Chapter 96: Hidden Yet Great

"Huff… huff… huff…"

Caelus arrived at the entrance of Rivet Town, his eyes immediately locking onto Kluzer's figure.

"Damn it! Kluzer's hurt—why isn't he moving? I've got a bad feeling about this."

The camera cut to Kluzer, his breathing ragged.

Before him stood the "Everwinter Shadewalker," a creature that had once given the main crew immense trouble.

Just as the monster was about to deliver a fatal blow, Caelus intercepted it with his bat.

Soon.

With the power of dual Paths, Caelus single-handedly cut down the Fragmentum creature.

Without pause, he pulled Kluzer up.

"It's okay now! I'll take you to Natasha's clinic. Hang in there!"

"Last… that… package… please help me…"

Kluzer collapsed limply, vanishing without a trace—just like the Fragmentum monster before him.

Where he disappeared, his personal belongings lay scattered. Among them was an undelivered package, clearly labeled:

"To Natasha's Clinic, Boulder Town!"

Caelus's face remained expressionless as he carefully picked up the package and tucked it into his coat.

If this had only been speculation before, it now confirmed Kluzer's identity as the anonymous benefactor.

[Rest well, Kluzer!]

[Take a good break… You've worked too hard.]

[Kluzer, a true man!]

"He didn't deserve an ending like this. First, I'll deliver this package to Natasha."

—

While Natasha was treating a patient, the clinic door swung open.

Caelus walked in, holding the package.

Experienced in reading people, Natasha immediately sensed something was off. "What's wrong, Caelus? Are you okay?"

"Haaah…" Caelus took a deep breath. "Kluzer was the one sending the supplies."

Natasha accepted the package. "Where is he?"

Caelus shook his head silently.

Natasha sighed. "I knew it. The last time you brought him here, he was already in critical condition.

As a doctor, I don't condone such reckless behavior.

But to go this far… his willpower must have been extraordinary.

Still, why would he push himself so hard while being so generous?"

"I don't know, but there's a clue here." Caelus pulled out the letter he'd found earlier.

When Natasha read it, the audience finally learned its contents:

"Olga,

How has our son been? I hope his illness has gotten better.

My symptoms are still worsening. So, for safety concerns, we still can't see each other for the time being.

I've found a job that should be able to keep our family afloat.

I've always been sturdier than others, ever since I was a child. Even when I become sick, I'm still strong. So, no need to worry about me.

Take good care of yourself and our kid.

—Kluzer."

Natasha examined the envelope closely. "This letter was sent a long time ago… so why was it returned?

Could his wife and child no longer be there?

I suppose… just as he was about to start anew,

finally securing a livelihood, he lost the reason to fight.

That's why he redirected his love for his family toward the clinic's children through these supplies.

Of course, this is just my speculation. I could be wrong."

Caelus nodded quietly, agreeing with her. "We should do something for him."

"Mm. His story shouldn't be forgotten. I'll tell the children about Kluzer—may they grow into adults as strong and kind as he was.

The warmth he left behind will live on."

Hearing Natasha's words, Caelus managed a rare smile before turning toward the door.

"Where are you going?"

Caelus smirked. "The Fight Club."

—

Soon.

At the club entrance, Caelus hoisted Scott up by the collar.

Scott flailed wildly.

"HELP! What are you doing?! Let me go!

You said you wouldn't attack ordinary people!"

"Right. And I wouldn't. But to me, you're just a bloodsucking monster. What's the difference between you and a Fragmentum creature?"

"Me?! Didn't I pay him?! It was all consensual—I did nothing wrong!

You can't touch me! The upper and lower cities are connected now—you think the Silvermane Guards and Wildfire won't come after you?!"

Caelus chuckled coldly. "You know I'm an 'Outlander.' Soon, I'll be gone from here. What'll you do then?"

With that, he drove his fist into Scott's right eye.

"This punch is for Kluzer!"

"OWW!" Scott writhed in pain.

But Caelus wasn't done. He struck Scott's left eye next.

"And this one's for every shady businessman like you."

The camera panned upward until the words "Fight Club" filled the frame.

Then, the Express logo appeared alongside the words: "The End."

[If Caelus hadn't thrown those punches, I'd have flipped my desk.]

[Ugh… I don't even know what to say. Why did miHoYo make Caelus look for the armor? None of this would've happened if he hadn't!]

[If the Trailblazer didn't, Kluzer would've gone himself. That's the whole point—Caelus just sped things up.]

[Exactly. At least Kluzer's story was passed on. Things like this happen every day in Belobog's Underworld.]

[Caelus watched Kluzer vanish before his eyes—couldn't save him, not even a body left. He's the one hurting the most.]

[I'm actually crying. This is gut-wrenching.]

[He was a good man who wanted to die. Kluzer, you were a true warrior!]

[Kluzer embodied Preservation in the truest sense!]

[Reminds me of Seven Pounds—similar vibe.]

[Is Scott an NPC in the game? I need to beat him up!]

[+1.]

[+1.]

[...]

[Midnight knife delivery, huh? Su Chen, you'd better stay indoors.]

—

The young man finished the video, pressing a hand to his chest.

Welp.

Sleep was clearly out of the question tonight.

That familiar heaviness settled in again. With a sigh, he clicked on Clara's interactive video.

"Rarely Affectionate"? Please don't tell me this is another knife…