At first, Hesychia viewed this woman as independent and kind. A person with an outgoing personality with a touch of natural helpfulness for those people in need. There's no need to debate that this person would protect who's loyal and those who treat her correctly. Friends, families, peers might've been content with her down to earth yet intense and eager enjoyment of interest in life.

Hesychia has nothing against her really, it was just that her presence is overwhelming. This gave her the thought of “run as fast as you can, while you still have a chance.”

However…

“The name's Aris Armani, may I know yours? You don't even know my name yet I’m being accused.”

“Armani...?”

Hesychia felt something broke, was it her expectations or trust? She didn't know.

The moment she heard of this, Hesychia closed all of her ears and already decided to decline anything that would come out of the woman's mouth.

“Give me a chance to prove myself,” Aris gave her a warm looking glance, wanting to gain her approval, “that I will not harm you, or anyone close to you. Earlier it was just…”

This... this person is the youngest daughter of the fallen candidate?

The short-haired woman became even more alert and unwilling. Being acquainted with people who have prior connections to the government or anything that can make them stand out would not do them any good. Besides, she speculated that this person murdered her own family and ran. This Apocalypse saved her from the search of police due to the sudden global chaos. Although the woman didn't have any proof of this motive, still, Hesychia did not want to interact with people who have grand backstories and have been under the masses' spotlight.

Who knows the misfortune those walking red lights could bring? It's much better to team up with people you know first instead of a random stranger.

Hesychia, “...”

Another thing, this person’s stronger than them, Hesychia’s ninety nine percent sure that there’s a chance that Aris Armani already enlisted in the military when she was younger. Due to the mutation on their physical abilities that flourishes at a certain age, Southerners tend to undergo military services/training irrespective of sex for two years and have the choice to continue serving onwards. Hesychia doesn’t know the specifics but it goes something like that. She can bet that Aris Armani is much more dangerous than Elara, and can snap their heads off using one arm.

Hesychia's eyes landed on the black object hidden at Aris’ leather strap. This person also carries weapons who can either end their lives in one shot or give them a painless death. Whichever it is, Hesychia found herself uninterested.

Hesychia pursed her lips, staring afterwards with a scorn. “We have no means to keep you here, I myself don't have anything to offer in return. You shouldn't make an effort to prove yourself worthy to me at all.” The woman looked, a look that made someone annoyed. “In fact, we'll only hinder your growth. You're strong by yourself and even stronger with people who can support you properly and genuinely. Unfortunately, I am not one of those people. Before this phenomenon occurred, you and your family were highly respected individuals who governed our city. Miss Armani, are you perhaps threatening us to ‘cooperate’ with you?”

Aris immediately shook her head, backing away with a sigh. “No, of course not. I won't do that to anyone.”

“Well then, excuse us—”

Elara protested this time, “Hesychia! You’re being too much!!”

The short-haired woman flinched, looking at Elara with surprise. Hesychia’s shoulders tensed as her hand clenched upon hearing her name.

Elara slapped her own mouth, “I didn't mean to shout, I was—!”

Hesychia did not respond immediately. There was a few pauses of silence before she was able to muster something, “It's okay...”

Elara saw this reaction, panicking. “No wait, Hesy listen...”

“Forcing ourselves out of our beliefs would do nothing but quarrel. It doesn’t matter. Initial disagreement can create immediate bias.” Elara became even more scared once the other person started stating these sentences, “As such, all things have two perspectives yet as a human myself, I can't always be impartial and listen to both sides. My view of things today has been entirely different from the two of you, and I cannot agree with the view of letting Aris Armani tag along. Therefore, I must say that I shall take my leave first and the two of you can continue. I deeply apologize for taking your right to decide on this matter, Elara.”

Hesychia slipped past them. 

Seeing the other woman's resistance, Elara glanced at her back, the figure soon disappeared from their view. She didn't run to chase after but… “Ah shit, shit, shit. It's been so long since we had this type of dilemma.”

Aris wanted to shout how petty the reason was. Of course, she would get angry but at the same time, she felt quite complicated about the matter.

Logically saving someone from death should have earned her trust from Hesychia yet there was more hostility. How come?

Aris stood beside her. “You should’ve agreed with her. She’s not entirely wrong—and from her reaction, it’s clear she has her reasons. It’s dangerous to leave her alone.”

“I can’t follow her. If she sees me now, it’ll only worsen her anger. When that happens, she gives the worst silent treatment... it could last for seven months.” Elara sighed, looking at the mess they made in the library. “I’ll wait until she cools off before giving a proper apology.”

...Again?

“It already happened?” Aris asked.

“Yes.” Elara nodded. “Hesychia’s emotions are fragile because of an old accident. She doesn't have a serious mental illness, but the simplest things can trigger her. Her last resort is isolation—to avoid letting things escalate. That's what her doctor said. Plus, her medication adds to it, so...”

“I see.”

“Many people find her difficult, easily offended,” Elara said as she picked up fallen books. “But Hesy knows this. She's been trying to be more open since high school. Artemis said she’s made progress, but... some things can’t be erased completely.”

“In the past, she was quick to take offense and start fights whenever her perspective was challenged. She believed firmly in her own views until proven otherwise. After counseling, she learned that disagreement was normal. Now, instead of lashing out, she responds by acknowledging different perspectives without forcing her own. This shift led to her habit of keeping a neutral, emotionless face around strangers. Sometimes, after cooling off, either she reflects on the situation or the other party realizes their mistake. On rare occasions, both sides apologize and reassess, giving her a quiet sense of affirmation.”

Aris, “...”

Elara laughed awkwardly, “Ah, sorry. I kept rambling.”

“These are good signs of progress...” Aris said, confused, “but why do you look like something bad will happen?”

“That’s because Hesychia tends to overthink. If she feels she’s made a mistake, she’ll come back completely changed—docile, losing her original self. She’ll do anything to please the other person out of guilt, even if she didn’t actually do anything wrong. It turns her into someone easily used.”

Docile? That person?

“Give me an example.”

“It didn’t happen to me, but it happened to others who weren’t close to her. When she was sixteen, according to Artemis because of her amnesia—” Elara abruptly bit her lip. “I can’t say the rest.”

“All right, I won’t pry,” Aris said, sensing the weight behind it. She firmed her voice, “What should we do?”

“We have to time it right,” Elara smiled. “Let her irrationality pass, but step in before she falls into guilt. If we respect her boundaries and communicate carefully, we’ll be fine.”

After finishing the cleanup, the two women closed the door tightly behind them.

“Isn't it tiring?”

To have a friend like Hesychia.

“At first, I was so sure I wouldn't be friends with her. She looked so unapproachable, and honestly, I was bad at reading social cues. Even Artemis ignored me back then, but…” Elara grinned brightly. “Who would've thought she'd end up saving my life one day?”

“Save your life?”

“Hehe,” Elara chuckled, her voice warm with memory. “I can't hide my bias when it comes to her. She's the reason I'm still here. But really, I'm sorry for what happened earlier. I'm sure Hesy will open up to you too. We'll work it out!”

“This feels like a manual on how to deal with that eccentric woman,” Aris said, holding her head. “I'm honestly baffled that I listened.”

“A guide to Hesychia Astrid, by Elara Selene!” Elara laughed.

【January 17, 3031.】

Hesychia maintained her disguise, moving from place to place. Now that she knew Elara was safe, she felt less anxious. As expected, Elara had quickly honed her skills. From the beginning, Elara Selene had shown an exceptional ability to adapt and learn — a true prodigy in many ways.

Still, leaving Elara with Armani left Hesychia uneasy.

She couldn't shake the feeling that letting her guard down around the Youngest Armani would turn her peaceful life upside down.

Back to the present: Hesychia quickened her steps, arriving at a familiar house,  Artemis Schwii’s.

“She’s probably not here...” she muttered, opening the gate by hand. “Still, it’s better to check.”

But before stepping inside, she froze. Sweat rolled down her temple as she clicked her tongue in irritation. Her senses sharpened. She turned, scanning the area.

“Who's there?”

The same presence that had been following her appeared again, near yet distant. Their stealth was alarming.

Stepping forward, Hesychia said, “You better show yourself.”

From a car parked along 1st Street, a young man emerged. Despite seeing him, Hesychia kept her expression neutral. She hadn't expected him to be so far yet still able to hear her. Even she, with her sharp senses, found it unreasonable.

She tilted her head slightly. Pale silver hair, almost white… From west Panacea?

Looking closer, something else stood out.

Gray eyes were rare among humans, usually a sign of blindness or iris discoloration. Thanks to centuries of genetic evolution, pale gray hair had become common in the West, though it usually leaned darker — never this close to white.

Yet this man's appearance was natural: no signs of dye, contact lenses, or augmentation.

Maybe a half-blood stranded here after the strange phenomena?

He stood around 190 cm, with a lean yet solid build hidden under a long white semi-formal shirt, navy vest, and blue pants.

“He looks like a business owner,” Hesychia thought.

She gestured with a finger for him to approach. As expected, the man walked toward her at a relaxed pace, an easygoing manner that reminded her of someone.

They kept a distance of about a meter.

Hesychia was sure she had never met him,  at least not after the memory loss she suffered years ago.

“Why are you following me?” she asked.

The man answered softly but directly, “I'm lost. Everywhere I go is deserted, and the population drop isn’t normal. Can you tell me what’s happening?”

His accent confirmed her suspicions. He wasn't purely local — part West, and the other part... she couldn’t tell yet.

‘How very lucky, Hesychia Astrid.’