Нэйко
Unlike Stefania, the other survivors showed little enthusiasm for pressing on.
- Manka, you are so repulsive that even your reflection in the mirror refuses to look at you. - Eugene suddenly said to the paralyzed subordinate. - Makarena, what were your legs given to you for — to move forward or to knock your knees together in fear? Rgoktes, no one wakes you in the morning, no one awaits your return in the evening. - Judging by the warrior's reaction, his words had hit the mark. - If you make it out of here alive, you will still die alone on the surface. Odlid, you are one of those whose beloved laughs at your best friend's jokes, while with you she can only discuss the weather. Are you worthy of the lives your comrades gave for you? - He nodded toward the unsightly flesh. - Make use of your luck and show what you are capable of, or else shame and disgrace upon you!
The knight's unexpected speech did not inspire the warriors — quite the opposite, it plunged them into even deeper depression, but it did snap them out of their stupor — and they reluctantly set off on their way. This time, the invisible barrier did not hinder their movement — her colleague passed through it without difficulty, and Stefania had one last chance to turn back to camp.
So much vile things Eugene said, but on one point he was right — standing still was simply not an option.
— Gather your things and let us set out, — Stefania calmly concluded her colleague's "fiery speech." In her voice, one could discern barely restrained sorrow. — If we keep standing still, we risk getting stuck in this cursed place again. Let us postpone our grief for our fallen comrades for later. Their sacrifices must not be in vain. We must complete our mission, and also find a safe way back to camp. I would prefer for all of this to happen at least with our current numbers.
In truth, the Knight of the Wind did not believe they would manage to return so easily. Quite the contrary, she now worried that on the way back to camp, they would have to make a choice similar to this one. And if she and Eugene were left alone upon their return, no one would even ask her anything — the explosion would not be long in coming.
Of course, she could simply wave her hand and return to camp right now. But what would that accomplish? Absolutely nothing. Nothing behind them but the infamous collapse. They had to keep going no matter what. Keep going, even if it hurt. Keep going, even if it was vile. Keep going, even if an old friend and good comrade had turned into a monster overnight.
The Knight of the Rusting Soul had always been a law unto himself, especially when he started arranging constant rendezvous with strangers, leaving the latter with broken hearts. But the metamorphoses happening to him now raised more and more questions for the Knight of the Wind. Was this the same Eugene Grimm she had known before? What had made him so callous and cruel? Was it the eye of the Ikazkan creature that was to blame, or was it something else? And most importantly, would things only get worse from here?
Stefania worried not only for herself, but for all members of the expedition in general. What if Eugene decided to blow up their comrades and his own uncle with a single glance? Even more terrifying was thinking about what would happen if he reached the surface. Something had to be done about all of this. If they managed to return, a most serious and private conversation must take place between her and Adalard, one in which there was absolutely no room for prying ears. If she lived to see the return journey, of course.
