Madelyn's words brought a sense of relief to Asa.
She knew she had placed a considerable burden on Madelyn by making her the centerpiece of her negotiation with Theodore and the others.
As they continued walking through the ornate corridors of the Royal Garden Tower, Asa couldn't help but reflect on their situation.
The mission ahead was fraught with uncertainty. They were dealing with the enigmatic Crys Sympathizer Organization, an group that insist they can save the infected.
They meant to do well but caused so much chaos. Are they good or bad? That is also an unanswered question.
Using Asa's brother's story as leverage was a necessary evil, but she couldn't shake the feeling that they might be walking into a perilous trap.
Asa understood the risks all too well, and she was willing to bear them for the sake of finding her brother and protecting Antara's citizens.
Madelyn, on the other hand, seemed more resolute than ever. She was determined to prove her worth and contribute to the mission in any way she could.
As they exited the Royal Garden Tower and returned to their respective pillars, the reality of the mission began to set in. There was no turning back now.
Over the coming days, preparations for the mission intensified. Asa, Madelyn, Dunn, Joan, and their team underwent extensive training to enhance their combat skills, intelligence gathering techniques, and teamwork.
Theodore, Joseph, and Edgar provided invaluable guidance, drawing from their years of experience and knowledge.
Today, Asa and Dunn come back to their barrack late at night.
Both of them are exhausted from the intensive training they have to go under the eyes of Main Pillar.
Black Pillar training is equally exhausting but Asa was the leader there, she does not have the mental burden of being watched over on.
"Joan's usage of knuckle brass is pretty cool," Asa said as she put her hands in her pants' pockets. Head tilting up to stare at the moon as she walk slowly beside Dunn, "Do you think we should try using knuckle brass for Black Pillar?"
Dunn on the other hand, keep his eyes on the road. A pair of black circle is framing his two doe eyes. If what exhaust Asa was the mental burden, what exhaust Dunn was the reports of CSA that he have to read everyday with Madelyn because Madelyn forces him to and he doesn't have enough power to say no to her in front of Theodore Dillon.
Not receiving an answer any answer, Asa tilt her head to look at Dunn who is walking with his limb down like a demotivated Crys.
Using her feet to poke on his calve, Asa tried to gain his attention, "Oy."
"Huh?" Dunn quickly straightened up his limb and pretend to look awake, "What did you said, Asa?"
Asa sighed, "What happened to you? Just a regular training and you already look so out of it. Have your stamina always been this bad?"
Dunn puffed his cheek in annoyance, he found himself to have grown much closer with Asa Amerta lately, he realizes he started to act like a kid near her. "You would be worse than me if you have to do all those reading work too."
Asa scoffed and crossed her hands on her chest, "Mind you. I have always been a good reader. I love scriptures. I love reading."
Not accepting the answer, Dunn completely turn his body to Asa and have his hands on his waist, "Oh yeah? Name me a scripture that you have ever read other than The Fate of Starry Rai-"
…
"How," Asa's mouth gaped open, eyes teary as she stared at Dunn, "How did you know that book?"
Dunn stay silent for some seconds before turning away, "Its a famous scripture that girls often read. Of course I know you must have read it too."
Asa's mind raced with thoughts as she stood there, stunned by Dunn's revelation.
She hadn't expected him to mention "The Fate of Starry Rain," a book she had secretly cherished and read countless times in the presence of Daniel, her foster younger brother.
It was a story of love and sacrifice set in a fantastical world, and it had always been a source of comfort and inspiration for her and other than her it was only Daniel who knows this.
Dunn's nonchalant response, though, made her wonder if he was telling the truth about the book's popularity among girls. Was it really that well-known, or was he just trying to hide his identity?
But if it was the latter, why? Why does he have to persist to hide his identity when he have seen how much Asa cherish him and want him back into her life.
Does he hates her?
Does Daniel hates her?
Or… or maybe Asa is just overthinking things. Maybe, Dunn is Dunn. Dan is Dan.
Two different people that happens to have some similarities.
And maybe it was Asa's high hopes and desperation that make similarities seems like a confirmation of a lie she made up in her head.
Dunn, sensing his leader's confusion and inner turmoil, turned back to face her. His expression softened, and he sighed. "Okay, okay, I admit it," he confessed with a small smile. "I might have guessed. But it's just a lucky guess, nothing more."
Asa blinked back her tears, a mixture of relief and embarrassment washing over her. "You had me there for a moment," she admitted, chuckling softly. "I thought you were someone else." she whispered again, "I hoped you were someone else."
Dunn grinned, seems to not heard the last whispers of Asa's. "Nah, just a lucky guess," he repeated, relieved that he had lightened the mood. "But seriously, Asa, reading is though. You have no idea how much I want to rip up all the papers and stuff it up in my mouth."
Asa laughed as she walks to catch up with Dunn's steps, "I'll give you serious punishment if you dare to eat the precious reports of CSA."
Pretended to feel offended, Dunn nudge at his leader, "Do I actually look like a goat that eats paper?"
Asa raises an eyebrow, "Goat eats paper?"
Dunn chuckled at Asa's playful reaction. "Well, I've heard goats can eat just about anything, but you're right; I don't look like a goat, do I?"
Asa grinned, enjoying the lighthearted banter. "I'll keep the answer to myself."