Bearers of Hope

**Chapter 4 - Bearers of Hope**  (希望の運び手たち) is the 4th Chapter of Arc 1 in Main Story.

Arc 4 covers Tiger's Eye and Cat's Eye Special Deliveries organization, alongside the team's encounter with the Zolne Eater.

Previous Chapter: **Reunion Catharsis & Return Crisis**

Next Chapter: **Heroes' Hesitation**

## Dialogue

### Amber & Tiger's Eye (アンバーとタイガースアイ)

 Amber: Ah... right. That was outstanding. Thank you for your hard work...
 Aqua Aura: The tension now is totally different from the last time I saw you.
On the whole, she feels very dejected. Her swaying, bouncing chest catches my eye in line with her daunting gesture. It is inferior to Emerald's, but it is still quite voluptuous.
 Seraphinite: It was quite terrible, though. Umm... Are you alright?
Amber: Hmm. Fine, it's fine. I'm just dull. I'm the only one here.
 Tinctura: Your booming laughter when you were maintaining the barrier earlier looked like a lie. I cannot imagine you as the person who made breakthrough inventions.
Amber: People often said that I clearly switch between on and off. I use a lot of energy when I need it, and I get lazy when I don't. It's for peak efficiency... It's also environmentally friendly...
Seraphinite: Hu, huh...
Amber: Ah. Breathing is so hard... Prefer the living method of just staying still like plants. I wonder if I should study seriously... I don't want to... it's a pain to study seriously, tot-
 ???: \*smack\* Totally stop dozin' around!
Amber: Uregh!?
Nice tsukkomi!
???: Not like it's gonna happen, and ya tale just keeps goin'. Never gonna be mah turn, Ah thought, and ah can't wait to butt in.
The girl who appeared suddenly, seemed to be full of energy in contrast to Amber. Her chatter is light and characteristic, are those... her own? Her cat-like tail and ears were moving around.
Aqua Aura: Um... are you a related person?
???: Related person as in partnerships, but I dun work here. Itsa partnership in business terms yah.
Tiger's Eye: Mah name's Tiger's Eye. Land Transportation Division connection of **Cat's Eye Special Deliveries**.
Seraphinite: So you're from **Cat's Eye Special Deliveries**! It's always hard work!
Tinctura: What's that? Once again it's my first time hearing this.
Tiger's Eye: Ermahgawd, Miss. Ya never even heard muh name, dat aint gud, ya live in teh counties?
Tinctura: ...murgh.
Tiger's Eye: If ya call, ah will arrive immediately! Will deliver anythin' to the ends of the world! Clear and bright accountin' anytime!
Tiger's Eye: Dats me of **Cat's Eye Special Deliveries** yah. We are unrivaled in taking charge of supply logistics around the world~♪
Aqua Aura: Oh! I don't really understand, but it sounds amazing ya!
Tinctura: Hmph. I generally understood. In other words, it's a shipment house.
Tiger's Eye: Dats kinda half true, but eh, whatevs.
Tinctura: So, what is the shipment house doing here?
Tiger's Eye: Ah came to ship teh crops here. Fresh vegetables are precious. In order to make a firm profit, ah also brought in various workers, the harvest 'ere receivin' rave reviews yah.
Seraphinite: So that's it. Is this the business partnership you meant?
Amber: My research patron, Demantoid Garnet, is the client. As a matter of course, we are friendly with the **Cat's Eye Special Deliveries**, responsible for logistics, which is the cornerstone of the economy.
Oh, she revived. And is seems she's a little more motivated?
Amber: I got a good one... I'm reluctant, but I'll do my best a little more seriously!
Tiger's Eye: Keep it cool until teh shipment's over yah. Will ask again, all gud.
Amber: So, the cleaning up of the village is complete. I asked for the help of the students from **Coffret à Bijoux Optics Institute**... they're going back safely now... not to worry but...
Tinctura: But what do you mean?
Amber: I should thank you guys who protected the village, but... I don't have enough cash on hand. If we start selling the crops now for money, you can wait for the deposit...
That's not the case, I thanked her. We are not doing it for a reward, and the crops were tirelessly grown by the villagers, so I think they should receive the full profits.
Tiger's Eye: Hmm, as expected of teh **Star Savior** that ah know nothin' of. Yer like ah too dummy child, but ahm impressed.
Tiger's Eye: So, what plans do ya have after dis?

### Destination's Capital City (目的地は央都)

*\*flashback\**
 Tinctura: I definitely don't have free time. That's because we have to head to the capital city.
It was decided after a discussion with everyone on the way back from **light spring**. First of all, we would go to the capital city formed after the world's revival and gather information. After that, we'll think about the future.
We should meet the rest of the **Quartet** who are in the central capital, and we'll also have to visit Garnet's mansion, which was promised to Morganite.
 Tiger's Eye: Oho, datsa coincidence. Ah don't even know that ya. Ah also want to deliver teh goods in a hurry.
Tiger's Eye: Howevah... If ya use a decent road, it will take about a week at best. Datsa headache because mah shipment is vegetables.
Tinctura: Isn't that too long? From my memory, the trip should be about three days from here passing one town.
 Amber: Master **Regalia**, that was before the **Great Revelation**. Most of the transportation network has been destroyed by **Zolne**.
Amber: The current safe road leading to the central capital will be through the mountains. That's how much loss that has happened...
Tinctura: What a trouble...
Tiger's Eye: Ya troubled? I know but, its still possible to break through the shortest distance as in the past...
If ya guys can help, that is...
*\*reality\**
Tiger's Eye: Yah, welcome to teh party, **Star Savior**! Itsa bit strange if there isn't that much **Zolne**. Really good of ya to help meh~♪
 Seraphinite: I'm still not used to it, but I've somewhat become accustomed to fighting.
 Aqua Aura: I didn't really think we'll meet **Zolne** this quickly.
Tiger's Eye: Settle down, Settle down. As much as ya wanna fight, its better to tag along mah machine fer free. Much fastah than walkin' around on foot.
Tiger's Eye: Even though we're good as **jewel princesses**, this harsh road ain't good fer **Star Savior**.
Tinctura: It sounds weak when you say that.
Certainly, among the people I travel with, I'm the weakest. I don't think it's worth it, as it seems that I can't do anything because my base physical strength is fundamentally different.
I'm in the middle ground between a **jewel princess** and a human, I'm not as easy to be attacked by a **Zolne** like a human, but I am powerless to challenge them even with a weapon. It's a frustrating place.
Seraphinite: But is it really okay? Even if **Star Savior** is with us, we're still entering a **Zolne** infested region.
Tiger's Eye: Not a worreh. Itsa first time fer me going thru 'ere. But ah know a shortcut yah.
Seraphinite: Really!?
Aqua Aura: What were you doing at that time?
Tiger's Eye: Ah wanta hire a bodyguard to broke through yah. There are jewel princesses who wanna work on dat. It's manageable as long as ah pay upfront.
Tiger's Eye: However, the expenses are quite a pain. I dun hafta bet muh life if ah did of course, but ah want to save money as much as possible. so...
Tinctura: Meaning you have successfully used us. We took the bait, falling hook, line and sinker.
Tiger's Eye: Ahahaha. Arent we also helpin' each other now?
Just as Tiger's Eye said. There were no objections because our goals were the same regardless. I couldn't help Aqua Aura who has to fight them directly.
I was wondering why we were in such a hurry. The time it takes to transport is calculated based on the assumption that the road is straight.
Tiger's Eye: Well, of course, to bring freshah vegetables to the table yah!
Tiger's Eye responded immediately.
Tiger's Eye: Ah cat'n help it, but hurryin' increases labor costs. Ah want to deliver sometin' that teh folks have worked hard fer, keepin' it fresh to teh people who look forward to it.
Tiger's Eye: Tho when ah do it, its ridiculous sometimes. Iolite often scolds meh fer losin' profits.
Tiger's Eye laughed after saying that, she was very proud. She looked a little dazzling to me.

### Job of Cat's Eye Special Deliveries (猫の目特送隊の仕事)

 Tiger's Eye: Ahahaha, aint dat right! Dats teh power of logistics!
 Seraphinite: Even so, this automobile is convenient. It's very fast and powerful... I'm a little surprised that people in the past made this.
 Tinctura: That's true. The civilization that humans have built has been devastated by the appearance of **Zolne**. The people who survive now don't know the technology that creates these machines.
I asked what is a machine, it is a mechanical tool that moves with energy different from starlight, Tinctura replied.
Tinctura: Human beings who could not utilize starlight for multiple applications continued to devise tools to supplement them instead, and invented a number of precise and large-scale devices called machines.
It may be a tower that is high enough to look up, or iron wings that fly in the sky. It is true that these items that were so incredible today, were taken for granted a very long time ago.
Aqua Aura: Even if **Zolne** did not appear, such a great machine was still in use. Somehow, I feel it's really wasteful.
Tinctura: I don't know... It's indispensable for human beings, but for us **jewel princesses**, there are many things that we can do without resorting to machines. You may have never experienced it yet.
Aqua Aura: But, isn't it what Tiger's Eye and her crew are using now?
Tiger's Eye: Handy and easy, no? Ah may be able to do teh same with magic, but dis is less tirin' and more efficient. In teh first place, most of teh team who work with us are humans. Dat dun mean we cat'n use handy machines yah.
Tinctura: But where did you get so many vehicles? It seems that this has been customized rather than repaired, but it could not be that easy.
Tiger's Eye: Datsa trade secret! Well, didya ask Ane-san Cat's Eye fer details? Ah only rented this, as she's teh owner of everything **Cat's Eye Special Deliveries**.
Cat's Eye - The original founder and manager of **Cat's Eye Special Deliveries**. As a result of her efforts to restore the supply chain that was destroyed due to the **Great Revelation**, she is a talented woman who started the nameless company and quickly rose as the largest distributor.
Tinctura: I need to meet her once. I can't overlook her powerful influence on the world now, but above all, I really care what kind of person she is.
Like a friendly person.
Tinctura: That's... good.

### About Tiger's Eye (タイガースアイについて)

 Tiger's Eye: Nay, naaay! Sorry fer failin yer expectations, buuut it just happened naturally.
Well, that's usually the case. Yeah...
Tiger's Eye: If Ane-san didn't pick meh up, ah would have been dead set by **Zolne** a long time ago and ended up in a pickle…
...Wait, so it wasn't natural at all!?
Tiger's Eye: Back then when **Cat's Eye Special Deliveries** began, Ane-san arranged stuff into burdocks and started donation activities for those who have trouble gettin' necessities for livin' coz of the **Great Revelation** yah.
Whilst in her steady transportation progress, Tiger's Eye and Hawk's Eye, who had nowhere to go, were saved by Cat's Eye and volunteered to help her in return.
Tiger's Eye: Ah am not trying to complain, but its pretteh tough. We cat'n always help 'em fer free.
At first, it was solely mutual volunteering, and it was enough for towns and villages to simply carry necessities together. However, as the immediate crisis had passed and each of them regained their normal lives, the goods certainly needed to be paid for.
Of course, Cat's Eye had predicted this to happen.
Tiger's Eye: Ane-san made her business carryin' luggage and procured the necessary supplies charging fer labor cost. Providing teh necessary items in advance by rentin', or proposin' a new industry as a means of repayment. She used her 'oodle well.
And... that's where we are now.
 Seraphinite: In other words, the village's farms that utilized Amber's research, was the result of **Cat's Eye Special Deliveries** calling out to investor Demantoid and introducing the industry.
Tiger's Eye: How about dat ♪ yah? Ane-san's amazin'!

### Great Revelation's Recollection (大再厄の記憶)

I asked what I was always interested in. In the first place, I can't understand why the **Zolne**, which was supposed to have been once sealed since **Lia Fáil's War of the Seal**, has revived.
It is speculated that Lia Fáil, who is the cornerstone of the barrier, may have diminished, but there is no definitive evidence.
Seraphinite: The detailed reason for this, Master Amethyst of the **Trinity** is still investigating...
Amethyst - During the **Great Revelation**, I heard that she was an intelligent heroine who formulated operational escapes plans as a chief advise of Garnet.
Seraphinite: Her heroic deeds are not as conspicuous because Master Garnet and Master Topaz are too flashy, but her colourful techniques are used to protect people, to provide accurate support, she is a wise philosopher! It seems that it the escape plan was a success.
From the perspective of Seraphinite, who is always providing support from behind, the performance of the heroine Amethyst, who was in a similar position, may be her model as well as her admiration.
Seraphinite: I wonder if I can meet her if I visit Master Garnet's mansion. Ah... I want to hear various stories straight from her mouth. Then, surely Master's question can be answered.
When I was about to ask if she liked her, I suddenly remembered that, it is not necessarily the case that the impression of someone you heard matches the image of the person you actually meet...
*\*flashback\**
 Amber: AH-HAHAHAHAHA! AH-HAHAHAHAHA!
*\*reality\**
Seraphinite: Wha!? What did you say!? Please don't insert funny ideas to my beautiful impression!
Yeowch!? Sorry, I'm sorry!?
 Tiger's Eye: Naya naya, what witta 'ellish quarrel? Or are ya two practicin' a stand-up comedy for married couples?
Seraphinite: Th-that's not the case! Hmph.. It's all because of **Master'**s fault.
Tiger's Eye: Now now, aint good to squabble. At such times, you should eat tasty stuff. Folks get frustrated when they 'ungry.
Tiger's Eye: And ah was just thinking of taking a break yah. Alrighty... Ah let ya eat tasty stuff!
That's......it might be fun.
Tiger's Eye: Alrighty! If ya wanna, first do some sprin' cleanin'. Let's get rid of all the **Zolne** from these parts then we settle down an eat!

### Travel Meal (Okonomiyaki) (旅ゴハン（お好き焼き）)

Enthusiastic - The iron trowel that Tiger's Eye was using spun splendidly upon a disk-shaped food containing a lot of ingredients. The fragrance of the sauce is generously applied to the browned surface.
Tiger's Eye: Well, dis 'ere is mah secret recipe, real okonomiyaki. Now. Eat, eat while its hot!
 Aqua Aura: I've ate a variety of dishes while I was a volunteer, but I feel like this dish is my first time seeing it.
 Tinctura: The surface looks so rugged that it feels dangerous, doesn't it?
 Seraphinite: But, the sauce's scent... is very seductive...
As Seraphinite said, this fragrance was so wonderful it's cheating. With the three of us confused by this mystery food, I bravely stabbed a piece with a fork and took a large bite of it!
It's sweeeeeeeet!
What is this? It's hot, but it's really delicious. There is plenty of umami in the batter, creating an exquisite harmony with the rich sauce. There's so much flavour.
Tinctura: Th, this is... what a... it tastes so sinful...!?
Seraphinite: Huff puff, amazing, it's so delicious♪
Aqua Aura: Definitely, Lapis will love this! Hey, teach me how to make it later!
Tiger's Eye: Heh, excellent feedback yah♪
I heard that this dish was taught by the master who is in charge of car maintenance. It's handy because it's quick to make and fills a belly full, but it seems that the sauce, which is the deciding factor of the taste, cannot be neglected.
Tiger's Eye: There are certain tips to note on makin' it. But if an amateur were to suddenly touch it, it would be catastropic ya. Ah was also thoroughly trained by teh uncle, until ah finally got it right.
Tiger's Eye was making more batches while speaking about it proudly. The members of the convoy lined up in a row behind, with the plate in their hands, and are very much looking forward to it.
Tinctura: For us, food is our favorite, and honestly, I thought it was just a waste... But it seems that I need to reconsider my original mindset.
Tinctura, who had finished one meal, murmured.
Tinctura: A delicious meal not only stimulates the body, but also the heart. Not only that, relationships can be enhanced by sharing it together on the table. You can understand well when you look at them.
The members of the convoy, who relaxed and had their meal, seemed to be happy from the previously tense face they had . While chatting with the captain, Tiger's Eye, it seems even that tsukkomi is involved.
That natural appearance is a genuine interaction between **jewel princesses** and humans. It is very incorrect to think about the two as just protector from and protected by **Zolne**. For a long time... I forgot about this too.
If that is the case, then this peaceful place cannot be disturbed. I set my eyes towards Aqua Aura and Seraphinite.
Apparently, they were aware of approaching **Zolne**. They nodded and stoodd up with their weapons in hand.
A wink from Tiger's Eye, which looked like she's sorry. We went to intercept the enemy.

### Girl's Warning (少女の警告)

 Seraphinite: But that's strange. To prevent exactly this from happening, we had already driven away all nearby **Zolne**.
That was what I was thinking. Perhaps again, **Zolne** were being drawn here because of my presence.
 Tinctura: No, it wouldn't. Moonstone's amulet works well. The signs of **Star Savior** being here should be well hidden.
Tinctura: Perhaps, it's simply because we are in **Zolne** infested regions. Because of the large number of parent bodies, the probability of encountering them also increases. But that should be all.
I'm a little relieved at Tincura's analysis, as I was uncomfortable. But as that may be for some other reason, we decided to look into it.
Aqua Aura: Please don't separate from us, Master?
... ... ...
Why... What happened?
I noticed that I had fallen behind. It seemed like the split backfired because I declared that we'll meet up at the end if they took time to match my slowest walking pace while searching.
At the end of a complicated alley, I was at a loss. Still, it doesn't help if I stayed around. I calmed down and explored the surroundings with my own senses.
Signs of **Zolne** is... well, not near. The reaction of nearby starlights that indicates the existence of **jewel princesses** counting one, two, three... four?
What does that mean?　There are more than I expected. Moreover, there is a sense of discomfort that I have never felt before. This light is fluctuating randomly, becoming stronger and weaker.
...
 ???: ...Who?
Before I could even ask, I stammered involuntarily. When I asked her, the **jewel princess** was neither hurt nor weakened. With a gloomy look, she was alone on the hill of the ruins.
???: Human... you're not. However, it's completely different from a **jewel princess**. Intense light... Too dazzling... Slightly painful...
She stared at me and muttered so. I was overwhelmed by her mysteriously shimmering eyes. I could definitely be sure that the sign I detected was her.
???: As you should know, this is a very dangerous place. You should hurry back to your friends. If possible... hurry up and leave.
???: Quickly... because monsters will appear.
With all that said, she turned her back. Just saying that it's done.
In a panic, I stopped her. Then, let's go together. But she turned her back and shook her head to reject.
???: It's okay... I... am...
A trembling voice. She wanted to cry, but she couldn't. Such a voice full of sorrow that I couldn't help.
Her back then started running. I stumbled and tried to get up, trying to chase her. In that moment, she was already out of sight.
I can no longer feel that unique radiance. She may have intentionally erased her presence. It was a statement of refusal that was no more clearer than this.
Aqua Aura: I found him! Master! Are you alright!?
Tinctura: You, dunce dimwit nincompoop! Have more awareness as a **Star Savior**, hmph!!
Serpahinite: I told Tiger's Eye that we'll meet up in a little bit! Also, didn't Tinctura said that the **Zolne** is moving strangely?
Tinctura: Grrmrrmrrmrr...
Aqua Aura: I'll take the lead, so have Master be in the mid pack!
Seraphinite: I'll cover the back, Miss Aqua Aura!
Tinctura: Until we get back safely, I will never let go of your hand! ...Capiche!?
I kept my mouth shut and nodded to form the tight guard formation.

### Tiger's Eye's Warning (タイガースアイの警告)

 Seraphinite: Even without making such a painful excuse, we are no longer angry that you got lost... OK?
When I talked about the mysterious  **jewel princess** that I met in the ruins, they laughed at me as predicted. Well, I was expecting it anyway. Certainly, it only seemed like a bad joke.
In the first place, it was difficult to break through here alone, as such we were asked by Tiger's Eye as watchmen. It was impossible from the assumption. But... that wasn't a vision, that was a real encounter.
 Tinctura: There is absolutely no possibility - I cannot say that. Like the heroine Topaz we met before, a **jewel princess** who can single-handedly eliminate massive waves of **Zolne** certainly exist.
Aqua Aura: Ah...
Seraphinite: You're right...
Topaz of the **Trinity** and Emerald of the **Quartet**. Both displayed extraordinary power to destroy hordes of **Zolne**. And the latter is in spite of not being in good physical condition.
Tinctura: However, I can't agree with you. I have tried to detect it many times previously, but I cannot feel any reaction of **Jewelia** with such a strange sign.
It disappeared - as I noticed it. In the end, to prove the claim, I had to bring her. However, there were no effective way to find the person myself, so I was stuck.
It may be possible give time and effort, but the cost and risk is ridiculous. Furthermore, the **Jewelia** is an individual that can even evade Tinctura's detection. It's difficult.
In the first place, the fact that we met each other was merely unintentional. I wonder if it's right to just chase after her, who left without telling her name.
 Tiger's Eye: Oh my oh my, bitter faces again! Ah wonder if ah should start mah tsukkomi role again hmm?
Tinctura: Waiwha... You!? Such a rude act to **Star Savior** right in front of my face!?
Seraphinite: It's okay, Master Tinctura. That's just silly things, skinship... I guess.
Aqua Aura: That's it! Tiger's Eye, did you know? There was a mysterious **jewel princess** that Master met just now.
Tiger's Eye: ...What da hyeck?
*\*time passed\**
Tiger's Eye: ...Becoz no one else saw her. Dat's clever yah.
From the face of Tiger's Eye reply, her usual cheerfulness had disappeared, and it looked very disturbed. But... she didn't deny my encounter as a vision.
Aqua Aura: You have an idea, right?
Tiger's Eye: Well, ah... no, nada yah! No no no! Ah, know, nothin!!
Tiger's Eye is fooling herself and is trying to leave. I pressed her further and tried to get some information out. But she was being ridiculous.
Tiger's Eye: If ah don't know it, ah don't know it! Even if ah do know it, ah dun hafta tell teh world bout it. Cat'n ya drop what yah have seen!?
Tiger's Eye: Dun matter how much yar the **Star Savior**... No, its just an extra! Its not possible fer ya to get involved with teh **Zolne Eater** at any rate yah!!
**Zolne Eater**???
Tiger's Eye: Oh no...
It was at that time.
All: -!
Seraphinite: Whawha, what's going on!?
Tiger's Eye: **Zolne** attack! It cat'n be possible fer dem to make this kind of attack from the rear of the convoy!?
Tiger's Eye is upset. After all, something is happening here.

### Zolne Eater (【魔晶喰らい】)

I nodded, not only that, I added. It seemed that the monsters were rushing out rather than aggressively attacking.
 Seraphinite: Was it because of the **jewel princess** whom Master had met? If so, it might really be someone of the **Quartet**.
 Aqua Aura: Hmm... How about?
Aqua Aura, who is a fan of anything about heroes, had an unusually cool face. When I asked her what happened, she said she is familiar with the word **Zolne Eater** that Tiger's Eye said earlier.
Aqua Aura: I've heard about it in one of Lapis's tales when she came back from her trip. **Zolne** is capable of infecting anything and make seedbeds of, except for one thing...
That's the **Zolne Eater** - The **jewel princess** who was endowed with the horrific power that doesn't get corrupted by Zolne, but instead consumes said corruption and turns it into starlight.
It is anger, sadness, and hunger that drives the **Zolne Eater**. She cannot keep her own light unless she keeps eating **Zolne**. The battles are cruel, and everything around her is mercilessly involved.
So, do not approach. The **Zolne Eater** is a natural enemy of **Zolne**, but totally different from the heroines who wanted to save this world.
Aqua Aura: I've always thought that it's just a story to frighten us... but then I couldn't stop thinking about it again when I looked at Tiger's Eye, she had such a serious face when mentioned.
Seraphinite: Th-there's such a powerful person nearby!?
Aqua Aura: Calm down, Seraphinite. It wasn't confirmed if the **jewel princess** that Master was the very same. So I'm not quite sure with what I was talking about.
Seraphinite: Sure... Yes. It's dangerous here, and she also gave advice to Master. She may be different from the violent image I have who attacks with no questions asked...
However, it is a fact that the impression is just an impression. There is no other way than to ask the person directly to find out who the **jewel princess** is.
Tinctura: Following Tiger's Eye's advice, is it not possible to drop what you've seen?
...Sorry
*\*inner thoughts\**
It doesn't matter whether she's a **Zolne Eater** or not. But... I could never forget it. On the way she left, she looked like she was lonely.
I can't leave her alone. I don't want to. At least I can't just know her. I want to face each other properly and talk again.
On top of that, if I can help her as a **Star Savior**, I'd be happy to help.
*\*reality\**
Tinctura: Is that so... Well then, there is no other way.
 Tiger's Eye: In othah words, dun listen to mah advice?
Tiger's Eye: If ya say so, I hafta be selfish then!! Because there's no escort work, no rewards! Very sorry!!
*\*leaves\**
Seraphinite: You made her angry. You abandoned her job on the way, so of course.
Aqua Aura: For the time being, we've properly delivered the stuff to the exit of the ruins. Giving us zero rewards is really terrible right?
Tinctura: Even though we were able to overcome the difficulties, the contract was to the central capital. Before discarding the notion, I think it's her right to complain.
I decided to take a different action, so there is no choice. Rather, I should go to apologize properly later. There was one more thing to do before the central capital.
Tinctura: ...

### Burning Ruthlessness (炎上無情)

I followed, and I met her again.
 ???: Why... Didn't you leave? Monsters will come out... I warned you...
A large horde of **Zolne** crows under her feet, below the tower and the wreckage. She was standing calmly without fear. When I found her, she sadly asked that.
 Aqua Aura: Are you... the **Zolne Eater**?
???: Even if I am... so what? Did you bother to come all the way to tell me? What will you do, now that you know? Are you stupid? Everything burns... and disappears?
She complained with a screaming voice than when she first met me. A disturbing sign that oozes out at the edges of those naive words. Desperately holding something that's simmering.
 Tinctura: Master, you should leave here immediately!
Tinctura: I saw it clearly with my own eyes. Her brilliance is maintained by the energy produced by burning captured **Zolne**. There's no way to call her by anything other than the **Zolne Eater**!!
Zolne Eater: Uhm, hmmhmmhmm... aha, hahahahahahahahaha... yes... I am... the **Zolne Eater**... That's how it is... how I'm alive... !!
 Seraphinite: Hii!?
Zolne Eater: Kuh, aha, AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!! Hehe, You're scared!? Oh, it's scary!? If you now know... never again... APPROACH ME, AAAAAAAHHHHH!!
She screamed and she dived towards those below her eyes. Towards the middle of a group of horrific **Zolne**. Jumping in with loud laughter, swallowed them in no time.
Zolne: Groaaaargh!!
Zolne Eater: AH, HA, AHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! ALL OF YOU... DISAPPPEAR... ALL OF YOU BUUUUUUUUUUURN!!
The **Zolne Eater** was real. My naive thoughts that I might be able to help her had been blown away, she now made a dreadful firestorm appear around me.
Zolne Eater: GUHYAHAHAHAHAHAHA! AH-HAHAHAHAHAAA!!
Only her laughter echoed in Hell where her red-purple flames were raging. They can't fight back at all, and the **Zolne** desperately escape. Among that madness, we can only take a breath.
Tiger's Eye: Ah am sure you could, **Star Savior**! \*smack\*
Seraphinite: M-Miss Tiger's Eye!?
Aqua Aura: Wh-why did you come back!?
 Tiger's Eye: Dummies! Of course ah would be worried bout yall! \*smack\*
Tiger's Eye: **Zolne Eater** eats a whole group of **Zolne** yah. Mess with the trash mobs a lil' and it'll make their mommies angry. After lumpin' them all together, the rest is what ya see yah.
Tinctura: In other words, you were aware of the existence of **Zolne Eater** from the very beginning.
Tiger's Eye: Ah only noticed it halfway. If ah knew it from the beginnin', ah would just avoid it. Its gointa be troublesome.
Tinctura: Makes sense...
Tiger's Eye: Eh, at teh end of the day, its all crazeh! A certain someone ignores the advice of others and ran hard...
I have nothing to retort. Tiger's Eye said she expected this to happen halfway. Because I once did something similar.
Tiger's Eye: Ya can tell by talking... figured. But that's what ah thought yah. It was painful to mah eyes.
The darkness that **Zolne Eater** eats is not as easy as it can be done with just words. If I intend to get involved seriously, I have to be well prepared accordingly.
She dared to leave me to learn it myself. In order to let people know the reality as they were. After that, she gave me a helping hand.
Tiger's Eye: Anyways, first of all, priority ista safely escape yah! Aim at the thin places of the siege and forcefully break through!!

 Seraphinite: The flames that burned out the **Zolne** are absorbed together...
 Tinctura: Mhm. If you consume by doing that, you don't have to worry about corruption.
 Aqua Aura: No no, it's not something I admire.
Zolne Eater: Hmm... Now, all of them... Consumed...
Zolne Eater: Hmm... You still here? I was wondering if you were running away or getting involved. Persistent, you... you're different...
 Tiger's Eye: That's right, the legendary **Star Savior** right 'ere. Hes not normal, but in a different sense from ya.
Zolne Eater: Tiger's Eye... I see, so you brought them here...
Tiger's Eye: No, dummy! They flew off without mah permission yah! Teh flame of yours is traumatic for meh. Ahll never wanted to be interested in it again!
Zolne Eater: Hmmhmm... I see.
It may be just after eating **Zolne**, but when I saw the two of them talking in a normal way, I was dumbfounded. Far from being acquainted, they looked like they have a very close relationship.
Tiger's Eye: 'Owever, dis dummy child 'ere seems to wanna help ya. If **Star Savior** is serious, it may be possible to improve yer annoyin' body constitution, but.. whaddya think?
Zolne Eater: ...
She stared silently at my face. After awhile, she slowly shook her head.
Zolne Eater: I don't need... because these flames are... me... I can't throw it away... I don't want to throw it away...
Why, I ask unintentionally. Her flames are awesome. But I was watching.
She was fighting, was crying all over her body. Her tears evaporated in an instant because of the heat, she pretended to be delighted with the joy of extinction... She was crying while twisting herself.
Then why, don't you want to be released?
Zolne Eater: Revenge... All I have... Only this flame, nothing else...
...?!
Zolne Eater: I'm happy that you tried to save me. But... it's unpleasant to be forced... It's arrogance...
Tinctura: Please keep it that way. He is just awake. He's still learning a lot.
Zolne Eater: ...Yes. I've said too much. Sorry.
While I was rejected, I shook my head again. My chest hurt no matter what, it's useless to forget. I kept thinking about it forever.
If I want to call myself the **Star Savior**, then absolutely.
Zolne Eater: Now, I'm about to leave... I have to find the next **Zolne** nest.
Tiger's Eye: ...wait, hold up yah!
Zolne Eater: ...
Tiger's Eye: Hey, at least once, can ya show up with ya face? Ane-san is... Your older sister! Even more than anythin' else, ah was still hopin' that ya will come back, please!?
Zolne Eater: ...
Tiger's Eye: Ah beg of you... Definitely, ah will beg even from teh afterlife...
Zolne Eater: Please tell, my big sister Cat's Eye, again... Your little sister has disappeared on that day - the **Great Revelation**.
Zolne Eater: I am... the monster, **Zolne Eater**.
Tiger's Eye: Alexandrite!! How far are ya...!?
Alexandrite: Regards... My big sister...
*\*Flash\**
Aqua Aura: She's gone.
Seraphinite: Alexandrite... that's the real name of that person...
Tiger's Eye: Alexandrite you big dummy!! You, what on earth are ya sayin! Regards to big sister... Saying awful things like dat...!
She is Cat's Eye beloved younger sister who has been alive and couldn't meet for a long time. That was the true reason why Tiger's Eye was so upset.
She accelerated the car, as if she were trying to get rid of the feelings that she couldn't handle. By the time she caught up with the preceding transport team, the reddened eyes of Tiger's Eye had completely recovered.
Tiger's Eye: ...'ere it is! 'ere, dat's the long-awaited central capital yah!
The largest city that plays a central role in the reconstruction of this world. Further encounters await us.