South of Tingen City, the Tussock River.
The clouds above Tingen City had gradually dispersed. The Crimson Moon showed its face, casting crimson light across the rushing river.
A figure appeared and vanished among the waves. She was naked, but glittering scales covered her body. Like an elegant mermaid, she swam downstream.
She seemed born for the water. Even with only her left hand, she could steer through the surging current. Her lower body moved with ease, carrying her swiftly away from Tingen City.
As she swam, she murmured under her breath. She might have been talking to herself, or communicating with someone far away.
"Yes, they came for us, just as expected. They were stronger than I anticipated and used several Mystical Items. But I escaped. Gabriau sacrificed himself to cover me."
She tilted her head to listen, nodding repeatedly before continuing.
"...I can reach Backlund before dawn. I'll stay with Mr. A for a while... It's fine. I've Grazed an Astrologer, so I can interfere with Divination. But they'll probably know I've left Tingen. They'll search the surrounding cities, perhaps even Backlund. You're safe for now. Continue with the rest of the plan."
"Heh, I didn't kill her. Even if I'd wanted to, it would've been difficult. Is she really only Sequence 9?"
The woman slowed her strokes and surfaced. Scales seemed to lie beneath her skin, making her expression hard to read, but she was unmistakably Ms. D, who had just fled Tingen City's North Borough.
"...I understand. Be careful yourself. Don't let your guard down around those two. They must have plans of their own."
With that, Ms. D looked back at Tingen City, faintly visible beneath the night sky.
"The last time I saw Old Neil was two years ago. He still hasn't retired?"