Chapter 18

Extra Chapter 18: The Courage That Won’t Rise

After narrowly escaping death, the few survivors breathe heavily, savoring the fresh air of survival.

“Indeed, in the end, I was just dragging everyone down…”

Yumi’s face couldn’t hold back the pain as she smiled bitterly. The fingers gripping the armrests emitted an unpleasant creaking sound.

“I’m sorry, Rumie, if you hadn’t taken me, you would have escaped for sure.”

The huge shadow of the Final Monster enveloped the two small, fragile figures, even his golden short hair losing its luster in the darkness.

Wanted to take a step. If she could move at all, surely she could pull Rumie away by the hand. Instead, now when she tried to command her legs to move, her body trembled involuntarily, achieving no response.

Just like before, on that day, after falling from the track, even though jumping up would be effortless with an athlete’s physique, her trembling heart screamed, “Are you really going to relive this tragedy?”

It was the same this time, even if her legs had regained their sensation, and despite her rehabilitation leaving her in condition to stand like any normal person.

While modern medicine could restore her body to pre-accident conditions, her wounded soul required more than contemporary medicine could heal.

Closing her eyes in resignation, Yumi whispered, “I’m sorry.” It feels so predetermined.

In the end, I couldn’t even face a single defeat…

“It’s… not about that!”

Eisingai Himizuki, currently a college student, responded with unwavering resolve, countering Yumi’s melancholy.

“I can’t just abandon my friends and run away! That’s impossible for me!”

Flower glanced over them with the corner of her eye, her originally heavy mood lightening slightly.

Maybe we’re all not perfect in this world, but this bond, never fades!

“Hey, are you still alive?”

Oh no, I forgot there’s another one here too!

Casually walking over to the group of women, Ash couldn’t help but let out a chuckled “Pfft,” as he observed the anxious face of the patient being shielded. Firehose gun in hand, he flicked it playfully, hopping it from his right hand to his left, and then onto the tip of his index finger, smoothly tucking it back into its holster.

Hmm, what’s with Cure Yell this time? Not appearing for some reason, maybe stuck in traffic?

Ash speculated without malice, while Wild Flower felt a sudden chill down her spine.

“Hey you guys, you’re her friends, right? Can you find a bottle of water for me?”

Unhesitatingly demanding, Ash showed no signs of being a outsider, ignoring the curious looks directed at him from under the flame-like goggles.

“Will mineral water do?”

“Oh, thank you. Let me check, Evian…”

Glancing at the premium brand of mineral water in his hand, Ash hesitated momentarily.

Mineral water… I only ever drink Nongfu Three Punches or OH HA HA. What’s this new brand? It looks so unattainable.

“Is it no good? Mr. TIMEFIRE, I have Jiaquan and Illukia left here.”

“That’s enough.”

Seeing the shocked expressions turn to confusion, Ash twisted open the cap, drenching the disoriented Yumi.

Refreshing coolness helped clear her mind.

“Mmm—” the icy water awakened Yumi’s senses. She opened her eyes, then quickly squeezed them shut again because of the water in them, instinctively pulling out her hand to rub her eyes.

“Ash?”

Her action paused as she listened to the voice of the one before her.

The Crimson Warrior stood in front of Yumi, the huge shadows of the Final Monster nowhere in sight—the afternoon sun, still high, scattered its light across the earth, including the ruins where Yumi sat in her wheelchair.

The red warrior facing opposite the sun lowered his head, meeting Yumi’s eyes directly. Backlight filtered through, blurring the reflection of TIMEFIRE in the goggles she wore, except for the cold metallic lips reflecting her startled expression, much like a cliché used in special effects dramas and action anime.

“Who are you?” the intense light made Yumi squint involuntarily.

“It doesn’t matter who I am, but you need to stand up and join your companions in seeking shelter. Staying here is too dangerous.”

“But, the enemies aren’t—”

Before Hana could finish, Ash firmly covered her mouth, leaving her frantically waving her arms and making indistinct sounds in protest.

Speaking indiscernibly, the crimson warrior bent down toward the girl on the wheelchair.

“No… I’m paralyzed…”

“How will you know unless you try?” the warrior shrugged, speaking with a cheerful tone.

“I’ve examined your legs. They’re in full function, with normal reflexes, no injuries or muscle issues. You should be able to walk normally.”

Ash’s statement, causing those around him to freeze, revealed his conclusions gradually.

“Wait… Examining my legs?”

Undeniably, it’s harassment.

But facing the matter-of-fact TIMEFIRE, Yumi didn’t know whether to scream in anger or blush in confusion.

“Yeah, you feel good. Your leg shape is impressive. Seems like you were once an athlete or trained heavily.”

Ignoring the doubtful glares from others, Ash continued.

“But… I’ve already tried,” Yumi’s face showed her struggle and failure. “For me now, that isn’t a choice driven solely by thought.”

“So, I’m saying you need to try.”

“No… I can’t!” Her grip tightened on the handrails. “I want to, but no matter how hard I try, I… lack the courage!”

“My point is, if it comes down to it, willpower is all you have.”

Suddenly seizing the wheelchair’s back handles, Ash turned and thrusts it forward.

“So get up, you wimp!”