Here we go again, unfulfilled promises.

Why make promises that can't be kept in the first place?

"Alright, let's not dwell on that. No matter when, let's talk about school, for example. Have you been studying well? It's such a..."

It all started tonight when we arrived at the Castle Center Fortress.

After settling into our normal apartment, Yukari couldn't wait to go shopping at the mall. We had no idea there would be an incident at the energy station.

Beside Yukari and the others, a group of children seemed to be on a field trip running around.

However, with both of Elena's academies currently on vacation, it shouldn't be a social studies lesson, but rather some activity for kids.

"Hurry up! We're going to be late!"

Every class surely has one show-off girl like this. Our class had Yukari, who, being a girl, always acted like that without a care.

But on the other hand, a class without such a girl would be dull, just like the world without the existence of gods.

Basically, that's what she told me, that she values this class and the whole school.

"...Um, I've worked in service industries before, but it's my first time taking care of children."

"Haha, I'm quite skilled at it, why you ask..."

"Mm."

After hearing that proud voice, I couldn't help but turn to where the voice came from.

It was an exhibition sponsored by Elena Technological Research Institute, said to be held in the desolate Laiselii Wilderness, a rare natural safe zone.

Due to its ecological research purpose, civilians were prohibited from entering the area.

The only way to get in was through Elena's official open day, where individuals could visit when new products were launched, or with group organizations like schools.

But due to limited slots, individual visits were by lottery, and applying individuals might not get selected.

In other words, only lucky ones could enter this last remaining wilderness.

"Hahaha, I got the slot to the wilderness this time!"

"Ugh, Kel got the slot last year, why is it him again this year..."

A blonde girl and another boy with emerald green eyes started arguing.

Some children naturally boast about their achievements.

"Alright, didn't you also get it this year? Besides, I wanted to give it to you last year, but the slot and my status helped, and mom wasn't just worried since you're a girl."

"Hmph, whatever, they both have their downsides!"

Probably, the child named Kel would also brag to other classmates in the new school, boasting about having been to places beyond the city.

As for Yukari and I, we ended up doing this after being rejected by headquarters for supporting Chiyori. Transporting these children is no small feat, so we can't take it lightly.

"What's wrong, Juxi?" Yukari, who was walking ahead, stopped and asked.

"Well, the kids who just passed by mentioned the Laiselii Wilderness, and I just found it intriguing."

"It seems like our school has been to the Laisley Wilderness before, maybe last year, right?"

"I'm not sure, I was still at East Alliance's old house last year. It's just that Dad said he would come here, so..."

At that time, Dad was always by my side, the two of us always eating together and then practicing in the morning. Since Yukari and Mom left home, it has been so desolate here.

As I thought about this, I watched Yukari and the children running ahead, their figures merging together.

A hint of bitterness inevitably rose in my heart. How long would this game of life and death continue?

In the blink of an eye, several years had passed, and the human population had been steadily decreasing, with less than five percent of its peak number left at present.

On the way, cheers erupted inside the car.

When everyone saw the shimmering waves on the naturally formed lake below, it looked like fragments left after a thunderstorm, surrounded by patches of thick and thin grass.

The Laisley Wilderness had the widest natural forest adjacent to the residential area, where animals also peacefully dwelled.

"Is that the real lake?"

"Hey, what's that big tree?"

"That mountain is so green!"

The excited voices of the children were so loud that one could worry about the armored car's windows shattering.

"Alright, alright, quiet down!" The teachers, who doubled as caretakers, shouted loudly to drown out all the commotion.

With over ten years of experience, the teachers were unfazed by this level of chaos.

Originally, these armored cars were used by high-ranking officials who could afford the high transportation fees, which meant that the staff usually catered to Western Alliance officials and key personnel in major enterprises, and taking care of children was completely beyond their duties.

However, as they had fully surrendered to Elena, this exhibition allowed everyone to use these latest transport tools fairly, resulting in no exaggerations except for some forced overtime each year.

The armored car gradually slowed down, bringing the lake closer to everyone.

As the children looked at the expanding lake outside, they cheered again.

However, the clapping and the teacher's "Alright, pay attention!" quickly quelled the excitement.

"I will soon arrive at the final stop, but due to the emphasis on protecting the lakeside, we cannot develop it for everyone. Therefore, there is only a temporary area for everyone to use, especially for children who must not run around randomly. Raise your hand if you understand!"

"Got it!" Dozens of hands were raised in response to the shout.

"Awesome!!!"

At that moment, a voice of amazement came from the side, uttered by Kyle and the others. As a guardian, I quietly approached them and asked,

"What's so awesome?"

"Big brother, the teacher said the area of this lake is one-sixth of our residential city!"

"Is that so..."

Only then did I snap out of my confusion. Indeed, the artificial lake in the fortress covered less than a tenth of the central area, but here, no matter how closely you looked, you could not see the end of the lake.

It was unbelievable that there was no sign of drought in the ecological environment here. Had the Evil Entity not encroached on this place?

"What are you two talking about?"

Emerging from beside Kael was his companion, Yass.

"Your voice is too loud."

Kael frowned, annoyed by Yass's loud voice disrupting the rare beauty of the scenery and fresh air they had come across this year.

Although Yass was the best singer on this journey, her voice was equally loud when she spoke.

The three of us, Kael, Yass, and I, became good friends.

Although there was a vast age gap between us...

Although our interests, hobbies, and personalities were completely different...

But these differences did not stop us from seeking the joy hidden here. After a brief explanation with Sister Yukari,

the priority was not the spiritual and psychological distance between younger friends, but purely the physical distance.

Because we all lived near each other, we would often be together even after school. While Kael and Yass were both only children, they often played together like real siblings.

Even when it was time to change classes, the two of them ended up in the same one.

It was a pity their seats were separated, which made Yass sad for a while.

However, during activities like today, they would surely stick together, showing no sign of wanting to separate.

"Just now we were talking about how large and amazing this lake is!" I leaned in and said in front of them, "Amazing how?"

Just as I was about to explain in detail to the bewildered children.

"Hey, you guys! Stop whispering and put your hands down."

Realizing, it was only the three of us still with our hands up, we hurriedly put them down, eliciting laughter from the surrounding adults and children.

"It's all because of this big brother!" Yass pouted unhappily.

"Uh... Yes, it's because of him that we got distracted!"

"…Damn it!"

I pretended like I didn't hear what was just said, being sold out after just a few sentences.

By then, the surroundings had completely quieted down. Not even the sound of our breathing, only the wind rustling the leaves could be clearly heard.

"..."

A comforting melody began playing in the jungle, almost causing even the air to freeze.

Except for the three of us, even Sister Yukari was frozen in place.

"It's so mysterious, why is no one moving?"

"Hey, Kael, has something terrible happened?"

"No one make any sudden moves, quickly hide behind me!"

My eyes narrowed, urging them to hide quickly because the source of this aura was—The Evil Entity!

A downpour... no, perhaps even beyond that!

Why would something like an Evil Entity appear in a place like this? Since the rainy incident, no Evil Entity dared to take a step inside, why here?

"Is it here... Kael, my child..."

After hearing this voice echoing from deep within the forest, Kael finally felt a bit afraid, as if ghostly voices were lingering like in an echo valley.

"Big brother, I..."

The first place Kael's eyes focused on by the lakeside was beneath his feet because the sensation from the soles of his shoes was unlike anything he had ever experienced before.

All roads are neatly paved, even in the park there are very few places where the mud is exposed.

Within it, I saw a hint of vastness... a pair of hands already wrapped around his legs!