chapter 28

- Nathaniel's Point of View**

Hours dragged on in that dank cell, the same four walls closing in. Soldiers visited every six hours with meager food, but they ignored my pleas for answers about my imprisonment. I had no clue what I'd done wrong—or how long they'd keep me here.

With nothing to do, my conversations with Suwi dwindled, her sour mood adding to the strain. She might lash out again, and I cringed at the thought—especially after her wild assumption that I'd take her to Earth as my wife. Reflecting on my words, I supposed it was a natural leap, but my intent was simpler: to ensure her safety, with Earth as a peaceful haven.

I hadn't considered if Earth could handle her, but now the idea nagged—could I bring her there? If I asked, would Koko grant it? That capricious angel seemed to revel in wielding her power here—why not save Endoryo herself instead of thrusting the burden on me?

My gaze drifted to Suwi, still seated and silent. The notion of marrying her on Earth flickered—perhaps ending my mission if she left. She was the catalyst for the Great War; her absence could prevent it. *Hahaha*, as if she'd agree, and stealing her from Xxv, my own main character, felt cruel. I'd saddled Xxv with suffering, his wife his only solace— I couldn't rob him of that.

Lost in thought, my stare lingered on her. She snapped, "Stop staring like that—it's creeping me out!"

"Okay, my princess, but remember, I've no intention of stealing you from your husband, even if you're temptingly stubborn," I teased with a grin.

"You want another beating?" she barked.

I chuckled, raising my hands to calm her. "Please, no violence—I'm just a human, you know."

Moments later, soldiers arrived, calling my name. They motioned me to the gate. "Wait, am I free?" I asked.

No response—they simply unlocked the door. "I'm off, Suwi. Remember my promise: I'll come back for you, no matter what," I called.

Before I finished, a soldier gripped my arm, pulling me out. They remained silent as we ascended from the basement, leading me to a room brimming with Eskapa soldiers. It mirrored Sei's office, dominated by Agane's crew—her domain, no surprise given her role in my confinement.

Unsure of the situation, I noticed several generals present. Ataparag rushed to my side, her worry palpable. "Thank goodness you're alive. I'm sorry—I just learned you were imprisoned," she said, her voice soft.

"Oh… so you didn't know. Then why am I locked up?" I asked.

Before Ataparag could answer, Agane interjected. "Jumping from the tower is forbidden in this city. That place is harsh—suicides are common, so we punish anyone who tries to encourage it."

"Huh? But I was just saving that woman from killing herself!" I protested.

"A woman?" Ataparag echoed, confused.

"That's why you're here for questioning," Agane clarified.

They explained the woman I'd saved had vanished from her cell, and they suspected my involvement. The prison's anti-magic spells made escape impossible—implying I'd orchestrated it.

"Oh… so you think I helped her escape? Seriously?" I groaned. "I was starving there, unable to leave, and you're blaming me?"

Despite the obvious lack of evidence, they accused me of plotting with her, theorizing we'd infiltrated Sei's base for harm. "I'm amazed at your story, but do you think weaklings like us could hurt Sei?" I retorted.

Ataparag gripped my arm, whispering to avoid disrespecting Agane—she'd struggle to free me otherwise. I sighed, biting my tongue despite my innocence.

Ataparag faced them, pleading my release. "There's no evidence, and the guards can confirm it. Please let me take him—tomorrow the recruitment trials."

The generals stayed silent, uninterested in opposing Agane. Her fairness prevailed, and she relented. "Remember, General Ataparag, you'll answer if he harms this city," Agane warned.

"Yes, I accept that responsibility," Ataparag replied.

I felt a mix of gratitude and unease—Ataparag's trust in me, despite knowing nothing of my origins, was overwhelming. Her kindness worried me.

She took my arm, hurrying us out, but Agane stopped us. "Wait. I can't trust someone linked to a Soul Eater, but if you join Eskapa, serve the queen with full loyalty," she said.

With that, we left. Ataparag clung to my hand as we navigated the hallway. "You always get tangled in trouble," she chided.

I apologized, thanking her for my release—without her, I might've rotted there. Yet I voiced concern over her taking responsibility for me. "I told you, I want to help you join my team—that's why," she said confidently.

Her belief in my trial success surprised me—I knew little of the process or tasks ahead. I owed her deeply, hoping to repay her someday. "How'd you know I was imprisoned?" I asked.

"Oh, that? The girl with you at the restaurant told me," she whispered.

She revealed Koko had informed her, wondering how Koko knew her dorm. Apparently, Koko had barged in and left hastily. "She left that little pet she gave you—Melon, right?" Ataparag asked.

So Koko avoided me after my obedience— no concern for my well-being or praise for my bravery. "Mister Nathaniel, let's go—Nyabu and Toto are waiting," Ataparag urged.

Outside, we found Toto and Nyabu at the gate. As expected, Nyabu greeted me with a smirk, her irritation clear. She grabbed my collar, scolding, "You dirtbag, stop exploiting the leader's kindness! Do you know how she begged General Agane to free you?"

I wanted to fight back, but her point stung—Ataparag risked herself for me. Ataparag intervened, calming Nyabu. "This is my choice, not your burden," she insisted.

Nyabu released me, warning of pain if it happened again. Her protectiveness of Ataparag was admirable, her respect unwavering. Their bond impressed me—Nyabu and Toto stood by their leader despite their roles.

"Fine, I warned you about him," Nyabu huffed, leaving with Toto. "Let's prepare for tomorrow."

We returned to the dorm ready for the trials. Minutes later, Nyabu escorted me to a cramped room—training gear cluttered around a makeshift bed of joined chairs. "Stay here until the trials end," she grumbled.

"Here? You're kidding," I complained.

"Complaining like you pay rent—food and lodging are free, and you still whine," she snapped.

Her tone dripped with displeasure, hinting I could leave if unsatisfied. I understood her anger, given her suspicions, but I insisted I wasn't evil. "Whether you're good or not, I don't like you—don't expect me to," she retorted haughtily.

She was tough to deal with, but I asked about Ataparag, curious how she became a general with so few troops. With only fifty under her—less than a captain's—lacking an office or base, it seemed odd in Sei's prosperous town.

Nyabu sighed, explaining she didn't know the full story—Ataparag's situation predated her joining. "The vice commander doesn't expand her team; we get no heavy missions," she said.

"But don't underestimate her. She's an Alpha class, stationed here for a reason," Nyabu added.

Promotion to Alpha required winning the Crimson Trial against ten Beta classes. Ataparag's strength was clear, though her inexperience leading large forces was her flaw. "Maybe she's kept here because she holds the commander's Crimson Item," Nyabu speculated.

She revealed Sei gave Ataparag an S-class Crimson Item, transforming her beastly form into a human. These items, feared and revered, demanded caution. "So, don't get too close, especially when she's hungry," Nyabu warned.

The item altered only her appearance—her carnivorous habits remained, favoring tender human flesh. I doubted Ataparag would eat me, given her care, but Nyabu persisted. "Her kindness is real, but caution's key. If she eats human flesh, I don't know what'd happen."

She turned serious, voicing her dreaded mission. "If her beast returns and she eats human flesh, Toto and I must fulfill our duty—kill the leader and return the Crimson Item to the queen."