Odd Medroa

◀　Read from EP1

◀　"The Trail of Abel Earthes"

▼ The Trail of Odd Medroa

He is a war orphan. He was taken into custody in a northern territory near the intersection of the borders of the three countries of Central, North, and East, and after many twists and turns, he was taken in by an orphanage in Central. Details related to his birth are unknown, but due to his affinity for both the fire and water attribute, it seems like he is half-northerner and half-southerner. However, in 2081, after the "environmental problem of astral flare depletion caused by the rise of older machines," the Central government changed its policy regarding the "use of magic by human beings," and he was cut off from the path to a spectacular career.

However, he did not seem to care much about such circumstances, and after the government policy was changed, he used the "astral flare limiting device" developed by Adam, and controlled his own power tightly, and continued to work in the military until his later years.

Sometimes even his efforts were not recognized and he was ridiculed, but he was not too upset by such changes.

“I want to help people."

Regardless of the circumstances, when Odd thinks back to his days as an orphan, when he had to beg to fill his stomach and sometimes even sipped muddy water, his life since being taken in by Central has been a paradise. There are many people who still treat him the same, even if his own position has become a bit compromised. Odd never resented anyone.

▼ODD:EP7-1 (2073): "A Disturbing Gem"

The military leader man "I have a regular report for Her Excellency General Null. It's about the orphans who were taken into custody near the northeastern border..."

Null "Ah, thanks for the report. Is that the multi-attribute male kid you were talking about? He has two attributes, fire and water?"

A Senior Military Man: "Yes. There is no doubt about it. As for wind and earth, he has no aptitude for them. Everything about the degree of force was also in line with the general's expectations. Reports have come to light that various types of combat are possible with astral flares in the body, about 3 to 4 times that of a normal human being. Also, it is about the talent of water. It contains a special wavelength similar to the high-level magic of the chief priest class of the Temple of the Underworld..."

Null "Wow. That's a new one. That's quite a "disturbing gem", isn't it... Hmmm, priests, huh....
Southland doesn't see eye to eye with those types.... . ... puritanism is a terrible thing to hear, don't you think?"

(*Null with a smirk)

A Senior Military Man "...could we use it?"

Null "Oh, it’s really great. Continue to dig him out. This is an opportunity to turn the "goddess of the underworld" into my loyal dog. Depending on the outcome, you'll be moving up the ladder quite a bit. I have high hopes for you, okay?"

A Senior Military Man "...! Thank you very much...!"

▼Few days after-.

― His mother is a great person in the Temple of the Goddess of the Underworld.
― His father is a member of the Southland clan (a major power outside the Blaze family).
This story was told after a secret agreement was made with the Northlanders using this as the basis for the story, and the Northlanders effectively came under Central's control.

A Senior Military Man "General Null, I have brought him to you. Come on, Odd, say hello."

Odd(Est.4) "・・・・・・."

A Senior Military Man "Don't dawdle! You are in the presence of Her Excellency the General!"

Null "Oh it’s fine, make yourselves comfortable, both of you."

A Senior Military Man "I am very sorry. We will discipline him strictly from now on.... And, Ma’am... regarding my special promotion..."

Null "Oh, we'll talk about that later. I'll get to the point first. Now, Odd-Medroa, is that right, Mr. Medroa? Today, you have received an invitation from the leader of the Central Alliance, or in short, a member of the royal family. It's a very important matter concerning your future. Will you listen to me?”

Odd "...an invitation? I want to go back to my teacher.." (*the nursing home person)

A Senior Military Man "How many times have I told you that I am your father...!"(*Slap)

Odd "It hurts...! I'm sorry...!"

A Senior Military Man "Not at all... He is a really rebellious child because he grew up in a slum...
This will take a lot of time before he is incorporated into the unit...
Ugh...! What... why...? ......, someone call... a... doctor...?"

(*Null's long sword thrust into his chest.)

Null "I told you to shut up, didn't I? I wish you wouldn't make me say the same thing over and over again."

A Senior Military Man "You... you... devil... ......you... if only... if only I had a promotion........."

(Dead. Poor side character)

Null "Congratulations on your promotion, Brigadier General. You have been promoted two ranks. You are now promoted to lieutenant general. Oh, so you're still under me. Ambition is far away, isn't it? I guess you didn't hear me."

Odd "Oh..."(*Odd looking at his troubled ex-foster father who has broken down, looking rather calm.)

Null "Oh, you're calmer than I thought you'd be. This is a gem."

Odd "...I don't think it's very nice to kill any person."(*Slightly sad looking Odd)

Null "...? Hahahaha..! Oh, man. Get a load of this one. I'm sorry if I offended you. I never thought I'd see the day when a kid like you would be telling me about ethics."

Odd "...are you going to kill me, too?"

Null "No, no way? I told you. I have an offer for you. I'll be straight with you. Are you interested in joining the military?"

Odd "...I'm sick of fighting."

Null "Oops. I didn’t think about that. Then, yes, it is. How about you become a military doctor?"

Odd "...Military...I? What does that mean?"

Null "Oh, you’re a "doctor." Exclusively for the military.”

▼ODD:EP7-2 (2073-2075): "Prodigy Era 1: Military Medical Apprenticeship."

Odd "...Are you okay? It'll get easier soon."

The Soldier "...Thank you. You saved my life."

The Military Doctor "Well, that's very helpful. I heard you're endorsed by General Null. I was worried that since you are still a cadet, you might not be able to handle it, but my fears were unfounded. The same high rank as the priests of the Temple of the Underworld I can't believe you can handle healing magic. Are you from there by any chance?"

Odd "Maybe. I don't know. I'm an orphan."

The Military Doctor "...I see. That's a tough thing to hear. I'm sorry. Keep it up."

Odd "I'm fine. I'm happy now that I can help people in this way. I'll do my best."

(*Slightly sad Odd)

Odd "...I wish the war would just end."

▼ODD:EP7-3(2075): "Prodigy Era 2: The End of War."

Odd (Est.7)"It's...over, really."

▼ ODD:EP7-4 (2079/estimated age 11): "Child prodigy age 3: graduation from military academy."

Friend at Military Academy "you graduated with a skip in your class. So you can go to the front lines when the time comes, right? Seriously, that's awesome, Odd. You’re a promising gem! Keep up the good work!"

Odd "Haha. But I don't have to go to the front anymore. The war is over.”

Friend at Military Academy "That's true. Thank God for Adam-Blaze, really."

Odd "Yeah, I guess so."

▼ ODD:EP7-5 (2083/estimated age 15): "Change of government policy: restriction of human magic use."

Military 1 "Odd, that kid? I heard he’s going to be taken care of by that 'restriction device’.”

Military 2 "Seriously? That's funny. He's a "cripple.”

Soldier 3 "Is it really going to be able to keep him within the limit?"

Military 4 "If he can't do it, he'll be discharged. He’s been cut off from his career path, hasn’t he? Sucks."

Odd "...I've got to keep trying."

▼ ODD:EP7-6 (2085/estimated age 17): "Encounter with Abel"

Abel (12)"Ouch.... Those guys, they do whatever the hell they want."

Odd (Est.17)"You are the one from the desert..." (Abel is being treated by Odd, a military doctor.)

Abel "What, you have something to say too?”

Odd "No, it's not that... You can't use magic, but you won against three people? That's amazing... a swordsman...?"

Abel "...What the heck, some of us know what we're talking about! That's right! Even though I passed the exam, they suspected me of cheating!”

Odd "Oh... So that's why you were fighting. Well, if that's what you mean, I'll put that in thereport, I'm a "nuisance" in a different way from you, so I may not be able to be of much help.
Sorry."

Abel "...is that a limiting device? I see, you're having a hard time too.... Okay, from today we are friends..! I'm Abel Aarseth! Nice to meet you!”

Odd “Odd. Odd Medroa."

▼ ODD:EP7-7 (2090/estimated age 22): 'Transfer to the North')

▼ Prequel

Odd (Est.22)"What? Transferred to the northland...?"

Null "That’s right."

Odd "・・・・・・I knew it would be hard to do when I was in Central.
I'm sorry, Null... Thank you so much for everything you've done for me."

Null "Eh? Oh, no, no, no. No, no, no, you’re not being demoted, don't worry."

Odd "...? No, but it’s the northland... right?"

Null "Yes. I've already taken care of the transfer procedures. Here.”(*Document with the place of transfer, etc.)

Odd "Eh? Wait...wait a minute. At least explain a little more..."

(Null waves her hand and walks away.)

▼ Main

I am now standing in the north with one of my travel carry-on cases in tow.
It was a very sudden transfer order, so I packed the bare necessities in a hurry. My friend Abel, who was my roommate, will send me what I need later.

Odd (Shiver)

It's still October, and it's only noon, but it's a silver world all around us.

Odd "I'm going to have to get a new jacket as soon as possible..."

For now, my mission for the day is to go to my "new place of work" and greet the person who will be my superior from now on. Incidentally, the name of the superior officer is not written in the document I received from General Null.

Odd "The documents are incomplete.... The general has always been too careless....
It seems to be a proper military facility...but....
Let's see... military special operations agency, "Falsedad Cor"...?"

I've never heard of it...?" Odd tilts his head as he reads the words on the sign at the entrance.
This place is just north of the northern border patrol tower in the Central Territories.
Like there, here there is a very heavy security system in place, but there is no patrol tower.
Even a building that is nothing more than a "house," reminiscent of an ordinary people's living quarters, is hidden in plain sight.

Odd "・・・・・・an institution not known to the people, right.......obviously....
I'm supposed to be a black market doctor or something?”

Even after I became a "Astral Flare eater" and a nuisance, General Null, who had been the guardian of this orphaned child, did not ask me to retire from the military.
On the contrary, after Abel got involved and I met her again, she forced me to transfer to a "special unit under the general's direct control.”
In short, it is thanks to her that I have been able to continue to work as a military doctor. I’m grateful to her.

Odd "...I'll take your word for it, General Null."

When I was a little boy, she cut down a military man who was my adoptive father for a few days right in front of me.

Odd "That was just to save a kid from being beaten up, too....
She's a rational person, so I'm sure there must be a reason for this too."

I was sure that I would be fine, even if the facility was located in the eerie Las of Terminus, afamous place for suicides.
I presented my entrance pass to the security guard at the reception desk, straightened my back, and entered the building.

▼

Odd "Um..."

I finally found the "Magic Jewelry Development and Research Section," which was listed on a document given to me by the General.
was so taken in by the strange atmosphere that I hesitated to enter the office by peeking in through the door.
I had expected to see many people in military uniforms since it was a military facility, however, the people I have met so far, as well as the people I can see from here, do not look like “military personnel”.
How many of them look unhealthy, wearing white coats and carrying dark circles under their eyes....

Odd "...researchers, you mean...?"

Researcher "Hmm? Hey you, what are you doing?"

I had started to mumble to myself unintentionally, and a staff member who was looking up at the sky with a sheet over his eyes to relieve fatigue at a desk near the entrance spoke to me.

Odd "Oh, um, my name is Odd Medroa, and I've been assigned here today.
I've been instructed to go to this department for the time being, so I'm here to see you..."

Researcher "What? I didn't hear that in the morning meeting.
Why don't you go and check with the "Chief" in that room?"

Odd "Yes, sir. Thank you."

As I was about to walk triumphantly toward the door at the far end of the room, which was quickly pointed out in front of me, the researcher called out to me cautiously,

"Before you go and see if the Chief is there…”
The researcher stopped me abruptly.

The researcher said, "Here's my advice.
If the "Chief" is concentrating on his work, it's better to talk to him later."

Odd "Oh... Well that being said, I'm going to have to ask someone to give me some instructions....
This is a superior order from the General..."

The document is very short and contains the order from General Null: "Follow his instructions and be on duty by the end of the day as soon as possible.

Researcher "Well, if that's the case, I won't stop you. Good luck."

Odd "Thank you for your concern...?"

Does it mean that he is difficult? Well, if so, so be it.
I don't care what they say, I'm still a military man, and I absolutely obey my superiors' orders.
I went to the designated door and knocked firmly.
But, as the researcher who answered the door said, there was no answer.
I opened the door and found a large desk.
A slender man with unhealthy-looking green eyes and dark circles was sitting on the desk.
He did not even seem to notice me at all, and seemed to be concentrating on creating something.

Odd "Ah...excuse me..."

I enter the room without the permission of the room owner and close the door, but he doesn't seem to have noticed the sound either, I walked up to the "section chief," who looked tired but had a handsome face, and tapped him lightly on the shoulder.

Chief "Wow, you scared me! How many times have I told you it's dangerous?
It's a precision machine, you can check it later! Who are you, ......?"

Odd "Oh...sorry to interrupt you....
I'm Odd Medroa, and I was transferred here today. General Null has asked me to take instructions from the "Magic Jewelry Development and Research Division,” the... document does not even mention the name of my superior. ......
What am I supposed to do now..."

Chief "......."

While explaining the situation, I handed the man in front of me, who seemed to be the "section chief" of this office, a document that the general had given me.
He looked it over quickly, sighed heavily, and fell down on his desk.

Odd (I guess this means trouble...Is this is a problem...)

Chief "I don't think you've gotten any of this explained to you..."

He has an elegant manner throughout, but his tone of voice is clearly angry.
I was prepared for the possibility of being yelled at as soon as I was transferred, but...

Chief "Why is she like this..., always, always ......
She's obviously just trying to be funny....
I told her that I wanted to give you plenty of time to prepare and let you come..."

Odd "Well, then, "he" in that document means you..."

Chief "Yes, that's right. I'm sorry about that. I didn't expect you to be dispatched the next day....
It must have been hard."

Odd "...ahaha. I'm used to it..."

It seems that the person he is angry with is the general, not me, and I feel relieved inside.
I continue talking to him with a sense of relief.

Odd "So, what am I going to do now...?”

Chief "Well, I just... I didn't expect this to happen today... I haven't prepared anything.
I'm sorry, but can you wait until this job is done?
I have a deadline... and I have to meet it, Lilith...
Oh, um, the warden here is going to put all my people on ice..."

Odd "....... Are you that scared?"

Chief "Oh. I don't want to piss her off.... Never."

He began to resume his work with eyes that were dead inside, and his neat face made me feel a little sympathy for him.

Odd "......, I understand. Well, let me help you....
You all look tired, so... where is the kitchen?
I'll go get you a drink."

Chief 「"Really? That would be great. The kitchen is on the second floor. I would like coffee.
I’ll have three teas, five coffees, and there’s one girl on a diet, so sparkling water for her."

Odd "Uh, oh, yes. Okay, I'll go. I'm off."

Chief "Thank you. No need to rush."

I leave his room, amazed that he knows everyone's tastes.

Odd (I'm glad he seems like a good boss. I forgot to ask his name.)

He seems busy. I usually don't care about those types of details, but I was happy to have solved the problem. So I took light steps and headed for the kitchen where I was told.

▼

Chief “Odd, wake up. I'm done."

Odd “Huh? Strange…I'm sorry, I don't know when I..."

After distributing drinks to everyone, I was left with nothing to do, the "section chief," who must have taken care of me, invited me into his room again, and I was surprised when he lent me his personal laptop and headphones, I remember that I started to enjoy watching a movie. It felt like I was on vacation.

Chief "You were forced here to the northland yesterday. You must have been tired. Did you sleep well?"

I woke up feeling refreshed, and I felt extremely guilty about my superiors who were on deadline and looked very tired in front of me.

Odd "Oh...I'm so sorry for your concern. I‘m...sorry, really."

Looking at the time, it is around 9:00 pm. That means he is working overtime.

Odd "Oh...how should I put it...it seems to be a very hardcore workplace. ......"

Chief "Haha... We're understaffed, you know. Well, let's go home for today."

Odd “I haven't heard anything about the protocol for the military dormitory...
The reception desk is already closed, isn't it? What should I do?”

Chief "Oh, it's all right. I've already decided on your housing. Follow me."

Odd "Oh, really? Good..."

I followed him, feeling even more grateful to my boss for being so efficient.
After leaving the building and walking for a while, I arrived at what looked like the first sign of "living quarters" I had seen when I arrived here.
I followed his lead and stepped into the magnificent house he showed me.

Chief "I'm home."

Woman "Oh, welcome back. You're back late."

Chief "It's mostly your fault.... Lilith."

Lilith (29)"Well, I'm sorry to hear that. I think I've made a lot of concessions with this one...?"

A woman with a pretty face called Lilith is smiling with her hand on her cheek.
She is probably his wife. They are a beautiful couple and a real eye candy.。

Lilith "Oh, who is that?”

Odd "Oh, it's nice to meet you. My name is Odd Medroa, and I was transferred here as of today."

Chief "This is the military doctor."

Lilith "Well, well, well. You are General Null’s...! You're welcome to stay here."

Chief "Oh, he hasn't eaten anything since lunch. Could you prepare dinner for him?"

Lilith "Yes, dear. Odd, do you like beef stew?"

Odd "Ha, yes. It's my favorite."

Lilith "That's good. I'm glad I made more. Wait here for a minute."

With that, she patted her footsteps and ran to the kitchen in the back.

Chief "Come on, come on in."

Odd "Oh, um...you mean I can stay here today, is that correct?"

Chief "Hmm? Yeah, your house is here starting today, and actually, most of your work place is here too."

Odd "...What?"

Chief "I was wondering where to start since Null didn't seem to tell you about anything,
Whatever it is, I guess I have to tell you my name first."

Odd "Oh, by the way, I haven't asked your name yet."

Adam (30)"My name is Adam Maiya. My maiden name is Blaze. Nice to meet you again, Odd."

Odd "What is this a joke...?"

(I wondered if he was joking…) He looked at me with a curious expression on his face,

Adam "Haha...well, I guess it does.... I'm afraid I wasn't joking......."

He chuckled as he said this, as if he was in trouble....
Yes..., this is hypothetically an order from that general to send ...... some heroes to the northland... and Abel...
I know, I remember...,
I also remembered that Abel had complained a lot about the General... and gradually the situation became connected in my mind...

Odd ".................. what? Really, the "Hero of the Salvation"...?"

Adam "I haven't heard that in a long time. That was a long time ago.
Now, as you know, I'm just a researcher.”

I hurriedly followed him as he walked quickly toward the kitchen.
I was still unable to accept the identity of the "celebrity" in front of me at that time.

▼

Lilith "I hope it suits your palate..."

Odd "Oh, it's delicious. Really."

Lilith "Oh, really? That's good.”

I am now being served a home-cooked meal by that Lady Lilith Maiya, at the table with Adam Blaze.

Adam "Where's Eve? Has she gone to bed yet?"

Lilith "Yeah, she’s getting a good night's sleep."

Adam "Huh. I'll be forgotten if I don't do something..."

Lilith "Yes, that's true. It is true that Lilyn is more like the parent now.”

Adam "...You mean I'm no more than a "Kagaribito" to Eve...?
I might as well resign now..."

Lilith "Oh, no, you can't do that. I won't accept it.”

Adam "...huh. You're that kind of person..."

Lilith "Oh my, you married me knowing that, didn't you?"

I wonder what this situation is all about.... At any rate, Lady Lilith's cooking is very good, the house is nice. I have no complaints at the moment, but remembering the face of my superior, who obviously knew this was going to happen and deliberately did not mention Adam Blaze's name, I have very mixed feelings about it.
I have become a person who can only watch the casual conversation between a couple who are in love with each other. It's true that this does seem to be a "demotion," but...

Odd (I don't understand why you did this, General Null.)

I was munching on the beef stew that was served to me while chanting this in my mind.

▼

Odd "Huh, that was delicious...I haven't had decent food like this in a long time."

Adam "Well, that's good to hear.
Now that your stomach is full, it's time to get down to business.
About your job starting tomorrow, Odd..."

I watched the newest model of "Kagaribito," Lilyn as it was called, skillfully take down the dishes we had finished eating.
Wow.......the latest model from the inventor himself....I muttered to myself as the "hero" in front of me starts talking to me.

Odd "Ah, yes. Thank you very much. I've been skipping out today, watching movies and sleeping around, so I've got to get back on track..."

Lilith "...Oh my, is that where you're coming from?"

Adam "It's Null's usual play.
She let him have one document and sent him to the office yesterday..."

Once Lady Lilith received the incomplete documents from Adam and looked through them, she widened her eye and then let out a hearty laugh.

Lilith "It's just like General Null, isn't it?"

Adam "Give me a break, every time....
So on behalf of Null, I'm going to explain myself, as I said before, this is where you will be working tomorrow.
I want you to be my daughter Eve's "doctor" and take care of her."

Odd "Your daughter's doctor...? Me?”

My eyes widened in shock, is that how it was going to be? This is the "home" of the hero who saved the country and the great scientist who brought the Singularity to the world, and it is a little too magnificent a house to be called "home.”
The military has more experienced doctors who have been in the field for a long time. Why such a big role was given to an inexperienced person who just worked under them is beyond my comprehension.

Adam "I've been shown your background.
Null told me that you were a prodigy of the "astral flare eaters"..."

Odd "Oh.... Yes.... You already know about that, too?
If so, why did you give such a big responsibility to someone like me?”

"Oh.... Yes.... You already know about that, too?
If so, why did you give such a big responsibility to someone like me?”

Adam "...You've had a hard time, haven't you? Don't be too down on yourself.
You've done an impeccable job, considering your background.
You should be proud."

Odd "....... I never thought I'd see the day I'd receive such encouragement from the hero of our nation's salvation, It's a good thing to be alive, really..."

I was happy. I had always worked with great care not to affect the "Kagaribito" around me.
Whenever I used magic, everyone around me would look at me with worried eyes.
To be honest, I had expected him to warn me to "be careful," but he unexpectedly gave me a little encouragement, which made me feel a little uncomfortable even though I was already a grown-up.
I am having a hard time holding back my tears.

Adam "So, let me ask you something. I want you to use your experience and knowledge that comes from your special background here."

Odd "...you mean?"

Adam "...my daughter is also a "Astral Flare eater", perhaps even more so than you."

Odd “...!”

I was surprised to hear Hero's sad story, but at the same time, I immediately understood why he called me.

Adam "She is now five years old. Until now, she has been content just to stay inside the house.
Recently, she started showing interest in the outside world, so..."

Odd "Perhaps the limiting device has been broken more than once?"

Adam "Haha...you got me. I know. I'm kind of abusing my authority here, so I'd like to ask you to keep this confidential,
I made it myself, using the same parts as the military.
It's a lot more powerful than what you're wearing right now."

Odd “That's..."

Listening to him, my mind was filled with two concerns at the same time.
The problem of cost...well, they are a hero of salvation and a rare scientist even if they are corrupt, so it may be all right...but....
But, a more powerful magic element limit...for a girl of only five years old?

Odd "...Your daughter, um, right how is Eve feeling right now?"

Adam "...I knew you were the type to get to business. Actually, she's not doing so well."

Lilith "Oh… I feel so sorry for her.... She’s running a fever again today.
It's been like this for a while now, and I couldn't help but tinker with the limiting device a little bit...I loosened the output...,"

continued the pretty woman with the face of a mother.
I could just imagine...

Odd "Oh..., could it be... that Lilyn is the only one here now..."

Lilith "That's what I mean. All the others have broken down, and my subordinate is adjusting them in the lab right now. This one is the latest model, so it managed to survive..."(*subordinate = Noah))

Lilyn "Thanks to you, we are not able to work. I would like you to do something about it as soon as possible."

Odd "So that's why Lady Lilith was preparing the meal..."

Lilith "Yes. I was helping Lilyn today, leaving all the work to Adam.
Well, I like cooking, so I don't mind at all.
But Adam and I are both busy with work, so I couldn't stay like this forever..."

Odd "I see. So you want me to be Eve's caretaker."

Lilith "Yes, that's right. When I asked General Null about taking a leave of absence, she was very excited and said, "I know someone who is more suitable for the job.”
I thought it would take a long time to get an honorable military man from Central to come to such a remote place, but I was surprised that he could come in one day.
General Null really works fast and is very helpful!”

She was not at all reserved or subtle. She was smiling with a very apologetic look on her face.
I could catch a glimpse of the hard work of the hero, who had probably been working overtime to take over all of the woman's work until a few minutes ago.
I couldn't help but let out a wry smile.

Odd "Ha ha ha..."

Adam "...so, can you do it?
I'd really like to stay with you the whole time, But as you can see, my ogre superiors won't let me rest.”

Lilith "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.
If one of us has to take a break, I'm more qualified than the other, right?"

Adam "That's true, but...
I'd like to spend my vacation with Eve, too..."

There was the hero nodding his head in a melancholy manner.
I was in awe of "him" who was depressed like a human being, but I felt a sense of intimacy with him.

Odd "Yes, I understand. If it's all right with you, I'll do my best to complete the mission.”

Adam "...! Thank you very much. I'm really sorry for the short notice.
Please take good care of Eve.

Eve (5)"Mamaaaa, Lilyn...I'm thirsty ........."

I was about to reply briskly when I heard a little girl's voice and I looked toward the door.
A pretty blonde girl walks up to Lady Lilith, rubbing her sleepy eyes and hugging her. Her face is a little red. She must have a high fever.

Lilith "Oh my Goodness, you woke up? Lilyn, what have we here?"

Lilyn "Master, Eve. Good morning.
Would you like some apple juice, tea, water or milk?"

Eve "Milk...! I want it warm!"

Lilyn "Yes, I understand. I will prepare them. Please wait a moment."

Eve "Yay, thanks Lilyn!"

Adam "Eve ....... I'm home."

Eve "......? Oh, it's daddy. It's been a long time since you've been home...!”

Adam "Ugh.... I'm sorry. I've been busy with work..."

The innocent girl, still clinging to Lady Lilith as usual, uttered a truly innocent comment with a smile. The hero of our country's salvation was very depressed. He probably wants to run over and hug her right now, but he is holding back, reading the air.
He looked so sad. I looked at Lady Lilith and I couldn't help but exchange a wry smile. After Lilith whispers something to Eve, the girl then nodded to Lilith, and then walked away from her beloved mother and toward the sad hero.

Eve "Daddy, thank you for all your hard work..."

Adam "...! Eve...come here."

The girl, hugged by him gently as if she were a delicate broken thing, looked very satisfied and smiled cutely back at her father.
I watched this scene with a sense of comfort and wonder. I had never received parental love. It is an emotion I have never known. But...

Odd (I can't believe how... warm it makes me feel...)

I felt like I had been shown something wonderful, and I was a little moved, and then from atop the hero's knee, a calm girl speaks to me.

Eve "Brother, whooo~? The new "Kagaribito"?"

Odd "Well, no, I'm..."

Well...do I look that much like a machine...?
I was puzzled by the outlandish question of a small child,

Adam "This brother is a 'person'. Eve."

Hero answers her question for her in a familiar manner.

Eve "What? I thought he was a replacement for the children who short circuted because of Eve.
Hey, Daddy, when are they coming back? Are you sure they are going to be okay?”

Adam "Now, sister Noah is working hard.
She's probably at ......,sacrificing her sleep."
……おそらく、寝る暇も惜しんで。」

The second half was obviously a soliloquy with a few omissions.
Perhaps there are others who are suffering from "overtime work".

Eve "I see! I'm sure Noah sister will fix it...! Thank goodness!
I'll have to apologize to everyone when Eve gets back."

Adam "Yes, you're right. But no one is mad at you. You don't have to worry about it.”

Eve "I wonder... I'm sure it must have hurt.... I wonder if we can make up..."

This is a very childish idea. The little girl, being patted on the head by her father and encouraged by him, treated "Kagaribito" as if she were a human being.
She seemed to be pained by the "mechanical malfunction" caused by her interference with their power when she invoked her magic, and was concerned about the future relationship between them and herself. Since the installation of "pseudo-minds" in mechanical dolls has become mainstream, this is probably one of the downsides of the rich human-like emotional expressions they display. The fact that all their movements were programmed was still incomprehensible to the young girl.

Adam "So, Eve. Daddy has to work tomorrow, so I've got a "doctor" here.
This big brother will take care of Eve starting tomorrow. Come on, say hello."

Eve "...a doctor? Is he the same as Noah?
Then can you fix my friends too?"

feel a bit apologetic and am at a loss for a response.

Odd "Oh, um..."

Adam "Ah-ha-ha. He's a doctor who specializes in 'people'.
I mean, he's a doctor only for Eve.”

Eve "Really? Well, Eve is looking forward to playing with you!
What's your name brother?"

Odd "Odd. My name is Odd Medroa. Nice to meet you, Eve-chan."

Eve "Odd...that's a cool name! Can I call you Dr. Odd?"

Odd "Yes, sure! First of all, I have to bring down your fever.”

Adam "You're in a race with everyone else, Eve. You've got to listen to your doctor and be good. Daddy will reward you if you heal faster than everyone else."

Lilith "Oh, I’ll have to work hard at that. You can't lose."

Eve "Yeah... If I really work hard I'm sure I will be able to beat everyone.”

Lilith "Hmmm...the loser will be punished, right? How about eating vegetables?”

Eve "Ugh.... I hate carrots.... Dr. Odd...! Hurry up and heal Eve!
If Eve loses, Dr. Odd will be right there with me!”

The girl who seemed to be in a hurry to recover then said to me, "Actually, I love carrots." I was slightly puzzled,

Odd “I'll do my best..."

I replied to her with no confidence, but she still smiled with an angelic face

Eve "Alright! I'm going to win for sure! Hey, Papa! Eee, eee."

Adam &Eve ""Oh！""

Together they let out a spirited shout,

Odd "Oh...oh?"

I raised my right hand in a small gesture in time with their shouts.

Thus, at a young age, I left Central and ended up in the house of a hero of salvation.
I had to transfer at short notice due to a confidentiality agreement. I could not tell the details of this assignment to Abel, who recognized my sudden transfer as a demotion and contacted me many times to encourage me. I would feel slightly sorry every time I talked to him.

Incidentally, after that day, I was given a room in a corner of the mansion, which was much larger than the military dormitory I shared with Abel at Central. It was also a place where I could live in comfort, thanks to the kindness of the hero of the country, a man who cared for me to the utmost. I was even given my own "Kagaribito", so I felt like... a noble suddenly.

"The Trail of Erde Sin"　▶

See Timeline　▶

※The stories are connected in character order.