Saria, a woman nearing thirty who remained unshaken even when facing gods and monsters, was now somewhat afraid.
She knew Silence's meaning was clear—if you don't embarrass yourself with me, you'll suffer later.
"I still think it's better not to go so fast—I know, I didn't say I wouldn't do it!"
So, she gritted her teeth, and before Goki could react, she lunged in front of him, and with a strength slightly greater than his, awkwardly put her arm around his shoulders.
Then, she used a silvery-white calcified mist to obscure their figures, preventing anyone from seeing what was happening inside.
After a while, the mist slowly dispersed, revealing a blushing Saria and an equally blushing Goki—it was too, too exciting.
"We'll wait for you in Kazdel... Alright, Silence, let's go, let's go! Ifrit, say goodbye to Goki, we'll definitely see him again—Oh, Silence, that thing!"
Suddenly, Saria thought of something and couldn't help but urge Silence.
"I know, I've already prepared it—it's really hard to get you to express your feelings, even harder than for me, a slow-witted researcher."
Silence watched Saria's actions, feeling relieved for her emotionally hesitant friend. She walked over to Goki and handed him a small charm.
For her and Saria, discussing jealousy wasn't important. Both knew that the man in front of them was engaged in hunting gods, and the giant monster they faced was just the tip of the iceberg.
As long as they could meet again, they would be very happy.
"Eh? Tha, thank you."
Goki's heart was beating fast as he took the charm Silence handed to him.
It was a hand-woven pendant with a light brown feather, a fiery red thorn, and a tiny Originium crystal.
"Take this amulet. My feather, Saria's tail spike, and Ifrit's recently shed Originium crystal—don't worry, it's no different from a fingernail. Take it, and we'll be with you. Alright, your friend is here for you."
Silence watched Goki fasten the charm to his waist and nodded with satisfaction.
"We know you're on a grand hunt. I just hope you stay safe—remember, you have family."
Her forehead feathers spread out. Silence and Saria exchanged glances, both smiling gently at Goki.
The three hadn't formally expressed their feelings; nominally, they weren't boyfriends and girlfriends, but they all knew... they were already the parents of a child.
"Hmm, don't worry, I'll come find you soon, and I'm not leaving Columbia immediately. Before that, I still have some things to do."
Opening his arms and gently embracing the three women in front of him, Goki would always remember this month of warm companionship.
"Goki, bye-bye! Come find us quickly!"
Just like that, three of the four family members also returned to Rhine Lab, and they would soon embark on a new journey.
Goki turned around, lowered his head, and saw the little bird that had been smirking.
"Look what I found? Brother Goki, you pervert, your true nature is finally exposed. The red flag at home doesn't fall, but colorful flags flutter outside—I've found the internal topographical map of the Loken Tank for you and sent it to your phone. You just finished such a big fight, and you're still going out. Aren't you afraid of danger?"
Looking at Kafka's cute face, Goki shrugged helplessly and reached out to rub her little head.
"Now, everyone's attention is focused on Rhine Lab, which is actually the best time."
This cute informant had helped Goki a lot, and now that she was leaving, he was a little reluctant.
"How about it, we're leaving, will you miss me?"
In response, Kafka snorted with her little nose and stuck out her pink tongue at Goki.
"Miss you my head—I'm also planning to open up new markets. Since I've had dealings with you, the Smokestone Administration people will eventually find me. I wouldn't dare stay here. I'll also follow Kaltsit and wait for you in Kazdel, Brother Goki!"
Kafka flashed a brilliant smile at Goki, having decided to step out of her comfort zone. If even Goki couldn't get her out of the muddy swamp of the slums, then Kafka would truly feel hopeless.
"But..."
Chirp~~
Before Goki could react, Kafka stood on her tiptoes, bounced up with her small stature, and pecked Goki's cheek like a chick pecking rice.
"This is your reward for buying me so many snacks—I'm going home to pack my luggage. Good luck with your mission. Next time you want information, it'll be much more expensive."
Accompanied by a burst of bell-like laughter, Kafka ran away gleefully.
"Ha..."
Goki stood stunned for a few seconds, touched his mouth and face, and finally sighed with relief.
"Actually, I'm quite charming, aren't I, Miss Puppet."
"You'd best not be so confident, kind hunter—Miss Skadi has been watching."
Finally, the people who came to see him off dispersed, and Goki walked towards the side door, looking for the gaze that had been fixed on this side.
"Skadi, everyone has gone back. We should leave—Kaltsit will be waiting for us outside the Loken Tank. There's no Director's controversy there; it's a pure human experiment den. Destroy the research data, rescue the experimental subjects, and we'll just slip away."
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