CHAPTER 11: HEART OF THORNS

March 20, 2142.

Paradise wasn’t as beautiful as its name suggested. Elysium—the capital of the Olympus Federation—stood with centuries-old architecture, cracked walls exposing inner bricks, and windows with shattered panes. Massive roots and thorny vines coiled tightly around the structures, moss creeping everywhere. War had drained this place dry. In the distance, small groups of gaunt figures from all corners gathered at the square.

“Kira, why’s everyone gathering? What’s happening?” Snow whispered.

“They’re trading blood for food,” Kira replied, her gaze fixed on the growing crowd.

“What!? What do you—” Snow exclaimed, stunned.

“Keep it down,” Kira pressed a hand to Snow’s mouth. “The Federation’s been bankrupt for ages. They control the food supply and demand blood in exchange.”

“But why? Doesn’t losing blood kill humans?” Snow pushed the hand away, lowering her voice.

“They’ve no choice. Blood is the essence of magic. Mythical Beasts summoned from different bloodlines vary in mana strength—like Kulshedra’s weaker compared to Ifrit,” Kira explained, her eyes still on the square. A desperate cry rang out—a frail man clutched a burly guard’s leg, collapsing as he begged:

“Please, give me more! My five-year-old son’s starving!”

“Rules are rules—blood for food. No blood, no deal. Get lost!”

The guard kicked the man back. Undeterred, he crawled forward, pleading again. Irritated, the guard raised a baton to strike his haggard face—but froze. Snow had rushed in, seizing his arm, her face ablaze with anger, the father’s sobs stirring her chaotic data.

“ANDROID INTRUDER!!”

Panic erupted, the crowd screaming and scattering. Snow stood bewildered—she’d only wanted to help the pitiful man. In moments, hulking guards in heavy armor surrounded her.

“Hmm,” Snow twisted the first guard’s arm, forcing him to his knees, then kicked him hard enough to knock him out cold. The others charged. Unfazed, she punched one down and swept her leg, toppling two more. No matter how strong, a human couldn’t match an Android’s might.

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The enemy swelled, tightening their circle. Snow reached into her coat for her gun when the ground beneath her caved in, dust billowing as the guards stumbled over each other. Amid the chaos, Kira darted in, grabbed Snow’s hand, and fled, pursued by thundering footsteps.

“Didn’t I tell you not to be reckless? We’re sneaking in here,” Kira scolded.

“I’m not a recon Android—of course I got caught,” Snow retorted innocently, making Kira chuckle. The footsteps closed in, leading them to a dead end. “Time to fight,” Snow aimed her gun back, but a strange sound came from her left. A figure in a tattered black cloak—different from the one at Battlefield No. 7—emerged from a sewer grate, beckoning them closer. With the footsteps growing louder and no other options, Snow and Kira reluctantly followed, suspicion gnawing at them.

Shouts echoed above, footsteps splitting to search. The trio waited silently until the danger passed, breathing sighs of relief. Suddenly, Kira pointed at the cloaked figure, sparks crackling at her fingertips:

“Who are you?”

“Reaper, still as hot-headed as ever. Back at Battlefield No. 2, I had to return to the Server three times thanks to you. 002, can you calm your friend? I’m just here to help,” the figure said, lowering their hood to reveal silver eyes and platinum hair—identical to Snow’s. “Long time no see,” they greeted.

“013!” Snow leapt forward, hugging her old friend. “Looks like your emotional limits are gone too,” 013 smiled, then turned to Kira. “Allow me to introduce myself. I’m a second-generation guardian Android, once called DEF-013. Now, please call me Muse.”

“013… Muse, I thought you’d been decommissioned? Oh, and I’ve got a name too—call me Snow,” Snow babbled, her data faintly buzzing.

“I escaped,” Muse replied. “My emotional limits broke long ago. I wanted to choose my own fate. Reaper, you may not trust me yet, but come with me to meet someone—you’ll understand soon.”

Kira lowered her hand, nodding slightly, though doubt lingered in her eyes. The trio trekked through the sewer, Snow hand-in-hand with Muse, chattering about meeting Kira, their battles, and their teamwork. Muse listened intently, tossing in occasional jests. Kira trailed silently, wary of this Android hiding in enemy territory, questioning her motives. The two white figures stopped at a door. Muse’s scarred hands unlocked it, revealing a simple room—a rickety bed, a shaky bookshelf, and a man scribbling in the corner. His disheveled blonde hair and blue eyes briefly glinted with faint mana. “I’m back,” Muse said softly. The man rose with a cane, his pale face breaking into a smile. “Welcome home.”

He shuffled toward them under dim light. Kira’s recognition dawned, her expression softening with emotion. A unique Homunculus, born with a flawed core that slowed his healing compared to others, compensated by masterful magical craftsmanship. A comrade who’d faced death with the Reaper—one of the few she called a friend.

“…Edward!?”