Chapter 97
Chapter 97
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Translator: Mod7
Chapter: 97
Chapter Title: Chapter 9 - Lies
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Amy, who had been pummeling the soldiers’ stomachs just moments ago, stopped at my command and began collecting the spoils.
Perhaps remembering my earlier displeasure with her treatment of Isaac, she diligently obeyed my every instruction.
She was like a five-year-old child, carefully observing her mother, trying to avoid punishment.
While the violence paused, I questioned the soldiers about Aaptukemen, specifically about the fingers.
“What are…?”
But none of them seemed to understand what I was talking about. Only Nefer had shown any recognition.
I reached a simple conclusion.
The fingers were a hidden presence, their existence unknown to most,
And they were waiting for me.
“I’ve never heard of such a thing…”
“P-please… heal me… my stomach hurts…”
There was nothing more to gain here. Having confirmed my suspicions about the fingers, it was time to leave.
“Go back and heal yourselves. I’m not obligated to help you.”
I stepped over the groaning bodies and approached His Majesty. I couldn't just leave him here.
He might face even worse treatment if he was left alone. They might take out their frustrations on him…
Should I just let Amy unleash her full power and crush Aaptukemen?
With Amy’s strength, we could easily overpower the nobles…
I considered the possibilities.
His Majesty, as if sensing my thoughts, shook his head weakly, but I still had to ensure his safety.
“Amy?”
Amy would obey any command I gave her. Especially now, in her current subservient state.
“Before we leave, I have one more request.”
It wasn't a pleasant request.
I was still injured, my limbs useless, and I couldn't even walk properly.
I had to look up at her, my body huddled on the ground.
“Let’s help this man. Okay?”
But Amy simply nodded. She seemed to derive a certain pleasure from my dependence on her.
But something seemed to be bothering her. Her eyes darted around, as if searching for something, someone.
“…”
It was probably just my imagination. While we had been separated for a while, I doubted Amy had made any new friends. She wasn’t exactly sociable.
Or was she looking for Jenny? But if Jenny had been here, she wouldn't have been able to hide her presence, her boisterous personality.
“Amy, what’s wrong? Is something happening?”
“Negative. A minor processing error. Everything is under control.”
I was worried, but she didn't offer any explanations. She simply met my gaze, her expression calm, as if I had imagined everything.
Amy’s eyes were focused solely on me. Her blue lenses, fixed on my face, clicked softly.
She was beautiful,
Her features flawless.
“…Ah, but wait. We have to find my hand and leg. I thought Alraune could regenerate them, but it’s not working. It would be better to reattach the severed limbs. They’re not growing back…”
My unreasonable demands,
My dependence on her,
Amy accepted them all, her every action a silent expression of devotion.
“…I will locate them. Do not worry.”
“Really…? Thank you! I’m so glad you’re here. I was… worried when we were separated…”
She was loyal and efficient. With Amy, my mind finally started working again.
“Ah…! We also have to find Nefer. Did you see her on your way here? She has a snake tail… uh… brown skin, black hair… she wears a veil…”
It was time to correct my mistakes, to rescue Nefer, who had been injured protecting me.
“…Negative. I did not encounter her.”
“Damn it. I hope she wasn’t captured by the assassins. She was protecting me, and we got separated.”
Amy didn’t seem to be lying. Did she even have the capacity to lie?
She was programmed to be honest. While she had exhibited some glitches lately, she had no reason to hide anything about Nefer.
“Sigh-… my hand and leg were also… lost during that attack. I used Alraune’s… abilities to cauterize the wounds, but I don’t know how we’ll find them in this vast desert.”
As I rambled, Amy lifted me into her arms, holding me like a princess.
She was incredibly strong, effortlessly carrying me while dragging the large bundle of salvaged goods behind her.
“Doctor, there is no need to worry. I will protect you now.”
And her words, so comforting, so reassuring.
She seemed unusually gentle and affectionate, perhaps because of our long separation. It was hard to believe she was the same killing machine who had slaughtered the soldiers just moments ago.
“Uh, yeah… thanks…”
And yet,
I felt a flicker of unease.
I didn't know why.
Amy had saved me, and yet, held in her arms, I felt a sense of foreboding.
Was I being paranoid?
While Amy had always been a valuable ally, she had never been this affectionate.
I wanted to believe it was simply because of our reunion.
I couldn’t afford to be suspicious of her, not in this hostile environment.
***
The desert night was cold. Amy and I walked beneath the eerie moonlight and the brilliant stars.
“Amy, this isn’t the right way.”
But we weren’t going in the same direction. Amy was heading in the opposite direction from the one I had indicated.
“I am aware of that. I am searching for a suitable shelter before engaging the hostiles in Aaptukemen.”
“Oh, really…?”
Our footsteps left deep imprints in the sand. The heavy bundle of salvaged goods dragged behind us, rattling and bumping against the ground.
My heart, as heavy as the bundle, weighed me down. While I was happy to be reunited with Amy, I couldn't shake my suspicion, my distrust.
Was I being too paranoid? While caution was a valuable trait, it was also exhausting.
Amy, true to her word,
Found a small sandstone depression, not far from Aaptukemen, and we set down our belongings, preparing to rest.
“You may rest here, Doctor.”
“Amy, I think it would be better if I came with you…”
Amy had even spread out the blankets and covered me with a fur, her care and attention almost touching,
But I was worried about being left alone, and worried about her as well, so I crawled towards her.
“…”
Amy hesitated, her blue eyes flickering, her internal processors working overtime.
“Negative. I will proceed alone. Please rest.”
She was clearly hiding something, something she didn't want me to know.
“Amy, wait!”
I grabbed her ankle, stopping her.
It was a strange feeling. I had a powerful ally, a powerful weapon, and yet, here I was, a helpless cripple, unable to even stand on my own.
“T-take me with you. It might be dangerous here. Wouldn’t it be safer if I came with you?”
I was afraid. Perhaps my suspicion stemmed from my own helplessness, my lack of control.
“Doctor, please calm down. You are exhibiting signs of hyperventilation and anxiety. This is likely a result of the stress and trauma you experienced during your captivity.”
Was that it?
Was I overreacting?
Was I misinterpreting her actions, her intentions, letting my paranoia get the better of me?
“If you wish, I will remain by your side until you fall asleep.”
Amy deactivated her weapons and sat beside me, her hand gently stroking my hair, her touch calming.
…A seamless transition, as if rehearsed. Perhaps she had deliberately feigned her departure, waiting for my plea, my desperate need for her presence-
No, stop it.
Why was I like this? I didn't need to be so paranoid, just because I was missing a few limbs.
“O-okay…”
I pulled the blanket up to my chin and closed my eyes, forcing myself to relax.
Perhaps,
I had simply been through too much today, my nerves frayed, my mind exhausted.