The melancholy atmosphere did not last long.
Hoshino withdrew her blade, and the dreamlike sight of falling cherry blossoms vanished like a bubble. The world returned to its burning hellscape. Hemo nervously recovered the corpse, ensuring it could be completely sealed before it turned to dust.
A corpse of an Infected at this level was itself a powerful source of infection.
Fortunately, Hemo was an experienced doctor and finished handling it quickly. Of course, sealing it was only a temporary measure. The most effective method was still incineration.
"No time to mourn. Let's find Mayer."
They headed toward the location Red Blade had revealed before her death. Hoshino solemnly pulled the nodachi from the ground and slung it across her back. The metal, scorched by the flames, no longer gleamed silver. Instead, it was covered in rainbow-like iridescent patterns, a sign of oxidation under extreme heat.
"Are you mourning her?"
"I wouldn't do something so boring. This burned blade just reminded me of something."
Hoshino spoke thoughtfully.
What it reminded her of was, naturally, the power of Yae Sakura's fire-element form, Goushinnso Memento. In the system space, that character's unlock progress was steadily soaring. Before long, Hoshino would unlock another new character.
How exciting.
Hoshino considered what excuse she should use later. After all, Goushinnso Memento was also Yae Sakura. When the time came, she could simply tie up her hair, manifest Higashi armor over her body, and transform openly without needing to hide from anyone.
A burning fox would be perfect for intimidating the Yeti Squad.
Hoshino was making quite the plan in her heart.
They found Mayer as they had hoped in an abandoned high-rise. Mayer was desperately rubbing her ropes against something, on the verge of freeing herself. Around her was a circle Red Blade had drawn