Since Isabella's departure, Dahlia's spirits had dropped.
The day seemed to drag on, and the atmosphere grew quiet again.
After practice, Dahlia sat in her quiet room, occasionally imagining herself playing with Isabella.
Dahlia hoped it would make her feel better. But unfortunately, it only made her feel empty.
Once again... Dahlia felt what loneliness felt like.
"S-9, you're being called. Come with me."
Dahlia immediately followed the Babysitter until she arrived in a living room.
In front of Dahlia sat a woman she had known for a long time, Nadia, a doctor who often came to her checkups, though not the one who performed them.
The babysitter walked away, and the door closed.
"Sit down."
Dahlia walked slowly, looking around the room.
After Dahlia sat down, Nadia removed the stopper from the teapot.
The faint aroma of fragrant tea wafted as the tea was poured into a cup, and placed slowly in front of Dahlia.
"Drink."
"Thank You."
Dahlia took the tea cup and was about to drink it, before suddenly stopping because she remembered that she had to blow on it first.
After blowing for a while, Dahlia immediately drank the tea slowly.
When the taste of the tea entered her mouth, Dahlia's eyes immediately widened, and her sluggishness immediately disappeared.
She feel like drunk it before. Dahlia thought about it for a few moments, and finally remembered where she had drunk it.
At that time she was still very little and had not yet gone to school. She, who was looking for her mother, entered her parents' study, then accidentally found a large cup of tea on the table, and drank it.
It had been a long time, but Dahlia was sure that the taste of the tea was similar to the tea she was currently drinking... Especially the feeling of calm and comfort that the tea gave her.
"Do you feel better?"
"Yes."
"You've been through a lot lately."
Dahlia didn't respond.
"Did you know that those with severe magis infections tend to be given priority?"
Dahlia again didn't respond.
"We've been paying more attention to you. So almost everything you've done will be included in the report... Whether it's good or bad."
Dahlia immediately reacted to that statement.
If she continued to do good, would that mean she would receive treatment? And what about the existing ranking system?
Dahlia thought about the impact her recent actions would have. She was only trying to fight for herself, but if it ended up harming her...
"So, are you willing to accept treatment?"
Nadia's question quickly dispelled any negative thoughts that were about to arise in Dahlia's mind. But it wasn't enough to make Dahlia happy.
If it had been a week ago, Dahlia would have been overjoyed. But right now, Dahlia felt nothing but relief.
Nadia took a sip of her tea and observed Dahlia, who still seemed unsatisfied with her offer.
"You know about magis soldiers?"
"I think I've heard of them."
"A magis warrior is someone who has special powers to defeat monsters. You probably live in a city with low magis energy density, and in a white zone, so you've probably never seen one."
Nadia brought up a holographic screen and showed Dahlia several images.
"Unlike soldiers or police officers, magis soldier are quite few in number because only certain individuals can become one. For example... this woman."
Dahlia was a little surprised when the image shifted to show a familiar figure in a different guise.
"Sis Isabella?"
"Yes. The treatment you're about to undergo won't completely eliminate the infection in your body. You'll become a magis soldier like her."
"Like sis Isabella? You mean... I can meet her again?"
"Of course. You just need to grow strong enough. Maybe one day... she'll come back and pick you up. How about it? Isn't that a wonderful thing?"
"Yes. But... I have to fight monsters?"
"If you have power, you'll not only be able to protect yourself, but you'll also be able to be with someone you care about. For example... your parents."
Nadia's pause made Dahlia think she was going to mention Isabella. But hearing her mention her parents instead surprised Dahlia even more.
Dahlia had experienced many things that made her worry about her own fate. When she was about to give up, she did forget about her parents, but in the end, she remembered them when she decided to persevere.
Dahlia imagined herself fighting alongside Azazel or her parents. If she could help, she could lighten their burdens and prevent something terrible from happening. And maybe... there was a reason for her not to be abandoned for safety because of her own weakness.
"I accept."
If Nadia had only mentioned Isabella, Dahlia might have tried to think about it. But since Nadia mentioned her parents, it was hard for Dahlia to refuse.
Never mind Isabella. If she could return to her parents, she could ask for their help, and perhaps even meet Azazel.
*****
In front of the laboratory, two women were guarding the main door, a few feet apart.
One of them sighed, and the other left her guard position to approach her colleague.
"What's wrong? Are you feeling feverish?"
"No. I was just thinking about the children. According to my estimated schedule, another operation will be tomorrow."
"I heard the schedule varies depending on the severity of the infection. It seems to be to monitor their adaptation and development. The next operation might be the day after tomorrow. Or maybe... today."
"Do you think this project will succeed? Even though several well-known organizations have funded it, they're still minors."
"I've tried to convince myself that my work isn't illegal. Please don't mention that."
"That's not what I meant. I was talking about their resilience. They only thought the operation would cure them—without thinking about what could happen if it failed."
"What can we do? Even though this place is filled with scientists and researchers, no one can guarantee success... The higher the level, the more severe the consequences."
As they chatted, they saw two people carrying a stretcher down a deserted street.
There was no need for the stretcher to be completely covered unless it was to hide something. And there was no need for them to see what was inside.
"It's only been two months since this project began. Even if their operation is successful, they still have other things to deal with." The weary-looking guard looked through the laboratory entrance.
The gate opened, and a small group of happy-looking children, armed with weapons, entered, led by several other guards.
"What we're trying to do is do what the government can't do quickly. We can only hope they (Partners) can protect the children until the time comes."