"Dr. Hemer, I'd like you to take a look at this case file."
Kelsey didn't respond to Hemer's earlier question. Instead, she silently handed over a folder across the desk.
"Alright..."
Hemer accepted the medical file absentmindedly. In her mind, this was likely a test — perhaps a challenge from Kelsey, the renowned expert in Oripathy.
But in the very next moment, her half-lidded eyes flew wide open. She slammed the pathology report down onto the table.
"This is impossible! Stop joking around!!"
"A somatic cell-to-Originite fusion rate of 46%?! A crystallization density of 3u/L in the bloodstream? Even in deceased patients — even those who died from advanced Oripathy — the numbers never go that high! Don't play games with patient records!"
Kelsey remained calm, meeting Hemer's outburst with a composed gaze. Hemer took a deep breath and managed to regain her composure.
"…Please explain, Dr. Kelsey."
"Don't misunderstand. I'm not joking about this patient."
Kelsey looked directly into Hemer's eyes, undisturbed by her sharp glare, and spoke with absolute composure:
"The truth is, I can't reveal the identity of the patient — not yet. But I can tell you this much: not only is this person alive, they're healthier than most non-infected individuals."
"That's impossi—"
"It's the truth, Dr. Hemer," Kelsey interrupted coolly. "Believe it or not, two days ago, these values were less than half of what they are now."
"Rapid escalation? That's… that's a sign of terminal Oripathy!"
"Exactly." Kelsey let out a long breath. "In theory, such a progression would cause the patient's condition to deteriorate rapidly — multi-organ failure, severe exhaustion, and massive Originium crystal growth across the body. Soon after death, their body would become a new source of infection. That's the universally accepted late-stage pathology of Oripathy."
"Then that person should be—"
"—Perfectly fine. It's as if the Originium doesn't even treat him as a host. Rather…" She paused. "It seems to be merging with him, becoming a part of his body."
Kelsey picked up a pen and circled several data points in the pathology report.
"Look here — the internal organs and skin tissue damaged in previous battles. These are typically the most vulnerable to secondary infection. Yet under the catalytic influence of Originium, they've healed rapidly — even healthier than before."
"It's almost like… some invisible will is commanding the Originium to serve his body…"
Hemer stared blankly at the report, then slowly turned to Kelsey with the look one might give a monster.
"If… if this is real… then—"
"Then the entire world will fight to possess him — and dissect his body for secrets."
Hemer clenched her fists tightly.
"But… aren't you afraid I might report this to Rhine Lab?"
"You won't."
Kelsey shook her head, her expression confident, and even a touch mocking.
"First of all, I haven't told you the patient's name. Second, you don't have the means to smuggle this file out of this office. Even if you did, presenting this data would only get you labeled a lunatic."
"—After all, didn't you just assume I was joking a moment ago?"
Hemer drew a deep breath and slumped slightly, nodding in resignation.
"You know my weakness too well, Dr. Kelsey. I really do… want to find a way to suppress, or even cure, Oripathy."
"You're one of the top researchers in the field. I've never doubted that."
Kelsey retrieved the medical file and rose from her seat.
"Your clinical experience will be a valuable asset to Rhodes Island's research efforts."
"Then I can only pray this research bears fruit soon."
Hemer gave a wry smile and extended her hand. Kelsey shook it firmly. Deep down, Hemer understood — it was only now that she had truly joined 'Rhodes Island.'
─── Scene Transition ───
Three days later.
"This is as far as we can take you, Miss Eyjafjalla. And you too, Mr. Revy. Best of luck with your survey!"
A Rhodes Island Vanguard operator in uniform waved farewell at the foot of the ship's ramp. Eyjafjalla and Revy returned the gesture. Moments later, the Rhodes Island airship disappeared over the horizon.
They were now in the wilderness within the borders of Leithanien. Not far away, a small mobile city was making urgent preparations to defend against a potential volcanic Catastrophe in the nearby region.
According to the plan, Revy and Eyjafjalla would stay here for four days, collecting data from close range to observe the Catastrophe as it began to manifest.
"Eyjafjalla, I know you're eager to head for the volcano, but our gear still needs to be set up — and we have to plan for our supplies too."
Revy had to clear his throat to get her attention — the girl beside him was staring so intently at the distant Katela Volcano, she looked as though she might get lost in the view.
"Oh… oh! You're right. Then let's get into the city first, senpai!"
The wilderness wasn't heavily populated — most residents were mildly to moderately infected. However, Leithanien was known for its comparatively lenient policies toward the Infected, and even allowed them to enter the mobile city to evacuate ahead of the volcano's potential eruption.
Naturally, Eyjafjalla and Revy were treated with courtesy upon entry, thanks to their Rhodes Island credentials.
In recent years, Rhodes Island's humanitarian work had earned it praise across many cities — and this remote corner was no exception.
The town, known as Vic, was one of Leithanien's many small mobile cities. Its remote location meant even Rhodes Island's nearest outpost couldn't be contacted easily.
But that didn't matter — Revy and Eyjafjalla's mission was meant to be conducted independently, and they could proceed even without logistical support from the main ship.
"Let's go over the plan again. Today, we'll purchase enough supplies for the next three days and gather some atmospheric data in the city."
"—Then for the following three days, we'll collect samples and compare readings in the wilderness and near the volcano. On the fourth day, the Rhodes Island airship will pick us up."
Eyjafjalla recited the schedule quickly — it was clear she had memorized every step.
Revy smiled and gently took her hand, making her cheeks flush bright red.
"But before all that, we need to find a place to stay. So—"
"—Let the game of hide-and-seek begin."