"Don't kill her."
"Hah! That's easy." One of them grinned widely.
Two young men immediately ran from opposite directions. One carried a heavy axe, the other gripped an old sword with both hands.
Annie and Violet were still standing there, not budging an inch.
The sword wielder arrived first, swinging his weapon from the right side towards Violet. Quietly, Violet stepped to the right, almost soundlessly, avoiding the blade that struck empty air.
The opponent immediately turned his body, trying to slash from the opposite direction. But before the swing was complete, Violet had already moved again to the left, sneaking around the attack's flank, just out of the sword's reach.
Annie glanced over.
Violet didn't move back or away, but instead moved into the attack at a safe angle. She knew how to dodge. This technique could indeed cause the opponent to lose momentum and put Violet in an attacking position.
Annie returned her gaze to the front, and at the same time , the axe wielder had already leaped at her. A vertical swing struck from above, rough and without technique.
With one swift step, Annie shifted to the side like a shadow, then she launched a punch from below to her opponent's jaw.
The impact was strong enough to send one of his teeth flying into the air.
The man collapsed without even making a sound.
Annie sighed, then glanced to the side.
"Are you going to keep avoiding?" she asked flatly.
"Not really," Violet replied quietly.
"I was just counting... how many there really were."
Annie was silent. Her eyebrows raised slightly.
Now Annie realized that Violet's eyes never truly stayed fixed on one spot. Even when she was avoiding him, her gaze darted around, taking in every corner, every step, and... every person.
All that was left standing now were old men with their makeshift weapons. Very different from the first group whose attack was more organized.
The sword user who had not been defeated attacked Violet again, the sword swung and with the same movement Violet dodged, but this time she countered by swinging her elbow to the man's cheek until he fainted.
The attacks didn't stop, this time six people came at once from different directions. Three towards Violet and three towards Annie.
Annie and Violet were not silent, they ran in opposite directions, not to escape, but both looking for space so as not to be surrounded.
The three men who attacked Violet scattered in a semicircle as they ran, each wielding a different weapon, an iron club, a long and short dagger.
The first attack struck from the middle, he used a long dagger swung from the right, Violet stepped to the right to take a safe angle.
The spear shot from the left, without hesitation Violet dodged while holding the iron stick tightly with her right hand until it stopped.
Another attack came from the right, the man used a dagger, aiming the stab at the center, Violet swiftly used the spear to deflect it.
The sound of metal clinking was loud.
Violet snatched the spear away with one swift thrust.
The long dagger user attacked again.
Violet pulled to shorten the spear's reach.
A long dagger swung from the left, without taking a step Violet turned her body, letting the attack miss then swung the spear at him.
The man's head was hit by the blunt part of the spear, hard enough that his body was slightly lifted, he was unconscious.
Another dagger struck from the right, Violet pulled her shoulder back, the blade slid just inches from her body, but at the same time her left hand had already aimed the spear with precision towards the attacker's chin.
He collapsed with a groan.
Without wasting any time Violet raised both hands while spinning the spear, with the right momentum she swung it hard into the right chest of the last man still standing.
After being hit, the man did not fall but bowed his head before finally collapsing.
Her golden hair was swept by the wind.
The men were stunned, staring at the back of the girl who was now facing away from them. Half of his face was turned away, and a pair of blue eyes stared back, not with hatred, not condescension, but pity.
She removed the spear from her hand.
The sound of metal clanking echoed as it collided with the dry ground.
He began to walk calmly, unhurriedly. But none of them dared to move.
Not because of their wounds, but because they no longer have the will.
Annie had been casually dodging the barrage of attacks as if she were warming up, in between attacks she quietly watched Violet's fight, she smiled faintly when the girl managed to paralyze the last attacker.
The girl could have finished it quickly, but she looked for another way to not kill them.
This girl is...Unique. Someone who should never have existed in this world. Either because she hasn't met reality yet, or the entity is too naive.
No.
Not really.
She has a choice because she is strong.
"Yes, you are different from anything I have ever seen before," Annie muttered, her feet stopping in her tracks, then she turned, staring at her attacker with a cold look in her eyes.
Annie immediately lunged. Her body shot up, her leg lifted high, slashing through the air before hitting one of the men in the face. The man immediately fell backwards, not having time to scream.
A sword blade slid towards her back. Annie turned her body deftly, then swung her leg to the side, hitting the attacker hard in the head. A bang was heard. Blood spurted out of his mouth and nose.
Another sword swung. This time from the front. Annie simply tilted her body, dodging it a split second before the blade touched her. At the same time , her fist flew under his chin, causing him to stagger, followed by a spinning kick to his stomach, sending him flying and crashing far away, hitting the ground with a heavy thud.
The last two men who hadn't attacked were still standing there trembling.
Annie and Violet ignored him,
"Not bad... What's your name?"
Violet turned her head for a moment, then turned her body, politely bowing slightly,
"Violet Evergarden."
Annie paused for a moment. She had just witnessed a very rare behavior. It was such a contrast to what she had just seen.
"Violet... right." she muttered barely audibly.
Suddenly, the sound of horse hooves pounding the ground was heard.
Annie saw them first from a distance, behind Violet.
Three men rode horses, their faces partially covered by hoods.
Moving in formation, they wore all black complete with equipment and protection. Obviously, they were not ordinary people. They are dangerous.
Annie stepped forward slowly, her back to Violet. Her voice was calm but firm.
"Go. Use the horse if you can."
Violet gasped, then quickly turned around. Her face was tense, with a look full of anxiety.
"No, Annie-san..." she said softly, gently, but full of rejection.
Annie turned her head halfway, only one eye visible.
"For now... follow my orders."
"But... what about you?" Violet asked , her voice trembling.
Annie turned around, she approached hurriedly, her face cold with a piercing gaze.
"I won't repeat myself... Go." Her tone was firm, almost annoyed, but there was something holding it back.
Without waiting for a reaction, Annie turned her body again, turning her back to Violet.
Violet was silent. She stared at Annie's back as she slowly moved away, her eyes widening, hir breath hitching.
"Promise me... to come back safely," she said softly.
Annie didn't answer.
Suddenly a gunshot pierced the air, hitting the dry ground right beside Violet's feet.
Violet gasped, her head turning quickly. Faint smoke billowed from the muzzle of a gun held by one of the hooded men.
"Hurry up!" Annie exclaimed loudly.
Without hesitation, Violet slowly got on the horse's saddle. She pulled the reins and directed it back towards the carriage's location.
Her dress swayed, dancing in the wind as her horse rode by.
Another round of gunfire was heard behind him. Violet lowered her head, closing her eyes for a moment.
She wanted to turn her head. But she held it in, biting her lip and staring straight ahead.
After leaving the village, suddenly the sound of thunder rumbled through the sky, even though there was no rain, without any dark clouds there .
Violet suddenly turned her head. Out of the corner of her eye, the flash looked yellowish, like a flash of gold. But when she looked straight up at the sky... there was nothing. The sky remained clear and silent. Her face looked confused, but she chose to return to looking ahead.
.
.
.
Meanwhile, at the train site, Marlo and Luther are lying on the ground. Their breath was ragged. Some of their clothes were torn and dusty, but they were not seriously injured, just scratches and bruises.
"Luckily I pulled the trigger in time," Marlo muttered, his voice hoarse, his breathing still unsteady. "Otherwise... we might have been nothing more than names ."
Marlo hoped for an answer but heard nothing, then he stretched his shoulders while glancing at Luther who looked relaxed.
"You're welcome... Hey, where's the thank you?"
"What for? You can shoot because I'm holding back those crazy people. We each have our own roles according to tactics."
Luther replied flatly, his eyes still staring at the sky.
Marlo turned his neck lazily, then narrowed his eyes at Luther.
"So almost getting your face stepped on was part of a strategy?"
Luther finally lowered his gaze.
"Yeah, the risk isn't as big as when your bullet almost put a hole in my head."
Marlo immediately turned his head the other way , refusing to realize his mistake.
"Then... I almost have to write the most ridiculous death report ever." he muttered, looking away, pretending to be busy.
Luther just raised an eyebrow .
"You understand now, so we're even."
After a moment of silence, Marlo turned towards the carriage.
"Where is Annie?"
Luther glanced at him with a scornful look, as if he couldn't believe that Marlo had just noticed it.
"The coachman told me... he said he saw someone taking Violet. She was kidnapped."
"W—WHAT DID YOU SAY!?" Marlo suddenly got up. "Where is he going?!"
Luther still held his position, he looked back at the sky, put both his hands above his head, his face looked resigned.
"Too late... Even when you shouted earlier, he was probably already further away." Then his voice trailed off. "Oh, God... What should I tell Rei..."
Meanwhile in the train.
"Can I go out now?"
The coachman got out and opened the door for Alfred.
"It's safe, sir. Please."
Alfred got off with a worried face, then immediately approached the coachman to ask about the situation.
"Look, it looks like the big master is panicking too," Luther muttered casually as he lay on his side, one hand supporting his head, his gaze looking lazily into the distance.
Marlo hissed in annoyance. Quickly, he grabbed the collar of Luther's uniform and pulled him until his body looked up.
"Damn Luther! How can you still be so relaxed? You are the squad leader!"
Luther just laughed briefly, without looking back at him.
"Answer me, Marlo..." he said calmly . "In a situation like this, do you think there are any sane options left for me? What should I actually do?"
Marlo was silent. His grip slowly loosened but he still stared at him.
Soon, the sound of horse hooves grew closer. Violet emerged from behind the village road, riding her horse at a moderate pace. Her gaze immediately fell on two figures lying on the side of the road.
Marlo and Luther turned their heads simultaneously. When they realized who it was, their mouths dropped open.
"Violeeet!" Marlo exclaimed enthusiastically, waving his arms excitedly and reflexively releasing her grip on Luther's collar.
Luther's head immediately hit the hard ground.
Violet stopped her horse in front of them and quickly dismounted. She paused for a moment, her eyes shifting to Luther, who was still rolling around, groaning softly, then back to Marlo, who was smiling broadly as if nothing had happened.
"We have to help Annie-san immediately," Violet said in a serious tone.
Hearing that, Marlo's smile disappeared. Luther immediately got up and approached him.
"Annie?" Luther asked quickly. "What happened to her?"
"She was attacked, I don't know for sure, maybe the same group ."
Luther's jaw clenched. Without thinking, he ran straight to his horse, which was tied near the carriage.
"Wait here, Marlo. I will follow her."
But before Luther could jump into the saddle, Marlo grabbed him from behind, halting his steps.
"I guess... there's no need," Marlo muttered quietly, his eyes staring straight ahead blankly.
Luther and Violet turned their heads simultaneously, following the direction of his gaze.
From a distance, Annie's figure appeared in the middle of the road. She walked slowly, one hand clutching the other's arm. Her eyes remained cold, betraying no sign of pain.
"Annie!" shouted Luther, immediately breaking free and running over to him.
Violet was just silent, her eyes trembling, in her mind how could she possibly catch up to her in such a short time. But the worry about her situation kept that doubt in check.
"Are you... okay?" Luther asked softly.
"I just got a little... shot," Annie replied casually, though her breathing was still heavy.
He lowered his hand, it turned out he was pressing on the gunshot wound on his arm.
"It could be fatal if not treated immediately," Luther said with a serious look.
"Don't treat me like an old lady," Annie said flatly, looking away. "I'm fine."
Luther just sighed, then turned towards the horse carriage. His steps were fast, but halfway there, his lips lifted into a small, almost imperceptible smile.
"Scary... but he's cute too," he muttered to himself, not daring to say it out loud.
Marlo, who was still silent, slowly walked to Violet's side. He glanced at the girl's face and realized that the expression she was showing now was a reflection of what he had felt just a moment ago.
"How bad is it actually there, Violet?" Marlo asked carefully.
Violet lowered her head slightly, then answered in a low tone, almost a whisper,
"Perhaps... you are asking why I look confused?"
Marlo took a deep breath, trying to read further.
"I'm just not sure, is it that or... is there something else bothering you?"
Violet didn't answer right away. The wind gently brushed the strands of his golden hair.
"There are many things I can't understand."
Marlo smiled awkwardly, then raised both hands slightly, as if to lighten the mood.
"Calm down, I'm not really serious," he said quickly.
He then took a breath and added, his voice this time softer, a little hesitant but still sounding sincere.
"By the way... I've heard about the case of the missing people. Some say they were taken hostage, exchanged for money or power. Some out of revenge, or... things more dirty and unimaginable."
Marlo glanced at Violet, her eyes narrowed slightly in consideration.
"That's why a girl like you, who is said to be quite popular, shouldn't be wandering around alone."
He smiled faintly, half amused, half embarrassed.
"I don't think Reinhard told us to keep an eye out for nothing."
Violet stared at Marlo for a few seconds, but didn't answer immediately. Her gaze drifted off into the distance, as if her words had opened another door in her mind, one not related to compliments or jokes, but to the world itself.
"Many people have disappeared..." she muttered . "And many have disappeared without ever being found. Does that mean this world is really like that? Swallowing people slowly, one by one, for no discernible reason?"
She paused for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly, as if trying to find something beyond the horizon.
"I just want to know... do those who do all that know that what they are taking are people with hope."
Then she lowered her head slowly.
"I don't know which side to put myself on yet."
Marlo repeated in his mind the words the girl had just said.
"The World..."
For some reason, the way Violet said it sounded strange. Not because of her tone, but because... the words didn't come from her. As if she wasn't part of this world or hadn't been in it long.
Marlo turned his head slowly, studying his face. The girl looked confused, like someone trying to understand a strange place.
"Why does he speak of the world as if it doesn't belong to him?" he muttered to himself, but he chose to remain silent.
Luther jogged past them without looking back. His gaze was flat, his voice low, almost a murmur.
"Just keep going... This world is indeed lacking warm conversations," he said, his tone full of sarcasm.
Marlo turned quickly, his gaze briefly shifted towards Annie, he saw the wound on her arm, then looked back at Luther's back as he started to move away.
He frowned briefly, then let out a short breath.
"I see... Don't worry, I didn't see anything if you deliberately bandaged the wound for too long."
.
.
.
The sun was right at the top of the sky. The shadows receded, as heat bounced off the cobblestones, forming thin waves that obscured the view.
The horse carriage stopped right in front of the colossal gate of the Great Wall of Sina.
A soldier on guard advanced with firm steps. His eyes fixed sharply on one of the riders.
"Letter," he said briefly.
Luther, still on his horse, reached into his jacket and pulled out a piece of paper. The seal and signature were clearly visible, two symbols side by side, granting full authority.
The soldier stared for a moment, then nodded. Without a word, he turned and raised one hand high in the air, signaling.
Subtle vibrations began to be felt on the ground surface.
Soon, the heavy sound of giant chains echoed from within the stone walls. The sound of metal pulling against each other, dragging against each other. Slowly, the majestic gate opened... like a giant stomach preparing to swallow them in.
Luther and Annie led the way , while the driver pulled on the reins. The horses began to move slowly, and the carriage rocked gently along the rocky road. But once through the gate, the shaking disappeared, the road inside Wall Sina felt smooth with almost no vibrations.
Violet turned her head toward the window. Through the glass, she saw people walking quietly along the sidewalk. Long dresses swayed gently, and men wore formal black suits, ties, and fedoras. A couple held hands, a small family passed by with warm smiles, and in the corner of the wall a man leaned casually, holding a long stick with lit tobacco on the end.
This scene... is so familiar. Not much different from its place of origin in Leiden. Only there was no roar of diesel engines from the cars in the distance.
But on the other hand, she couldn't help but think of a comparison. This area felt so different from her workplace inside Rose Wall. The gap is glaring. She remembered the first time she set foot on the outermost layer, the long-collapsed Wall Maria. She saw Lilith. Her home was a simple wooden structure, her food was limited to boiled potatoes, her clothes were rumpled, and her hands were used to manual labor.
When she finally entered Wall Rose, everything seemed different. It was a level higher, the buildings were sturdier, the food was more decent, and the people were more neatly dressed.
But now, inside Sina Wall, the difference felt too great. It was as if this was another world entirely. Two levels higher... or even more.
Her gaze didn't shift an inch, still fixed towards the window.
"Do humans really live under the same sky ...?"
There was a pause of silence, before Violet added,
"Lilith... have you ever imagined a place like this?"
Alfred sat quietly in the chair across from him. Meanwhile, Marlo was leaning against the side of the door, watching Violet all along. The murmur was soft, but audible enough. Violet's gaze held a rare mix of longing and existential emptiness, like someone who had just realized how unequal the world she lived in was.
Marlo glanced at Alfred. Alfred turned his head, their eyes meeting for a moment. Not a word was spoken, but it was as if they understood what was going through each other's minds.
Violet looked like someone who was truly understanding the meaning of the wall system and all the injustices hidden behind it for the first time.
Marlo straightened his rifle, gripping the barrel with both hands. There was a soft thud as the butt of the rifle hit the wooden floor. He looked up slowly, then leaned back casually, as if gathering his thoughts.
"Human, huh... what a rare word. I rarely hear that from civilians," he said flatly.
A moment of silence.
Alfred and Violet turned around almost at the same time, there was something in Marlo's tone that caught their attention.
"Actually... I'm not too proud to wear this uniform."
.
.
.
The Vessler family palace is in the western region. Not like a royal palace but more like a baroque manor that stands majestically among lesser civil buildings.
A four-meter-high black iron gate surrounds the front yard, planted with neatly trimmed cypress trees. Two winged angel statues stand to the left and right of the gate. The main building has pale white stone walls. Tall pillars support the upper balcony decorated with frosted stained glass windows, the roof is high and steep covered with copper.
Reinhard stood on the small steps that led to the courtyard. His clothes looked simple on him, but were clearly expensive compared to the clothes of ordinary civilians.
Behind a tall window in the room, a woman sat quietly. Her white hair was tied neatly back, her dress was elegant and radiated authority. It was Elisabeth Vessler, his mother. Beside her stood a tall cabinet filled with rows of books. With her glasses perched on the bridge of her nose, she read quietly.
In front of him, a small table had been set with warm tea that had just been prepared by the waiter. Elisabeth glanced over at Reinhard's back. Her head tilted slightly, a moment of surprise flickering in her eyes, but she quickly returned to her book.
Silence filled the room, so thick that the ticking of the clock was clearly audible that afternoon. The afternoon breeze crept through the gaps in the windows, gently swaying the curtains.
Soon, a faint sound slowly pierced the tranquility, the sound of horses' hooves followed by the creaking of carriage wheels approaching in the distance. Elisabeth stopped reading, her fingers holding the pages, and then slowly turned her head toward the window.
The carriage was seen passing behind the fence, from between the iron bars she watched it, it turned out the carriage belonged to his family.
She then turned to the servant who was standing nearby.
"Lina," she called in a soft but firm tone.
"Yes, ma'am." She bowed briefly then approached her.
But her steps stopped when Elisabeth suddenly asked,
"Have you read the invitation letter?"
The young servant was silent for a moment, trying to comprehend the meaning of the question. Indeed, she had helped prepare the letter, but she wasn't sure why Madame was asking it now.
"...Yes, ma'am. We made sure everything was written correctly. Is there anything else that needs to be added?"
Elisabeth did not answer. Her gaze returned to looking out the window, catching sight of his son walking towards the gate.
Driven by curiosity, Elisabeth left the study and stepped out into the courtyard.
"You invited guests, Reinhard?" she asked, her voice calm but full of curiosity.
Reinhard shifted slightly, his movements elegant and refined as he faced his mother.
" ...Yes," he answered flatly but surely.
Before Elisabeth could respond, something caught her attention. From the door of the carriage that had just stopped, one foot stepped down, the heels were not too high but radiated elegance. Porcelain-white skin was revealed for a moment, the fabric of the dress swayed gently following the movements of its owner.
Elisabeth didn't blink, capturing every detail of the figure that had just descended. Not just any ordinary guest, there was something about the way she walked, graceful yet unobtrusive, that made the air seem to hold its breath.
For a moment, Elisabeth's gaze shifted towards Reinhard, her eyebrows slightly raised as if in a wordless question. But his son just stood there, his eyes calm.
Reinhard, noticing the slight change in his mother's face, didn't let the pause drag on. In a low, polite tone, he said,
"I'm sorry I didn't have time to tell you earlier. She's the person I invited as a... Guest. Maybe mom called it that."
He finally turned his head, his lips curved into a calm smile that he rarely showed.
Elisabeth was stunned, stunned by her son's attitude which was different from usual. When he regained consciousness, the girl was already standing before them.
Her golden hair was partially tied back, the afternoon breeze brushing through the loose strands, making it appear almost radiant. Her clear blue eyes caught the light with a sparkle that was hard to describe. A young girl the same age as her son, with a beauty that Elisabeth had never encountered in any of the nobility, there was a natural elegance that was not the result of court customs.
With graceful movements, the girl bowed politely. She pulled her skirt aside a little, saluted while introducing herself,
"It's an honor to meet you,"
As her body straightened again and her face lifted, her gaze met Elisabeth's. Her voice was soft but firm as she added,
"My name is Violet Evergarden."