After the brutal battle with the Omnivorax in the previous chapter, Touka and Laura continued their journey. The afternoon heat felt even more intense, adding weight to the burden they already carried. However, after the terrifying event, Laura had become more withdrawn, awkward after witnessing the darker side of Touka that was unexpected.
Laura walked carefully behind Touka, occasionally glancing at him, but too hesitant to speak. The fear lingering within her made the words hard to utter. She knew Touka was struggling with his emotions, but her heart was reluctant to intrude.
"Touka..." Laura's voice was barely a whisper, just loud enough for herself. However, Touka didn't respond.
The two walked in silence, each step feeling further from the reality they were facing. Occasionally, Touka would grit his teeth, suppressing the tightness in his chest.
Suddenly, Touka stopped in front of a house that appeared to have been abandoned for a long time. The building looked severely damaged, remnants of the Omnivorax attack visible on the walls and roof. A curiosity drove Touka to enter, perhaps looking for something that could be useful for their journey toward the large meteor floating above the city.
"I'll check it out for a moment," he said, without turning to Laura. His voice was flat, emotionless.
Laura simply nodded quietly, unsure whether she should follow or wait. Yet, she felt too awkward to speak further.
Touka stepped into the ruined house. Inside, the air was damp and dusty. As he explored room after room, an unfamiliar feeling began to envelop him.
Eventually, his eyes were drawn to an old cloak hanging on the wall. Despite its faded color, the cloak appeared still wearable. Touka grabbed it and examined it briefly. After a moment's thought, he knew it would be useful for Laura, to keep her warm and protected during their journey.
However, when Touka emerged from the house, he was shocked to find that Laura was no longer there. His heart raced as his eyes scanned the area, searching for the figure who should have still been there.
"Laura?" Touka called with a heavy voice, but there was no answer. Only silence responded.
Something inside him began to realize, but Touka pushed that feeling aside. He was disappointed in himself. He should have protected Laura. He should have been more vigilant. This was his fault.
Anger and frustration boiled over. "I can't lose you..." he murmured to himself, feeling powerless.
Touka took the jacket he had found and put it in his bag. Without hesitation, he decided to continue his journey toward the large meteor floating above the city. He knew he had to find Laura, but for now, the meteor was closer. Xaldrak was there, and the remaining parasites had to be destroyed as well.
The journey continued for several hours. The atmosphere grew darker and more tense. Every step Touka took was filled with his own confusion. His heart was in turmoil, emotions a mix of failure to protect Laura and the burning anger at the loss.
But as they walked down the empty streets, suddenly, the whisper of the parasite was clearer than ever before.
"Someone is watching us, Touka. Do you feel it?" the parasite's voice echoed in his head, full of warning.
Touka responded nonchalantly, suppressing his frustration. "Enough, I don't want to hear you right now," he answered flatly, though his heart remained uneasy.
The parasite growled within him. "You're always like this. Never listening! But this time, you'll regret it."
Suddenly, a hard blow struck Touka's back, sending him crashing to the ground, unconscious. It was as if the world disappeared in an instant.
When Touka regained consciousness, he felt his body heavy, sore, and stiff. He found himself in a dark room with cold stone walls. The atmosphere around him felt like a dungeon, the tension suffocating.
"Hey, you finally woke up," the parasite's voice sounded, sharp and mocking. "I told you, you should have listened to my warning!"
Touka felt a throbbing pain in his head, struggling to endure the sharp ache. His vision blurred, but as his calm returned, he saw the shadow of someone standing by the door. It was a woman.
"Who...?" Touka's voice was hoarse, his eyes fixed on the woman's silhouette standing calmly.
The woman wore what seemed like an Aether Corps uniform. Her eyes were filled with mystery, and the faint smile on her face showed no mercy.
"Ah, we finally meet, Touka Megumi," the woman said in a flat tone, yet full of menace. "Aether Corps has business with you."
Touka felt his body tense, ready to fight, but at the same time, he felt trapped. There was no way out.