Silence.
No one answered immediately.
No objections.
The atmosphere suddenly became too quiet.
Even the wind seemed to have stopped.
Rena stood still, looking at Hero Tina with sharp eyes, but this time calmer.
Meanwhile, Claire turned her gaze slightly toward the sky, which still felt fresh for an argument in the morning.
With a soft mutter, Hero Claire squinted her eyes.
Hmm… it seems this problem is longer than I thought.
With calm and steady breathing, Hero Claire this time only inhaled the surrounding air more deeply and more fully, without speaking.
And without realizing it,
time kept moving.
The sunlight slowly descended through the trees.
Illuminating the three of them still standing in the same place, with the same smell…
The smell of monsters…
The smell of humans…
The smell of half-monster males…
Everything mixed together into a scent that felt too disturbing, like rotting flesh—but on the other hand, it carried history, proof that everything had happened in the same place.
Noon began to arrive.
But the atmosphere among them
still felt cold.
Because Tina's rejection earlier wasn't just a difference of opinion.
It was a sign.
Heroes can think…
Not just follow orders…
But question whether something is worth doing.
Both Hero Tina, with her chaotic expression…
And Hero Claire, who had turned her gaze elsewhere.
And now, even among fellow heroes…
fear had begun to grow over the possibilities they were actually considering.
At least, that's what Rena saw now with her own two eyes.
Then suddenly, Hero Tina spoke with a loud voice, her jaw tensing.
The truth is…!!
There's something you haven't seen yet… Hero Claire… Rena…
Then, partially covering her mouth with her left hand, Hero Tina continued, her lips trembling.
My memory… wasn't finished earlier…!!
Seeing that, Hero Claire and Rena looked at Hero Tina.
Now Hero Tina appeared out of breath after saying that, her face also shadowed.
Then Hero Claire briefly glanced at Rena.
Rena, feeling herself being looked at, looked back at Hero Claire.
When their eyes met, they both seemed to realize something.
Both Rena and Hero Claire felt it.
Then simultaneously, they nodded.
And now, the three humans would each follow their own path regarding what they had chosen.
Because whatever they chose would clearly affect everything.