"Um... Nahida, where are we going now?"
Nahida transformed the Forest Book into a green orb of light and placed it in Lumina's hands—the "Great Terror." Without another word, she strode ahead, leading the way.
It was clear that Nahida's earlier outburst had been just an angry remark. Logically speaking, there was no way she would abandon Irminsul, abandon the Sumeru Star System, and leave alone, even if she could.
Feeling the oppressive atmosphere thickening around them, March 7th's worry for Sister Lumina deepened. She couldn't help but call out to Nahida, who was walking ahead.
"Isn't it obvious? We're going to fight the Boss," Nahida replied flatly, without stopping or turning around, her gaze fixed straight ahead.
"Then what about Sister Lumina...?"
"How should I know? I'm just as puzzled as you are. What on earth is she up to? I'm curious too." Nahida's composed expression instantly shattered, her face cycling through bewilderment, confusion, and exasperation.
"Even at a time like this, she's still being so secretive..."
"Bringing in this emotional Avatar—whatever it is—is she planning to cutely overwhelm the Abyss to death?"
Nahida stopped in her tracks, turning to glare at "Great Terror" Lumina, who was gleefully playing with a green orb of light. She could have punched Lumina herself this instant.
"Ugh..."
With a sharp nudge from Nahida, "Great Terror" Lumina instantly stopped playing with the orb. She transformed into a perfectly behaved girl, dutifully following beside March 7th, her gaze fixed on the path ahead.
"Sigh... I'm completely exasperated." Seeing the "Great Terror" Lumina acting so docile and well-behaved, Nahida couldn't bring herself to say anything harsh.
"Let's just hope Lumina's actually doing something productive."
"Just so we're clear, if I sense anything off, I'm ditching you first."
Nahida shook her head and continued leading the way.
"Alright, alright, just remember to take us with you when you bolt," March 7th teased, indulging Nahida's tsundere tendencies.
"Hmph?"
"So... Sister Lumina's okay, right?" March 7th pressed.
"She's fine. If anything had happened to her, her emotional Avatar wouldn't be able to manifest," Nahida replied casually, glancing sideways at "Great Terror" Lumina as she walked.
"That's a relief."
Hearing this, March 7th finally let out a sigh of relief. As long as Sister Lumina was safe, everything would be alright.
But... can we really fight against this Abyss?
After experiencing the previous two encounters, March 7th now hesitated to even look directly at the darkness above, fearing she might be unable to resist and inexplicably be swallowed by it...
Hmm?
Just as March 7th was thinking this, something suddenly tugged at the hem of her skirt.
Snapping out of her reverie, March 7th turned her head to see "Great Terror" Lumina clutching her skirt, her sakura-pink lips slightly parted. Lumina cautiously glanced at Nahida ahead of them, then quickly closed her mouth as if about to say something.
"What is it?" March 7th asked softly, lowering her voice. She understood Lumina's intentions.
Lumina didn't rush to speak. She cautiously glanced at Nahida again, and only after confirming she showed no reaction did she slowly say, "Nahida, bad!"
Nahida: ...
Nahida paused mid-step, barely suppressing the urge to punch "Great Terror" Lumina. She quickly regained her composure and continued walking calmly ahead.
No matter how softly March 7th and "Great Terror" Lumina whispered, their words naturally didn't escape Nahida's ears.
If it were the normal Lumina, Nahida would have punched her without hesitation. But this "Great Terror" Lumina, so bewildered and innocent, like a little girl who knew nothing of the world, made Nahida unable to bring herself to do it.
"Why? Nahida's a good person, you know," March 7th said, lowering her voice. She knew perfectly well that no matter how soft she spoke, she couldn't hide anything from Nahida. But to play along with the "Great Terror" Lumina, March 7th kept her voice low, asking with a smile.
"She's so scary..."
The "Great Terror" Lumina continued observing Nahida. When she saw Nahida make no move, she continued, "But..."
"I really like her."
The "Great Terror" Lumina's face was utterly earnest, showing not a trace of deceit.
Nahida: ...
Hearing this, Nahida, who had been walking ahead, suddenly froze, a look of reverie crossing her eyes, as if she were lost in memories... But the moment passed quickly, and she soon returned to her usual composure, unnoticed by March 7th and the others.
However... every flicker of emotion on Nahida's face was being watched by the Players in the real world...