"Good. What a fine 'give it a try.'"
Hearty laughter echoed as [Plague] remarked with feeling.
"It has been a long time since anyone dared say such a thing, and just as long since I last saw a Calamity so young comprehend Origin Power. Can you tell me what gave rise to you?"
Wind-Thunder raised its head proudly.
"I was formed by [Tempest Fiend], born with his blessing. In this life, I pursue no Obsession. I only follow my heart."
[Plague] asked again, "Why did you choose to help the End of the World, choosing living beings over Calamities?"
Wind-Thunder chuckled, its answer carefree and direct.
"Because I feel like it!"
[Plague] fell silent for a long time, his thoughts unknown, then sighed and asked one final question.
"Do you think living beings and Calamities can coexist?"
"Why couldn't they?" Wind-Thunder countered. "I'm not the only Calamity where we come from. Some Calamities are even very popular. You might not believe it, but over there, that isn't anything unusual."
Where we come from...
Ji Wangsheng said nothing. She only stared at the token at Wind-Thunder's waist, her shifting gaze as complex as a song with broken strings, etched with memories of the past.
In the end, [Plague] accepted Wind-Thunder's invitation. His aged voice passed through the thick coffin and settled.
"Perhaps we have already reached the end of the Fracture Period, and the time has come for Black Plague to make its choice. Cooperation is a good thing. Peaceful methods are rare, and refusing would make this old man seem shortsighted.
"Ji Wangsheng, see our young friend out. And while you're at it... give it a jar of my private medicinal wine. Consider it my belated gift to a newborn Calamity."
Only after leaving the Dark, Oppressive Depths did Wind-Thunder's