The automatic doors slid open silently as the two of them entered the Central Base.
The distant noise of the city faded behind them.
The lobby was spacious, with high ceilings and minimalist black-and-white lines. The sound of their footsteps echoed softly across the polished marble as they walked toward the building’s inner core.
Mary took the lead and descended a wide, curved staircase. Belle walked beside her with the sa serenity she had displayed on the battlefield.
After a few seconds of silence, Belle spoke.
"Are the others here?"
Mary shook her head slightly.
"Only three of us are in Ark."
There was no one else in the hallway—just the two of them. Mary’s statent about three being present was accurate.
The other eight heroines of the Ten remained deployed on international missions, containing breaches, escorting expeditions, or eradicating threats beyond the walls.
That was their primary function. However, at least one heroine of the Ten was always required to remain within Ark’s walls.
Mary continued as they descended another flight of stairs.
"The Abyss has been showing internal irregularities."
Belle turned her head slightly.
"That has been happening for a year."
Mary nodded.
"Yes. At the ti, it was theorized to be natural phenona. But now it’s occurring more frequently. Energy distortions are increasing, routes are shifting, and the monsters... are displaying more complex behavioral patterns."
Belle did not respond imdiately. The air seed to grow heavier.
"Adaptive?" she asked.
"In so cases."
Mary rested a hand on the railing as they descended to the next level.
"A year ago, we believed it was an isolated incident—an anomaly. Now the reports indicate it was the beginning of sothing larger."
"Angel’s expedition?"
"Yes. The cult she encountered by chance has spread throughout the Abyss. We now know of more than two hundred altars across the depths, and there are likely three tis as many beyond the frontier."
Belle kept her gaze forward.
"Has Angel returned?"
Mary glanced at her from the corner of her eye.
"Yes. She returned at dawn from her deep expedition. She thoroughly investigated the Abyss’s anomalies."
Belle’s brow tightened slightly, as though her ice-like, peaceful façade rembered that her emotions were not extinguished.
"That woman..."
Mary showed no surprise at the way she referred to her.
"I understand she’s not easy to deal with."
Belle remained silent. Mary continued professionally.
"But she has offered to collaborate with the Center to analyze what she discovered."
"It would be best not to associate with her."
The response was imdiate—calm, yet firm.
Mary stopped for a mont. Turning slightly toward Belle, she said,
"Ark’s safety is above any personal pride," she stated firmly. "None of us trust that woman, and we would prefer to keep her at a distance. But she possesses extrely detailed information, and we are talking about millions of civilian lives at stake. Faced with that level of risk, I would even go to the devil himself to protect them."
Belle did not argue. Mary resud walking.
"We are waiting for the rest of the heroines to return so we can make a joint decision. This may require direct intervention in the Abyss. However, if the majority votes against Angel, we will not accept her help. That is the rule."
She closed her eyes and let out a soft sigh as she spoke, as if that final thought had slipped out louder than intended.
"Although I hope they all understand that we need her assistance."
After a few seconds, Belle asked,
"Where is she now?"
"I don’t know. Before leaving, she ntioned that she wanted to check on a relative."
Belle looked at her with slight surprise.
"That woman has family?"
"I just found out as well."
Mary clasped her hands behind her back.
"As much as we’ve investigated, there is almost no information about her private life. Her history prior to becoming a heroine is practically nonexistent. We don’t even know her last na."
Belle remained thoughtful. Angel had always been an enigma—an unpredictable elent.
Before she could dwell further on that idea, a soft vibration from her pocket interrupted the silence. She took out her phone. The sender caused her expression to soften slightly.
"It’s my younger brother."
Mary waited in silence. Belle read the ssage carefully and then put the device away.
"I need to return ho. There are... family matters to attend to."
Mary nodded without objection.
"I’ll call you as soon as the other eight return."
"Understood."
As Belle turned to leave, Mary added,
"Oh, by the way, M2 says to take care of yourself."
Belle ford a barely perceptible smile, softening her features, and replied,
"Thank you. You take care as well."
Mary waved her left hand in farewell, smiling faintly with her eyes closed.
Belle headed toward the upper access point, and seconds later, the sky opened once more for her.
◇◆◇
The wind brushed against her black hair as she moved over the city. From that height, Ark seed calm again—controlled and secure. Belle slightly reduced her speed.
The battle had been brief, precise, and efficient. Then, almost automatically, she discreetly brought her face closer to her shoulder and sniffed her clothes.
She remained silent for a few seconds.
’Hm.’
Another small inhale.
’Perhaps... I should shower first.’
Her expression did not change. She remained the sa unshakable heroine who had crushed a triple SSS in an instant and whom they called the Goddess of Ark. Yet, in the privacy of her thoughts, a simple and quiet conclusion ford:
’It wouldn’t be appropriate to greet my brother slling like sweat.’
And she continued flying with the sa absolute dignity as always. Even goddesses go ho to shower.
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