Chapter 35

The sea waves gently hit the pillars of the pier, just behind the Nest. The place was incredibly calm, contrasting with the chaos in the city. Birds flew using the ocean breezes, unaware of everything happening around them.

Since the arrival of the Crows from the Bunker, things had changed, including the morale of the victors of the recent conflict. They gathered in groups, trying to help dig out people from under the rubble, sometimes succeeding, other times not.

Kasca watched the redhead woman in front of her on the pier. Her arms burned with fever, but the pain was held back by medication, which made her stomach churn constantly. In front of her, Tornado Carmesim was reading a letter left by Vann, who took responsibility for what had happened in the city.

"So, Carmesim?" asked Kasca.

"Please, Kasca," the Crow said. "We don't need to use our nicknames, just Sofia is fine."

"Of course," the Nest leader corrected. "So, Sofia?"

"Clearly, this is Vann's handwriting," Sofia began seriously. "Did you read it?"

Kasca nodded in response. Sofia lowered the paper with her left hand and let her coal-black eyes drift out over the ocean. The wind made her red hair, with white streaks, dance. The Crow was in her forties, and despite not being intimidating, her achievements in combat were surreal.

She earned her nickname at just seventeen and was responsible for the Bunker's security. Her record was impeccable, and unlike most Crows who always worked in pairs, she preferred to be alone. Everyone knew why—another Crow would just get in the way.

Kasca knew very well that even at her peak physical condition and under the effects of Berserker, she wouldn't stand a chance against her.

"I know," Sofia spoke again. "You knew what Vann was doing." She turned to face Kasca, looking penetratingly at her.

Although not a question, Kasca felt compelled to agree once more.

"I won't blame you for that, Kasca," Sofia's expression softened. "At the state things were in, it was the only option. And I don't intend to punish you for anything. After all, Vann took all the blame." She raised the letter towards the ocean, letting the paper fly for a few moments in the wind before it was swallowed by the water. "We need a Nest in this Pit until more Crows arrive."

"Is that it?" Kasca asked, somewhat shocked.

"Let's be honest here," Sofia replied. "This isn't the first extreme action the Crows have taken, and it won't be the last. What matters is the result, and fortunately, they got one. This rebellion was crushed. Literally."

"The problem here, Sofia," Kasca spoke again, "is that we don't know if Lorenço is dead, or who was backing him."

"Someone in the Bunker," Sofia answered. She knew Kasca had come to the same conclusion a long time ago.

"Yes," Kasca agreed.

"Unfortunately, I didn't see any of those modified people alive, but the bodies were a bit... disturbing. Even though the work was extremely invasive, it was done with mastery."

Kasca hadn't considered that point, but the redhead was right. After fighting the modified and feeling their strength firsthand, the Guillotine sensed the potential of that twisted project. If perfected, it would be something with insane power, completely shifting the balance of power in the world.

"What's the situation in the Bunker?" Kasca asked, trying to change the subject, wanting to push away the thought that the future would be even darker.

Sofia once again stared at her with her black eyes, then let her shoulders sag slightly, resting her elbows on the pier's railing.

"Not good."

"What do you mean?" Kasca said, a chill running down her spine.

"The Militias are secretly fighting amongst themselves to overthrow the current leader of the Bunker."

"A coup?"

"I wouldn't call it that. They're being careful to keep everything under wraps. But clearly, attacks between the Militias are happening frequently. Even though they're concealing everything, there's no way we wouldn't know."

"This is problematic," Kasca murmured, looking down at her feet.

"What's really problematic are the Heirs," Sofia continued, seeing Kasca's expression. "I take it you know them."

"Yes."

"They grew up in the Bunker like weeds, and they're practically a new Militia."

"Then you need to get back to the Bunker as soon as possible!"

Sofia simply nodded, watching the waves crash against the pier with a serious expression. She feared that things would soon spiral out of control.