"Ah, we're finally back! ...I forgot what fresh air tasted like..."
As March attempted to take a bite out of the air, Sunny rolled his eyes as he sarcastically asked:
"What flavor is it?"
She closed her eyes as if she was savoring the taste.
"...Freedom... Cold... Mainly cold actually."
Sunny sighed. They had returned to the Overworld, and the first thing March does is attempt to consume the air. Maybe they should have left her behind.
The pink-haired girl continued.
"Where's our next stop? We should find somewhere to put our feet up, as long as it's not Goethe Hotel again..."
Seele — who had volunteered to accompany them — clicked her tongue in annoyance.
"Classic unreliable Sampo — he probably guessed we'd ask where his hiding place was. No sooner are we back in the Administrative District than he sneaks off."
With each passing moment, Sunny couldn't help but dislike Sampo a tiny bit more…
"Dan Heng, what do you think?"
The man in question closed his eyes for a moment, lost in thought.
"…I think it'd be best to pay a visit to Serval Landau."
Sunny tilted his head.
"So you think we should avoid Gepard for the time being, right?"
Dan Heng nodded.
"He's an elite officer of the Silvermane Guards. It wouldn't be easy to get to him. Besides... if he hasn't been persuaded by Bronya's letter, we'd be walking right into the lion's den."
March hummed in thought.
"Makes sense... Guess we better head over to Serval's workshop then?"
Dan Heng nodded once more.
"But... we must keep a low profile — we're still wanted fugitives."
As they discussed there plans, Sunny glanced over at Seele. She stared off with an unusual expression.
"What's wrong, Seele?"
She jolted out of her stupor, before shaking her head.
"Nothing, it's just a little... new."
She sighed.
"The last time I was on the surface, I was still a child. I have no memory of any of this. The Overworld and the Underworld... We've... We've been cut off for so long."
She looked back at Sunny, who simply sent her a confused look. She scoffed.
"I'm okay. Let's go."
***
The four of them strolled across the Administrative District of the Overworld. In contrast to the Underworld, much larger, refined buildings were placed against the wide cobblestone streets. Trolleys containing civilians moved through the streets alongside pedestrians, as they moved slowly enough so that the impact of it wouldn't be able to severely hurt someone if they were in the way.
In actuality, the trolleys were simply a leisurely method of transport, not a fast one.
As they walked through the streets, plenty of people sent them curious looks. Similarly to when Sunny had arrived to the Underworld alongside Sampo, the attention of the populace was placed on them due to standing out — Sunny, Dan Heng, and March weren't from this planet, which made both their fashion and features appear strange to the natives of Jarilo-VI. As for Seele, she was from the Underworld. Although the Overworlders couldn't tell, it was obvious that her clothes weren't something one of them would wear.
'It's way too revealing…'
Sunny scowled as they walked. Fortunately, the residents of the Overworld weren't quick to assume that they weren't from here — even if they would have been right. Otherwise, the Silvermane Guards would have certainly caught on to them by now.
Speaking of Silvermane Guards…
"There are so many Silvermane Guards on patrol. Is it usually like this?"
Seele asked in with a tenseness in her posture. She seemed ready to pull out a weapon when she saw the amount of law enforcement around the area.
Dan Heng shook his head in response.
"No, I don't remember the security being this tight last time... It might have something to do with us. The Supreme Guardian has probably learned of our arrival already…"
Considering the fact that Bronya had already came to the Overworld, it was quite likely. Sunny wondered about Bronya's location and condition, and whether or not there was any conflict with Cocolia.
Although it would be unlikely — they were mother and daughter after all, despite the lack of biological relation — it wasn't reliable to assume normalcy when it came to Awakened. The Nightmare Spell was a cruel, sadistic concept that was forced upon this world. Throwing humans into harrowing trials, leaving them in a post-apocalyptic world, bringing abominations into the Waking World, and granting cursed Flaws.
Awakened were people that had to tread the fine line between reason and insanity. Even those who seem completely normal on the outside might be an exceptionally hidden lunatic. Considering that both Cocolia and Bronya — with the former having survived the Second Nightmare to become a Master, it wasn't ridiculous to assume that she may have a couple screws loose.
Although the same may apply to Bronya, madness wasn't such a simple thing. It might range from strange habits and the appearance of small mental problems, to slaughtering others for personal enjoyment. Sunny didn't believe that Bronya fell into the latter category.
Besides, it was much stranger to appear completely normal than it was to be somewhat strange. In fact, practically all the Awakened that Sunny had met display at least one or two unusual behavioral patterns. For example, there was Sampo's sleaziness and tendency to disappear into thin air, March's happy-go-lucky attitude — something that drastically stood out of place not matter how anyone looks at it — and Sparkle's perverse sense of humor.
As for Seele… Veliona was an answer for that. Dan Heng may appear to be a normal person, but it was those who seem to have no issues that are the most unpredictable. Then there was Natasha, who's services were completely free despite being in the medical profession.
He still couldn't believe that such a thing was possible!
'When it comes to me… uh, well… that's pretty self-explanatory.'
Sunny had a tendency to succumb to paranoia in difficult situations. Such as when he almost killed Sparkle, or during the entire course of his First Nightmare. In fact, he had to restrain himself from killing Seele when he accidentally told her his True Name. He had to reason with himself that it was his own fault for disclosing it.
There was also the strange state his mind was in — a result of the gap within his memories. One moment, he would act exceedingly childish, and the next, he would become completely serious.
Even the fact that he could recognize his own immaturity at times was unusual.
…Something even more unusual was his uncanny awareness of the changes the Nightmare Spell causes to an Awakened's psyche. He didn't feel like this was something that he was naturally good at.
Or maybe it was? It was impossible for him to tell.
Getting back on topic, the issue was that it was almost impossible to predict the behavior of an Awakened that Sunny didn't personally know. Even if he did, he would have to spend a sizable amount of time in order to understand them to a certain degree. Only then could the confidently act with their actions in mind.
Which meant… for all he knew, Bronya could have been dead, her corpse slowly rotting deep within Qlipoth Fort or something.
'Wait, no… that's probably a stretch.'
Bronya must have known her mother to a decent extent. After all, she had to have spent most of her life with the Supreme Guardian. No matter how good an act is, it was very easy for a person to let their guard down when in the presence of a child. If there were any hidden problems, it should have been revealed to her.
Bronya was much more observant than Sunny himself was — which was quite an impressive feat — so it would be reasonable to assume that she went in with the proven belief that she wouldn't be harmed.
Otherwise, she might have made a grave mistake.
***
The chime rang as Sunny tentatively opened the door for he workshop. He had already sent his shadows inside to make sure the coast was clear before entering, so he was confident that there weren't any hidden dangers — besides the blonde woman that stood behind the counter of course. The other three followed him in, the ringing of the chime drawing Serval's attention as she spoke without turning their way.
"Who is it? Shop's closed today, you'll have to come back tomorrow!"
Serval stood with an effortless poise, her tall frame commanding attention. Her blue eyes, sharp and piercing, contrasted with her blonde hair, streaked with dark blue at the roots and light blue tips. A single hoop earring dangled from one ear, while a black choker rested snugly around her neck. Her fingers were painted with black nail polish, which matched the sleek, black leather glove she wore on her right hand. Her left hand, however, was wrapped in a mismatched pink cloth glove, the contrast subtly adding to her unique style.
Her outfit was a blend of the unconventional: a black tube top, tightly fitted, paired with a lab coat — half white, trailing to her ankles, and singed at the bottom from some past mishap. The white sleeve of the coat was adorned with a blue feather pin, while her black sleeve was wrapped with two belts. A purple lightning bolt tattoo snaked across her waist, standing out against the bare skin.
Her royal blue miniskirt, cut with a daring edge, revealed a pair of navy blue shorts beneath. The skirt was fastened with a black leather belt, drawing attention to her long legs, one of which was wrapped in a black thigh-high stocking while the other remained bare, tucked into black ankle boots with gold lining. Each piece of her attire seemed carefully chosen, an effortless balance of grace and boldness.
March waved her hand.
"Hey, Serval! It's us!"
Serval turned in their direction, squinting her eyes in confusion. A glimmer of recognition appeared in her eyes.
"Ah, I remember! The two outsiders… and two extras? Wait — why are you still strolling around the city? Do you know the Silvermane Guards are looking all over for you?"
Her questions jolted out back to back like a thunder bolt. She circled the group, pushing them deeper into her workshop.
"Quick, act natural and get inside. We can't get spotted!"