The air inside a magic-powered vehicle traveling along the roads of the Northwest District of South Wantina Territory had grown unusually quiet.
Besides the driver, who was praying to the gods, a black-haired, green-eyed girl had appeared in the passenger seat at some point. Every now and then, she hummed an off-key rhythm.
It seemed to be a hymn that the Goddess of Fate Church would usually chant during morning prayers, but after she distorted the melody, it sounded remarkably like a dirge.
The singing drilled into Ilene's ears and churned her mind, terrifying her to the verge of collapse.
She had heard that in some places on the Northern Continent where public order was poor, healthy people might be captured and have their organs removed and sold for money.
The few people before her looked like seasoned professionals who would not even bother anesthetizing her before removing her organs.
She did not understand.
Why had they been able to pinpoint her so accurately? Why was there such a terrifying thing beside her that could control her? And why was she so unlucky?
Her mind was a complete mess. The more she thought, the more the scene before her flickered between light and darkness.
Yet at that moment, in her dim field of vision, only a single emerald-like green glimmer stood out.
It was a gaze.
The brown-haired, green-eyed young driver still looked gentle, as if he harbored no ill will.
At that moment, it was as if he had thrown her the only lifeline while she was drowning.
"Take a deep breath. Don't be nervous."
Lanchi spoke softly.
As soon as he finished, the black-haired, amber-eyed girl on Ilene's left began gently stroking her back, helping her regulate her breathing.
"Hoo—"
Ilene used all her strength to draw in