Story Reader / Interlude / Untainted Prayer / Story
Even though Derek dragged us back at almost full speed, there was still no sign of land after more than ten days.
Rosetta sighs. She closes her logbook and walks on deck to check on Pfaff.
Now, not only is Pfaff showing serious signs of the Punishing Virus, but so too is Rosetta.
This is the last serum... Grandpa...
Gritting through the excruciating pain of the Punishing Virus infection, Rosetta injects Pfaff with the last serum.
But judging from the condition of the fever-stricken Pfaff...
Rosetta... Leave it for yourself... I'm...
Rosetta shakes her head in tears. Pfaff can only let out a sigh, closing his eyes again.
——▄▆——▆▆▁——▃
Derek? What's wrong... Are there more Corrupted?
Rosetta looks toward Derek. The outline of the continent is looming in the distance.
Land, ho! Grandpa, it's land! We're home!!!
Rosetta returns to the cabin excitedly, but finds Pfaff already unconscious.
Grandpa!
Pfaff would likely never wake up again if Rosetta cannot find more serum.
The huge narwhal, unable to stop its manic speed, crashes ashore with a loud roar.
Overloaded and temporarily paralyzed, the narwhal Derek is trying to push the boat closer to shore with its remaining strength.
Thank you, Derek... You should rest here for now.
We're at a coast near the port's suburbs, but we'll still need to cross the snow-covered forest to reach the town.
Grandpa, get some rest. Tomorrow will be a new day.
Winter is almost over, and you promised to go on a picnic with me... The forest is going to be beautiful in spring.
Rosetta picks up her spear and carries the unconscious Pfaff on her back. Each step toward the forest is accompanied by a drop of tear.
Upon reaching the snowy forest, a most uncanny orchestra of screeches travels over—the tide.
