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HUMANKIND: FORGED FROM NIHILITY

Chapter 1 - Fossa

Recap: Soma Fremont, who began his journey from France to the ruined city of Lungmen. Forming alliances with Ch'en, leader of the Lungmen Guard Department who vows to take back the city from Wei Yenwu and Fumizuki who had turned into Dragons caused by the Silver Scale. With his help in stopping Mephisto's attack on the destroyed Rhodes Island landship, they've begun their operation to liberate the city. Though, it came with a success, but at a grave cost. Larsa Cavindish, a threat to humanity who had cursed the Queen at Mont Saint-Michel had cursed Ch'en, eventually turning her into a Dragon who would later escape from Soma's sight. But for Soma, he had no choice but to put her out of misery. As a result, Lungmen was liberated at the cost of the death of Ch'en that affected them too harshly. Now onto the present… Soma, who now has gained new allies to aid him on his journey while some like Blaze decided to stay behind. Hoshiguma, the Oni who wishes to avenge her uneventful death. Rosmontis, the Elite Operator of Rhodes Island, was tasked to accompany him. And Bagpipe, the turned Dragon who continues to hold on to her rationality. And now, the new journey begins… in the Italian countryside of Fossa…

[Unknown Flashback]

How many years…?

How many years have passed by?

How many years when all mankind is driven to extinction?

…

She does not know. She cannot remember. Everything around her was lost. Everything around her was destroyed. Everything she cared about was lost to time. She had forgotten about HER promise. That SHE would find a place called home. Destroyed…

She continued to live in this world for years… she had forgotten how much time had passed. Of course, she had lost count. But couldn't care less otherwise. She continues to wander in this desolate wasteland for countless days, countless weeks, countless months, and countless years. Survival was nothing to her. She had slaughtered many enemies who were once their allies. But this was necessary to rid them in her own memories. Her time there was all a fantasy. But the death of those who were close to her brought her to the brink of self-destruction.

How many of her peers did she have to kill? How many of the enemies must be slain by her own hands? And how many lives must she take? Yet, killing her close allies was the only way to make things better for the world. The world does not need a hero. But what it needs… is the avatar of death. Her name was [REDACTED]. Once the Head of the [REDACTED] of [REDACTED]. Now, the enemy to all of mankind. She will kill and slaughter for the sake of bettering the world.

And so, she continues to wander and wander… until the end of time. Until she can finally rest, where the end of the journey awaits… to her own nihilistic end.

[Flashback End]

[5/10/2042]

[ITALY-SIRACUSA]

Afternoon - Clear Sky

Time marches on and the new day draws nearer…

Many days have passed ever since Soma and his companions have left Lungmen on their adventure to carry out M3's request: Find GreyThroat and Folinic. The envelope for the two are important for them. And by finding them is to head to the supposed ghost town within the mountains known as Fossa. Soma, Hoshiguma, and Rosmontis were seen on Bagpipe's back as they continue to soar within the lands of Italy they are in. Thankfully, Soma had provided directions of where it is. Below them were the towns that were not on the mountains, most were destroyed and some were untouched by both the war and the merge. But it's certain that there are people trying to survive and live a mundane life.

"So many days passed by and we've somehow reached this country without any issues..." Hoshiguma said as she looked below the ground.

"Gotta thank Bagpipe for that. Flying all day and resting at night is pretty much common for us. How is Rosmontis doing?" Soma asked her as she was seen sleeping while being held by Hoshiguma.

"She's doing okay. Still sleeping as usual. Seems she won't get used to this, it seems. But if it's okay to ask… You told me that your objective is to kill Larsa in order to free the Queen's curse. And yet, you want to avenge the death of Madam Ch'en. Why?" Hoshiguma wanted to ask him this particular question as he looked down a bit.

"I felt like I wanted to… It… didn't sit well with me. I had talks with her, too. Explaining how she had to face difficult decisions and all. But seeing her resolve such as her desire to take back Lungmen. I mean… I helped you all on reclaiming it… but at the expense of her death. It's… my fault that I wasn't able to act sooner when Larsa arrived." Soma responded as if he felt this defeat within himself. Not being able to save Ch'en after her corruption was the only thing he hated about.

"It's not your fault. This is mine to bear, Soma." Hoshiguma corrected him as she felt the ache in her heart. "Considering how I treated her harshly previously, all for the act of order. I never wanted this to happen. Madam Ch'en is strong, I know it."

"Heads up, lads. We're finally reaching our destination. Make sure you wake up Rosmontis once we land, yeah?" Bagpipe informs them as they all understand. With it, Bagpipe finally lands in the susceptible location outside of the entrance of Fossa.

But indeed they've made it… The stone path was replaced with overgrown grass and nature alike. But in front of them was the gate entrance to the mountain town of Fossa. It was once a ghost town ravaged by earthquakes during the Old World now revitalized as a prosperous town brought back to life by the community. Soma got off as Hoshiguma also followed as Rosmontis proceeded to slowly open her eyes and wake up.

"Hmm?" Rosmontis noticed as she yawned after. "Are we here…?"

"We are now." Soma said to her. "Here. Take my hand, wouldn't want you to fall off her back."

"It's okay…" Rosmontis then got off on her own. "I'm not a child, Soma… I can do just fine…"

"Alright, noted." Soma replied as they looked of what's in front of him. "Okay… I just need to find a way to be convinced somehow but… here goes nothing…"

The four would take a step forward in order to get close to the town gate where it is guarded by people… people wearing suits and wielding crossbows. But those have wolf ears as well. But that's not all… there were Earthlings here wearing casual clothing as if they're helping them to guard this place. That is until.

"Hold it." The voice of a gatekeeper spoke as he alerted his men the moment they had their crossbows aimed at them. Hoshiguma responded by grabbing out her bladed shield, ready to defend her allies. "I don't know where you came from. But you bringing a Dragon here? Have you gone mad?"

"I don't know. What do you think?" Soma spat back sarcastically as this only irritates them.

"Looks like this punk here is a comedian. Real funny, boyo." The gatekeeper's patience was wearing thin. "You better start stating your reasons here or else we'll-"

"That's enough." The voice of a woman spoke. She had grey hair and wore a Rhodes Island uniform. Soma could only assume that this is a person he needs to meet.

"G-GreyThroat… It's those weird mooks who are causing us trouble and-" The gatekeeper tried to explain until he was interrupted.

"Ahem…" The woman glared at him as he had no choice but to stand down from this. "Now then, mind if I know your name? Never would I think that a Dragon is with you."

"My name is Soma Fremont." Soma introduced himself the moment he brought up the badge to show the Rhodes Island logo. "I'm acting as the messenger here so I'm looking for GreyThroat and Folinic if they're here in Fossa."

"Well now, you're in luck then now that I'm here. The name's GreyThroat. I'm the one you're after. For a messenger like you, I have never seen you before. Who sent you?" GreyThroat asked him the question as he was willing to respond.

"M3." Soma responded as this raised her brow a little.

"That look alike…" GreyThroat muttered to herself before continuing. "Very well, we'll let you in. Open the gates."

"Yes, Ma'am." The gatekeeper complies as the gate begins to open up to allow them a safe passage.

"As for your Dragon… Is it tamed?" GreyThroat asked him about Bagpipe as this slightly annoyed her.

"Don't call me tame, lad. I'm his companion, after all." Bagpipe spoke as this shocked them in such a surprise.

"H-Huh? She talks? That's rather… something." GreyThroat was in awe about it as Soma spoke in.

"I know it's weird and complicated but don't worry. Bagpipe here can find a place to rest within this area. Is there a place where she can rest?" Soma asked her as her eyes blinked once while acting a little dumbfounded before acting normal.

"Y-Yes. I believe so." GreyThroat replied as Bagpipe decided to prepare to take off.

"Well then, if there's a place to rest. I'll be finding a place to sleep. You'll know where to find me, Soma." Bagpipe said to him the moment she flew up and proceeded to find her resting spot within Fossa.

"It seems we're given a safe passage, Soma. Let's proceed and remain cautious. I just get a bad feeling about these people…" Hoshiguma remained concerned as she had every right to do so.

"Don't worry about them." GreyThroat reassures them. "Texas Family have established their territory ever since. We had talks with her and granted us a place to stay since we're only helping them to stave off attack by the rivaling mafia family. No dragons have appeared here ever since… until you brought it along."

"I mean… she's our ally who helped us in various troubles. Now then, back to the topic. Since you're here. Is Folinic here in Fossa, too?" Soma asked her as she was willing to provide her answers.

"She is but… She's pretty much cooped up in the pharmacy building she's residing in. Folinic is currently aiding the people that were sick or injured. I'll lead you to that place…" GreyThroat then looked at Rosmontis. "As for you, it has been a while. Hope you're doing well."

"Same." Rosmontis replied calmly about it. Soma knew that both Rosmontis and GreyThroat work for the same company so it's no doubt they knew each other well in certain times of the past. It's best for him to not speak up about it.

The streets of Fossa were narrow since it's a mountain town. People are simply going about their lives as if they were simply chatting and greeting each other from the streets and window when they see each other. It's like a closed community for people to familiarize themselves with. But soon they took up the path by following a Rhodes Island operator to the place where they needed to be… the pharmacy. Even though it's spelled in Italian or Siracusian. The language is the same regardless. GreyThroat decided to handle it first as they all entered inside. There, the place is littered with all sorts of stuff revolving around medical tools, supplies, medicines, and whatnot. There, they saw a brown haired woman with lowered cat ears. It's certain that she's a Feline. As for GreyThroat, she has feather-like hair on her side… he can definitely confirm that she is indeed a Liberi. Most likely based on birds and other avian species. After all, the Liberi falls under the Anima Tribe. There, the brown-haired woman was seen checking up on the young man.

"Hmm… I assure you that this is a case of a common cold. It's not life threatening but it can certainly detriment you in harmless situations." The brown-haired woman said to the Earthling man as she gave him the medicine. "Make sure you take one spoonful a day. Hopefully, you'll get better in about two days at most. And make sure you don't work too hard overnight, okay?"

"I will, Miss Louisa. Thank you." The man thanked her as he got up from the chair and made his leave from the pharmacy.

"Now then… who's next- Oh, GreyThroat. I assume you left your post again?" The brown-haired woman asked her as she spoke.

"Temporarily." GreyThroat continued. "However, this messenger here sent by Rhodes Island came to us on some important matter."

"As she said. You're… Folinic? Or Louisa?" Soma asked her name as she nodded.

"Both are correct. Louisa is my real name but Folinic is my codename. You can call me whenever. I don't mind either way. And you are…?" Folinic asked.

"Soma Fremont. I was sent by M3 as her messenger to provide you an envelope from my hands. I'm not allowed to open it but it's best to check it for yourself." Soma said as he handed Folinic the envelope as she took it from his hand. She proceeded to open it before bringing out her reading glasses in order to see what it read since the lights were still on but she needed to read it extra carefully.

"Let's see here… Effective immediately, any scattered and active Rhodes Island operators must return back to the landship stationed near Lungmen to assist with aiding the citizens such as medical needs and reconstruction. From… M3, the newly appointed head of the Medical Research Department…" Folinic finishes reading as she sighs in the process. "Honestly, I assume you met this person previously when you were at Lungmen?"

"Yet, this doesn't seem like it's enough proof. Unless you're willing to provide us your side of the story, that is." GreyThroat asked him as he seemed unsure if he was willing to recount his tales when he was at Lungmen. But regardless…

"Alright, I'll explain my story. Trust me, it's a bit complicated." Soma was willing to recount his journey in Lungmen as he took a seat while Hoshiguma and Rosmontis continued to listen…

He had explained to the two of how he helped Ch'en retake Lungmen by providing her his help. Of course, he had killed Mephisto to prevent him and his Reunion's army from raiding the landship. Next was the operation to retake Lungmen, Ch'en has successfully put both Wei Yenwu and Fumizuki at ease. But at the cost when she was corrupted into a Dragon by Larsa when he first appeared. He had no choice but to put her down in order to free Ch'en from the madness. Of course, Lungmen was freed at the expense of her death. After recounting history to them. They were surprised and pained at the same time when they heard the news about the death of Ch'en. Words travel fast for the Rhodes Islanders. Of course, he had to explain his encounter with M3 and Closure. But for M3, specifically… he has told them that her appearance is similar to Kal'stit. But has never met the actual one in person.

"I… I see… I suppose we do believe you." Folinic continued. "However, she should've sent us an email on our phone terminals in the first place."

"She… didn't have the time nor has told me if she had one." Soma added as GreyThroat sighed.

"I'll send Closure an email for M3. But as much as we want to return… We can't." GreyThroat had her eyes closed as they made up their decision. They cannot leave Fossa.

"Huh?" Soma was confused.

"How come?" Rosmontis asked her about it as GreyThroat proceeded to lean against the wall.

"The reason why we can't leave Fossa is not about the Texas family keeping us there. We're still in a good relationship as of currently. The real reason is this… Someone is targeting and killing Rhodes Island operators in cold blood." GreyThroat then reveals the true reason why. But it didn't make sense to them. "Just recently… our senior, Passenger… was dead. He eventually became the latest victim via an assassination."

"My condolences." Soma continued as he remained serious and pondered. "From what you're dealing with, it's most likely an assassin at play. Have you figured out who it is?"

"Sadly, we have no clue at all." GreyThroat explained after shaking her head. "Whatever that assassin is… it knows how to keep things under wraps without getting caught at all. We're dealing with a professional-level murderer here."

"And not even the Texas family were able to respond to this type of situation. The whole town of Fossa is already put on edge. Which is why I've been remaining in this pharmacy for quite a while. I haven't returned back to my house because of this. GreyThroat here is always being careful." Folinic then looked at her as she simply sighed.

"I am being careful… Which is why I'm trying to avoid myself from being killed." GreyThroat added as she continued to cross her arms. "You should be lucky that you aren't affiliated with us Rhodes Islanders. If you'd join us, you're only going to get yourself killed… just like our Scout and Passenger."

"And I'm glad that I didn't." Soma continued. "Now then, I want to ask you this. Have the two of you seen Larsa Cavendish around Fossa?"

"Not that I know of, no." Folinic shook her head.

"Don't know, either. Why are you so fixated on killing him?" GreyThroat asked Soma of this particular reason. The reason, huh? He then looked down a little as he needed to explain.

"He's… He's an extremely dangerous man. Capable of wielding negative Magic fueled by anxiety. I told you why he corrupted Ch'en that turned her into a Dragon. Not to mention, he can also send anyone into a frenzy like how he did to Mephisto. Which is why… I- no… We have to kill him. Hoshiguma wanted to avenge Ch'en. And I wanted to free the Queen of Mont Saint-Michel from the curse that put her into eternal slumber. Rosmontis? She's… with us." Soma explained the whole process of the reason why Larsa needed to die.

"Is he really that dangerous? Not that I'm complaining, though. If we do see him, we'll try to let you know." Folinic reassures him should she encounter him. Yet, she believes in him. "What about you, GreyThroat? Surely you'll look out for Larsa, no?"

"I suppose…" GreyThroat replied. "No promises if he were to ever set foot here."

Suddenly, the door opens as someone enters the pharmacy…

"I was told by my men that we have visitors from far." The voice of a young woman spoke the moment she arrived inside the building… only to find it packed. "I see… the three are travelers. Two I'm familiar with. But one is new."

The young woman had dark bluish hair as she had ears and tail of a wolf with her swords sheathed. She wore a fancy suit fitting for her role of a leader.

"Ahh, Miss Cellinia. Weren't you busy talking to Miss Lavinia Falcone? Didn't expect you to finish your conversation with her early." Folinic asked her as she responded.

"I was. But our discussions were interrupted by my men when I heard of their arrival." The woman named Cellinia said as she looked at Soma. "Now, who is he?"

"This young man here is Soma. He's accompanied by Hoshiguma and Rosmontis. Though, Soma was acting as the messenger on behalf of Rhodes Island." GreyThroat spoke up as Soma decided to greet her.

"That's who I am. But I'm not a member of Rhodes Island. And you must be…?" Soma asked for her name.

"Cellinia Texas. Leader of the Texas famiglia. Rest assured, we value people and protect them here in Fossa." Cellinia introduces herself to him as he nodded in understanding.

"I see… We're not here to cause trouble but… I heard rumors about the murders involving assassination murders of Rhodes Island operators." Soma continued as he explained to her about these certain murders. "So I was assuming if you've figured out the murderer yet."

"Sadly, no." Cellinia shook her head. "I don't know who the killer is."

"It seems everyone here has no clue, Soma. Perhaps we should take matters into our own hands." Hoshiguma suggested the idea of getting involved but he doesn't see any issue of it.

"I suppose so. If Rosmontis agrees." Soma said as he looked at the young Feline who was simply being chill.

"I don't mind…" Rosmontis replied as he looked back at the leader of the Texas family.

"Is it okay if we can stay in Fossa for the time being until we can figure out the murderer? With us here, there shouldn't be any problems. And the people living here can probably feel at ease." Soma asked her as she didn't mind about it.

"I do not mind. Remember, we have rules here. Cause trouble for everyone, we'll have to exile you. Are we clear?" Cellinia said with a small warning as he nodded.

"Crystal." Soma responded normally.

"Now then, I'll return back to my office. If you'll excuse me." Cellinia then turns around before she leaves. "And… Benvenuti a Siracusa."

As Cellinia leaves the pharmacy. Soma knew she spoke in italian. Sure, it was a simple welcome in her native tongue but at least they'll get settled in. Since Folinic and GreyThroat can't return back to Rhodes Island, they might as well help them find the murderer instead to make things easier.

"Well, since you've arrived in Fossa just recently, why not get yourselves a rest for the day. I can imagine traveling from long distances on a Dragon can be really tiring." Folinic said as she would recommend them to rest.

"We would but… Don't know anything here besides the town's history." Soma replied as he crossed his arms since the three are clueless.

"Don't worry, I'll lead you three to a vacant home. Miss Cellinia had taken some extra preparations to provide homes for displaced Earth Natives and Terrans alike. So make sure you follow me. The sun's coming down so I hate to waste time." GreyThroat said as she would be the one leading them to their new temporary homes. Of course, Fossa's streets are tight and narrow for being such a tight-knitted community in general.

"That'd be great. Thanks." Soma responded as she nodded before looking at Rosmontis.

"Still, it's been a while since we last talked, Rosmontis. Perhaps you'd be willing to explain what happened to you at the time?" GreyThroat asked her as Rosmontis replied casually.

"I don't mind either way…" Rosmontis said as they prepared to leave.

"Think you're going to be okay, Louisa? Being alone doesn't suit you." GreyThroat said to the brown-haired Felina as she shook her head.

"I'll be fine. Just lead them to their new home. I've got one more patient coming here soon so I'll be okay." Folinic reassures the grey-haired Liberi as GreyThroat would look back at the group.

"Apologies for the small delay. Let's get going." GreyThroat said as the four would leave to follow her out of the pharmacy.

With it, Folinic was all alone as she remained in her seat. Taking a deep sigh, she would begin to reminisce about those days before the merge. Turning her head to the left on a table which appears to be a photo frame of her younger self alongside her peers… as well as the particular person with short white hair and cat ears as she wore a scientist lab coat. And behind them was a large device of unknown origin. There, the photo frame had the words under it spelled… "Chernobog Sarcophagus Research Members". Chernobog… a word she would not hear it from again. In fact… she still retains that tragic memory of what happened before she joined Rhodes Island. To her, those memories she experienced were hell. She proceeded to lightly put her right hand against her forehead in order to rub against it as if she was dealing with a headache.

"…Never again." Folinic muttered to herself before sighing. That is until…

"H-Hello?" The young fox-eared or rather… a Vulpo woman arrives inside her pharmacy. "Are you available today?"

"O-Oh! I am. It's just that I'm about to close shop in thirty minutes. I can make it quick for you on your check up. Is that okay?" Folinic said to her as the woman nodded as she was a little nervous.

"I'm fine with that. I hope I won't take up much of your time." The Vulpo woman replied as Folinic would get to work before she closes the pharmacy.

Meanwhile, focusing on Soma, Hoshiguma, and Rosmontis who were following GreyThroat on the path. Of course, Rosmontis was the one who was willing to talk to the grey-haired Liberi to recount her side of the story. Yet, he never bothered to ask her about herself. From what they've listened. After Rhodes Island seemingly disbanded and their Operators scattered, she was being kept inside the landship through a cryostasis. Since the world merge, she luckily survived from an unexpected Dragon attack that somehow blew open the large land vehicle but her wounds were somewhat severe. But since five years had passed for her the moment she woke up, this indeed happened after Soma had helped with the liberation of Lungmen. That is why she was given orders by M3, the new head of the Medical Department to assist Soma on his journey. For a moment, all GreyThroat could think is that her side story may be ludicrous. But regardless, she would believe her. Even though GreyThroat herself was still a member of Rhodes Island like Folinic. The two were among those scattered all across this world. But as soon as it was sunset the moment they arrived at one of the spare homes available to them just above the winery cellar. They entered inside to find that the rooms were all clean. He had to assume that it was a mess back in the Old World when the earthquakes brought disaster upon those unsuspecting civilians. With enough time having passed, it would appear that the people living in Fossa had managed to restore and fix the aftermath that was long abandoned. That includes the overgrowth that nature continued to take back. Now, it was like living in the past before the disaster strikes. But the problem is… Hoshiguma is tall and it might be claustrophobic. Alas, she didn't seem to mind it even though she may need to rest her shield somewhere.

"Comfy…" Rosmontis said as she approached the nearby couch in the main living room with the upstairs close to the wall at her right. But, she wanted to rest here as she proceeded to close her eyes and sleep right away. "Good… night…"

"Considering how the long travels affected her. I don't blame her at all." GreyThroat said as she looked back at Soma and Hoshiguma. "From this day on, this house here is yours. The rooms may be cramped or small but I think you'll get used to it regardless. The house here has three floors. The second floor has a bedroom as well as a bathroom and the third floor has a master bedroom alongside a balcony. The first floor here is the main living room, complete with a kitchen. Now, any questions before I begin my patrol?"

"I only have one." Soma asked as he proceeded with the question. "Does Fossa have a weapon store… or… a blacksmith I mean.

"Yes… we do. Why?" GreyThroat said as Soma brought out the Chi Xiao from his back as she was taken aback just a bit.

"I need to get this blade repaired. It's a little chipped during our travels. A group of unruly bandits tried ambushing us at night and this was the result. As for Epitaph, it doesn't need repairs since it's a special case." Soma explained as he requested if a blacksmith was in Fossa. To the point that it's there.

"Ch'en's blade…" GreyThroat muttered to herself a little before clearing her throat. "Right… she died during the Lungmen liberation… But yes, the blacksmith exists here in Fossa. Just head out and turn to the left. Head straight down then turn right. That's where the blacksmith is found but it's closed for the time being since it's going to be nighttime soon. Get some rest and… stay safe."

GreyThroat then proceeds to turn around and leave the house as Soma then unsheathes Epitaph from his back and grabs it with his occupying hand as he was holding two swords with just one hand.

"So much for those questions. You said Chi Xiao needs repairs, right? Be thankful you haven't broken it just yet. In fact, I need to have my shield repaired now that you mentioned it." Hoshiguma continued. "For now, why not sleep in for the night? I'm sure Bagpipe had found a place to sleep with no one around."

"Right. You can take the second floor's bedroom. I'll take the latter. Best for us to sleep in our own rooms after all." Soma said as the Oni seemingly agreed.

"Indeed. You have a good rest, Soma." Hoshiguma said as she would head upstairs first and head to the bedroom to rest up.

Soma did the same thing but headed to the third floor as he turned at the corner while climbing up. He then arrives at a neatly clean master bedroom with the curtains drawn closed since it leads out to the small balcony window. He proceeded to have Epitaph and Chi Xiao leaning against the wall and dived head first into the bed. The sun falls and the night rises. The only thing he needs to do now… is to help with their problems and find a blacksmith if possible.

Meanwhile, outside where night has begun. The moonlight glows upon the quiet streets of Fossa where GreyThroat, who was wielding her crossbow was doing her usual night patrols that she has given herself. Just to help Cellinia to fill that missing role. She was Rhodes Island's proficient sniper and she's damn well good at it. Though, how modern firearms from Earth exist. She has yet to ever wield one that never uses any forms of Originium at all. Let alone the halo-bearing angels at Laterano who have those privileges. Everything was quiet and she preferred it that way. Which helps her detect any signs of danger. And that danger was already near her… She then aimed at the narrow street to her left where she had encountered a mysterious hooded figure who was seemingly standing there, waiting to be greeted.

"You should've left Rhodes Island when you had the chance. If you didn't, I would've killed you right here where you stand." The feminine voice from the hooded individual spoke to her in the most calm and yet, chilling way possible.

"So… you killed Passenger, did you?" GreyThroat asked her as she maintained her serious composure.

"And what if I did?" The hooded person replies.

"Then I'll kill you right here." GreyThroat threatened her as her index finger was close to the trigger. Yet, she hasn't moved an inch.

"I was merely observing. But now I've seen what you are…" The hooded figure said as GreyThroat simply blinked her eyes once… and she was gone in a flash much to her surprise. Then, she stood behind her as she spoke her words. "I'll be seeing you again soon…"

"You…!" GreyThroat growled as she quickly turned around and aimed behind her… but the hooded person was already gone. "Just who is she…? Her voice sounds familiar… but I don't know who…"

She was confused. What did she even mean by "seeing each other soon"? She doesn't get it at all. But it's certain that she was the culprit who most likely killed Passenger. The only thing she needs to do… is to move on.

[TO BE CONTINUED…]

Author's Notes: Hello everyone. I want to make these notes to give out a quick shoutout. A recommendation of a particular Arknights story to read. Think of it as my way of endorsing one author to another. Check out the Arknights story called "Atomos" by Silver559. It is a Alternate Universe/Canon Divergence story with Slowburn that focuses on experiences and exploration about an individual brought to the world of Terra without warning. There, he meets the familiar characters from Arknights such as Ch'en in Lungmen, all the way to the people at Rhodes Island. And there's an interesting part. The protagonist Evan has knowledge of the Old World's technology and is willing to bring change in order to make Originium… uhh… non-existent. But regardless, the story has way more chapters and word count compared to my story. While Atomos focuses on character development like HUMANKIND does. The story there is much more refined in some way. And my personal message to Silver559, if Evan and the Rhodes Islanders are gonna pay a visit to either Kazimierz or Laterano. Let me know. Anyways, this is the end of my segment. But to my readers who have keen interest in HUMANKIND, please look forward to the chapters that will surely pick up the pace. Until then, peace out!