Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

As nighttime fell, so did the snow outside. Everyone is surely celebrating Christmas together, except for Ellissa.

Ellissa checked the area, counting down for a minute before dashing her way toward her hideout. Entering the cave and after walking for another minute in the dark with great reliability to her memory, the redhead crawled into a hidden tight space she dug as instructed by the System before. Thirty seconds passed by before Ellissa had managed to fully enter the hideout. Patting her dirtied knees, the redhead stared at her work.

The submarine was painted black. Just like what militaries do, black is used to camouflage underwater and is more useful when dark. Considering that the bombing will happen after midnight, that information will be deemed more than useful for everyone. 

The System is already connected to the submarine. Once she loses consciousness, the System offers to control the vehicle so that the others can reach a safe area; most preferably Cassell College. They can know their origins and learn how to control their strength and powers. They will probably be the safest there. Probably. Hopefully.

Ellissa had also recorded logs of information and explanations for everyone. She did not dare leave details about why and how she knew of Herzog’s vile intentions but still gave some insights. The blue-eyed girl left a warning not to dig deeper behind the bay’s destruction. She demands them not to do so, to not let her sacrifices be in vain. 

Of course, Ellissa knows better. She’ll survive and return after two decades of hibernating underwater, frozen but still alive, waiting dormant. It’ll hurt for them, as much as waiting and creating a way of escape for everyone and not failing, did. She hopes and prays to Gods she doesn’t believe in, but still dares to ask for protection. 

“Please, keep my family safe.”

Ellissa returned to her bed. She had placed her Gemini there to act in her place, and so that she could teleport and exchange places with her, once she finished everything. The System had given her extra skill points and two skills as achievements for the quests’ completion. Dull eyes stared at the skills she chose, ungloved hands fisting over her palms on the verge of bleeding. She straightened her hands and took a deep breath as she left her bed, finally hearing the knocks on the door.

She opened the door, embracing the cold air considering she was in her sleepwear. Red eyes meet blue, and mischievous ones meet expectant eyes. In front of her, stood Z in his full glory and wearing his wintertime clothes, its fur caressing his neck and cheek, making him look more innocent than he is.

“What?” The redhead muttered, still glaring at the white-haired man, “Anything you want, old man?”

The silver-haired only snorted, before tilting his head as if pointing at something. Ellissa took a sharp breath, looking behind her to check on Renata for a moment, only giving a silent nod to Z. She quickly grabbed the winter clothes she placed near the door, wearing them quicker than she ever did. 

Ellissa then proceeded to follow Z, who only looked back once before walking forward. 

“Come with me, I want to show you something I’m sure you’ll find interesting. Consider this… my Christmas gift to you,” Z muttered, his usual sarcastic tone tilting to a cold one. Ellissa huffed, her steps silent despite the snow.

“For me? How sweet. Have you already given your gift to our dear Renata?” the redhead hummed softly, looking down on her footsteps as they tread through the cold. Ellissa already knew the answer, but she’ll never lose the chance to torment the boy. A silent voice in her head chuckled bitterly, saying as if Ellissa was any different than him. 

“Huh… My gift for our dear Renata indeed. I’ll give her her Christmas gift later. For now, you stay quiet and follow me. Do not refuse or question me–” 

“Yeah, yeah. Let’s go already,” Ellissa cut him off, crossing her arms together, “I also won’t explain myself and will not accept a refusal from you either.”

Z stared at her for a moment, his eyes narrowing before gleaming with delight. 

“Alright then, come now.”

The walk was quiet, Z’s footsteps were the only thing that could be heard. 

Ellissa’s eyes trained forward, trailing on Z’s coat design before two arctic foxes took her attention... One fox with a scar on its cheek jumped on the redhead’s arms, and the other with a clipped ear, hopped on her shoulder.

Z ignored the noise behind him, stopping once they were standing in front of a wall with a strange marking.

The man turned; his mouth opened as if preparing to say something but stopped when he saw the redhead’s state. In her arms, the scarred fox squeaked when the clipped ear one jumped on him while using Ellissa’s shoulder as a step. 

“Ignore them, what are you going to tell me?” 

Z did ignore them, but also ignored Ellissa’s question, irking the girl slightly. He pointed his palm towards the marking, light leaving said palm and landing on the marking’s middle. The marking began to glow, and a gate appeared in its place. 

“Please enjoy the lovely performance. It is arranged especially for you.” The man turned without sparing the redhead a single glance, only waving an arm as he left. 

Ellissa didn’t turn back, gently dropping the foxes off her arms. Raising a finger to her lips to the foxes, the redhead entered the gate, already knowing what was going to happen. She closed her eyes for a moment, praying for everything to work out perfectly as she planned. 

‘System, open inventory.’

[ Opening Inventory: Take Antidote? Y/N ]

‘Yes.’

The antidote appeared on Ellissa’s hand, glitching in existence. The redhead placed the antidote in her pocket, letting the vial slide off softly. She slowly crept into the cave, sliding behind a rock as she saw Herzog and Bondarev. 

Herzog raised his hands, exclaiming something Ellisa couldn't hear. Soon enough, the cave began to shake, and the rattling of chains could be heard. 

“Heavens! Is that a dragon?!” Bondarev gasped as he took in the sight of the dragon. Ellissa leaned forward a little, looking at the creature that surprised the man. Her eyes widened slightly. 

The dragon had dark scales with green and purple tints, its dead eyes shining gold. Its scale seems sharp with its ends dulled. The dragon’s wings were spread out as it was held by massive chains. 

Herzog seems to be explaining the story behind the dragon and its history. The men began to ascend the stairs, their conversation still ongoing. Ellissa decided to follow after counting down from twenty seconds. 

“<< Stealth >> Skill on,” Ellissa whispered to the System, positioning her hood more securely on her head. Ellissa can feel the skill’s activation, a subtle coldness encasing her whole body.

The redhead began to climb up the stairs silently and carefully on her steps just in case her foot flicked something and caused a loud noise. She finally reached the top, hiding immediately behind the equipment. Ellissa internally cursed, everything was happening so fast.

“...Snakes grow dragonfly wings on their back. If only we can apply this work to the human body,” Herzog said, his tone cold and heartless. Bondarev at least seems perplexed by the idea.

“You mean, those kids?”

“Of course!” Herzog exclaimed, cruelty and vile laced in his tongue, “Orphans are the best lab rats!”

“Why don’t you come and witness the power of the hybrids?” 

Ellissa’s eyes narrowed as she saw Anton, tied on a chair listlessly. Both men observed the blond, as though he was nothing but an object– maybe he is, to them. The redhead bit her tongue to the point she could taste blood. She must control her anger. Idiotic actions lead to harmful consequences, after all.

“Shoot him, please, commissioner.” 

The commissioner raised his gun with no hesitation, firing bullets one by one as they were caught by something, stopping them from touching Anton. Shock is placed on the man’s face for a moment, turning to Herzog for an explanation.

“Anton’s power is to turn the air around him into a gel-like material. We don’t understand the physical principles for his ability yet, but you have already witnessed his stunning efficacy.” Ellissa turned to the screen beside the men, a recording of the bullets being neutralized by Anton’s ability, “Anton is even able to cancel out the kinetic energy of high-speed bullets.”

Bondarev’s eyes snapped brightly as a realization came to him, “ That means we could have a hybrid army under our control and use them to conquer the entire world?!” 

“Sure. But the current experimentation phase still has a major flaw.” Herzog took a step closer to Anton, “Test subjects have a life expectancy of no more than twenty years.”

“Sending them off to the Capital for a school admission was a lie.” 

Anton’s eyes dimmed in defeat, his listless body becoming taut at the director’s words. Ellissa’s hand gripped into a fist. She had forgotten to wear her gloves, so her nails dug deeply into her palms, her wounds from before opening again and she bled once again. 

“Anton will become a monster in no less than three days. The dragonblood is tearing his body apart. So commissioner,” Herzog sighed, his sadness mocking Anton and Ellissa painfully. 

“Please, end my child’s misery.”

Bondarev expectedly pointed his gun towards Anton. Ellissa’s mind blanked and she felt her body move without her permission. Her hand grasped the distribution box switch, pulling it off. An explosion was caused because of this, and Ellissa cursed the System, as a gunshot followed suit and a sickening sound from Anton ended the noise.

Ellissa fought her body to stay still, her knees weakening and the vial of antidote heavy in her pocket. 

‘It’s okay. I know that was going to happen, I still can save him.’

“Doctor, you have shared with me your most important secret. But I’m afraid I have some bad news for you. You have attracted the attention of a constitution called Cassell College. I came here to find out the secret purpose of this place before they did.” Ellissa forced her heart to return to its steeled state, “We must relocate Black Swan Bay.” 

As both men continued their discussion, Ellissa quietly sent her concealed Gemini towards Anton.

‘<< Skill: Telepathy >> commence.’ 

“Anton, wake up. You have to remain alive.” Ellissa hissed into the telepathic link to Anton’s mind. Her eyes never left the two men, but she’s always been good at multitasking. 

“...Issa?” Relief washed over Ellissa once she heard Anton’s voice in the link.

“Thank goodness. Breathe slowly. You have to stay alive; I can help you.”

“..No…Don’t. Just go… And save everyone else.”

“Being considerate doesn’t suit you, dog.” Ellissa can hear Anton’s pained chuckle. She quickly dispersed her Gemini, telling her to lead the others to the hideout. Her Gemini nodded mutely, disappearing into a puff of smoke. 

“Dog, huh? Is that what you and Z call me?”

Good, the blonde still has the energy to talk. 

“...Probably. I know it’s hard, but you have to remain alive. Don’t put my efforts into waste,” Ellissa whispered wistfully, “Don’t turn your faithful wife into a widow, boy.” She can subtly hear Anton choke at her words before denial fills her ears. Her smirk dropped as she heard Herzog’s words.

“Let Black Swan Bay vanish from the map, once and for all.” The men left silently as if they never left a bomb–both metaphorical and literal. 

Ellissa quickly ran towards Anton.

“Wake up, Anton.”

Anton stirred and let out a pained exhale, “Go. And s-save everyone else. Le-leave me behi–”

“My Gemini is already in the action, wait a moment.” Ellissa grabbed the antidote from her pocket, flicking the glass with her thumb, “Open up.”

The blond opened his mouth slightly, letting the antidote enter his throat. 

“That’s an antidote to stop you from turning into a monster due to you activating your dragonblood.”

Anton groaned, “I can’t move my legs, damn it.”

“Don’t move yet, dumbass. I’ll heal you.” The redhead flicked the blond softly with her nails, moving her palms towards his chest. 

“ << Skill Initiate: Full Recovery >>,” Ellissa mumbled, her calm tone turning into a robotic one as she chanted her skill. Anton, thankfully, didn’t ask questions as he was being healed. After a few moments, Ellissa stopped and quickly grabbed Anton off his chair.

“Hold on,” the redhead uttered, her grasp on the blond getting tighter.

Before Anton could say anything, he found himself surrounded by the others. He saw Khorkina on the side, sobbing loudly. He approached the girl and embraced her, shocking the crying redhead. The girl cried louder when she realized who held her, the blond only tightening his embrace.

Ellissa decided to ignore the scene and counted every one. Ivan is shaking in fear, beside him is Sherkman who is comforting a stuttering Vera. Everyone that should’ve died tonight is finally here, excluding Renata and Z.

“Everyone, listen.” Heads perked up and their attention was immediately placed on the redhead, “I have no time to explain but enter the submarine quickly. I have to go and get Renata and Z. Anton, I’ll leave the explaining to you.”

Ellissa opened the vault to the submarine, “The necessities are inside already. I’ve prepared everything, from your new identities to where you’re landing–”

“Are you not coming with us, Ellissa?” Khorkina asked, still shivering in Anton’s arms. Ellissa forced her expression to go cold. 

“My Gemini will be guiding you through everything. I made logs of information ready for you to watch and I advise you all to watch it,” the stoic redhead ignored her question, leaving the submarine once everyone was inside. Her ignorance must've been a slap to their faces, considering Ellissa never once acted so cold to them. This should be enough to make them come to realize the heavy conclusion of the current situation.

“Don’t leave the submarine. If I don’t come back–” the redhead inhaled sharply, returning inside, and embracing Khorkina and Anton, then Ivan and Sherkman, stopping once she met Vera’s tearful eyes.

“Come here, Vera.” Vera approached her quickly, hugging Ellissa tightly, “Eat your chocolate 'cause you’ll get more once you’re in the Capital.”

“Are we going to the Capital?” Sherkman asked, rubbing his arm. Ellissa looked at him. 

“I…I will explain everything later. I have to go.”

“Wait, Issa!” Anton yelled out as Ellissa jumped off the submarine. The redhead turned around, “Be careful.”. Ellissa stopped resisting her smile and she beamed at them lovingly. 

“You guys do too. Live life happily for me, will you?” 

As soon as those words left her lips, the gate immediately closed and the submarine began descending, shocking everyone. Ellissa ignored their yells and calls, her heart becoming heavier and heavier as she took every step forward with no hesitation. 

Once she’s out of the hideout, the redhead instantly dashed ahead. She left her Gemini behind, so her only assurance right now is the sword she secretly took from the director’s office. 

The enemies seem to have been surprised at the girl’s emergence, but before any could attack her, Ellissa already went ahead and sliced off their necks swiftly. Her secret training is finally put to good use. 

Ellissa followed the noise, slicing her way through the enemies. Blood met snow, and crimson liquid cascades from the dead bodies, getting colder as the ice under them. The redhead couldn’t feel the pain from any wounds she possibly got, the cold biting against her skin and her teary eyes. 

Despite winning her fights, slowly, she’s getting surrounded. Her body numbed once more, like when she plugged the wiring of the distortion box switch back at the cave. And she knew, she lost control of her body to the System again.

The System seems to have unleashed blood rage, controlling how Ellissa attacks the soldiers that continue to surround her. She feels as though she’s watching everything happen from her screen once more when everything is still a game to her. But this is her reality now. This world, her family, her friends, they became real to her, she didn’t know when it happened, but she had to protect them.

A hand grabbed the redhead’s and Ellissa immediately knew who it was, based on its warmth and softness alone. Renata led them towards the lighthouse, running up the snowy hill. Pain spread throughout Ellissa’s leg as a gunshot was heard. Dropping to her knees, the redhead heard a loud smack, and she knew it was Renata getting hit. 

Hatred filled Ellissa’s heart, but she still couldn’t move her body as she desired. She can see her best friend getting dragged from the corner of her eyes. Ellissa’s world tilted as she tried to get up, hearing the snow crunching from the loud footsteps nearing her. 

Before any of the soldiers could do anything, Ellissa felt a cold breeze. Unsurprised, Ellissa saw the soldiers being thrown by Renata’s force, their screams muffled to the redhead’s ears. 

Broken pieces of weaponry merged into one, Renata aimed her newly made machine gun toward the enemies, shooting relentlessly and aimlessly. Unfortunately, before Ellissa could even scream out a warning, Bondarev had already shot the blonde. The redhead felt dread in her heart as the commissioner aimed his gun at her.

“Renata, no–” 

The blonde jumped forward, taking the bullet that was meant for her friend. 

“No no no no…Gods, please no–” Ellissa found herself crying numbly, trying to gather her strength as she reached out to her friend. Her heart stopped as she heard the words she never knew she didn't even want to hear, despite waiting for them for a decade.

Blue eyes met one another. Memories came to them, washing into them as if they were waves of the only good thing that happened to them. Time seemingly went slow for Ellissa, her eyes still trained on Renata’s, not noticing Renata’s arms that slowly touched her shoulders.

“Live...You have to…live.” 

‘If that day comes, I hope I’ll still be by your side.’

Control over her voice returned to her only when she felt herself falling down the ocean. With lips bleeding and cheeks bitten by frozen tears, she could only scream roughly, before choking as her back slapped through the freezing waters.

“RENATA!”

[ Initiating Hibernation…]

[ Taking control over The Submarine ]

Sleep tight, Adelinde.

–  blip  –

Chapter Text

Flashback:

"Again, out of all the games I've played, why did I have to get reincarnated into Dragon Raja?! Argh!"

Eleven years, six months, twenty-five days, fourteen hours, twenty-three minutes, and 31 seconds have passed since Adelinde Blackwell reincarnated into the game as Ellissa Ferdinand after getting involved in a physical quarrel caused by her two friends. That would be no longer important, as Ellissa knew she had to focus on her present to survive.

And maybe save her newfound family, too.

The redhead slammed her head on her note-filled desk in frustration. She had spent almost half her life creating a submarine for escaping, an antidote for the rude Anton, saving the resources she received from previous Christmases, and evading Dr. Herzog's and the other's suspicions, especially the sharp-eyed Z.

Winter had come with its usual crystal white and biting cold imprint. Black Swan Bay always spends Christmas Day together, outside the orphanage and in front of a tall pine tree as the world is bathed in the soft, cold snow.

While Ellissa continued to moan out her misery, a familiar bright blue light glowed on the girl's face, which took her attention immediately.

[ Anton's antidote - 98.9% complete …View More]

[ Submarine Task - 9 out of 10 tasks completed

> Start on The External Shell - COMPLETED

> Create a Sturdy Base - COMPLETED

> Collect Materials - COMPLETED

> Make Emergency Materials - COMPLETED

> Create Electric Materials - COMPLETED

> Wiring the Engine - COMPLETED

> Build a Waterproof Vault Gate - COMPLETED

> Make an Emergency Exit -  COMPLETED

…View Less]

“You’ve been quite quiet too, System. Should I prepare voice logs too? Considering they don’t know the outside world, they would be easily scammed and manipulated once they escape and reach Cassell College.”

[ System analyzing… ] 

[ System found two possible answers ]

“Of course, you would find two. It’s a yes or no question, dummy,” Ellissa sighed in slight disappointment before humming a random tune. “I should, right? Can’t really put all of my trust in Principal Anjou…” The redhead immediately straightened her back, cracked her fingers, and proceeded to continue her work.

…

“Li, time to wake up.” A friendly voice awakens Ellissa, who opens her eyes slightly, groaning a little for the first time today. Still, she smiled at her best friend who brightened a little at the action.

“Good morning, Renata.” Ellissa took a minute to move her toes and fingers before sitting up. Renata walked near the fireplace and slowly rested her hands at a careful distance. The redhead glanced around the room before her eyes landed on the snow outside the window.

“Are you ready for today, Li?” Renata asked, turning a little to face Ellissa. Said girl was busy staring outside to answer, wearing an unreadable expression. The blonde girl, concerned about her best friend’s sudden reserved behavior, left the fireplace and softly landed her hand on Ellissa’s shoulder. 

Ellissa snapped out of her trance with a harsh flinch. She had been wondering whether today was the awaited Christmas day that would cause the death of everyone she loves. Fortunately, the System had granted her skills as prizes for the completion of her tasks(they were deadly and the risks of her getting caught were high), and one of those precious skills was the skill to extract the soul of a newly deceased person as long as Ellissa had touched them once, and then can she choose between resurrecting them or absorbing their life force. She had touched everyone at least once, so resurrecting them when they die would be the easiest choice, as long as she survives that is. However, the thought of resurrecting them after understanding death made her stomach heavy suddenly. 

“...Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten already!” Ellissa’s heart wept as she listened to Renata’s words. Words that she had repeatedly heard, were a reminder of the events that would happen later tonight. 

And no, how could she forget today?

Renata huffed at the sheepish expression that replaced Ellissa’s somber one from earlier, internally feeling relieved about the change. Energized, the redhead jumped off of her bed and walked towards her closet, grabbing her soft winter dress. The dress was shorter than what Ellissa was used to but they were warmer and the cold wasn’t unbearable despite its length. It had the same light blue and white motif as the ones in-game. The material is soft to the touch and the fur is fluffy enough to cover and warm the neck and shoulders. Though, her cape didn’t have the same details. It seems to be stitched with a four-leaf clover design, cut midway and adding to the cape’s winglike style. She added a hood to conceal her bright orange hair when necessary (orange opposes blue after all). The dress is thicker than the thin ones in the game. The dress in-game seems to only cover an underdress, which is weird because it’s cold in winter. Ellissa relished in silent joy as she changed into her clothes.

Renata is wearing hers and is already waiting by the door with a gentle smile on her face.

“Let’s go. Director Herzog is already waiting for us near the entrance.”

Both girls walked in comfortable silence, staring ahead. Renata perked up when she saw the director, who seemed to be observing everyone.

“Director!” Ellissa hears Renata call out. Once they’re near the man, the blonde immediately greeted him with a good morning, Ellissa only nodding as her greeting. The director didn’t mind the redhead’s silence, already used to the girl's reticence.  

“Are you ready for today’s training, Ellissa?” 

“Yes, director,” Ellissa hummed, nodding her head slightly once more. 

Herzog hummed back, before turning to Renata.

“Where’s Z? Why isn’t he with you? What happened to him?” Renata cringed a little at the question before thinking of an excuse. 

“We were just looking for flowers for you as a Christmas gift,” the blonde shyly said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. It was Ellissa’s turn to cringe internally. Not only for the obvious lie her friend told but also for being oblivious to the man’s intention.

Ellissa could only sigh internally. She doesn’t mean that Renata’s stupid for believing Herzog when Adelinde trusted him too, in the beginning. If it weren’t for Z’s cryptic words, she wouldn’t have second-guessed the man. 

It really is easy to fool those who need love so desperately. Just give them a small portion of care, whether it is real or not, they’ll be willing to risk anything just for that warmth.

“The flowering season of the Arctic Rose has already passed. However, you have always found favor with Lady Luck. Keep looking.” Such kind words from the father figure of the abandoned children of Black Swan Bay. Only if it were real for him too.

The director turned his attention back to the reticent redhead, smiling softly.

“I’d assume you’ll stay by her side as you’ve always done. Take care of each other and don’t neglect your training,” the man said, before leaving.

Ellissa nodded, her head still lowered. 

‘Rest assured, director. I’ll take care of everyone. I’m almost done with everything. I hope you feel no less the misery I felt when you killed everyone.’

“Let’s go, Li. Z’s still asleep. We have to wake him up.”

“You mean, you’ll wake him up. I’m not energized enough to talk to him. I’ll be by your side, though.” Ellissa snorted as she walked towards the door. Renata sighed, her smile softening into a fond one. The blonde opened the door, in which both were immediately greeted by the cold breeze. Ellissa shivered slightly and pouted at her friend who only giggled at her reaction. 

They walk in comfortable silence, reaching Z’s door in a minute. Renate knocked on the door and waited for a few seconds. When Ellissa’s eyes already traced the door’s design twice, the door finally opened and they were soon met with an exhausted Z. He seemed to be quite annoyed to be woken up early, but Ellissa and Renata merely ignored it.

“Oh my, good morning, Renata,” Z yawned, “And Ellissa,” he greeted after a few seconds of deadpanned staring with said girl, his tone was sarcastic as usual. Ellissa huffed in annoyance and only nodded her greeting. She knows why.

Renata sighed at the two’s interaction for the millionth time since the two met. Z and Ellissa seem to be in a like-hate relationship, they also have this air of omniscience, like knowing something no one else does. As much as it troubles her, Renata decides to ignore it as she always does. 

“Are you not going to join today’s exam, Z?” the blonde inquired with her usual soft voice. Z sighed and crossed his arms. 

“Why don’t you leave that to that Suck-up Anton?” the white-haired man snorted in disgust, flicking his head behind them. Ellissa took a look behind them and lo behold, the said man was standing a few meters away from them and was having a one-sided conversation with another familiar redhead. Ellissa once considered dying her hair into a different color for Christmas just so she couldn't be mistaken for her. But alas, the director had merely uttered sweet words about her hair color. To hide such beautiful hair? My, but it'll be easier to locate you during the winter time, child. Easier for you to return home.

Home, her ass.

“Don’t you want to go to the Capital, Z?” Z laughed out loud at the question.

“If I wanted to leave, I would do it without doing that circus activity by your beloved director. Be a sweetheart and remain obedient to your master, won’t you, Elli?” The man sneered, turning his attention to the silent redhead, who bristled at the man's words.

Renata got in between them before they could begin hurling insults against one another. The blonde sighed in disappointment, which planted guilt in Ellissa’s heart and she could only glare at the pale-haired man heatedly. 

“Okay, we got it, Z. You don’t have to say that though… We’ll leave you be, for now, okay? But you better be there tomorrow for the Christmas celebration.” Renata grabbed Ellissa’s hand and left with a wave to Z. The sound of a door closing calmed Ellissa and Renata immediately. Renata stopped walking and turned to her best friend with a sad expression. The redhead could only bite her lower lip as she waited to get scolded.

“I’m not going to scold you, Li. I’ve gotten used to that. I’m just… Sad that you guys won’t get along…” 

Ellissa hugged Renata gently, “You don’t need to worry about us. As much as we fight, we’re still friends. I’m sorry for my behavior,” the redhead mumbled as they hugged. Renata hummed, hugging the other tightly before letting go.

[ ¶•.̵̳͓͐͑͜.̵͈̺̲͊.̷̼̪̼̼̠̀͝ä̵̯́̽̇̚ ̵̻͕̬̃̆̒̑̒d̶̛͔̺̪́̔̚e̴̟̲̙̹̓̏c̶̼̎͒̈́̇ȁ̸͚͇͇͇̂̄́d̶̝̀̉͐̕e̶̹͈̟͂ ̸̠̱͋͐́́a̶͐̊̏͜͝ǵ̷̛̘̤̙̘̂̾͠ͅo̴̹̅̌̾̀͑ͅ.̷̪̇͗̈͑.̸̼͋̒̈̈́̈.̶̟̦̱̮͒̿̑•¶ ]

[ System Interface  Logging In… ]

User ID: 8321

NAME: Adelinde Blackwell

Death: Due to [Redacted] and [Redacted]’s quarreling, amidst the rushing traffic, User Adelinde was seen to be pushed by one of them, causing her to get hit by an oncoming truck and was immediately killed on site.

…

Logging User to a New World…

Connecting…

User ADELINDE BLACKWELL is now linking to the newly deceased body of ELLISSA FERDINAND.

<< ! L I N K E D ! >>

Chapter Text

To be reminded of the multiple drops of blood that stained the pure white snow on that supposed joyful holiday brings agony and rage inside Ellissa. Remembering the slaughter that happened in-game for the umpteenth time in her second life, the redhead reformulated the plan once more in her mind. For years she has scoured through different scenarios, attempting to predict every possible outcome to avoid anything that can derail her from her desired ending for her family and future companions. 

Death won’t stop her, either. Once is enough and she’ll make sure of it.

Ellissa snapped out of her trance once they reached the training area, the wolves howling in tandem. Renata jumped off first, patting some snow off of her dress. With a heavy sigh and a heavier heart, Ellissa followed suit and both friends made their way towards the snowed training area. 

The training area is the same as the one in the game. Ellissa isn’t sure if she’d call it a training area. It’s more of an examination than training on Dr. Herzog’s part. The snow piled thickly but that doesn’t seem to hinder the training bots that await them. 

As expected, Renata bumped into Khorkina and the hotheaded girl immediately started berating the blonde. Renata remained silent and Ellissa, who knew the interaction by heart already, ignored the situation and stared into nothing, dazed and seemingly thoughtless.

Anton noticed the redhead’s ignorance and clicked his tongue.

“Already exhausted, Ellissa? Why don’t you rest, yes?” the blond cackled, despite his slightly caring words, the meaning behind them, and the man’s sarcastic tone was defeating the purpose of such caring words. 

“I’m just getting bored, as usual. Thank you for your… Concern, Anton.”

As much as how annoying the man is, Ellissa will never wish for Anton’s death to happen. Thus the antidote. She created more just in case, the vials hidden somewhere inside the built submarine. She may be paranoid, but there's no room for mistakes! The submarine is lying dormant under a cave that the System instructed her to create, which took over two years and a half to finish even with the System’s aid and her skills. 

Ellissa grabbed Renata’s hand and she carefully walked toward the director, cautious of any slippery snow in their way. The director stood alone as they approached him in silence.

“Why are there only two of you? Where’s Z?” Dr. Herzog asked, humming in question.

“Director Herzog, Z isn’t feeling well.”

“Huh? But yesterday he was just fine. Has something gone wrong with his dosage?”

Ellissa observed in silence. Renata tried to move the subject to the Christmas cards she and Renata made for the director. The director’s expression went soft and his frowning lips upturned. Ellissa fought the urge to growl at the man’s audacity to act like that to Renata’s genuine kindness.

“ My little Renata, aren’t you the most heartwarming flower in this frozen land?” Director Herzog dug something in his pocket, “Alright, here’s the training gear for today. Don’t move a muscle until I give my orders.” Renata received the training gear with both hands, nodding obediently. Ellissa effortlessly kept her breathing normal, in contrast to her thundering heartbeat. She received her training gear from the Director, who decided to let the redhead attack the bots first.

Ellissa followed the orders despite her body screaming in opposition. She closed her eyes and tugged something within her. Immediately, her Gemini appeared in its pale glory. Both of them attacked the bots in sync. Ellissa is extremely careful not to show any of her advanced skills. She doesn’t want to, but she has to sacrifice Anton for now. The redhead had already made an antidote for the man. It would be a waste if she gets chosen instead of the obnoxious blond. 

The redhead swings her right hand and summons small orbs of light particles, directing them to the bots which quickly took damage and finally exploded in defeat. Quick clapping is heard, and Ellissa turns to her best friend who was doing the action with a huge grin. The redhead returned the smile, panting as if exhausted. It would be questionable if she didn’t act tired after that harsh exercise.

The director hummed in thought without sparing a word to the girl. Ellissa only gave a nod to the man before she and Renata distanced themselves from the field. Anton slowly made his way towards the field, the snow crunching as he took a confident step. Ellissa raised her right hand and rested her cheek on two fingers, carefully observing the blond and Director Herzog.

As predicted, Anton went full-on and showed his skill. Growling as he forced himself to trigger said skill, bursts of yellow light seemed to wrap around him and the bots began to levitate. Ellissa noticed the change of color on his hands from pale to dark purple, his skin turning to scales. She quickly turned to the System.

Is the antidote done?

[Yes. The quest <<Anton’s Antidote>> is 100% completed.]

Ellissa nodded to the screen only she could see. She did the necessary steps last night, only needing to wait for 9 hours for it to complete. The screen brightened once again, glaring words of congratulations repeatedly appearing. The redhead is already used to the System’s sudden outburst, and as she had done in the past, she ignored the blaring noise of robotic cheering.

[Congratulations! Congratulations! Congratulations! Important things must be said three times! <<Anton-tidote for Anton>> Achievement unlock. 5 skill points as a reward. Collect immediately, reward expires before noon. Accept the reward now?] 

A brighter light of green and red flashes repeatedly. Ellissa subconsciously chooses Yes, piling the 5 skill points to her hundreds of skill points. She decided not to add most of them yet, only focusing on INT and STR since she needed them to hasten her quests’ progression. 

After a few seconds, Anton groaned in pain. His hands quickly went to his temples, as if to lessen the growing pain in his head. Director Herzog turned to the girls and immediately yelled.

“Out of the way!”

As soon as he said those words, the levitating bots were sent flying, a bot quickly making its way toward Ellissa, who remained still. As expected, Renata covered Ellissa with her body, stopping the bot with her force. Ellissa acted as if she was surprised, her fake shock hiding her genuine concern for her friend. 

After a few moments, Renata threw the bot aside, the bot exploding behind them. The blonde immediately fell to her knees. Ellissa feels warm despite the freezing temperature, pain troubling her heart deeply. The disaster is happening so quickly. She wasn’t sure if she was mentally ready, but she knew she had to do what she needed to do. Renata’s death will be necessary for Zero’s birth. And her 20-year hibernation must happen too. 

But she’ll avoid unnecessary deaths if she can.

Anton seems to be weakened by his outburst, his dragonic hands immediately returning to their original color. Khorkina ran to his side, worry stuck on her face as she checked on her childhood love’s condition. 

“Take Anton back,” Director Herzog commanded Khorkina, who Ellissa knew would do anyway without being told. The director ran towards their way, his face contorted in concern. Ellissa had been fooled by the director’s fake kindness once– Adelinde was, but never Ellissa. 

“Renata, are you alright?” 

“Yes, it’s just a scratch,” Renata exhaled, with a pained smile. The director sighed in relief.

“Phew. Good to hear. You are all my precious treasures, so be careful, alright?” Ellissa clenched her gloved hand to her palm, if the gloves weren’t there, the redhead would surely bleed in anger and disgust. 

“What happened to Anton just then?” Ever the sweet girl that she is, Renata asked, still panting from exhaustion. Director Herzog’s eyes gleamed in a way that Ellissa could easily read as greed. 

“Oh? Anton?...Such great power! Surely, it can only be a gift from the Gods!”

As soon as the director finished speaking, a loud whirring sound was heard. Ellissa exhaled as she realized that Bondarev had arrived in his chopper. The chopper slowly descended, and Bondarev left the plane, his eyes meeting Ellissa’s for a few seconds.

“Dr. Herzog. You probably know who sent me,” the man spoke professionally, sauntering toward the director, “If you’re unable to demonstrate your research results, we will have to terminate our funding to the orphanage.”

Ellissa’s eyes dulled as both men shook hands.

“So the day has finally come. Welcome, Agent Bondarev.”

It has come, indeed...

Ellissa turned to the still-exhausted Renata, but her focus was on something else. The redhead used her skill, <<Enhanced Hearing>> to listen in on the men’s conversation. With the skill triggered, Ellissa helped Renata up, keeping the blonde leaning on her side.

The men seem to be talking in code, but with Ellissa’s intelligence and Adenlinde’s memory, their conversation is easy to interpret; the destruction of Black Swan Bay is indeed happening. They were also discussing Herzog's research and Ellissa couldn’t help but bite her lower lip almost to the point of bleeding.

After a few seconds of listening in, Director Herzog turned to both girls, approaching them. Ellissa smoothly puts on a worried expression as she carries half of Renata’s weight on her right side.

“That’s all for today. Don’t forget to find a date for the Christmas Banquet later,” Herzog reminded them, his tone kind and light-hearted. Ellissa would beg to differ. 

“Thank you, director, but I’ve already found a date,” Renata mentioned softly, still leaning against her best friend’s side. Director Herzog’s eyes brightened in recognition.

“Ah, let me guess. Hmm.. It’s Z, isn’t it?” Yeah, as if it would be anyone else.

The director faced the silent Ellissa with a thoughtful expression.

“Go prepare the Christmas banquet. I have something important to discuss with the commissioner,” Herzog’s kind tone tilted into something sinister, and based on Renata’s oblivious expression, she didn’t realize. The man approached Ellissa, digging something in his pocket, “By the way, you were excellent during the training today. Here is your prize.”

The director showed Ellissa the hidden prize in his hand. A bar of chocolate.

“A chocolate straight from the Capital! Like it? That’s supposed to be a Christmas gift, so don’t tell anyone else,” The director sings as if he was convincing a toddler to keep a secret. Ellissa kept worse secrets from everyone, this chocolate can’t compare to that. She never even liked chocolate, even when she was Adelinde. The redhead nodded with a practiced soft smile.

She helped Renata stand on her own feet. The blonde gave her thanks with a nod before walking off. Ellissa followed behind, waiting for a little girl to approach her. Renata decided to walk off somewhere alone, the redhead only nodded and gave her a reassuring smile. The blonde walked off in silence, hopefully with a light heart and fewer worries. 

A few moments later, Vera appeared a few feet away from Ellissa. The girl approached the nervous child with a kind smile in an attempt to not appear intimidating.

The child fumbled on her feet for a few seconds before stuttering out her request.

“Well… The… The banquet… Will you… Be my date tonight?” Vera stammered, childishly turning her shoulders side to side. Ellissa’s smile widened as she nodded. 

“Of course, Vera. I would be honored to be your date for tonight’s banquet.” Her voice came out a bit hoarse but still, soft and caring. 

The blonde child brightened at the redhead’s affirmation, smiling before running off somewhere. Ellissa followed the child’s trail with her eyes, observing just in case the girl would stumble or slip. 

After making sure that Vera would be alright on her own, Ellissa turned and saw Renata a few feet away from her. The blonde is sitting near the edge and she seems to be staring at the whale that swims around the cold ocean ever since they were taken in by the orphanage. The redhead walked near her, stopping once she stood on her side.

Silence engulfed them both for a few minutes before Renata whispered a question.

“What do you think it is like on the other side of the ocean?”

Ellissa knew better than to answer and so she only inhaled the cold air sharply before exhaling softly, looking at the beautiful horizon.

“People on the other side are probably wondering the same thing,” Renata mumbled, her chin resting on her palm. A rushing sound startled the blonde and both girls looked down and stared in awe as a familiar whale breached out and back into the icy waters. Despite seeing the same thing for years, the sight will still strike anyone with awe. Renata turned to Ellissa with a bright yet tired grin.

“Do you remember when we saw it for the first time?” Of course, Ellissa still does.

I said I wanted to be just like it. To be able to swim freely in the ocean…

“You said that you wanted to be just like it. To be able to swim freely in the ocean.”

Ellissa isn’t surprised that Renata still remembers that memorable day. The whale was prettier that day, the sunset shading the sky with pale purple and bright orange; orange just like her hair. They were still young back then, still quite unused to the cold temperature of wintertime. Cuddling with a shared wooly blanket, hiding from their responsibilities for a while. Warmth and joy were brought along with the nostalgia. 

Ellissa felt her heart drop as she was reminded of the events that will happen after the holiday. Still, she felt herself smiling. Once Renata dies and is reborn as Zero, losing her emotions in the process, Ellissa will still choose to enjoy this short moment. A short moment that will become a memory to both her and Renata. A few decades for Renata– Zero – and maybe a few moments for Ellissa, who will carry a fresh memory of the destruction of the home she grew to love. Everyone will be alive, hopefully, and they will only remember Ellissa as the girl who saved them and gave them their second chance in life. They will feel misery, frustration, and intense pain. But they will move on. They will move on with their lives, probably with different names and identities, without her. 

She’s happy with that. That’s enough for her. She’ll survive after all. 

Unbreathing for 20 years, maybe. But still laying dormant. She hopes.

[User’s survival rate is 99.87%]

I have a 0.13% risk of dying, System. You better bring me back to life.

“If that day ever comes, I hope I’ll still be by your side.” Renata’s gentle voice brought Ellissa back to reality. She hopes so too. She really does. But she knows better.

Ellissa could not formulate words to speak. The blonde seems to notice this, and so she smiles fondly.

“I’m happy to have you by my side, Ellissa,” Renata whispered, her gentle voice melding with the whistling breeze. She turned around as her soft smile remained on her face, “Alright, let’s go back”.

Ellissa’s eyes follow the blonde, her gaze hazing as tears begin to swell in her eyes. The cold air burns her wet eyes, and for once, she’s glad for the cold. She doesn’t want to shed tears. Not yet.

[USER CHARACTER SHEET]

HP: 2 697 891 / 2 697 891

EXP: 10 000 000 / 10 000 000

VIT: 4800 / 4800

STR: 253 INT: 382 DEX: 275 CHA: 197

SKILL POINTS AVAILABLE [STORED]: 582

CRIT DMG: 192% | CRIT RES: 41 900

P. ATK: 73 000 | M. ATK: 175 000

P.DEF: 102 890 | M. DEF: 142 000

AP LVL: 196 574 | CDR: 88 000

memoir… “Aren’t you cold, Rei?” a young Ellissa whispered to the blonde child beside her. They sat on a dry rock, their bottoms protected by their heavy and big wooly blanket. The blanket does not cover the redhead’s feet and shoulder but she kept quiet. 

The sun is slowly setting, the sky gradients into dark blue, pale purple, bright red, then orange to golden yellow. The sun beams its rays on the children’s faces, blinding them for a mere moment. 

Then suddenly, a huge extraterrestrial whale breaches over the icy ocean waters, startling them both. The whale created such a big wave and yet none of its water splashed over them. They stare at the long-gone whale, then at each other, back to the waters, and at each other’s faces once more, before exploding into high-pitched laughter and giggles.

“I want to be just like it. To be able to swim freely in the ocean… If that day comes, I hope I’ll still be by your side.” Ellissa mumbles quietly but still loud enough for Renata to hear despite the whistling cool breeze. The blonde kid turned to the redhead and smiled sweetly as she stared. 

Her medium-length hair resembles the fiery fox that rarely leaves the south area of the bay, fierce and bright, a contrast to her bright blue eyes that seem to be the same shade of the ocean the reserved girl desires to swim in with liberty. Deep as them too. Renata came to the orphanage after Ellissa, so she never knew the girl before her silence. Was she carefree and bright as her fiery hair? Or colder and deeper than her ocean-like eyes and present self? She would love to know. She’ll be happy to know her redhead friend more than ever, more than anyone else does. 

“I’m happy to have you by my side, Renata.”