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Chapter 177: The Night Before

Chapter 177: The Night Before

The first day proved to be quite eventful. Multiple trains departed for Paradea, carrying a multitude of emissaries from the Kalaharis expedition.

Among the passengers were recognizable figures like the council student, Mercy, Iris, Shining Swords, and Hope and Cid, all sharing the same train.

Meanwhile, the young hero looked at the surroundings, lost in contemplation. In front of him, Cid yawned widely, then glanced at his comrade.

"Wow, that’s a lot of thinking every day... And the most you could think about was suicide."

A forced smile appeared on Hope’s face, but he opted to stay silent. Cid groaned and directed his gaze towards the horizon.

"It’s not good to never change, but you took this too seriously. Honestly, I’m starting to miss our time at the academy. Listen, Hope."

"... Uh?"

"I don’t know what you’re going through, in fact, no one can know but you. I didn’t lose two important people to this guy, I have enough pride to never let myself be bullied by Freya, unlike you, but I’ll still tell you: wake up. You can’t cry forever, things are going to be crazy from now on and if you don’t get back on your feet, you will really get what you wished for. I don’t know if you need to hear that or why, but you’re better than him."

Hope’s eyes flickered away for a moment before connecting with his. A silent understanding passed between them, prompting them to simultaneously shift their attention back to the tranquil landscape ahead.

The ambiance was light-hearted, with everyone engaged in animated discussions. They carried themselves with the confidence of true heroes, their unwavering determination only intensifying as they basked in the moment.

They arrived at their destination several hours later, in the morning. Later that day, Freya and the remaining emissaries arrived.

Nestled in a building near the port, they enjoyed a breathtaking view of the Queen’s Marina from their accommodation. On the second night, Hope found himself captivated by the sight of the boat as he gazed through his bedroom window.

Bathed in the glow of the night sky, the sailboat shimmered, ready to embark on its most momentous adventure. It had been two years since he last felt the rush of adrenaline, his fists involuntarily tightening.

In the midst of the bustling port, Mercy’s attention was captivated by the ethereal sight of the moon’s reflection shimmering upon the tranquil sea. Seeking peace of mind, she sought refuge on a bench, her face concealed as she nestled it between her thighs.

"Aren’t you too old to cry like that?"

The young girl raised her head and discovered Cid next to the bench.

"What do ya want? I want to be alone." She wiped her tears and switched her gaze.

"I’m just amazed. I saw a lot of girls crying today and it really blows my mind how much of a seducer this guy was."

Mercy sprang to her feet, fixing him with a deadly stare. No words were needed to communicate her intent, and Cid captured the moment with precision.

"Relax, I’m only here to help someone."

"I never needed and never asked for your help. Leave me alone."

"That’s the point, it’s not you that I want to help, but Hope."

Mercy raised an eyebrow and tilted her head to the side.

"See, I know people can be hypocrites when they want something, but now, don’t you think this game of anger and sadness is ridiculous? There’s no more stories about Dora, right? The one in control said he was an outsider, so isn’t it time to forget him for good?"

"... What?"

"Look, you had a lot to do with the murders that he committed, so technically you should be punished too, you should take responsibility for it in some way. What I want is for you to make up with Hope, treat him like you would treat Dora, and help him to get back on track. I mean, I’m not a girl, but let’s be real, he shouldn’t be that hard to like, especially from an accomplice in murder, and he’s way better than the genocidal psychopath. He’s never killed anyone, he trains hard, he’s nice, he’s not that bad I think. He was in every battle of the last year and now he is in the most dangerous expedition, he deserves something. Can you forget the fake Dora and at least give him a chance?"

They looked into each other’s eyes for a few seconds, without speaking. Suddenly, Mercy, with a smile on her lips, shook her heart and turned her back on him.

Cid frowned and facepalmed.

"To think I had to do this... Is that a yes?"

"You know... Somehow I’m happy."

".... Hm?"

She looked at the water beyond and then at the moonlight.

"You form a perfect duo, never listening, never thinking, always selfish... When I see this, I realized more and more how incredible Dora was. With him, these simple qualities used to existe. You are proof that he was special. Now you want me to treat him like I would treat Dora? Well, too bad, I can’t."

Radiant under the moon’s beams, she delicately placed her hand over her heart.

"I love Dora, and no one else. Every time he killed someone, I didn’t acted, because all I want is to see him again and be with him. I’m not anymore the same as before."

With her back facing him, she started to walk away. Cid, motionless, watched her in disbelief and shook his head.

"You know he’s suffering because of you? Why do you keep playing with him? Would you have wanted to sacrifice him then?"

"Maybe."

she shifted her gaze towards him, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"If he had sent you here to tell me all this, then maybe I would have preferred to see him sacrifice... But hey, it wouldn’t be the true Dora anyway. Now goodbye, I have better things to do. Oh, by the way, Your new promotion as his sidekick suits you well."

She left the port with light steps. Behind, Cid, very angry, scratched his head. The night was young, filled with the potential of a fresh start awaiting everyone in the morning. This sense of hope seemed to extend beyond just the local community, reaching a national level in a frenzy for the big day.

While most had already drifted off to sleep, eager to greet the new day ahead, a peaceful atmosphere settled over the area. Yet, a long distance away, in the same town they departed, the night took a sinister turn, culminating in a devastating event.

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