As the car sped away from the main road, Souta and his companions found a quiet spot to set up camp. With efficient teamwork, they had the camp set up in no time, and Souta wasted no time in summoning the healing capsule for the wounded girl they had rescued.
"Get in," Souta ordered the hesitant girl in a cold voice, but she hesitated until Yuki gave her a reassuring smile. The girl climbed into the capsule, and a few hours later, when she emerged, she was amazed to find all her wounds completely healed.
"I'm alive...?" the girl exclaimed in disbelief.
"Of course you are," Souta said, his voice devoid of any emotion. "I didn't spend my time and money buying you just to kill you."
The girl burst into tears, overwhelmed by the kindness shown to her. She kept thanking Souta and Yuki until she cried herself to sleep.
Yuki watched the girl for a while, and then turned to Souta. "She's probably traumatized by this world," she said. "It's horrible to think that this is commonplace."
Souta's expression hardened. "I'm not a hero," he said coldly. "Being a hero is the stupidest thing you could ever think in this current world."
He got up and left the tent, leaving Yuki with the sleeping girl. Outside, Souta lay down on the roof of the armored vehicle and gazed up at the starry sky. "The night is peaceful and beautiful," he thought. "If only this world could be like this."
He drifted off to sleep, but Yuki came out to check on him and cover him with a blanket. "Your decisions were never wrong," she said softly. "But if you ever make a mistake, it's okay. We're still human after all" without anyone looking she kissed Souta's forehead and immediately went to the tent feeling embarrassed.
In the morning, while they were eating breakfast, the girl hesitated once again. "Is it really okay for me to eat this?" she asked. "Don't you want it?" Yuki asked. "No, of course not, but this food is extremely valuable for someone like me to eat something like this-" she kept hesitating as she spoke. Souta's gaze turned serious as he leaned in closer to her. "Listen, Emily. You are now under my care, and it is my duty to ensure that you are fed and taken care of. So eat, and don't worry about anything else."
As the girl ate, tears streamed down her face, overwhelmed by the kindness she was shown. After breakfast, she bowed her head to the ground and thanked Souta for purchasing her. But Souta was not satisfied with mere words. "Stand up," he commanded. When Emily complied, Souta looked her straight in the eye. "Emily, from now on, you will serve me. But I promise you this - I will provide you with a better life than what you've had so far."
Emily's eyes widened in surprise, not expecting such kindness from someone who had just purchased her. Her voice trembled as she spoke, "Th-thank you, Souta. I will do my best to serve you." Souta's reassuring smile and warm tone of voice made her feel like she had found a safe haven in this harsh and unforgiving world.
As they spoke, Souta listened intently to Emily's story of hardship and loss, his heart going out to her. But he remained composed and resolute, promising to do everything in his power to make things right. Emily felt a wave of gratitude wash over her, realizing that she had been fortunate enough to be purchased by a man who was not only cool and composed, but also kind and compassionate
Souta summoned a set of body armor and clothing, both built by Mimi, and handed them to Emily. "Go inside the tent and wear these. They will protect you," he instructed. Emily did not hesitate and quickly changed into the protective gear.
"Heh, so the cold Souta has changed, I see," Yuki teased him. "Shut up. From her looks, she doesn't deserve to be treated badly. I won't make her regret living in this world," Souta replied sternly.
Emily finished changing "Good. Yuki, please teach Emily at least the basics of combat so she can protect herself," Souta said, turning his attention to Yuki. "I'll be in your care!" Emily said with gratitude.
"It's my pleasure," Yuki replied.
Souta then turned to Emily and asked, "By the way, can you tell us what you know about this world?"
"This world? It's a kill or be killed kind of place, where the weak must serve the strong. There are no laws, and anything can happen to you," Emily replied.
"I see. Can you tell me which is the strongest shelter?" Souta asked.
"The strongest? Well, there are many large and powerful shelters around here, but there are five known to be the strongest," Emily answered. "First, the military, since they are, well, the military. Second, a group that uses swords and guns to fight. They call themselves the Knights of the Apocalypse. Third, there's a mafia that doesn't invade or expand their territory, but keeps a low profile. Fourth, a group of criminals, terrorists, and others you don't want to associate with. Lastly, there are retired mercenaries."
Souta's interest piqued as he asked, "Oh? Is there one among them that uses advanced technology or lives underground?"
"Ahh, you mean the Empire?" Emily replied. "Empire?" Souta asked, curious