chapter 19

Chapter 12: Part 2

- Nathaniel's Point of View

Our conversation continued outside the Galica military base, the cool evening breeze brushing against us. Ataparag could only sigh in disappointment, her delicate features clouded with sadness over Nyabu's behavior. "She really hasn't changed," she murmured, her voice tinged with resignation.

She turned to me, her eyes softening as she apologized for Nyabu's harsh treatment. "I'm sorry about her. She's gruff, but she's kind and reliable deep down," she assured, though her words rang hollow to me—Nyabu's abrasive nature seemed born of bitterness.

A faint smile tugged at my lips, unconvinced, as Ataparag gently took my hand again, introducing herself. "I'm Ataparag, leader of the 10th Battle Force. And this is Toto, one of my assistants," she said warmly.

Suddenly, Toto's massive hand clamped onto my head, startling me into a clumsy retreat. My heart raced—unaccustomed to such giant grips, I felt a flicker of unease. "Oh, sorry if I scared you! Don't worry, Toto's kind despite his look. He can't speak due to his Crimson Item's effect, but he understands," Ataparag explained, her tone soothing.

I grimaced, studying Toto's bull-like face—his expression unreadable, leaving me unsure if he was angry or amused. I wondered what "kind" meant to Ataparag; to her, everyone seemed benevolent.

She then asked my name, needing it for my application. "I'm Nathaniel Muntingbato. I'm not sure I belong in Eskapa, but I desperately need a place to stay," I admitted.

"Hm… don't worry. Joining Eskapa isn't just about fighting—you can contribute in other ways," she reassured. Her words jogged my memory of Eskapa's three branches, each led by a Blade: the Battle Force Unit, serving as soldiers and warriors; the Utility Unit, handling construction and chores; and the Medical Unit, tending to the sick and wounded.

"Okay, that sounds promising," I conceded.

"Then, Mister Nathaniel, let's head to the team dorm so you can rest—I know you're exhausted after today," she said, her thoughtfulness surprising me. Despite not knowing me, she'd risked punishment to help, and her care moved me.

Hours later, we arrived at an apartment housing her team. Five doors lined the hall, and Ataparag explained her fifty-member unit, with ten sharing each room. "You can't join them yet since you're not a member, so you'll stay in my unit for now," she said. "It's complicated—my teammates are wary of outsiders, so my place is best."

"Don't worry, it's comfortable—I live alone there," she added.

As an officer, she had a private room and office. She led me upstairs without hesitation, ushering me inside. Uncertainty gnawed at me—was it right to let her do this? Her kindness in welcoming a stranger like me felt overwhelming.

"Uh… are you sure this is okay? I mean, letting a guy stay in your room?" I asked, hesitant.

Her eyes widened, a realization dawning as she processed our arrangement. "Wah! Wait, no, no! Don't think that!" she flustered, her cheeks flushing. "I've no ill intent, I promise!" she stammered, her embarrassment endearing.

Confused by her leap, I clarified, "Wait, I didn't say you'd do anything bad!"

She fell silent, then giggled nervously, stepping back. "So, you're the one with bad intentions?" she teased.

"What? Of course not!" I protested.

I explained my concern—staying might burden her, and if others learned she housed a man, her reputation could suffer. "Oh… I see," she said, her smile returning as she chuckled, appreciating my worry. "The vice commander entrusted you to me, and I can't leave you outside," she reasoned.

"And I'm a demon beast—don't you sense my presence?" she added, tilting her head.

"Demon beast?" I echoed, puzzled. Unfamiliar with detecting presences, I pressed, "Aren't demon beasts monsters from the Dark Continent? You don't look like one—you're too beautiful."

She ducked her head, blushing as she touched her cheeks. "B-beautiful?" she stammered, her innocent delight making her glow. Curious, I asked why she resembled a human.

She revealed an earring—a Crimson Item from Sei. "This lets me take human form. Since Sei gave it to me, I've vowed to serve her until the end," she said, her voice earnest.

Awestruck, I marveled at her story. Demon beasts were known as fierce, terrifying creatures, yet she was gentle and kind. Her blush deepened at my praise, and she thanked me, explaining, "Not all demon beasts are evil—we're like any other being."

"As a monster, I had to be fierce to survive in the forest. Life in the Dark Continent was harsh—if you didn't fight or kill, you'd be eaten," she shared. As a high-ranking demon beast, she once led hundreds on an island, guarding their territory.

When Sei visited on a mission, she pitied Ataparag after their battle, gifting her the Crimson Item. "I'm blessed God brought us together. I want to emulate Queen Sei as a faithful servant," she said, closing her eyes in prayer.

Her compassion explained her care for me, deepening my admiration. "I admire you," I said.

"And I admire you, Mister Nathaniel," she replied. She noted no one accepted Soul Eaters, making my defense of Zhui unique. "Is that so?" I asked.

She admitted fearing Soul Eaters—nearly devoured by them—but my stand against Nyabu to protect Zhui intrigued her. I bowed my head, pity swelling as I recalled Zhui's sorrowful face, burdened by undeserved hatred.

"Wait, Miss Ataparag, did you believe me about Suwi, which is why you helped us?" I asked.

She pondered, then smiled. "Honestly, no. I just thought your actions were too dangerous to ignore," she confessed.

I winced—her reasoning seemed shallow for a leader. "What if Nyabu's suspicions are right? What if I'm a threat you've trusted too easily?" I challenged, suggesting I might betray her tonight.

She stepped closer, her face inches from mine. "Then tell me—will I regret helping you? Do you plan harm?" she asked, her gaze piercing.

Her proximity flustered me, and I stumbled back, landing on the floor. "Hahaha! I can sense if someone's good or bad. Don't worry—I can protect myself if you try anything," she teased with a wink. "I'm still a demon beast, wildest at night. So, if you're plotting, prepare for me!"

Unsure if it was a threat or a playful warning, I found her cute—her gentle voice and demeanor made her fierceness appealing.