After Kai returned to the base, he rushed up to his room and immediately began packing, preparing for the journey ahead. While he was in the middle of gathering his things, the door creaked open and Eugene stepped inside, speaking up:
"Why are you packing already? Are we leaving now?"
Kai, still busy with his things, replied without looking up,
"Yes. We're heading out—our destination is the southwest continent."
Seeing Kai so serious about preparing, Eugene sighed and began packing as well. As she sorted through her belongings, her eyes fell on something lying on the table. She picked it up curiously.
"Huh? What's this…? My travel book?"
Hearing that, Kai turned sharply toward her, hurried over, and snatched the book out of her hands.
Eugene raised an eyebrow, watching him with suspicion.
"Eh? What's with the secrecy? Kai, what is that book? Come on, let me see, I want to know too!"
Kai held the book out of her reach, his expression clearly unwilling to share.
"No… you can't look at this. It's my diary. If you really want to read it, you'll have to wait until I'm dead, Eugene."
Eugene blinked, both curious and frustrated, but she didn't try to take it back. She knew it was something personal. With a small sigh, she answered,
"Fine, fine… I wasn't dying to know anyway. Well, maybe I was, but if you don't want to share, that's okay. I understand. I've never written one myself, after all."
Kai carefully tucked the book into his bag, his expression softening.
"It's alright, Eugene. Because your story… is already inside this diary. I started writing ever since our journey began, and everyone's stories are in here—including yours."
Eugene froze for a moment, then smiled faintly, deeply touched.
"Then make sure you write my story properly, okay? I'll be waiting to read it… whenever you finally allow it."
She chuckled softly.
"Not that I want you to die anytime soon, Kai."
She smiled, her round eyes shimmering, cheeks faintly flushed as she crouched to finish packing. In her heart, however, words echoed silently:
Because… I've fallen in love with you.
Kai, still busy with his things, gave her a wide smile.
"Of course. I've written your part well, Eugene. And besides, I'm not going to die that easily, so don't worry."
When he finished, Kai placed his bag neatly in the corner of the room, then stood up.
"Let's go, Eugene. We should say goodbye to Ren. And we still need to track down Rese—who knows where she's wandered off to this time."
Eugene tilted her head.
"Why not use your eye ability to find her?"
Kai shook his head as he rose.
"I can't use it all the time. Besides, it only lets me sense the general situation and predict living beings' next moves—with about ninety percent accuracy. That's all."
Eugene stiffened, her voice trembling with unease.
"It… it doesn't read minds, right? Not thoughts or anything like that?"
Kai glanced at her, puzzled.
"Not exactly. I can sense general intent, but if someone has strong mental discipline, I can't read their thoughts at all. Don't worry—I've never used it on you. In fact, it doesn't work on you."
Eugene, though somewhat relieved, thought to herself,
I see… just like with Ren. He couldn't read him either. So maybe it really doesn't work on me. Looks like my daily training actually paid off. Good. I'll just keep at it, so this idiot never realizes… Ugh, it's so embarrassing. Why did I have to fall for someone like him?
Her cheeks burned even redder as she quickly stuffed the rest of her things into her bag.
Kai noticed her odd behavior and tilted his head in confusion.
"Hurry up, Eugene. We need to say goodbye to Ren at the commander's office. You're not going to sneak a peek at my diary, are you? I trust you."
Eugene nodded, forcing a smile.
"Of course not. Trust me."
But in her heart, she whispered,
I wouldn't peek, my beloved.
Kai made his way to the commander's office. When he pushed open the door, he found Ren lounging idly in a chair, rocking back and forth.
"Ren, I came to thank you for everything. But it's time—I'm leaving."
Ren tilted his head lazily, then replied,
"Ah, I already heard from Luminous. And I've passed the word to Rese—she's probably saying her goodbyes to Ruby right about now. She's likely waiting for you at the spaceship."
Kai asked,
"What about Septa and Ruby? Aren't they coming?"
Ren shook his head.
"Septa's with Ruby for now. Neither of them are going. It looks like only Rese will be traveling with you. But don't worry—if you ever miss them, you can always come back, Kai."
Kai gave a small nod.
"Then please, take good care of them while I'm gone."
Ren grinned.
"Don't worry. They'll be safe here."
With that, Kai left the commander's office and returned to the room where his things were packed. Eugene was waiting for him. Together, the two of them made their way toward the spaceship docked inside the base.
"Let's go, Eugene. It's time for us to begin our journey."