After the Sixth Eruption

Although he was surrounded by everyone, Kevin still noticed it.

The heavy feeling that had been on his shoulders since he woke up that morning vanished without a trace the moment you patted his shoulder.

Could it have been you? Kevin could not help but wonder.

But whether it was you or not, you were still the senior he respected—the one who had saved him during the Third Eruption. What was more, this time, you had helped him again.

Since Senior does not want to reveal his ability, he must have his reasons.

Who did not have secrets of their own? Kevin himself did not even know where his inborn monstrous strength came from.

Kevin looked at your retreating back and said nothing.

That is right. Senior is always so calm. Recalling the time he had spent with you, Kevin realized that you always blended into the crowd while somehow remaining apart from it.

Then I will help Senior keep his secret.

Just as you had expected, even though Kevin suspected you, he did not choose to expose your ability.

Though no one could have figured out what your ability was anyway.

But you did not need to hide your abilities among the Thirteen Flame-Moth Heroes, just as Elysia did not need to conceal her identity.

Because concealment was often the beginning of a break.

Thus, the Sixth Eruption came to an end. Apart from the three million casualties caused when the Eruption first broke out, there were no further losses.

But the deaths of three million people were still no small blow to the present world.

Yet people always had to look ahead. The Eruption would not stop advancing because of your mourning.

The Flame Chasers also announced that they would be holding the Sixth Newcomer Ball.

"My, Kevin, you really stole all of Elysia's spotlight this time."

Kevin slurped his noodles and smiled. "I merely did what a soldier ought to do."

"As for why they call me a hero..." Kevin paused, covertly glanced at Yoshikage Kira, then continued, "Perhaps the Flame Chasers merely wanted to set up an example."

Even though Kevin's glance had been discreet, someone still noticed it.

Everyone smiled knowingly and changed the subject.

"Oh my, Hua, why the long face? Pretty girls should smile more!"

Seeing Hua force a smile, Elysia said, "Is there something difficult to talk about? Why not tell us? Everyone here will help you."

After a long silence, Hua spoke. "I do not understand. Why can everyone still smile? Why can we still enjoy a banquet here?"

"An entire city's people—three million lives. Should we not be observing a moment of silence and mourning them?"

"Are we just going to forget them?"

The more Hua spoke, the more agitated she became, and the louder her voice grew.

Thump. A hand struck Hua on the head.

"Captain..." Seeing the red-haired beauty behind her, Hua lowered her head.

Himiko patted Hua's head and said, "Hua, no one will forget those three million lives. Everyone will remember them in their hearts."

"But you must allow people to forget for a while. We are human, not machines."

"Confusion about the future, fear of the Eruption, grief for those who died—if we do not forget them for a while, they will crush us."

"Forget your sorrow for now, Hua. Enjoy the banquet properly."

With that, Himiko waved and left, leaving everyone only with her carefree silhouette.

Hua came back to herself and apologized to everyone.

"I am sorry. I spoiled everyone's mood."

"It is all right, Hua. Do you feel better now?" Elysia comforted her.

"Mm. I will try to forget those unpleasant things for the time being."

"That is more like it."

With Elysia's mediation, the atmosphere at the table soon became lively again.

Yoshikage Kira merely drank his wine and quietly watched the scene.

Three cups already. Better not drink any more.