Chapter 26: Advancing Together

The lower district originally had specialized factories for producing medical supplies. However, as the encroachment of the Fragmentum worsened day by day and the blockade order severed logistics channels, the factories, unable to obtain new materials, were soon forced to shut down.

Most of Natasha's medical supplies were acquired through purchasing from others and self-production, but this approach naturally had its limits.

The shortage of painkillers alone was enough to give her a headache.

Currently, the place with the largest known stockpile of medical supplies is Rivet Town, followed by various human settlements.

The former is scattered across various fragmented areas, while the latter, unless one openly raids like the Marauders, makes it impossible to purchase such large quantities of drugs even if one wanted to.

Therefore, sending Venti and the others out to search for medical supplies was a necessary measure.

However, Rivet Town, being a primary activity zone for Fragmentum monsters, is a place even skilled individuals like Seele would avoid venturing into alone.

Otherwise, once caught by the Fragmentum monsters, it's not something one can easily escape from with just minor injuries.

Even though Seele possesses the power of the Path and can freely traverse in a quantum state, it's obvious that the medical supplies cannot do the same.

Thus, when it was decided to head to Rivet Town, her brows remained tightly furrowed.

At the same time, she glanced at the two "burdens."

"You two stay on the periphery to support me; there's no need to come in together."

"How can that be! Natasha told us to go together to retrieve them. Letting you go alone into such a dangerous place, what if something happens?"

Although not on the best terms with Seele, Bronya is, after all, a kind-hearted Silvermane Guard with some experience fighting Fragmentum monsters.

Such solo operations are the least advocated practice in Belobog, or rather, in a structured military, such reckless personal heroism is the most undesirable, even a detriment.

Even elite individuals like Guardian Captain Gepard or Lieutenant Dunn, who possess considerable solo combat abilities, would never abandon team tactics for a moment of glory.

"Hmph. Don't act like you know this place so well. Just know that here, there are only three ways to do things—"

Seele held up three fingers, dropping them one by one as she spoke.

"Right, wrong, and my way. And you, just do as I say."

"—You!"

Just as Bronya was about to argue with her, Venti once again had to play the role of mediator.

"Alright, alright. Didn't we agree not to quarrel earlier?"

It's just that these two, for some reason, are fine when talking to him individually, but together, they're like a powder keg, ready to explode at a spark.

"I have no intention of quarreling with her, just stating the facts."

It must be said, when approaching areas near the Fragmentum, Seele's demeanor gradually returns to her usual brisk and stern self.

"Yes, yes. But even you, Lady Seele, need someone to assist, right?"

Knowing where to tickle, Venti said appropriately.

"Hmm—so I said, you two should just stay outside."

The effect was good; Seele's attitude softened considerably.

"But then, we wouldn't be able to witness Seele's glory at all times. I've always wanted to compose a song for you."

Venti blinked at her, laughing.

"How about 'Phantom Sea Dream Butterfly'?"

After a moment of silence, Seele spoke again.

"You... clearly the weakest among us, yet acting like you're on a vacation. Do you really understand the dangers of the Fragmentum?"

"I do. The monsters inside are all fierce and ruthless, killing without blinking, but—"

At this point, Venti also changed his playful attitude, speaking seriously.

"Letting our companion face danger alone while we stay back doing nothing is no better than facing the danger ourselves."

"...Venti is right. Perhaps you are indeed strong, but more hands make lighter work. Don't worry about us holding you back; I will follow your command."

Although it's unclear why Seele thinks Venti is the "weakest," the dire situation in the lower district has led Bronya to misjudge to some extent.

To survive in such a harsh environment, perhaps they all have to push their limits.

Thus, individual strength is a given, but that doesn't mean Seele doesn't need help.

Being able to live through such tough times, one should understand the basis common sense that "many hands make light work."

Faced with their persuasion, Seele finally turned her face away as if conceding, hoisted her scythe onto her shoulder, and walked in silently.

"Great. It seems Seele agrees, let's follow quickly!"

Venti followed closely, and Seele, having no real way to deal with him, could only grumble while instructing them on various safety precautions.

Though at times, threats and physical nudges were inevitable, the concern behind them was genuine, and Bronya could understand why she acted this way.

During the exploration, Venti, through his words and the excuse of "having coincidentally seen a map of Rivet Town before," took over the task of leading the way.

Meanwhile, Bronya was responsible for keeping watch as they advanced.

Naturally, she felt deeply pained by the town's dilapidation; her empathy has always been strong, which is why the earlier scenes had such a significant impact on her.

However, facing a completely fallen town head-on is a completely different feeling.

This was once a home to many, now fallen due to her mother's extreme policies.

Who knows how many lost their lives here, separated from their families by life and death.

Even though she can, to some extent, understand the decisions her mother made, that is no excuse to view others' sacrifices as a given.

Moreover, these sacrifices have not brought any glory or reward to the lower district, only cruelty and betrayal.

Thinking of this, Bronya increasingly feels that the mother she once trusted without reservation has become so unfamiliar.

More importantly—

Facing this stagnant dead city, she can't help but recall the scene she saw in the sky earlier.

Will Beloborg, humanity's last fortress, also end up like this?

The future glimpsed from this microcosm leaves Bronya somewhat lost in thought.

"...Well, this is the place. If I remember correctly, this used to be a quite famous private clinic; there should still be a good stock of supplies here."

Ten years is enough to drastically change many things, and the former clinic before the three of them is no exception.

Even, due to its proximity to the outbreak point, one can see the second-floor balcony completely destroyed, the roof tiles collapsed, and the signboard fallen and covered in dust, looking like an abandoned shack.

Initially skeptical of Venti, Seele, after this smooth journey, became somewhat convinced.

However, she has no interest in what this place used to be like; no amount of reminiscing can bring back the boss and the comrades in the organization, so she silently lowered her scythe, ready to dig out the entrance.