To endure any challenge is an abstract thought that must be practiced to get ahead. No matter what challenges or hardships someone must overcome, one person with enough grit can overcome the odds instead of falling. Succeeding after a trial, the person will return stronger and can take another challenge for their growth.

Until someone reaches their limit.

It is the idea that supplements the creation of a specific enhancement drug—X-0762 Module, also known as the Tenacity Resonium. A creation of White Star Institute, with earlier versions in use of the body's adaptation within a Hollow. The material that is used comes from a specific concentration of Ether crystal that can only be found in certain parts of a Hollow.

Captain Magus is reading the documents, and he can tell that the White Star Institute carries darker secrets. While they have developed technology out from the Hollows that is currently helpful in the Defense Force, reaching its effectiveness has cost a pile of bodies.

"It's reasonable the rebels wanted these documents," he says, "This formula is almost similar to the ones used, but there's a slight difference that has drastic effects—something worse."

An unusual gun is placed on his desk, and there is seemingly an eye in the rear sight.

"Now it's understandable why they want it burnt." A feminine voice has spoken. While there is no other person in the room, it seems it is coming from the said gun.

Captain Magus stares at the gun, "I heard a story, no, not story. Resonium is one of the mysteries in the Hollows that scientists thought they could control. The creation of these types of enhancement drugs are used on countless rabbits, and of course, only a few have enough compatibility to even live. However, the arrogance had won this time—they managed to create artificials."

"Some do not have any soul to redeem. They are willing to go that far. It's a hard pill to swallow that their arrogance against nature brought fruitful results."

"And we know some of the rabbits that survived, Captain Ghostfire," he says.

The gun—Ghostfire, seems to scoff.

"It's the idea of endurance indeed…" Ghostfire replies.

Captain Magus flips the papers and hides it in a drawer. He stands and stares at the window, seeing the distant huge blob—Hollow Zero.

"The truth of the Fall of Old Capital is still a long journey ahead. But that's why I'll remain your figurehead here in Obol Squad, true captain."

A long, ringing echo stretches into an endless void. The sharp tone stings her ears as Anby stares into the darkness. Nothing else reaches her senses, yet she knows she cannot remain in this abyss for too long.

It seems a line has traveled through her veins until it reaches her brain as she opens her eyes, and the sharp ringing finally subsides.

Anby still feels that the sword has never slipped her hand, as she grips it tighter and turns around—slashing the culprit that hits her head. Lucy drops a smoke bomb, and the crew escapes from the ambush. Anby only knows that a hand has grabbed her wrist and gets dragged away from the heat spot.

Enduring the pain that is throbbing her head, Anby hopes that their running will end soon.

"Here!" Lighter says and a few more turns, their running comes to a halt.

Anby only realizes that Lucy is the one holding her wrist as the deputy of Sons of Calydon gets her seat on the ground.

Lucy seems worried while staring at the amount of blood flowing from her head.

"Burnice, get me a first aid," Lucy commands as Burnice quickly sits down and scours on her medkit. Burnice takes out a bandage and Lighter shakes his head in frustration.

Lucy tries to take a closer look to Anby's eyes, "Anby, can you hear me?"

Anby barely moves her eyes and nods a bit.

"Just stay still," Lucy says, "Don't try to sleep, alright? Stay with us."

"Here," Burnice says and hands the bandage to Lucy. She grabs Anby's hand and reads her pulse. "Her pulse is normal, thank goodness," she adds.

"The kids…" Anby mumbles, "Don't…mind me… Please rescue the kids… I can handle this… I just need to rest…"

Lucy heaves a deep breath, "Well, even we want to, it's gonna be impossible for now. We're all just mortals here. I told the others anyway to follow if we cannot return in two hours. Not because we can do the rescue easily, but it's enough time to say that something can go wrong."

"I'll keep watch," Lighter says, looking a bit agitated, and walks over the end of the alley.

Anby feels her eyes are wanting to close, but fighting despite her sight is darkening. She clenches her fists again as Burnice looks even more worried at her state. Anby has to open her mouth to gasp for air as her head keeps throbbing in pain.

Lucy removes Anby's headphones and there are traces of blood that stained the device. She unrolls the bandage, moves Anby's head gently, and wraps it carefully around her head. She makes sure that it will dampen the bleeding—as she stares at the white-haired agent.

"Burnice, make sure that Anby won't sleep, got it?" Lucy commands.

"Got it."

Another flash of light hits Anby's head and grips Burnice's hand.

"They're here…" Anby tries her best to voice it out, "I-I can hear them…"

Burnice frowns, "Lucy."

Lucy clicks her tongue, "Silly bastards. Lighter!" Lighter turns around. "Let's move elsewhere. If we can reach the parking, we could just bring Anby back in the town."

As they are talking, Anby seems to be clenching her fists repeatedly and hardly squinting her eyes. A deep breath—and Anby releases a huge sigh.

"Don't mind me, I can still hold on," Anby says and grabs her headphones and wears them again. "This is nothing…"

Lucy stares at her for a moment, "Even so, don't push yourself. Until the reinforcement arrives, we'll just avoid them. Can you walk?"

Anby nods.

"Good," Lucy says and plants a small device inside Anby's sleeve, "So when they arrive, they'll come to your side immediately. This device is connected to our Bangboo."

Burnice helps Anby to stand up, also placing Anby's arm on her shoulders.

Soldier 11 walks into one of the Obol Squad's rooms and goes straight to Seed's desk. She pulls the upper drawer, and a familiar folder is already in sight, which she grabs on and opens it. Scanning the documents, it is indeed the one retrieved from Arpeggio Fault. The problems with the rebels are getting even more prominent, but Soldier 11 can see several reasons one why they exist.

But at the same time, she wholeheartedly believes that they must be eradicated.

And this document bares one of the flaws of the system.

Soldier 11 continues to read the contents, and even feeling traitorous it may be, but…

"I thought you won't read it."

Soldier 11 moves her eyes across from her, finally seeing a silhouette of the team's sniper. Trigger has a way to track her movements while concealing her presence with others.

"You're expecting me, aren't you?"

"You can say that way," Trigger says, still her voice seems cheery, "I believe it's even more unrealistic if you don't."

Soldier 11 cannot help but agree.

"What's the Captain's order then?" Soldier 11 asks.

"Captain Magus said to burn it after you read everything," Trigger says, "It's the higher ups' order as well."

Soldier 11 narrows her eyes. She looks around for a garbage bin and grabs the metal one—then taking a lighter from her pocket. She flicks the lighter on and places it on the bottom of the pages.

"Are you sure you read everything?" Trigger asks.

The flame is reflected on her goggles.

"No need." The document is engulfed with fire quickly. "I already know these things."

It is not the first time that Anby has endured such an injury, and she knows it will never be the last. As long as she continues to be involved in dangerous situations—as part of her job, Anby will never know when she will truly bite the dust.

Lighter and Lucy are out in the field again while Burnice and Anby are resting in one of the safehouse points in this Hollow. Anby's condition is still rather the same, yet she tries to remain alert to her surroundings.

"You can relax a bit, lil Anby," Burnice says, who is playing with her flamethrowers, "I'm here to protect you. Not to say you can't protect yourself, I'm pretty sure you're more than capable. Besides, this is still a safe area."

Anby looks at her, "It's just…out of habit."

Burnice gives an understanding look, "Mhmm, I see. I must say, you're pretty resilient to remain awake after getting hit like that."

Pain is something Anby is accustomed to. Not knowing how to tolerate it is unacceptable. Her small body seems fragile, yet her small stature has ensured her survival many times. Brute force is not enough and what she has learned in the past has kept her alive—even there are several times when she is supposedly to be dead.

It is another Sunday—but Anby remains lucky to escape death.

Or probably the reason is simpler. Her time is not running out yet.

"I'm getting bored, I wonder when they will arrive…" Burnice says, "I'm worried if the two kids are okay. They must be so scared right now…"

As Burnice keeps on mumbling, Anby notices that other presences are approaching. A fast-moving object—a Bangboo driving a tire. Burnice stands up and seems delighted.

"Red Moccus!" Burnice yells, "Oh, Caesar! You're the only one?"

Caesar pats Burnice's shoulder, "Billy said that he can look after the town with Piper and Nekomata. Besides, it's a shame if I don't see this myself. Shawn and Leif are the future of Blazewood, I cannot pass on that. Anyways, where's Lighter and Lucy?" Caesar sees Anby—especially the bandage in her head, "What happened to you?"

"Anby was hit on the head," Burnice answers, "There are a lot of gangsters, and we learned that the kids are kept in the warehouse. Lighter and Lucy might be back soon, however. They are just scouting around until reinforcements arrive…"

Caesar walks near to Anby to personally check her condition. She frowns and turns again to Burnice.

"Burnice, send Anby back in Blazewood, we can take care of this," Caesar says, "We'll bring the kids safe. I won't be able to forgive myself if any of you are harmed."

"I can still fight."

Caesar and Burnice turn to Anby.

Anby grips the hilt of her sword.

"I know my limits, but I can still be an asset. More heads in this operation ensure higher chance of success," Anby says, "Please let me, Caesar."

Caesar contemplates. Her words are real, but Caesar cannot just ignore what has happened. But…

"If that's what you want, then I'll honor your words," Caesar says, "My only condition is not to die."

Anby nods, "I'll do my best."

Lighter and Lucy arrive as the small deputy seems to be annoyed.

"Caesar, I thought you're supposed to stay in the town," Lucy says.

"I believed in our friends that they can look after Blazewood," Caesar says, "And I bet my gut was right that you need my strength."

Lucy wants to retort, but Caesar is right.

"It won't be much of a problem, but they are far more too ready," Lighter adds, "We could have infiltrated the warehouse already if not of their musketeers."

Caesar frowns, "Any idea what gang this is?"

"I believe it's the Oak Salamanders," Lighter says, "They are supposed to be the one to compete Tour de Inferno this year, but it's strange that they didn't push on. Based on my experience, this kind of tactic is their forte."

"But now they are challenging us," Lucy says, "What could be their reason? They didn't even show up during Settlement Days."

Caesar frowns, "It's always Outer Ring's rule not to trust others easily."

"Well…" Lighter puts his sunglasses down, "We captured one of their men during scouting. We can make him talk. We're supposed to do it already, but Lucy said that Red Moccus arrived in the Hollow."

Lucy looks at her small device with a small screen, "Well, let's hurry up."

Everything has its logistics and reasons. Some can be irrational, but nature also has its mysterious ways to unveil itself. Hollows are part of the irrational, yet it is the result of overly rational thinking that asks for the harm of many. As result, the 'exploitation' causes severe consequences that it seems now has irreversible effects.

As a man is sitting on the ground while his hands are tied behind, his anxiety rises when he hears several footsteps. He can tell some of them wear heels—and he knows they are owned by the whip user from Sons of Calydon. Yet he hears another pair of it, until he sees a huge shadow casting over him.

It is the leader, Caesar King.

"So, this is the man you captured?" Caesar asks.

Lighter nods, "Yes. He's one of the muskets that almost killed us."

"Take out his gag," Caesar commands.

Lighter obliges as the man starts begging for his life.

"I-I'm sorry! P-Please don't kill me!"

Caesar frowns, "Why did you kidnapped the kids? What's your intention?"

"T-That's…"

A whipping sound is heard in the background.

"While it's just easy to bury you under the sand right now, we're still trying our best to do it in diplomatic way," Lighter says, "Answer our boss, or you'll get a worse one, amirite?"

The man trembles. He feels like something is blocked on his throat when Caesar crouches down to meet his eyes.

"No…" Caesar's eyes seem glinting, "I'm asking as someone who is worried about them. We want to know your reasons why you are doing this. I know even the likes of you will understand me."

"Caesar…!" Lucy wants to step in when Lighter blocks her.

"…Isn't the new Overlord this…naïve?" The man says, and lowers his head, "But not everyone has the same sincerity as yours, especially in this place."

"I'm asking, please," Caesar says.

The man frowns, "We're ordered to ambush you here. Ever since Pompey died, a power vacuum appeared. No one believes that young'uns like you can rule the whole Outer Ring. There had been infighting between gangs, and we're starting to wonder how…you guys are gonna fix the mess."

Caesar tightens her lips. They have heard this plenty of times and the disregard for young blood to be on top has been always controversial. Lucy looks at Caesar in worry and the silence is not even helping.

"I want to say you were wrong in underestimating us," Caesar says, "But I want to also acknowledge how the other gangs view us. But it won't stop us, and we'll prove that we can survive. If that's your reason for kidnapping the children, we'll make sure you won't do it again."

Caesar stands up. Burnice stares at the Overlord's eyes and gives her a pat on shoulder.

"Just give him anti-corruption serum before we leave. It's better to be safe than sorry," Caesar tells Burnice, "Also put the gag back on."

Anby, who is just watching them in silence all the time, knows how heavy this conversation is. It is nothing new that fledglings will be tested from time to time, until the mother bird can see that their child can spread its wings. For a harsh place such as Outer Ring, it feels familiar that young adults like them seem not able to experience how to be a kid.

Similar to the place where she has been raised in.

"I already loaded the carrot to Red Moccus," Lucy says, "We can use a different route to the warehouse just to avoid another ambush."

Caesar sighs, "Good."

Maxwell Burrows, the leader of the Oak Salamanders. With their territory occupying 10 percent of the Old Oil field, one can say that they have enough power and reason to usurp the current rule in the Wildlands. Their business is also not the oils alone, but they also manage several food markets. Yet because of the fighting between gangs and the lack of response from the new Overlord, something must be done.

While sitting, he stares at the two kids with dried tears on their faces. Kids are always close to anyone's hearts, and they are easy to use as bait. With the past few months of scouting Blazewood, Maxwell has reached the conclusion that these kids are the best to lure out the Overlord from her den.

The door bursts open.

A desperate thug falls to the floor, as Maxwell stands in surprise and confusion.

"B-Boss! They're here!"

Maxwell frowns, "What?"

"The Sons of Calydon!"

An explosion occurs beyond the door as a cloud of smoke invades the room. Flashes of lightning can be hardly seen, when someone suddenly grabs the man on his neck.

Down to the floor, Maxwell tries to look at the assaulter. A sword is stabbed on the side—he finally gets a clearer picture.

The new Overlord. And other four faces.

The grip loosens, giving Maxwell to breathe.

"Y-You…!"

Caesar pins a glare.

"So, you're the one who kidnapped the kids," Caesar says. Lucy rushes to where Shawn and Leif are.

Lighter crouches beside the boss.

"You're Maxwell Burrows, leader of Oak Salamander," Lighter says, "I wonder what's the idea in taking the kids that should not be involved here?"

"You managed to infiltrate in even with my best guards," Maxwell says, "Impressive."

"Stop playing with us, you old fool." Lucy is indignant. "No one also needs your praise—"

"Wait a bit, Lucy," Caesar cuts in, "I think we need to talk."

"Right," Maxwell chuckles, "You are just few kids yet managed to get in… I guess it's better to give you a chance."

Lighter can tell the tone of resignment.

"This is your last-ditch attempt, if I'm reading it right," Lighter says.

Maxwell glances at him, "…You munchkins know the rules. Sometimes, violence is the last resort indeed. We're losing power, might as well take the crown from you."

"Then why you didn't challenge Pompey instead?" Caesar asks, "Where's your honor…?"

"Honor?" Maxwell sighs, "We don't just want to be involved."

Caesar frowns.

"It seems you know things that we don't," Lucy says.

"It's still a miracle the Cinder Lake is still alive," Maxwell says, "We expect a huge shift in the Outer Ring. We thought it's for the better, but now we're lost in your hands."

"I don't understand. Can you just be straight to the point?" Caesar says.

Maxwell stares at the Overlord.

"The promise of development," Maxwell says, "We withdrew because we're promised to finally get some technology in New Eridu. It's hard to maintain our keep without the danger of other gangs sabotaging us, that's why I agreed. Yet, the plan to destroy the lake didn't happen. Perhaps it's a good thing, but until when we're just gonna rely in this barren lands!"

Caesar clenches her fists.

"Maxwell is it?" Caesar sighs a bit, "You know how the oil fields are important to us, but if we want to use the technology from the city, I believe we should not just destroy them. They are still our lifeline, and change cannot just happen so instantly. Power…now I understand… It is a scary thing."

Anby focuses her attention on what Caesar is saying.

"My father wanted power for his own gains, that's why he was lynched in. Ambitions ain't bad, but we just need to make sure we won't forget the people around us." Caesar grabs her sword and stands up, giving Maxwell the freedom to move again. "But do really have to fight like this? We all just want the same thing."

"Speeches won't solve anything," Maxwell says as he sits. "There have been a lot of troubles and even our supply lines are being hurt."

"I admit I still lack the talent nor skills," Caesar says, "But I won't make it as excuse. But if I ask you to help me, would you give me a hand?"

Maxwell is confused, "What?"

"You see, we still lack enough people to oversee anything," Caesar says, "It would be better if we team up to know what's happening and that's gonna help to solve the problems easier."

"You're being too optimistic—"

"Please, as the new Overlord," Caesar insists, "Could you help me? For the Outer Ring? I believe you are not doing this just to hurt us, but because we are still lacking."

Maxwell releases a huge sigh of relief.

"I'm also tired of this," Maxwell says, "Then let's see what you can do."

Caesar smiles, "Thank you."

Anby thinks this approach is pretty naïve, but she also believes that things can be fine.

True power is not measured with strength alone.

Going back home has never felt more relieving, and the smoke in the Blazewood seems like welcoming them. As the motorcycles reach their parking space at the side of the cliff, Burnice helps Anby to get off it.

Nicole is waiting for her.

"Anby!" Nicole runs to her and her eyes widen seeing the bandage in her head, "W-What happened?!"

"I was hit on the head," Anby says.

Burnice looks at them, "You know, Anby is so strong. Anyways, we'll get you treated in Kasa's home."

"Anby…" Nicole frowns.

"Don't worry about me, I'm still alive…" Anby reassures.

Caesar joins them.

"I apologize to what happened to her," Caesar says, "I'll compensate for her injury."

"Oh Caesar!" Nicole exclaims, "I guess we can talk about it tomorrow."

"I also wanted to talk another thing with you. I'm pretty sure you're someone who can understand…some of my troubles."

Nicole raises her brows and glances at Anby.

"A-Alright," Nicole says, "Just get your treatment, Anby."

Burnice smiles at Anby and grabs her arm, "Come on."

As Burnice escorts Anby to the mayor's house, Anby feels that her head is throbbing again. They walk upstairs and Burnice opens the door. Turning the lights on, Burnice lets Anby sit on the bed. She checks the drawers for medical kits and even opens a mini fridge for ice.

"Can you stay awake overnight, Anby?" Burnice asks, "There might be a chance of blood clotting and it's gonna be so bad for us when that happens."

Anby nods, "I can."

Burnice pulls the side table near her and sits beside the patient.

"Hmm, but you were able to walk properly, and your eyes are not dilated," Burnice says, "But like Caesar said! It's better to be safe than sorry."

Burnice puts ice in the ice pack. She places it on a metal basin first and looks at the bandage. It has a lot of blood. She removes her headphones first and carefully unwraps the bandage.

"Sorry again to what happened," Burnice says, "We don't want our guest to be harmed while we're sorting our problems."

"I think, Outer Ring is nothing new with this. I always expect a degree of fatality in any sort of missions I'll be in."

Burnice hums.

"That's true." Burnice checks the swelled part in Anby's head. "But you know, I didn't expect you'll be able to endure that. That's pretty scary. I got scared."

"Those who live by the sword, dies by the sword…" Anby says.

Burnice pauses and looks at the white-haired girl. Anby is smaller than her, but Burnice can see that this girl has faced death plenty of times.

"You remind me of Piper sometimes," Burnice says, "Always saying lil ol' me when we're just in the same generation. But well, we're raised quite differently than normal. I feel sorry for her sometimes."

The new bandage is placed with an ice pack. The throbbing is still there, but Anby feels relaxed.

"Well, I just gotta get you some food. So, I'll be leaving you for a bit," Burnice says and leaves the room. But when she opens the door, Piper is waiting outside. Anby can see them fully as Burnice suddenly wraps Piper with a big hug.

"Piper! I missed you~"

"Burnice! What are you thinking!"

"Come on, darling, it just feels so nice to be back alive~"

"You don't like physical contact right?!"

Anby watches them, unknowing that a smile forms on her face. Living in such uncertainty, humans can still find a way to find joy. A light to follow. A reason to go on.

Home.