As she spoke, Talulah made a sincere request. "Please."
"Don't worry. I want Patriot to live too. That old man is incredibly formidable. His death would be a loss."
"And Miss FrostNova as well. Originium Arts like hers are far too rare—practically miraculous. It would be such a shame for her to die."
"Keep pretending to be tough." Talulah had long seen through Bai Ye's true thoughts. That excuse could not fool her.
FrostNova, who had been listening to their conversation nearby, smiled.
To be honest, she was somewhat unaccustomed to this. All this time, she had been pushing herself, squeezing more strength from the depths of her body to fight.
That was how the Reunion Movement survived. They traded sacrifice for time and space for the Infected.
Treatment? A future? She had never considered such things.
"Try it, at least. Another path." Bai Ye looked upon the suffering across this land. "Mr. Patriot was right. We need to build up our own strength before discussing ideals and defying fate."
"That is why we chose to work with you." Talulah patted Bai Ye's shoulder. "You brought us new choices and hope."
"Perhaps this way, we'll have a better chance."
"Pleasure working with you." Bai Ye extended his hand. "May your courage, my sword, and our respective missions be with the sun."
"Yes. For our respective missions."
Talulah took Bai Ye's hand.
Feeling the scorching heat in the girl's palm, Bai Ye suddenly felt another pair of icy hands cover his own.
With ice and fire balancing each other out, the discomfort vanished instead.
"From now on, the Reunion Movement's fate will depend on you," FrostNova said.
"I'm not that noble. I merely saw the benefits in it." Bai Ye tried to pull his hand free.
"Heh. Let's call it that,