"Leave?" Shana froze.
While Fang Li seemed to speak in the most ordinary manner, wearing his usual calm expression, an ominous feeling surged in Shana's heart.
It was a feeling even more ominous than when she had just heard about the God of Creation, Snake of the Festival.
Although this feeling was unfathomable and incredible, feeling the fluctuations in her heart, Shana had only one thought.
("So hateful...")
That's right.
Hateful.
Very hateful.
For some reason, Shana just had this feeling.
She felt that whatever Fang Li was about to say next would be even more hateful than she could imagine, hateful to an unimaginable extent.
So, Shana didn't realize that a hint of wavering emotion had unavoidably appeared in her eyes.
And in this situation, Shana could clearly see.
She could see Fang Li's surprised expression.
It was a look of complete disbelief that Shana would react in this way.
Clearly, Fang Li had noticed Shana's uncertainty.
Shana's words were known.
Although Fang Li's usual demeanor gave the impression of someone who does as they pleases, this person had qualities that others found difficult to possess.
That was composure.
Regardless of the situation, no matter what happened, the more critical the situation, the calmer Fang Li became.
Why this human became even calmer in dire situations, Shana didn't know.
Shana only knew that because of this composure, Fang Li possessed observational and judgmental skills that were difficult for others to reach.
Therefore, it was normal for Fang Li to notice Shana's wavering.
However, this only served to stir up a sense of annoyance in Shana's heart.
So, in a cold tone, as if responding to Fang Li's previous words, she said, "Indeed, since the 'Bal Masqué' went to such lengths to obtain the Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child), and to avoid being targeted again, leaving here is indeed the right choice."
Perhaps, even Shana herself hadn't realized it?
When she said these words, she deliberately emphasized the 'we' in them.
This meant that Shana included herself in Fang Li's mentioned 'departure'.
From an objective perspective, this didn't need explaining.
After all, Fang Li possessed the Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child), and the 'Bal Masqué' had their eyes set on it, surely intending to use it for purposes beyond imagination.
For a large Denizen group, if they were to take action, it would certainly not be a trivial matter and could endanger the balance of the world.
So, Shana, as a Flame Haze, following Fang Li to leave for the sake of her mission, was the most normal thing to do.
At least, that's what Shana told herself.
Unfortunately, the next moment, heartless words shattered any trace of hope in Shana's heart.
"No, I will leave on my own. Let's part ways here."
"————!"
In that instant, the pent-up frustration and disgust in Shana's heart reached its limit, subjecting her to an unimaginable shock. However, Shana made every effort to conceal it, not letting Fang Li notice.
Therefore, Fang Li continued, "You don't need to worry. After I leave, even the 'Bal Masqué' will be unable to track my whereabouts, let alone take the Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child) from me. So, you have absolutely no need to come with me."
Hearing this, Shana silently shouted in her mind.
(Don't say it!)
"That may be so, but once the 'Bal Masqué' can't find me, they might target you."
(Don't say it!)
"After all, you are the only Flame Haze who has been in close contact with me. If they can't find me, they'll naturally try to obtain information from you."
(Don't say it!)
"But, with Alastor's appearance this time, it has given them enough deterrent. Even Trinity won't casually come after you, right?"
(Don't say it!)
"Anyway, in a few days, I'll leave here, and we'll part ways here—"
"Don't say it!"
In the somewhat dry wooden cabin, Shana's voice finally burst out like an eruption.
When the sound subsided, the entire room fell into an indescribable silence. Yet, the reactions of the people present in this silence were completely different.
Fang Li was completely stunned.
Shana, due to the explosion of emotions in her heart, exuded a terrifying imposing manner all over her body.
As for Alastor, he seemed to be startled as well, unable to utter a single word for a moment.
As a result, in this atmosphere of silence, only Shana, under the control of her erupting emotions, shouted loudly at Fang Li.
"You cannot leave!"
This statement furrowed Fang Li's brows tightly.
So, Fang Li directly inquired, "Why?"
A natural question, but one that Shana couldn't respond to.
Why?
Shana herself wanted to know why.
All in all, there was no need for Shana to detain Fang Li.
Although the Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child) was important, Fang Li had already proven his ability to protect it. As a Flame Haze with a mission, Shana shouldn't continue to linger here.
Furthermore, if Fang Li left, it wouldn't be so easy for the 'Bal Masqué' to find him again. For the purpose of protecting the Reiji Maigo (Midnight Lost Child), this was undoubtedly a prudent move.
Clearly, this was a harmless and beneficial matter. In the past, Shana would have agreed without hesitation.
But at this moment, Shana's heart was filled only with resistance and aversion.
And it was extremely intense.
In this emotional state, unable to find any reason, Shana could only cry out like this.
"It's just not possible! Not possible, not possible, not possible!"
This was no longer a reason, not even a conversation, just unilateral stubbornness.
Completely taken aback by Shana's unexpectedly fierce opposition, Fang Li could only frown tightly and say, "You should at least give me a reason, shouldn't you?"
"Shut up, shut up, shut up!" Shana, like a stubborn child, with an expression bordering on desperation, shouted with all her might, "No matter what, it's just not allowed!"
Leaving these words behind, Shana seemed to not want to hear Fang Li's rebuttal anymore, and as if afraid of something, she turned around and ran off without looking back.
"Shana!"
Fang Li's voice came from behind, clearly reaching Shana's ears.
But Shana was no longer listening, fleeing at the fastest speed possible.
Yes.
Shana knew she was running away.
Avoiding the impending reality.
And so, Shana fled from the Outlaw base, straight into the desert.
...
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