The situation came to an end.

The demon that had ruled over Belzen was executed by due process, and the remnants in the facility seemed to be cleaned up.

Not a trace of mercy was left in their wake.

From the start, this infiltration was solely for the purpose of extermination, not capturing or suppressing.

The squad members didn’t allow a hint of compassion to reach the tips of their swords.

By now, the dark mages in the building were almost completely wiped out.

“We’ve cleared Laboratories 1 through 105. We believe no enemies remain.”

“Any casualties on our side?”

“None whatsoever.”

“Impressive. Excellent work, Ms. Neria.”

“It was thanks to you, Commander.”

I was receiving the report from my vice-captain.

Though I had handled the highlights, it was she who had effectively led this entire Belzen extermination operation.

While I confronted the demon on the lowest level, Neria led the members to systematically take over the lab.

She was, without a doubt, a superb asset.

“We also rescued all the survivors held captive. The total number is seventy-one, and they’ve been sent to Astro’s direct care medical unit for treatment. We plan to release them later in the Empire’s capital.”

“Good.”

“As you instructed, all research materials found within the facility have been destroyed. To leave no trace, we’re currently conducting incineration…”

Her briefing continued smoothly.

There seemed to be no issues.

“And… here’s the item you requested.”

With the briefing complete, Neria reached inside her cloak and handed me something—a small case, no larger than my palm.

It seemed she had brought the item I had ordered.

“We found it in a nearby canyon, buried beneath the ground along with large bone fragments, just as you described.”

“This is exactly what I was looking for.”

*Click.*

After confirming the contents, I placed the case in my pocket.

It was something I would need later, and thanks to my vice-captain, I obtained it easily.

I offered her a brief word of gratitude.

“Thank you, Ms. Neria.”

“As someone bound to you, it’s simply what I must do.”

“A noble sentiment.”

“All is as you will.”

Neria bowed her head silently.

As I gently stroked her long silver hair in praise, her breathing shivered slightly, as if an electric current had passed through her.

“Hnn…”

Her usual composed expression melted, replaced with one of softness and yearning, her silver pupils gleaming with desire.

Perhaps it was due to her intense loyalty.

Even the slightest touch made her blush.

“I am proud of you.”

“…!”

The girl trembled, her shoulders shaking slightly.

Satisfied with her reaction, I took a step forward, breaking the moment.

Neria staggered slightly, following behind.

Our steps halted in front of an iron-barred cell.

Inside, Anne and Irene were sitting, leaning against the steel bars, both wrapped in small blankets.

I smiled gently and spoke to them.

“How are you feeling?”

“I told you, I’m fine… Do you even realize how many times you’ve asked?”

“No matter how many times I hear it, I still worry.”

“I’m perfectly fine.”

“I’m alright too! I don’t hurt at all!”

Anne answered cheerfully. Now fully awake, she beamed, her surroundings reflecting her bright, innocent atmosphere.

‘No lasting side effects, it seems.’

Along with restoring her body, I had adjusted her memories as well.

The traumas of the chimera experiments were too heavy a burden for a child to carry.

After some thought, I decided to erase those memories.

Of course, all other memories remained intact.

I had only taken away the nightmares, not the courage that the girl had held so firmly.

In a way, it was a well-intentioned lie.

“I’m glad to hear you’re not hurt.”

“Thank you for worrying, handsome oppa!”

“Handsome…?”

“Yes! You’re handsome!”

“Well, well… You not only have a bright spirit but also a keen eye. I think you’ll make an excellent writer.”

“Gasp! How did you know my dream is to be a writer?”

“There are ways to know such things.”

We exchanged lighthearted conversation.

As we spent a few moments in idle chatter, Neria, who was standing behind us, spoke.

“All is taken care of. It’s time to return.”

“What about the other members?”

“They’ve already returned to headquarters through the portal. We’re the last ones.”

“I see… And the facility?”

“I’ve inscribed an explosion spell. In precisely thirty minutes, it will be reduced to ashes.”

“Good. Let’s return.”

*Swish.*

At my command, a figure emerged from the shadows—a woman with dark hair, holding a dagger in each hand.

She was the first member to greet us when we visited headquarters last time.

Her lips, hidden behind a mask, moved slightly as she spoke.

“Commander.”

“Ms. Rena.”

“I’ve come to escort you.”

*Zap!*

Rena extended her hand to the side, creating a glowing blue ring that distorted the space around us, forming an entrance.

A portal to headquarters.

The fox girl beside me watched in awe, mumbling to herself.

“You even have a spatial manipulator under your command?”

“She’s the pride of Astro.”

“Isn’t that a talent rare enough to count fewer than a thousand on the continent?”

“Otherwise, how do you think I managed to reach this place from the academy in a single day?”

“You… The more I learn, the scarier you are.”

“Shall we proceed?”

Just as we were stepping through the portal, a sound from behind clutched at the girls’ sleeves.

*Grrk, kurrrrk…*

*Kiiiek… kikiik…*

It was the sound of monsters.

Once human, they had become something beyond recognition.

Anne and Irene halted simultaneously, a deep sorrow filling the air around them.

Perhaps because they had been in the same situation moments ago.

Their eyes wavered as they listened to the pitiful cries.

People who had endured the same hell as them.

It was an especially sorrowful sound.

Maybe it was because they already knew there was no way to save them.

The girls bit their lips, their faces filled with anguish.

“Hm.”

This wasn’t the ending I wanted.

Lost in thought for a moment, I turned to my vice-captain with a question.

“Ms. Neria.”

“Yes?”

“How many chimeras are confined on the lowest level?”

“There aren’t many. Due to the policy of immediate disposal for failed specimens, they emptied the cages weekly.”

“And?”

“We counted thirteen.”

“That’s a precarious number.”

To cure all thirteen would require at least a month of effort.

I sighed, glancing at the fox girl, her fists clenched in frustration, her gaze sharp and venomous.

‘But still.’

After coming all this way… making them cry would be unforgivable.

Kids look their best when they’re smiling.

“Who’s to say miracles can’t happen twice?”

I muttered softly.

“Vice-Captain, we’re taking the chimeras with us. Move them in their cages to be safe.”

“As you wish.”

The members began moving the cages.

They didn’t know I could cure chimeras—I’d never shown them. But they obeyed without question, trusting I had a reason.

That trust filled me with a sense of pride.

Anne and Irene watched the scene in quiet awe. I caught their gaze and asked lightly.

“Is your heart a little lighter now?”

Death cannot be undone.

But as long as they’re alive, perhaps it’s alright to hope for a miracle.

“I hope today’s events don’t turn into nightmares.”

With me by your side, at least for those within my reach, I wanted to protect those who were hurting.

It wasn’t anything grand—just a small wish.

“Irene.”

“…?”

“If there’s even the smallest chance for you to be less unhappy, I’ll gladly lend you my strength.”

The fox girl lowered her head.

“...Why.”

Her voice trembled.

She bit her lip, as if struggling to find the words to express what was in her heart, a question born from confusion.

“Why… why would you do this for someone like me?”

The serpent replied, sincerely and simply.

“Because we must always take responsibility for those we tame.”

Although people may forget this truth, I still believe in it.

In responsibility and the bonds we forge.

“Does that answer your question?”

“…”

She didn’t reply.

She simply gazed at me, lips pressed tightly together.

Seeing that we couldn’t delay any longer, I took each of their hands.

Leading them toward the portal, I said cheerfully.

“Now, let’s head back home!”

Together, we stepped over the threshold.

And like that, we left behind the hell filled with the stench of blood.

We returned to Astro’s headquarters.

There was a lot of unfinished work to handle.

Since we’d just completed a major mission, several areas needed reorganization, so we planned to stay at headquarters for a few days.

Anne, too, was staying with us.

“Wow…! It’s so clean and spacious!”

The other survivors had been sent directly to the hospital, but Anne came along to the headquarters with us since her condition didn’t require any special medical attention. Besides, she had insisted on staying close to Irene.

Thanks to this, the girl set foot in the headquarters of one of the continent’s most secretive organizations.

“This is amazing…!”

Anne bounced around excitedly.

“She really seems to like it.”

“Well, she’s at an age where everything is thrilling.”

It wasn’t just the members who greeted us upon our arrival.

Some of the young foxes had gathered too.

The little ones, who’d been eagerly awaiting Irene’s return, dashed over the moment we arrived, surrounding us with their fluffy tails.

“Big sis!”

“S-Sis…!”

“Did you come just to see us again? You’re the best!”

“And this time, you brought the Commander along too!”

The little ones knew nothing of the world’s hardships. Irene’s eyes grew misty, but she quickly hugged her siblings warmly.

“Yes… I came because I missed you.”

“Are these the little siblings you told me about? They’re adorable!”

The scene was lively and noisy.

As I stood there, smiling at the joyful reunion, someone approached.

It was a middle-aged man with striking red hair.

“Commander, you’re back.”

“Well, well… our chef has come to greet us.”

It was Kyle Stravan, the Crimson Sword Saint.

Currently, he served as Astro’s head chef at the headquarters.

“Haha! I wish I could have joined the mission.”

“You would have been too much firepower. And having the chef guard the headquarters allows us to venture out with peace of mind.”

“It’s nice to feel appreciated.”

“As always.”

Entrusting our backs to him was a testament to our trust.

Kyle was an essential figure in Astro, and he would continue to be.

I posed a question, jokingly.

“Nothing unusual happened, I assume?”

“Haha! How could anything go wrong under my watch?”

“So the title of Star Saint stands strong, huh?”

“It’s a title only those who touch the night sky can attain.”

“A truly reliable chef.”

After a short exchange of banter, I got to the main point.

I lowered my voice so only Kyle could hear.

“Sir Kyle.”

“Yes, Commander?”

“I have something to show our chef.”

“What is it?”

“You’ll certainly find it interesting.”

His red eyes gleamed with intrigue.

“When do you plan to show it to me?”

“It won’t be possible today—I’m in dire need of recharging for what I have to show you.”

“Then…?”

“Let’s discuss it tomorrow. Meet me in the training room.”

“Yes, understood.”

Kyle nodded obediently.

I smiled slyly.

He had no idea what I had in store for him.

I pictured the look of shock that would spread across the Sword Saint’s face.

The next day.

In the training hall of Astro’s headquarters—a large space designated for the personal training of the members—Kyle stood in the center, looking over at me.

“Haha! I’m curious to see what you’re going to show me.”

Other members had gathered around as well. Since I hadn’t said it was anything confidential, everyone was watching with a sense of ease. Almost all of Astro’s members were present.

"......"

The collective gaze of the audience bore down, making it slightly uncomfortable, but I calmly began speaking.

“Today is a day to fulfill a promise… a day to celebrate.”

“A promise?”

Kyle tilted his head, visibly confused by my words.

Of course, it wasn’t surprising. Remembering an offhand comment from so long ago would be difficult.

Still, it didn’t matter.

“Two years ago, during the Great Extermination, you lost a part of your family.”

“…”

“I’m talking about your daughter, Sir Kyle, who was kidnapped by dark mages.”

I recited the events of the past, and the relaxed expression in Kyle’s eyes began to waver.

His hand clenched into a fist, as if reacting instinctively to the still-unhealed wound.

I continued in a steady voice.

“I promised you once, didn’t I?”

He might have forgotten.

But to me, it was a promise I had made in all sincerity.

—*No matter how long it takes… I will find and bring her back to you, that missing part of your world.*

Reaching out toward the air, I extended my hand.

Dark cracks appeared in the empty space, spreading like fractures on a sheet of glass.

*Crunch, crackle—!*

I was opening the subspace.

Behind me, as the cracks fully opened, something fell heavily to the ground, filling the room.

It was a mass of flesh, nearly ten meters in size.

*Aaah… ugh…*

A faint groan escaped from it.

Hundreds of tentacles dangled from the body, writhing weakly, as if on the verge of death.

It was a grotesque sight.

“C-Commander?! What… what is this…?”

“Sir Kyle.”

This was the monster that had attacked us during the previous “Abandoned Laboratory” episode.

And at the same time…

“…I’ve returned to you the daughter you lost, just as I promised.”

It was Kyle’s daughter.

“…”

The red-haired man stared in stunned silence.

Behind his crimson eyes, horror dawned.