When Revy returned to the inn as if nothing had happened, Ifrit was adjusting some newly delivered instruments.
Of course, that didn't mean Ifrit was indifferent to life or death—she simply didn't know what had happened.
She didn't ask Revy what he had done, and Revy didn't volunteer anything either. It was a mutual understanding they had established before coming to Leithanien.
So naturally, she assumed that when Revy said he had "driven them away," he meant by intimidation—not by killing them on the spot.
"How's it going? Can the infrared thermal imager work now?"
"Yeah, it's fine."
Ifrit let out a breath of relief.
"Miss Closure's prototype worked surprisingly well. Even after reducing the size by half, the functionality wasn't affected. The wind monitor is working perfectly too."
"That's good. I've barely used this kind of equipment, so I don't really understand much of it."
"You're being too modest, senpai."
Ifrit stopped working and flopped onto the bed behind her.
"You're the best Catastrophe Messenger in the world. Even without this equipment, you'd still be able to predict Catastrophes accurately, right?"
"Strictly speaking, I rely on astronomical observation," Revy said, noticing her confused expression."Many Catastrophes are closely related to celestial movements."
"Though... a lot of it borders on the mystical, so it's not easy to explain."
"Celestial movements, huh? That sounds really profound…"
Ifrit suddenly looked excited.
"So you use that to predict Catastrophes? When we're done with this mission, can you teach me, senpai?"
"Why not? But the knowledge involved is pretty broad—it might get boring."
"No way! If it helps my research even a little, it'll be worth it!"
Revy looked at her determined face and chuckled softly.
"Alright then. But for now, let's focus on the volcano monitoring—here, I'll help with the setup."
That night.
Although Ifrit still wanted to compare some data and intel sent from Rhodes Island, Revy had forcefully pushed her to rest in bed. Now, only he sat quietly in front of the monitoring instruments.
He was waiting.
Even though he had silently eliminated the two attackers earlier, nighttime remained a prime window for ambushes. He didn't know if those two were the only pawns sent by this "Steiner Zockerei."
From the intel he'd gathered, it was obvious that the real mastermind was cautious to the extreme—willing to waste money on disposable pawns rather than get personally involved.
Steiner Zockerei… huh?
From what Revy had learned through his channels, the man was a renowned volcanologist in Leithanien. Back when Ifrit's parents were still alive, they'd worked closely with him in the research field. After their deaths, Steiner's reputation rose significantly—now he was perhaps the most famous volcanologist in the region.
Could he want Ifrit dead because he's afraid she'll overshadow him?
Revy shook his head and scoffed at the thought.
Impossible. Not only has the little lamb been based in Rhodes Island all these years, even if she were to challenge him now, this local bigwig wouldn't feel threatened.
Then what was the real reason?
"Revy… haven't you already guessed what it might be?"
The sudden voice in his mind startled him for a second. Then his eyes softened—filled with warmth.
"Looks like the experiment worked, Theresa."
"Yes. While I can't fully tap into your visual cortex yet, it seems I can now talk to you this way for short periods. Even without entering dreams, we can communicate in the real world now."
"That's not bad—but I'd still rather be able to hold you."
Theresa fell silent for a long moment.
"You jerk… saying something that embarrassing out of nowhere."
"You don't like it?"
"No… please say more."
They both laughed at that.
Of course, from the outside, everything was silent. Theresa's "voice" was more like some kind of telepathic communication from a fantasy novel, and Revy only needed to think to respond.
"Back to serious matters. If things really are as you suspect… what will you do?"
"I don't know, Terry… I really don't know."
Revy sighed in frustration. Theresa responded softly:
"You're worried about that girl, Ifrit, aren't you?"
"Yeah." Revy glanced at the peacefully sleeping Ifrit."If my suspicions are correct, then I owe it to her to tell her the truth. I'm just afraid… I'm afraid she won't be able to handle it. After all—"
"I have a feeling your guess is right. And yes, you should tell her."
Though her telepathic voice held no emotion, Revy instinctively sensed her sorrow—a quiet sympathy for the girl.
"Hatred brings pain. But no one can live in a dream forever. Sometimes, knowing nothing is even crueler."
"But will she accept it? If it's really that truth?"
"Don't worry. She'll be upset, but she'll be able to take it," Theresa said gently."She's stronger than you think—trust me."
"Yeah… you've always had a better eye for people than I do. If it really turns out that way… I'll tell her."
Theresa went quiet again, but Revy felt a comforting warmth gently brushing his thoughts.
But that peaceful moment didn't last long. It was broken by a groan.
Ifrit, who should've been fast asleep in bed, was now clutching her head, writhing in pain!