In a luxurious and well kept lobby room, Ada was brought by her two subordinates. The comfortable atmosphere of the well kept room wasn’t the only reason they moved, as Charlotte had switched on the wall mounted television.
“The time frame between the incident and first responders arriving wasn’t more than an hour,” Leon remarked. “While there have been several deaths, there were many survivors.”
“That’s fine and dandy for them,” Ada replied. “But what’s the relevance?”
“Well, we interrogated some of the survivors who were in good enough condition,” Leon said as Charlotte switched the television screen onto a video footage. “I believe one of the survivors' responses may be useful.”
“I see,” Ada responded. “Let’s play it then, shall we.”
“Your wish is my command, madam,” Charlotte responded as she grabbed the remote, clicking the play button. “We’ll only show the important part of the interrogation.”
The footage opened to a brightly lit, windowless room. A single table sits bolted to the ground, chairs occupying each side of the fixed furniture. Facing each other was a civilian and another in military uniform.
“So, I am aware you all were just finished from a pretty…wild party. Considering the types of substances you used, it would have been pretty difficult to retain information,” The soldier remarked in the footage. “Some of those drugs are illegal, but let’s put that aside for now. If by any chance, you remember anything that would be useful, that would be beneficial for both you and I.”
“...I only drank alcohol, so I did nothing illegal,” The civilian responded. “Of course I remember more than those other druggies who were partying.”
“Okay, so what do you have for me, then?”
“Well, the reason all that shit even happened is because that criminal broke in and stole a bunch of cocaine and alcohol, then was caught by the homeowner. Imagine breaking into someone’s home just for drugs…he’s more screwed up than some of those druggies.” The civilian continued. “He even took a damn bullet to the head for those drugs…too bad it did nothing to him.”
“I see,” The soldier replied as he wrote in a notepad in front of him. “Do you remember anything else?”
“Well, all I remember is his gloves glowing, then it all went black,” The civilian replied. “I’m just glad I survived.”
The video had finally come to an end as the screen went black.
“Well, that’s it for the most part,” Charlotte remarked. “The investigator then talks about useless stuff like ensuring that he won’t charge him for possession of an illegal substance and whatnot.”
“...I see. So that insect somehow ended up as a coked out lowlife, huh. Pfft, haha…I’ve never seen someone more pathetic than that waste!” Ada mocked. “But if he is such an addict that he’d break into a home just for the opportunity to steal drugs, there may be a good chance he’s not too far then. He probably wouldn’t wait to consume that crap.”
“Yes, you’re right, madam. It’s a good thing law enforcement acted as soon as they got the call from them, so they could act quickly,” Leon responded. “The most likely case is that he’s still in the same city.”
“Well, I’ve had enough of waiting. Mobilize super soldiers in that area as soon as possible,” Ada ordered. “And while we’re at it, we should start focusing on eliminating Nathan’s dearest too.”
- * * *
Continuing her training with the NPC, Lilith repeatedly nailed the NPC with strikes. Closed and open hand strikes, elbows and even kicks and knee strikes, Lilith showcased her explosiveness with a flurry of attacks.
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Despite the NPC parrying her with minimal effort, periodical cracks and hissing complemented the thunderous impacts of a few of her attacks.
“Heh, you’re starting to get the hang of it, huh?” The NPC remarked as he continued parrying her. “You just needed that first one to really set you off.”
“The blood in my body feels like it’s heating up. I can feel my heart pumping in my chest. With that, my body feels so much lighter…and I didn’t think I could hit this hard,” With audible breathing, Lilith remarked as she gazed at her arms in awe. “...How strong do you believe I am?”
“Well, I’d say you could have given some of those blessed hunters a run for their money if you encountered them now and not six months ago,” The NPC responded. “Your hits are starting to feel a bit like remnants of Charles.”
“Alright, I won’t get excited upon hearing that. I’m not going to get complacent,” Lilith said as she dragged her right leg backwards, readying herself to charge at the NPC. “Let’s continue. It’s too early to stop.”
“That’s the spirit,” The NPC commended as Lilith charged at him. With casual foot movements to align himself with her flow, the NPC parried the continued attacks from Lilith. With every few attacks, Lilith would land a strike that was perfectly enhanced with the energy accumulated from her own breathing. “You’re doing well.”
More, more, more! Lilith internally uttered as she continued her onslaught, her eyes filled with determination. I have to get even better—
Despite her firm resolve, her body could not keep up with her. The NPC watched as Lilith’s balance faltered due to her buckling knees. It was as if her strength departed her body, as Lilith fell on all fours.
“W-What…what’s wrong…huff, with me?” Lilith questioned as her breath became heavier. Her vision dimming at the edges felt as though she was underwater, but she was drowning in her own sweat. “My muscles…feel so tense!”
“Oh, you lasted a bit longer than I thought. You have a good bit of stamina already, huh?” The NPC responded as Lilith mustered her strength to gaze at him in confusion. “It’s the fallout of abusing that technique. It takes a toll on your stamina.”
“M-My stamina?”
“Yes. For the average person, that technique would only be good for one or two hits…or a surprise attack,” The NPC explained. “Don’t worry, though, I knew this would happen. We simply have to increase your overall stamina through training.”
“Ugh…I see.”
“We’ll take a break so you can recover,” The NPC suggested. “We’ll continue later.”
- * * *
In the comfort of the living room, Olivia was greeted by the stumbling Lilith entering the house. Her attention was instantly shifted from the show she watched to her friend with a look of concern.
“...W-Was the training…hard this time?” Olivia questioned. “Y-You need some rest…”
“Yes…that’s what…I’m going to do,” Lilith struggled to speak before she staggered towards her room upstairs. All Olivia could do was watch with a sorrowful look, unable to truly help Lilith’s unquenchable urge to become stronger.
Not that she had a chance in the first place, as with the locking of the door behind her, Lilith was, as always, by herself now. All that accompanied her was the object of her desire to gain strength, lying comatose in his bed.
“Huff, huff…once again…I’ve run, huff…into a wall…in my training,” Lilith muttered as she plopped herself onto the couch. “This path…of power…will never lead…to the future I wish for…at this rate.
As she rested, Lilith had grabbed a towel that was placed on a rack near to her, which she used to wipe the sweat from her face.
Ever since Ada had plotted against us using that bitch, Serena, we’ve only come across unclimbable walls. Lilith pondered. No…our whole lives were filled with these walls…maybe we are cursed to never enjoy life—
As if realizing what she just thought, Lilith’s eyes widened with surprise.
“No, absolutely not. I can’t afford to think that way! Becoming a chef as I always wanted…but that’s not all. Visiting new places, spending time together…and just sitting around the dinner table and eating together with Nathan, that has always been my biggest wish,” Lilith remarked. “That’s my motivation for strength. As long as there is the slightest chance, I won’t give up. I’ll protect that future I envision…and make it a reality!”
Cementing her declaration once more, Lilith had taken a look over to Nathan.
“Up until now, you’ve been suffering all alone. I won’t let that happen again…I’ll do anything to protect you,” Lilith declared. “You’re the only one I care about this much in this world. As long as you’re by my side, I’ll be fine…no matter what I’ll have to do. So, come back to me, won’t you?”