"I think we should move. If what those soldiers said earlier is true, then the burn squad is already on its way. We need to cross the border before they arrive. Plus, the noise we made back there might draw attention. We should set things up a little."
Abel was the first to break the silence.
Law nodded slightly, agreeing.
The two immediately got to work.
They used nearby corpses to conceal the bodies of the two dead soldiers, then scattered the jewelry those men had been hiding, tossing it everywhere.
It was all to mislead whoever came to investigate — and to buy time.
After all, those jewels were far too conspicuous. Wearing them would only invite trouble.
Just imagine: two ragged children, without papers, surviving remnants of the White Town… trying to exchange priceless jewelry for money? That was practically asking to be caught and executed.
So, for safety's sake, Abel simply threw everything away.
Not long after they escaped, another group of soldiers arrived to investigate.
They quickly found the body of the soldier Law had shot in the head — and the jewels scattered around him.
That caused a commotion.
Then someone remembered how that same soldier had refused to hand over his share of spoils earlier, and had slipped away on some excuse…
Anyone with half a brain would picture a dramatic argument about stolen loot, ending in betrayal and murder.
No one wanted to consider other possibilities — not openly.
On one hand, raising questions meant endless trouble; on the other, everyone could quietly pocket a share.
If you were in their shoes, which would you choose?
So the soldiers pretended not to see the corpse and hurriedly gathered as much jewelry as they could.
Then the incineration unit arrived and burned everything to ashes.
Everyone walked away satisfied.
As thick black smoke billowed skyward, Abel and Law had already crossed the border into the neighboring country — Sodaransia.
They had finally escaped hell.
The two boys stared at the distant firelight, their eyes flickering with complicated emotion.
After a long silence, Abel asked, "Law, what are you thinking?"
"I want to live," Law said quietly, "and then turn this hopeless world upside down."
"A scary guy," Abel muttered, half amused. "But that sounds interesting."
"How about it? Want to come along?"
"Then count me in. You owe me a life. I'll need to collect interest first."
Law tried to smile at that, though it came out strained. "Then you'd better hurry. I only have about three years left."
Abel frowned, thinking of his own remaining five years. "Is Amber Lead poisoning really incurable?"
Law shook his head. "I don't know. Even my father couldn't treat it. Most likely, you just wait to die."
"Just wait to die? Ha. I don't buy it. Surviving that nightmare means fate doesn't control me. I'll live — longer than anyone — and live a more exciting life than anyone."
Abel's conviction stunned Law, who had all but given up hope.
Law didn't believe Abel could do it — but he didn't say anything to crush that hope.
"Maybe… a miracle really will happen."
"I promise you, it will. Law, don't give up. We survived for a reason."
"…Yeah. I'll look forward to that day."
Law nodded blankly, but a faint, relaxed smile crossed his face.
Only then did he realize — he might not be alone anymore.
In that moment, a basic trust was formed.
For Gustavus Abel, it was the first real step in this world — the start of a new life.
…
In the town of Sodaransia, Abel hid in a dark, damp alley.
Law volunteered to gather information — and food.
Though they had escaped Flevance, they were far from safe.
As two survivors of a "destroyed disease-ridden nation," they would be executed on sight if Sodaransian soldiers discovered them.
They needed to leave the island soon and reach a safer place.
But before that, Abel had something important to do: purchase the [Talent Mutation Ray] and awaken his innate talent.
Because time was limited, he chose to act alone and picked a deserted spot.
[Talent Mutation Ray] (Purple)
Description: A miracle for the talentless — the ultimate "little pill" for ordinary people.
Effect: Unlocks hidden potential and transforms it into innate talent. (Instant effect; cannot be used by those with existing talent.)
Price: 2000 trading points
Limited-time flash sale: 100 trading points!
Quantity: 1
Time remaining: 5 hours, 12 minutes
P.S.: Are you content with mediocrity, or will you take a chance?
"No one wants to be mediocre. System — purchase."
Abel bought it without hesitation.
At once, his body was enveloped by a dazzling, dangerous seven-colored light.
"Argg!!"
His expression twisted violently as pain and itching tore through every inch of him. His skull felt like it was going to explode.
He didn't know how long it lasted. When the light finally faded, his clothes were drenched in sweat.
But it was worth it.
[Acquired Blue Talent: Heart of the Others (Upgradeable)]
Note: This ability mutates from Amber Lead poisoning. Normally, the body concentrates all toxins in the heart. When activated, toxins spread rapidly through the bloodstream, transforming the user into a "White Walker."
White Walker Form:
+50% Defense
+50% Speed
+50% Strength
-50% Pain Perception
Side Effect: Toxins accelerate erosion. Lifespan decreases by 5 days per minute of activation.
Growth Condition: Inject three new deadly toxins into the heart until they fully fuse and are consumed.
Toxins consumed: 0/3
Right before Abel's eyes, the white patches on his arm vanished.
All the toxins had apparently migrated to his heart.
But he couldn't celebrate.
He had never imagined his talent would be a mutation of the very disease he most wanted to escape.