Revy didn't try to dissuade Misha. She had already seen it — the raging hatred in her eyes.
Hatred toward Ursus, and hatred toward the Reunion Movement.
She knew that when the girl in front of her made up her mind, she was incredibly stubborn — just like the first time they met, when she had pointed a gun at her.
(An MGL… huh? How ironic.)
Thinking back, the weapon Misha first picked up was identical to the one Skullshatterer had always used. Maybe there really was some kind of fated coincidence at play.
"I won't tell you to give it up. But becoming a combat operator isn't something that comes easy."
If Misha could truly match Alex's exceptional combat skills, there was no doubt — she could become a capable operator. Still, Revy decided to pour a bit of cold water on her.
She could tell: Misha was still wrestling with herself on the inside. Was this decision born of hatred and impulse? Or was it the result of deep, considered determination?
To test that resolve, she'd need time — and space to reflect.
"Think it through. Once you're certain, let me know. I'll talk to Amiya and Dr. Kal'tsit for you."
That was all she said before leaving Misha with her thoughts, heading off toward the Human Resources office.
(This kinda makes me feel like a deadbeat gal walking away…)
Chuckling at her own thoughts, Revy passed through the cafeteria and waved to Team A4, who were eating inside, then headed straight to the HR office at the back of the Rhodes Island ship.
As expected, at this time of day, Ifrit was still hard at work in the office.
Due to her Oripathy, she was extremely insensitive to sound. And with her being so focused, Revy's sneaky entrance didn't disturb the girl hunched over her desk at all.
(Tsk… Isn't she still a patient? That old hag Kal'tsit sure doesn't know how to let her rest.)
Looking at the towering pile of personnel files next to Ifrit, Revy clicked her tongue. She silently slid a large portion of them over to an empty table, sat down, and began working.
Time passed in a shared silence.
"Hmm?" Ifrit reached out for another file… and her hand met empty space.
(Weird… I thought there were still so many left? I was planning to finish them all today…)
Looking up in confusion, she noticed something surprising — the once-mountainous stack of files had been partially moved. And at the now-occupied empty desk… sat a figure she knew all too well.
Even without a clear look, she recognized her instantly. Her eyes lit up.
"S-Senpai?"
She called out tentatively.
Revy, head buried in the last of the paperwork, looked up and gave her a warm smile.
"We meet again, Miss Ifrit."
———
Finishing the leftover paperwork didn't take long. Not wanting Ifrit to stay cooped up in the poorly ventilated HR office, Revy brought her to the cafeteria instead.
Clearly, Ifrit wasn't used to coming here outside regular meal times. So Revy simply brewed a pot of black tea for the two of them.
Thankfully, Ifrit didn't mind afternoon tea — even if it was just plain black tea.
"So? What did you want to talk to me about, Miss Ifrit?"
"Um… if possible, could you just call me Ifrit? You don't need to be so formal…"
She fidgeted awkwardly, clearly a bit nervous. She opened her mouth a few times to speak, but always held back.
Revy simply smiled, lifting her cup and motioning for her to drink with her. Gratefully, Ifrit took a sip. Her expression eased slightly.
"Whew… sorry, Senpai, I lost my composure."
"It's fine. I can tell you've got something hard to talk about. No rush — we can just drink tea and chat if you like."
Revy could sense that Ifrit wanted her help — but she wasn't going to force her to speak before she was ready.
"No… it's okay, Senpai. I'm being selfish, but… yes, there's something I'd like your help with."
"Oh? Let's hear it then. Who knows, maybe I actually can help."
Ifrit smiled, encouraged by Revy's easygoing demeanor.
"It's about my homeland. Senpai… have you heard of the Katela Volcano?"
"Hmm… the name rings a bell."
After a moment's thought, Revy replied, "It's an active volcano in northern Leithania, right? I remember mentioning it in my disaster forecasts for Akureyri. I said it was bound to erupt within the next ten years."
"Exactly."
At the mention of the volcano, a spark lit up in Ifrit's eyes.
"Recent observations show a sharp increase in geothermal activity around Katela. The volcanic tremors are three times stronger than before — and still intensifying."
"Go on…"
"The Geothermal Observatory has recorded substantial rises in earth temperatures. The magnetic field in the area has become erratic. Nearby nomadic cities have already started retreating from the region."
"Then… doesn't seem like they need a Catastrophe Messenger to issue any follow-ups."
Catastrophe Messengers were meant to deliver and explain disaster data to various governments, helping nomadic cities move before calamities struck.
But if the Leithania authorities already had all the data and were reacting appropriately, then Messengers weren't really needed.
"This isn't about the Catastrophe Messengers… it's about me. Personally."
"Personally?"
"Senpai… have you forgotten what my main profession is?"
"…Wait. You mean… volcanologist?"
"Yup!"
Ifrit puffed out her chest proudly and gave a little smile.
"A volcano on the verge of erupting is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study and gather data. I want to return to Leithania and observe Katela up close."
She looked Revy in the eye.
"Senpai… will you come with me?"
All set! Let me know if you want other edits — tone changes, stylistic tweaks, or even a character swap with someone totally unexpected.