Night had fallen.
Returning to the inn with a good number of collected samples, Kal'tsit wasted no time. She immediately began analyzing and comparing the samples using the limited lab tools she had on hand.
The space was cramped, and the conditions were far from those in Rhodes Island's main lab, but Kal'tsit firmly believed that firsthand data was invaluable.
Revy, however, had no strong opinion on the matter.
He knew many types of Originium lose their activity after some time. When their active properties fall below half the standard, they degrade into ordinary solid Originium ore. The higher the purity, the faster this decline occurs. This cycle was known in the scientific world as Originium's half-activity period.
But the samples Kal'tsit collected weren't from right next to the volcano's mouth—they still held decent purity and weren't in immediate danger of losing activity. Still, seeing her so passionately absorbed in her work, Revy didn't have the heart to interrupt her.
He thought the night would pass peacefully in Kal'tsit's focused research.
Then—a sudden knock on the door.
Knock, knock, knock.
The sound wasn't loud, but it was enough to pull Kal'tsit out of her concentration.
"Revy, someone's knocking at the door,"Kal'tsit said as she reached for her hearing aid—something she always removed during research to minimize distractions.
But her hand froze midway.
(…Strange. I'm not wearing my hearing aid. Shouldn't I not be able to hear that?)
Revy didn't respond to Kal'tsit's confusion. He remained silent.
The moment he sensed someone approaching outside, he'd already tensed up, hyper-aware. But oddly, the visitor wasn't attempting to ambush them—they were simply, calmly knocking on the door.
Knock, knock, knock.
The rhythm was steady. Whoever it was, they knew exactly which door to knock on, and they were confident that someone was inside.
"…I'll get it."
Revy waited for a while. When the knocking didn't stop, he stood and walked to the door.
Click.
He opened it with an air of casual calm, but in truth, every inch around him was laced with Gejamagala cells. If there was even the slightest sign of hostility, those cells would instantly become viral weapons, obliterating the enemy on contact.
But there was only one person outside.
A middle-aged Caprini man.
"Good evening, young man. I'm looking for Miss Kal'tsit. May I come in?"
The man smiled politely as though Revy's presence was no surprise at all. His gaze tried to peer past Revy, into the room.
"I'm sorry, but Miss Kal'tsit's schedule doesn't include meeting visitors."
With an almost imperceptible shift, Revy blocked the man's view, his face cold and expressionless.
"Oh my, my apologies. That was quite rude of me."
Even after Revy's firm—almost rude—dismissal, the man's smile didn't fade. His eyes crinkled kindly as he continued:
"Would you mind at least informing Miss Kal'tsit that Steiner Zocklei, an old friend of her parents, is requesting a visit?"
Revy's eyes narrowed.
This was the second time he had heard that name in two days.
Thinking back to yesterday's events, Revy was now nearly certain—about 70% sure—that this man was involved in what happened the night before.
"Let him in, Revy…"
Kal'tsit's voice rang out just in time. The little Caprini girl, now wearing her hearing aid, gently tugged at Revy's sleeve from behind.
"—Understood."
Since Kal'tsit had spoken, Revy didn't insist further. He stepped aside. As the man entered the room, he gave Revy a smug glance before walking in with a bright, courteous smile.
"Adel! I barely recognized you! You've changed so much over the years!"
The man—Zocklei—called out as he stepped forward enthusiastically, clearly overstepping the bounds of a casual visit. He moved quickly toward Kal'tsit, even reaching out as if to grab her hand in greeting.
But Revy stepped between them instantly.
Kal'tsit, startled at first by the man's enthusiasm, quickly composed herself. She forced a polite smile and greeted her guest.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Zocklei," Revy said coldly. "My mission is to ensure the safety of Miss Kal'tsit, who is both a Rhodes Island operator and a patient. If you continue to approach her uninvited, I will have difficulty doing my job."
Zocklei's expression hardened.
"Young man, I respect your duty—but this is a family reunion. As an outsider, shouldn't you know your place?"
Revy didn't move. Not even an inch.
But Kal'tsit's face suddenly darkened.
"Uncle Zocklei! You were my parents' colleague, and I do respect you as a senior—but you have no right to lecture Revy!"
"He is not my servant. He is my… my…"
"Partner. And bodyguard," Revy interjected calmly.
"—Exactly!" Kal'tsit nodded, continuing, "You're welcome to visit me. I'm happy to catch up, either as a junior researcher or a fellow volcanologist—"
Her tone suddenly sharpened.
"—But if you continue being rude to Revy, then you can leave."
"I…!"
Zocklei was clearly caught off guard. Earlier, he'd tried to intimidate the Sarkaz man as a show of dominance—but he hadn't expected Kal'tsit, who had always been timid, to defend Revy so strongly.
(…Tch. Even if he's the 'Prophet'… Even if he is the so-called Prophet!)
He took a deep breath, then forced a smile.
"I apologize. I… misunderstood the situation. Please forgive me, Mr. Revy."
His eyes were sincere. Or at least, appeared to be.
Kal'tsit's expression softened just a little.
But Revy's gaze only narrowed further.