Orimo's body dropped, collapsing to his knees.
The ground shook slightly when he hit it.
His breath came out in torn fragments. His aura… gone.
The storm inside him had finally settled.
Ryuki: "Orimo!!"
She rushed forward—
but before she could lift him, the tall grass around them rustled.
Five villagers stepped out, tense but cautious.
Ryuki: "Stay back!"
Villager #1 raised his hands slowly.
Villager #1: "We saw everything… miss. We mean no harm. We only wish to help."
Villager #2, an older man with steady hands, knelt beside Orimo.
Villager #2: "I'm a doctor. Let me check him."
Ryuki hesitated… then stepped back, eyes still locked on Orimo.
Villager #3 looked at Ryuki, guilt heavy in his voice.
Villager #3: "We are deeply sorry… We never imagined people of the Malevolent Generation would go this far to protect us."
Ryuki's eyes lowered, her voice quiet but firm.
Ryuki: "He just can't stand guys like… him."
Villager #3's expression softened.
Villager #3: "Maybe the rumors were wrong. You don't seem like bad people at all. Those disasters… maybe the Navy caused them and blamed you."
Ryuki: "Exactly. That's what happened."
Villager #4 nodded slowly.
Villager #4: "It's understandable for them to place blame on whoever was present. Easier than admitting fault."
Ryuki looked away.
She didn't need to say anything.
Villager #2 finished bandaging Orimo, wiping sweat from his brow.
Villager #2: "He'll be alright. He just needs rest to recover."
Ryuki: "...Thank you."
Villager #2: "No, thank you. You saved us."
Ryuki looked back toward the trees.
Ryuki: "If possible… can you help us leave the island?"
Villager #5 stepped forward.
Villager #5: "I have a small boat. It's not much, but… it can take you somewhere else."
Ryuki: "That would be a big help."
She carefully lifted Orimo into her arms.
His weight didn't matter.
She held him like something irreplaceable.
Ryuki: "We're leaving now."
The villagers bowed their heads.
Villager #1: "We are indebted to you. Truly."
Ryuki stepped onto the small wooden boat.
The sea wind pulled at her hair.
The water carried them away—
toward the next unknown.