After finishing their hot dogs, El and Kayo headed to the clothing store. Inside, Kayo carefully selected several changes of clothes, eventually finding a small brown sweater that she liked.
The sweater had several knots on the right side and intricate designs on the waist and sleeves, giving it a distinctive yet simple touch. The collar is covered by a brown turtleneck, while the long sleeves stretch out and cover her arms nicely.
Kayo also wore a pair of black pandek pants that reached her mid-thigh for a practical feel, and a pair of small white shoes completed her look.
As they exited the store, Kayo looked happy, though her eyes flashed a hint of confusion. Given El's coldness and aloofness, the attention she received was unexpected.
Kayo turned to El with a curious look, "Why are you kind enough to buy me clothes?" she asked, her voice soft yet clear.
"Your clothes are not pleasing to the eye," El said briefly and coldly, watching Kayo with a sharp gaze. "From now on, you are not only my Initiator, but also my subordinate and my responsibility."
Kayo bowed her head, silent for a moment before whispering in a grateful voice, "Thank you..."
El heard that remark, but he just gave a small nod without paying much attention to it. The two of them then continued on their way, walking among the crowds with no clear destination for Kayo.
Even so, Kayo felt quite content, following El's steps without hesitation, believing that, no matter where they went, it was a place where she finally felt accepted as a human, not a tool.
El and Kayo walked down a path that led them to a weapons shop known for selling varanium-based equipment.
After finishing their business there, they continued their journey to the special train station that served routes to areas outside the city.
Arriving at the station, they boarded the train that was already waiting on the platform. After entering, El and Kayo chose seats next to each other in a quiet carriage.
As the train traveled along the silent tracks, El sat relaxed with his eyes straight ahead.
Meanwhile, Kayo next to him seemed to frown occasionally, confusion still clearly drawn on his face, as if there were many questions hanging on his mind.
On the floor near their feet, there was a large bag containing various combat equipment; varanium bullets and weapons, as well as a gleaming varanium sword that they had just bought.
Kayo occasionally glanced at El with a questioning look, not yet knowing where they were headed.
Finally El broke the silence and revealed her destination. "Kayo, our destination is the Forbidden Zone." he said calmly, as if inviting Kayo on an outing.
Kayo's face immediately turned red, "Forbidden zone? The area outside the protection of the monolith?" she said with sharply narrowed eyes, confirming El's words.
"Yes, you're quick to respond." El replied briefly, confirming Kayo's words.
"You're crazy, aren't you? Are you really out of your mind?" exclaimed Kayo, her voice rising and shaking with anger. "That's not a place for just anyone to enter! Are you looking to die?!"
El remained silent, letting Kayo vent her anger. 'This girl is emotional,' he thought, her expression remaining calm, as if not bothered at all by the emotional outburst of the little girl beside him.
With cold eyes, El simply looked out the empty train window, relieved that none of the other passengers could hear. Otherwise, El would have to think of a way to get Kayo to shut up. After all, no one in their right mind would go on an excursion to the area near the monolith.
"So," El said suddenly, cutting off Kayo's tirade. "You know someone named Shogen?"
El sat in silence, his mind drifting, contemplating the situation he was in. He had never watched Black Bullet all the way through because of the spoilers on the forums, which was enough for him to stop.
However, a little information about the minor characters remained in his memory, including the figure of Kayo Senju who was now sitting next to him.
In the original story, Kayo had a Promoter named Shogen. El recalled that their fate ended tragically in a mission, though the details were hazy in her mind.
Her earlier question about Shogen was no coincidence. El just wanted to know the extent of the changes that had occurred in this world's timeline.
That way, El could be better prepared for unforeseen possibilities, especially if certain events that were supposed to happen began to shift off course.
Hearing Shogen's name, Kayo immediately fell silent, a little confused by the sudden change of topic. "Shogen? No, I don't know anyone by that name," she replied shortly, her brow furrowing slightly.
After that, Kayo continued to rant, not caring if El was listening or not. "Crazy person! You're a good person but you're not in your right mind! I wonder, how come I'm paired up with a crazy person?"
While Kayo continued to express her frustration, El just sighed lightly, remained silent, and refocused on the scene outside the carriage, as if the commotion was just a meaningless sound of the wind.
Kring!
Suddenly, El got a notification coming from the Device on his right wrist. Focusing his mind, El opened the conversation screen silently.
[Kirai: It's been 5 years since our last meeting. A family that you asked to keep a close eye on and protect secretly was killed in a car accident. There's nothing I can do, I can only apologize]
El was pensive with a cold expression. But the look in his eyes was sad. The memory of his family flashed like flowing water.
Previously, El might have gone berserk at the information. However, this time with Yuri's presence in his soul, El's emotions were very well controlled.
[Adrian: No problem. Thank you for telling me. But, I really can't go to their funeral. I would be very grateful if you attended the family's funeral.]
[Kirai: Yes, I will definitely come as your substitute. Since I'm your wife, even if it's just as a contract wife, it's enough]
[Adrian: Sorry for being troublesome and not being able to answer your feelings. Thank you for always being loyal to me, someday I will come visit]
[Kirai: Thank you. I will end our conversation]
[Adrian: Take care of yourself]
After closing the conversation screen, El looked back at the window with a blank stare. The scenery outside that rolled along with the train seemed to reflect his figure that seemed cold and heartless.
However, in the depths of his eyes, there was a sadness that was perfectly hidden behind his flat face and the sadness in his heart.
"Hey," Kayo called out, while shaking El's body to get his attention. "Crazy guy, why do you look... sad? What's wrong, regretting making a stupid decision to come to the area near the monolith?"
El turned his head, looking at Kayo coldly, though the look in his eyes implied a deep sadness, one that could not be conveyed through words and was very well hidden.
Wordlessly, El lifted his palm and placed it on Kayo's head, rubbing it lightly.
"There's no problem," he said coldly, his tone calm and even. "Just a little... shaken up."
Kayo's face grew warm as she felt the gentle touch on her head. However, Kayo quickly averted her eyes, trying to hide the warmth that emerged.
Kayo swatted El's hand away a little roughly. "You think this will make me stop mocking? That's impossible! Crazy guy!" she taunted in a sarcastic tone.
With a sharp glare, Kayo continued her taunts. "Gastrea maniac! Self-righteous, reckless promoter, brainless danger!"
However, instead of responding or showing any annoyance, El just stayed silent, staring at Kayo blankly. There was no anger in his eyes, only a deep silence, as if he was hiding something behind an invisible wall.
El just continued to look at Kayo with an unreadable expression, while inside his, the sadness remained wordless. His mind drifted and recalled memories of his family.