling and running circles through the gloom like a kid chasing shadows?
Nuk and Dia exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of exasperation and disbelief. Hansel, standing nearby, shot them a look that clearly said, What's wrong with him? Neither of them had a good answer. I was sure they wanted to scold me, but their words never came. Instead, I felt their hesitation, as if part of them was too tired or too amused to keep up the stern act.
Suddenly, I stopped mid-run. Something caught my eye in the corner of my vision—a faint, flickering glow just beyond the dense fog and dead trees.
I crept closer, curiosity pulling me like a magnet. Not far ahead, glittering lights shimmered through the darkness, scattered like tiny stars barely visible through the haze. My heart quickened with excitement. It was as if I'd stumbled onto a secret treasure. For a moment, I thought about how close I'd come to missing all of this if I'd said no earlier, if I hadn't pushed myself to follow them here. But now, standing on the edge of this strange, eerie light, I felt a warm sense of relief—and maybe even hope.
"Wow," I breathed, making a pair of binoculars with my hands and peering toward the glow. "Are those the tents?"
In my mind, the lights looked like a flock of fireflies, their soft flicker delicate against the heavy darkness. "They look like fireflies from here," I added, a smile tugging at my lips.
Dia raised her eyebrow, clearly puzzled. "Fireflies?" she asked, her voice cautious as if trying to catch the meaning behind my strange comparison.
I paused, looking at her, momentarily confused myself. It wasn't the first time I'd said something she didn't quite understand. Somehow, I suspected it all traced back to SAI's influence—my inner voice, my way of seeing the world through a lens she didn't share. But after everything that had happened—not just moments ago but since I'd arrived—I no longer cared much about the confusion.
"It's just… the way the lights flicker," I explained softly, "like little sparks of life in all this darkness. Like they're alive, moving gently, trying to show us the way."
Dia didn't say much, but I caught a flicker of understanding in her eyes. Maybe she didn't get the whole picture, but she saw that, for me, these tiny lights meant more than just campfires or tents. They were a sign—something bright and real in a place that felt otherwise swallowed by shadow.
I took a slow, steady breath, feeling the cold air mix with the faint warmth of those distant flickers. For the first time in a while, the forest didn't feel quite so empty or so lost. It felt like we were stepping closer to something important—something waiting just beyond the dark.
Though I still felt wary that something might go wrong again, I decided to come to my own conclusions this time. My mind churned through countless possibilities, each one sounding more far-fetched than the last. But there was one idea that felt closer to the truth than the rest.
I connected the bits of information Dia had shared with me about how the world had changed since long ago. The stark contrast between what used to be and the state of the world now—like the example she gave of Abu Dhabi and how different it was in the past—stayed with me. Then there was the mention of the 'apostle,' a dangerous figure from this world I'd fought before. In my mind, the Earth I knew from the past was a peaceful place, far removed from the harsh reality I now faced.
I tossed aside notions of reincarnation or transmigration from another world. Instead, I settled on the idea that the knowledge I possessed was ancient—thousands of years old, passed down by SAI. Though dated, it was not useless. The things I knew, like the apostle's nature, might help me in future battles.
But even as I thought this, I was conflicted. Should I share what I knew with them? Would it help or only bring more trouble?
"Hey, what are you thinking?" Dia's hands snapped in front of me, pulling me back from my spiraling thoughts.
"Don't mind me," I said, pushing the questions and doubts deep into the back of my mind. "But since you asked... I do have a few questions."
Dia rolled her eyes, clearly bracing herself for a long conversation.
We continued walking, exchanging a few sentences here and there, our words weaving through the heavy silence. Meanwhile, Nuk and Hansel were having their own tense conversation nearby.
Hansel hurried to catch up with Nuk, who looked as if the weight of the world was pressing down on him. With every step, Nuk's tension grew—he clicked his tongue anxiously, fiddled with his thumbs, and his eyes darted around, unable to settle.
Hansel worried that if Nuk didn't calm down soon, he might collapse under the pressure.
Finally, Hansel called out behind Nuk, "Nuk!"
"What do you want?" Nuk's voice was rough, and the shadows cloaked his face as he turned. He welcomed the darkness—it gave him a moment to collect himself before reaching camp. He didn't want to add more worry to Hansel's mind, especially after everything with their eldest brother. That loss was already heavy enough.
But Nuk's attempt to keep his troubles to himself failed. Hansel could hear the strain in Nuk's voice, reading the tension with ease. And Hansel knew that if he left Nuk alone in this state, he might fall prey to one of their uncle's schemes.
So Hansel pressed on, touching on sensitive topics—not to cause pain, but to prepare Nuk for what might come. He couldn't shake the feeling that they were facing problems beyond their control, and if they didn't plan carefully, disaster could strike.
"Just so you know," Hansel said quietly, "she isn't here anymore." He knew mentioning Nuk's sister would sting, but he felt it was necessary. "You better be prepared."
Nuk swallowed hard, the words reopening wounds from their last expedition. Though Hansel spoke as a concerned friend, Nuk's face darkened with grief and anger—anger at himself for what had happened.
He forced himself to push those emotions down and focus on what lay ahead. He thought about the tasks he had to complete, the battles he might face. He knew he would soon have to confront his tribe—especially his uncle, who was already plotting against him. The thought made his knees weak, like cold water running down his back.
But then he remembered what his sister had told him before she died—the fight he might have to face. She had prepared him for it. Their plans had changed since their last expedition, especially now with me involved.
The weight of responsibility pressed down on us all, but somehow, amidst the uncertainty, I felt a flicker of resolve. We were stepping into something much bigger than any of us expected.
"Hansel, I know." Nuk stepped closer, offering a weak smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. He knew Hansel wouldn't buy it, but it was all he could do for now—to reassure him that, somehow, things would be okay. "Thanks for telling me, anyway."
Hansel's gaze locked onto Nuk's, then flicked toward me. He noticed the way Nuk looked at me—eyes burning with a strange mix of confidence and resolve. "I know you can handle the others, but what about Uncle?" Hansel's voice was low but urgent. "W-what are you planning?"
"Enough!" Nuk's voice rose slightly, sharper than intended. He caught the glint in Hansel's eyes—as if he'd guessed his next move—and quickly tried to steer the conversation away. "L-let's not think about that now."
Hansel hesitated, then dropped the subject, though his worry lingered like a shadow.
Trying to lighten the mood, Hansel's eyes scanned the group and settled on me, still peppering Dia with questions. "Okay then, how about telling me who this guy is?"
Nuk's expression softened, the tension easing as he shifted from 'ready to fight' to 'protective older brother' mode. "For the guy you told to back off, now you want to get close. Classic," Nuk teased.
Hansel bristled at the jab. "Hey, I was off guard, okay?"
Their exchange brought a rare warmth to the group, an easing of the thick tension that had settled over us. Even Hansel seemed unsettled by how much a single person—me—could change the atmosphere.
"Yeah, yeah," Nuk muttered, half convinced by Hansel's defense.
Hansel stepped closer to me, still watching as I giggled, excitement bubbling as we neared the camp's gate. Something about me made him uneasy, but he approached anyway.
"So, you are?" Hansel leaned in, his tone curious but cautious. I noticed Dia slipping quietly away as Hansel closed in—it was my turn to talk.
I turned, circling Hansel slowly, eyes scanning him from head to toe. My gaze was intense, almost unsettling. Then I answered, stepping back as I spoke, "I'm Zero."
Nuk's voice cut through the moment, directing Hansel. "Now that you know each other, keep your eye on Zero."
Hansel was silent for a moment, then Nuk pressed, "What's wrong?"
Hansel tried to laugh it off but only made things awkward. "He just left."
Nuk spun around, eyes wide as he searched for me. "What? When? Where did he go?"
Hansel scratched the back of his head, a hint of worry in his voice. "Towards the entrance." He paused, imagining the chaos I might cause alone. "After that trap accident… I can't imagine what he'll do once he reaches camp."
"Great. I'm exhausted as hell, and now I have to catch someone," Nuk groaned, breaking into a run. "We better hurry before he gets into some mess."
I dashed ahead, laughing as I heard them struggling to keep up. The thrill of the chase made me push harder, faster.
I didn't notice the sign I sprinted past—a clear warning to turn right. From a distance, Nuk saw me barreling toward a cliff edge. He ran faster, desperation fueling him, but it only made me run faster.
Realizing I had no intention of stopping, Nuk's worry deepened. "Zero! Watch out!" he shouted.
I smiled wide, breath flowing free as I ran. "Sorry, Nuk, can't hear you!"
Suddenly, the ground vanished beneath my feet.
My heart dropped. "This is gonna hurt," I thought.
"AHHH!" I screamed, the sound fading as I plummeted toward the dark abyss below.
Nuk skidded to a halt at the cliff's edge, peering into the pitch-black void. No sign of me.
Hansel and Dia caught up, their faces pale as they scanned the darkness.
Hansel's forehead glistened with sweat—guilt weighing heavy. "Brother, where's Zero?" Dia's voice trembled.
Nuk turned, eyes wide with dread. "He's gone."
"What happened?" Dia's voice cracked.
"He fell."
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