YM778.TV Chapter 51 - A Miracle Story (1)
Chapter 51 - A Miracle Story (1)
And so, the situation came to an end.
The demon who had ruled over Belsen was executed through the proper procedures, and the remaining remnants within the facility seemed to have been dealt with as well.
There wasn’t a shred of mercy left in the purge.
After all, the mission wasn’t about capture or subjugation—it was solely an extermination.
The members didn’t show a single hint of compassion at the end of their blades.
Before long, the black magicians of the facility were nearly wiped out.
"We’ve cleared everything from Lab 1 to 105. We believe there are no remaining enemies."
"Were there any casualties on our side?"
"None at all."
"As expected of you. Good work, Neria."
"It was thanks to your presence, Captain."
I was listening to a report from the Vice-Captain.
Although I had taken the spotlight for the highlight of the operation, it was, in fact, she who had led the Belsen extermination mission.
While I was confronting the demon in the deepest level, Neria had led the squad and systematically overran the research lab.
She was truly an exceptional talent.
"We also rescued all the surviving captives. The total count was 71. We’ve sent them to Astro’s medical unit for treatment, and we plan to release them in the Imperial Capital afterward."
"Good."
"Following your instructions, we’ve initiated the process to destroy all research materials found within the facility. We’ve also set fire to ensure no trace remains…"
The debriefing continued calmly.
There didn’t seem to be any issues.
"And… this is the item you requested."
Finishing her report, Neria reached into her coat and handed me something.
It was a small case, no bigger than the palm of my hand.
It seemed she had brought the item I had asked for.
"We found it in the nearby canyon, just as you described. It was buried beneath the ground along with the massive bone fragments."
"It’s exactly what I was looking for."
Click.
After confirming the contents, I slipped the case into my coat.
It was an item I needed for later, and thanks to my Vice-Captain, I had obtained it with ease.
I gave her a brief word of thanks.
"Thank you, Neria."
"I merely did what was expected of me as your subordinate."
"A commendable attitude."
"Everything is as you wish."
Neria bowed her head silently.
As I stroked her long silver hair as a gesture of praise, I felt her breathing hitch oddly.
It was as if a current had passed through her.
"Hnng…"
The cool and composed air she had carried moments before melted away, leaving her with an expression that seemed to dissolve into a mixture of emotions.
Her silver eyes shimmered with desire.
Perhaps it was her intense loyalty.
Even the slightest touch made her blush.
"I’m proud of you."
"…!"
The girl’s shoulders quivered.
Satisfied with her reaction, I resumed walking, and Neria staggered along, following behind me.
My steps came to a halt in front of a set of iron bars.
There, sitting against the bars, were Anne and Irene, both of whom had regained consciousness.
They each had a small blanket draped over them.
I smiled and greeted them.
"How are you both feeling?"
"I already told you I’m fine… Do you even realize how many times you’ve asked me?"
"Even if I’ve heard it several times, I still worry."
"…I’m fine."
"I’m okay too! I’m not hurt at all!"
Anne responded brightly.
It seemed she had fully woken up by now, as she was radiating a cheerful atmosphere.
Her smile sparkled like sunlight.
‘Looks like there’s no lingering aftereffects.’
I had tweaked her memories while restoring her body.
What she went through during the chimera experiments… was too heavy of a burden for a child to bear.
After some consideration, I had decided to erase those memories.
Of course, all of her other memories remained intact.
I only wanted to take away the nightmares, not the courage she had bravely held onto.
In a way, it was a benevolent lie.
"I’m glad to hear you’re not in pain."
"Thank you for worrying, handsome big brother!"
"Handsome…?"
"Yes! You’re handsome!"
"My, my… not only are you brave, but you’ve also got a sharp eye. You might just become a great writer."
"Gasp! How did you know my dream is to become a writer?"
"There are ways to know."
We exchanged lighthearted banter.
As we passed the time with small talk, Neria, who had been standing behind me, spoke up.
"Everything is cleared up. It’s time to return."
"What about the other members?"
"They’ve already returned to headquarters through the portal. We’re the last ones here."
"Hmm… what about the disposal of the research facility?"
"I’ve inscribed an explosion spell. In exactly 30 minutes, it’ll be reduced to ashes."
"Good. Let’s head back."
Swish.
As I gave the order, a figure emerged from the shadows.
A woman with dark black hair, holding a dagger in each hand.
It was the same member who had greeted us first during our previous visit to headquarters.
Her lips, hidden behind a mask, moved slightly.
"Captain."
"Lena."
"I’ve come to escort you."
Crackle!
As Lena extended her hand, a blue ring formed in midair.
The surrounding space twisted and distorted, creating an entrance.
It was the portal back to headquarters.
Watching this, the fox murmured blankly.
"…You even have a spatial magician under your command?"
"She’s one of Astro’s finest."
"There are barely a thousand people on the continent with that ability."
"How else do you think I made it from the Academy to this place, covering that distance in just one day?"
"You… the more I learn, the scarier you get."
"Hehe. Well then, shall we proceed?"
As we stepped through the portal, a faint noise echoed from behind, pulling at the sleeves of the two girls.
<Krrrk, krreeee—?>
<Kiiiiiik… kiiiik>
It was the cries of the monsters.
Once human, but no longer able to be called such.
Anne and Irene stopped in their tracks simultaneously.
"…"
"…"
The sound of sorrow reached their ears.
Perhaps it was because, until just moments ago, they had been in the same situation.
Their gazes wavered.
They had survived the same hell as those creatures.
The pitiful sound was all the more painful because they already knew there was no way to save them.
The girls bit their lips softly, wearing pained expressions.
"Hmm."
This wasn’t the best way to end things.
As I pondered for a moment, I turned to ask Neria a question.
"Neria."
"Yes."
"How many chimeras are trapped in the lowest level?"
"There aren’t many. Since there was a policy to incinerate failed experiments immediately, they likely cleared the cells weekly."
"And?"
"From what we’ve confirmed, there are thirteen."
"That’s a tricky number."
To fix all thirteen mutants, I’d need at least a month’s worth of work.
I let out a small sigh of frustration.
In my view, the fox standing nearby had her fists clenched in silent rage.
Her gaze was venomous.
‘But still.’
After coming all this way, it wouldn’t be right to make them cry again.
Children always looked the most beautiful when they smiled.
"There’s no rule that says miracles can’t happen twice."
I let a quiet sentence slip out.
"Vice-Captain? We’re taking the chimeras with us as well. It’s too risky, so let’s transport them in their cages."
"As you wish."
The members began moving the cages.
They didn’t know I had the power to heal chimeras—I hadn’t shown them before.
But they didn’t ask questions and followed orders.
They trusted that I had a reason for it.
That unwavering trust felt strangely gratifying.
Two people stood quietly, watching the scene unfold.
I caught their gaze and asked lightly.
"Feeling a little lighter now?"
Death cannot be reversed.
But if someone hasn’t died, there’s no harm in hoping for a miracle.
"I hope today’s events don’t remain as nightmares."
Because I’m here beside you.
As long as it’s within my reach, I wanted to protect those who were in pain.
Nothing grand.
Just a small wish.
"Miss Irene."
"…"
"If I can help lessen your misfortune, I’ll gladly lend you my strength."
The fox bowed her head deeply.
"…Why."
Her voice trembled.
Biting her lip, she finally spoke the question she had been holding inside.
It was a frustration born of ignorance.
"Why… Why go this far for someone like me?"
In response to the fox’s question, the snake answered plainly.
With nothing but sincerity.
"Because you must always take responsibility for what you’ve tamed."
Though people may forget this truth, I still believed in it.
In taming.
In relationships and responsibility.
"Does that answer your question?"
"…"
The fox didn’t answer.
She simply gazed at me silently.
Since there was no more time to waste, I took both of their hands.
I led them toward the portal.
"Now then~ Let’s return to the home we’ve missed so much!"
Hand in hand, we crossed the threshold together.
And with that, we left the hell reeking of blood behind us.
***
We returned to Astro headquarters.
There was a lot of cleanup to take care of.
After completing such a large mission, many things needed to be reorganized, so I planned to stay at headquarters for a few days.
And it was the same for Anne.
"Wow…! It’s so clean and spacious!"
While the other survivors went straight to the hospital, Anne had come with us to headquarters.
Her body was in no need of special treatment.
Moreover, she had expressed a strong desire to stay close to the fox.
As a result, the girl had the opportunity to set foot in the most secretive organization on the continent.
"This place is amazing…!"
Anne bounced around energetically.
"She’s enjoying it."
"Well, it’s the right age for it."
We weren’t just greeted by the members.
There were also small foxes present.
The little ones, curious at the news that Irene was coming, rushed over as soon as we arrived.
We were surrounded by their bushy tails.
"Sister!!"
"S-Sis…!"
"Did you come because you missed us? You’re the best!"
"You came with the Captain again!"
They were pure, innocent children, knowing nothing of the world.
The fox, who had been on the verge of tears, embraced them gently.
"Yes… I came because I missed you."
"Are these the siblings you talked about? They’re so cute!"
The noisy scene was heartwarming.
While I stood there with a contented smile, someone suddenly approached me.
It was a middle-aged man with red hair.
"Captain, you’ve returned."
"My, my… our head chef has appeared."
The Red Sword Saint, Kyle Stroban.
Currently, he served as the head chef at Astro’s headquarters.
"Hahaha! I wish I could’ve joined the mission."
"That would’ve been overkill. Besides, having the head chef guarding the headquarters is what allows us to roam outside with peace of mind."
"I’m honored to hear that."
"It’s the truth."
There’s trust in knowing who’s guarding your back.
Kyle was that important of a figure in Astro.
And he always would be.
I asked him a question in jest.
"Surely nothing happened while I was away?"
"Hahaha! How could anything happen in a place I’m guarding?"
"I see, the title of a ‘Star’ really does hold weight~"
"Only those who reach the night sky earn that title."
"What a dependable head chef."
A brief back-and-forth.
I quickly got to the point.
I lowered my voice so that only Kyle could hear.
"Sir Kyle."
"Yes, Captain."
"There’s something I want to show you."
"What is it?"
"You’re going to like it."
"Now I’m really curious."
His red eyes blinked with interest.
"When will you show it to me?"
"Not today. I need to recharge before I can show you something this important."
"So then…?"
"Tomorrow. Meet me in the training room."
"Understood."
Kyle nodded obediently.
I smirked mischievously.
There was no way he could’ve imagined what I had in store.
I envisioned the expression of shock that would soon fill his face.
***
The very next day.
Astro’s training room, a wide space reserved for personal training by the members.
Kyle stood at the center, staring at me.
"Hahaha! I’m eager to see what you’re going to show me."
The other members were gathered around as well.
Since I hadn’t said it needed to be private, they seemed relaxed, observing the scene.
Almost all of Astro was present.
"…"
With all eyes on me, I felt a bit of pressure, but I calmly began my introduction.
"Today is the day I fulfil a promise… a joyous day indeed."
"A promise?"
Kyle tilted his head.
He showed no sign of understanding what was going on.
Well, I couldn’t blame him.
It wasn’t easy to remember an offhand remark I had made.
But that was fine.
"Two years ago, during the Great Crusade. When you lost your bloodline."
"…"
"When the black magicians kidnapped your daughter, Sir Kyle."
I recounted the past.
Kyle’s once casual gaze trembled.
The pain of that yet-unhealed wound tightened his clenched fists.
I continued speaking calmly.
"Do you remember the promise I made to you?"
I wondered if he had forgotten.
I had been quite sincere when I said it.
— I don’t know how long it will take… but I’ll bring her back to you.
— The half of your world that was lost.
I reached out toward the empty air.
As my fingers clenched, cracks formed in the space around me.
Like glass shattering.
Crack, crack—!
I was opening a subspace.
As the scene fully collapsed, something fell from within, crashing onto the floor.
A grotesque lump of flesh nearly ten meters in size.
<Aaah… uuaagh>
It groaned faintly.
The hundreds of tentacles dangling from its body twitched weakly, like it was on the verge of death.
A truly hideous sight.
"Captain!? What is this…?"
"Sir Kyle."
This was the monster that had attacked the main character’s group during the "Abandoned Laboratory" episode.
At the same time…
"I have fulfilled my promise… I’ve brought back your lost daughter, as I promised."
It was Kyle’s daughter.
"…"
The red-haired man stood dumbfounded.
His crimson eyes were wide with shock.