After leaving the area that's under lockdown, I call Zayne. "Zayne!

"Don't rush. Speak slowly. Did you find kevi"
When his voice comes through the phone, it's almost as if a warm hand is soothing my troubled mind.

"Yes, he has a Spatium Core Fragment. He's been using its power to hide himself."

"He's also infected with something that involves those black crystals. But his condition seems slightly better than what we saw in the patient at Chansia Hospital"In Chansia Hospital, Zayne and I arrived at a preliminary conclusion.The Aether Core's power doesn't cause transformations like this. Someone is responsible for creating this crystal-related disease. "And assuming that's the case, they're deliberately turning people into"monsters."

After I reveal this conclusion we never really discussed before, the other end of the line is silent for a few minutes.

A few years ago, I witnessed something similar. That person was my "friend."

Recalling my conversation with Zayne in the Arctic, a guess forms in my mind. "Was it the one who died in Mt. Eternal? It couldn't be because..."

"Yes.After that incident, we learned that under extremely special circumstances-When Wanderers strike, their attacks cause energy crystals to grow in the afflicted area. They corrode the human body and grow a sort of "shell" over it.Once that happens, the victims can lose their sanity within seconds and uncontrollably lash out at anyone around them."

Some of the vague relationships between a few things become clearer: Zayne's secret research, the small animals at Dr. Noah's home...

"Your research with Dr. Noah in the Arctic involves this, right?"

"It does.Based on your description, Kevi's transformation hasn't truly started. But it's hard to say if we should delay our attempts to treat it."

"I have a feeling that if he stays in Skyhaven, something unpredictable and grave will happen.."

"I'll find a way to transfer him to Akso Hospital and ask Dr. Noah to come back."

"I was just about to ask about that. When can you pick up Kevi?"

"The hospital can't reach his guardians, which could be a problem. I'll have everything arranged by tomorrow night at the latest."

"Then I'll bring Kevi to you at that time."

"There's one more thing. A necessary reminder, so to speak."He pauses before lowering his voice. "Since Kevi has an Aether Core fragment, it's possible Ever will keep looking for him.When caring for others, you must be mindful of your own safety."

"Sure...Before coming here, I thought I had grown stronger. I thought I'd be capable enough to handle the challenges that awaited me. But I didn't expect them to become even more difficult... Fortunately, l've never had to face them alone."

"Perhaps I'm also doing this for myself."

After the call ends, my beating heart finally begins to calm down.
I look up at the moonlight hidden behind the dark clouds. The night is still, with no wind or rain, and the stars shine brightly.I suddenly wonder, is Zayne also looking at the same night sky right now?
The lieutenant's appearance at the medical center today means the Fleet is keeping Mia under close surveillance.I need to avoid them if I want to bring Kevi there...