|Location: Wasteland. |
-OMNISCIENCE-
Joshua moved swiftly through the forest, carrying Nuk on his back, with Anna close behind. Though they put distance between themselves and Zero, the loud crashing and trembling ground still echoed through the trees—a constant reminder that the fierce battle between Dia and Zero raged ahead.
Breaking the tense silence, Joshua's voice carried an unusual note of doubt. "Are you sure he can stop it?" Though he had seen Zero push Dia back, the sheer terrifying scale of the creature left him skeptical.
Joshua was usually distant, focused only on his own survival, so Anna flinched at his unexpected concern for someone he barely knew. His tone stayed sharp and aloof, but she could see the worry flickering just beneath his words.
Keeping pace with him, Anna fell beside Joshua and gave his back a warm, reassuring pat. "Just trust me. I know he will."
Joshua's irritation flared the moment he caught her smile and teasing gaze. He brusquely brushed her hand away and replied bluntly, "That thing might come after us if he can't."
Anna smirked, struggling to keep a straight face. She couldn't resist teasing him. "Then why suggest we run if you're afraid it'll chase us later?"
Their banter lingered in the air as the forest swallowed their footsteps, the distant roar of battle blending with the rustling leaves—an uneasy calm before the storm they had yet to face.
"What? I panicked, okay?" Joshua protested, though his defense sounded weak even to himself. A faint flush spread beneath his eyes and across his pale cheeks, stark against his fair skin. Anna couldn't help but laugh softly at the rare display.
Joshua clenched his fists, almost ready to swat at his sister, but held back—there was no time for sibling quarrels when escape was their priority.
Amid their bickering, Nuk let out a subdued chuckle despite his injured state.
Joshua shot him a sharp glance. "Nuk? How do you have the energy to laugh with a broken rib?"
Nuk's calmness caught Joshua off guard, stirring a growing curiosity about Zero's true strength and why they trusted him so implicitly. Slowing his pace, Joshua looked at Nuk, his voice quieter. "Aren't you worried about your friend?"
Nuk gave a gentle pat on Joshua's shoulder, as if expecting the question. "Trust me," he said, "he single-handedly took down a low-class apostle in the ruins south of here, just a few days ago."
Joshua stopped short, disbelief flashing across his face. "That short guy?"
Anna flicked her finger sharply on Joshua's forehead. "Quiet and keep moving." Her tone was playful but firm.
Joshua's mouth hung open in shock—how could his sister so casually shut down the very plan she started? With a pout, he rubbed his forehead and resumed running.
The dense, dark trees and chaotic terrain stretched before them, the bright sun struggling to pierce the heavy canopy, casting eerie shadows over the wasteland.
A fresh breeze whispered through the leaves. Joshua looked ahead to see a bright light breaking through the darkness. Relief washed over him as he quickened his pace toward it—the end of the long, foreboding tunnel of trees.
Finally, Joshua, Anna, and Nuk emerged from the dense forest. Stepping into the open wasteland, they were immediately spotted by several people nearby, who rushed over eagerly.
"Boss, you're back!" they called, their voices filled with relief and urgency.
Anna acknowledged their greetings with a sharp nod but quickly shifted focus. Her gaze fell on Nuk's battered form, and without hesitation, she issued a firm command.
"Hurry, bring a stretcher!" Her eyes flicked toward the distant horizon, where smoke curled into the sky and the ground rumbled faintly—signs the battle still raged far beyond their reach.
After a moment's assessment, she added, "Everyone, start packing our belongings!"
"Yes, boss!" came the immediate reply as the group sprang into action, moving swiftly to obey.
Joshua settled near Anna and Nuk as they tended to Nuk's wounds, quietly watching the scene unfold around them. Though distant, the sounds of the massive battle reached them clearly—the thunderous crashes and violent tremors shaking the earth beneath their feet. Dust hung thick in the air, swirling across the battlefield like restless spirits.
Joshua's curiosity drove his eyes to scan the distance. Spotting one of the assistants carrying a box of binoculars, he called out, "Hey! You!"
The man stopped and turned slowly toward him, his gaze cool and unreadable.
"Bring me a pair of binoculars," Joshua requested.
The man studied Joshua from head to toe, then glanced at Nuk and Anna. Without a word, he muttered just loud enough for Joshua to hear, "How about getting one for yourself?"
Joshua blinked, momentarily stunned by the dismissive tone. The man began to walk away without hesitation or a backward glance.
"B-but—gah! Fine." Joshua sighed, deciding it wasn't worth arguing. With a blink, he teleported ahead and snatched a pair of binoculars from the man's box.
The man grinned slyly, warning Joshua with a half-joking threat to teach him a lesson before nodding toward Anna.
Joshua teleported back to his spot, binoculars in hand, with no chance to respond.
Just as he settled, a massive explosion erupted on the horizon, sending a towering plume of black smoke into the sky. Joshua quickly raised the binoculars, struggling to make sense of the chaos, but the thick smoke obscured everything.
Anna stepped beside him, her voice calm but concerned. "What happened?"
Joshua squinted, searching for a clear view. "I can't tell. The smoke's too thick."
Without hesitation, Anna reached over and grabbed the binoculars. "Give them here. I'll take a look."
Joshua instinctively reached to grab them back. "How about you get one for yourself?" he said, but before he could finish, Anna smacked him lightly on the head, snatching the binoculars with practiced ease.
Joshua stared blankly, still trying to process what had happened. As he reached again to retrieve the binoculars, Anna's hand hovered, and he yelped in sudden panic.
"Ack!"
Anna's tone sharpened, playful yet commanding. "What was that again?" She gave him a light scuff on the shoulder before turning back to the binoculars.
Joshua retreated slightly, wrapping his arms around himself and muttering, "Why does everyone try to bully me?"
Through the lenses, Anna saw the smoke beginning to thin. She focused harder and suddenly caught sight of a figure gliding swiftly through the air. The figure hurled a barrage of fiery javelins with precise strikes from above and below.
"What the heck is that?" she murmured, disbelief flickering across her face. It was Zero. She blinked, wondering if her eyes were playing tricks, but the fire manipulation was unmistakable. Seeing Zero wield such power was shocking.
Nearby, Nuk muttered softly, "Zero? It has to be. Even in his condition, he's already fighting Dia."
Such abilities were rare, and finding someone else with them even rarer. Anna's excitement welled up as she watched the scene unfold before her eyes.
The battle was fierce—the ground trembled constantly, even from their distant vantage point. Though their view was limited, Anna occasionally saw Zero launching fiery spear-like shots at Dia. The monstrous creature dodged skillfully, countering with thick vines and roots whipping through the air. When pressed, Zero ignited his hands, tearing through the entangling roots with blazing fury. Yet Dia showed no sign of faltering; her massive form remained unyielding.
The intensity of the fight left the trio silent, caught between awe and worry as the distant clash raged on.
Anna's eyes remained glued to the distant battle, but then something unexpected caught her attention—Zero began teleporting rapidly, vanishing and reappearing with astonishing speed. The sudden display jolted Anna from her focus.
"Did you know he could do that? Wait... did he just teleport?" Anna asked, her voice tinged with surprise and curiosity.
Nuk shrugged casually. "Nope. Not a clue."
Anna's gaze narrowed skeptically. "You don't seem surprised."
Nuk gave a wry smile. "I've come to accept that this world is vast—and full of surprises. And apparently, a lot of rocks." His tone carried a quiet respect for Zero's abilities.
Before anyone could respond, Joshua's voice cut in with a hint of concern. "But are you sure? He's going to kill your sister."
At that, Nuk's fist clenched tightly, emotions flickering beneath his calm exterior. He fought to steady himself, reminding himself that losing control wouldn't help. Finally, he answered Joshua firmly, "Like I said, I've already let go of that idea."
Anna's voice took on a sharp edge. "Joshua, it's better if you don't bring that up again."
Joshua sighed, lowering the binoculars he'd recently reclaimed after the first pair was taken. "Yeah, yeah, I know." He paused, eyes fixed on the scene. "But this Zero guy... he looks pretty badass right now." The worry that had shadowed him moments ago was replaced by awe and excitement as he watched the fight unfold.
Anna exhaled slowly, her eyes still on the battle through the binoculars. Then she turned to Nuk with a small smile. "Looks like our little hero just won this round. And Hansel—he's with him. Also he's waving and shouting something."
Anna frowned slightly, concentrating on Zero's lips through the lenses. "He seems to be shouting... 'Guacamole'?"
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