Story Reader / Interlude / Lost Verity / Story
In the church devoured by the shadows of the night, all that could be heard was weeping, screaming, and scolding. And in the midst of the chaos, is the bloodstained Bianca standing in front of the statue of God.
She's the "witch"! She's the one who killed Toby!
It really is because of her... All those who have disappeared, they are all probably...
No, I...
Silence, you murderer!
(Sobs) Toby...
I watched Toby grow up, he was always so optimistic and kind. Now his future's ruined, all because of you...
Why did you do it? Why him? Is that how you treat someone who has helped you before? Are you going to treat us like that too? Like how you killed the father and Toby?!
Some weep around Toby's body, while others stay strong and comfort the others with tears in their own eyes.
...
Stay away, you devil!
The angry mob no longer gains satisfaction from purely throwing insults at Bianca and resorts to throwing anything they can get their hands on.
Get outta here! Outta our city! Demons like you aren't welcomed here!
Slap—
Someone from the angry mob comes forward and slaps Bianca with all his might. He was about to give her a second slap before someone stops him.
Get outta the way. Let me avenge Toby.
Leave. You have contaminated this holy ground with your bloody ways, sister. From this moment onward, you no longer represent this church!
Bianca is pushed out of the hall by the crowd, staggering for a few steps before regaining her footing.
She ignores all the insults and things thrown at her, clasps her hand in front of her chest, and slowly bows toward the church.
Soon after, she turns to leave, running forward and disappearing into the night.
City 173, Main Street - 08:30 AM
It's been way more peaceful ever since that witch left.
Father Leon is too merciful in my opinion. We should've had her executed there on the spot! Who knows what disasters she's bringing to people elsewhere now.
Hmph, she's lucky she got away. If she ever comes back, I'll kill her myself.
A Bianca in rags creeps out from the shadows after the three angry citizens left.
...
She weakly staggers through the main street, but quickens her pace when she hears another conversation taking place nearby, dodging into an alley on the other side.
Bianca only let out her breath after confirming the people talking had passed by. Relaxing, she sits down on the ground, leaning on the wall.
Did I do... the right thing?
How pitiful.
Who's there?!
Bianca cautiously looks for the owner of the voice in the depths of the alley. However, the speaker never meant to conceal himself and slowly walks out of the shadows.
Allow me to introduce myself. I am Wen, the chairman of Daedalus.
Wen is dressed in a sleek black suit. He halts in front of the frail Bianca and extends his right hand.
Relax, I come in peace. I am just a normal businessman.
Bianca doesn't lower her guard and refuses to shake Wen's hand. Wen doesn't take offense to her actions, instead, he stands up smiling and turns to face the direction of the distant church.
How foolish the mortals, they cannot understand the saint, they betray the saint, kill the saint, yet the saint still loves the mortals no less.
Bianca, sacrifice is necessary in order to save the masses.
You?!
Oho, no need to be surprised. I know all that happens in this city, nay, in this whole area. Nothing can escape me as long as I desire to know.
This is my card. My company provides one thing for the people and one thing only—safety.
Wen produces a silver card from his jacket's inner pocket and hands it over to Bianca. As soon as Bianca takes the card, information about Daedalus is projected into the air in front of her.
As you can see, my company is mainly responsible for the extermination of people who have been infected with the virus in order to protect others.
Not just in this city, but all the cities from Kuzath Snow Plain to the south are under my protection.
Snow Plain.
You made the correct decision when dealing with Father Snow.
!
If the Corrupted outside are the enemy, then those who possess a risk like Toby and Snow are hidden liabilities.
What we do is the salvation of the world. We find the helpless infected who may turn into a threat at any moment, and we relieve them of the suffering, which in turn guarantees the safety of others.
This is the right decision made to save more people, and is also an act of justice in order to achieve social stability.
Just like what you've been doing all this time.
All of the choices I've made... They are all correct?
That's right.
Wen extends his right hand once more toward Bianca.
You have talent. Join us and I'll make sure you'll receive the power you're worthy of. Let us save this world on the brink of death together with that power.
That, is also our responsibility, is it not?
City 173, Daedalus - 05:47 PM
One step forward.
Clang—
Turn.
...
Very good, you're adapting well.
...Thank you.
Sit.
Wen pulls out a chair from beside his desk.
I do.
As Bianca was about to sit, she suddenly feels Wen's cane pressing against her back.
Etiquette.
O-of course.
Bianca immediately straightens her posture.
Not bad. You learn fast.
But Mr. Wen, what use is etiquette when I'm doing my job?
You may have power, but etiquette is a habit and restraint, it is also a warning to oneself, allowing us to remember our identity and the responsibility we carry.
You will understand eventually.
That will be all for today.
Thank you, Mr. Wen. I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow.
Bianca stands up and curtsies to Wen, then turns to leave the room. Wen stares at her back as leaves, while stroking the cane in his hand.
