Chapter 59: Companions (2)
Ray continued speaking absentmindedly.
"I plan to gather information about the Rainbow while traveling through sectors. Based on recent findings..."
A ring embedded with a red gemstone appeared in Ray's hand, retrieved from his pocket.
"The man I fought... is likely a high-ranking member of Mercred."
Veronica stiffened upon seeing the ring.
"That's..."
The Veronica Parameter spiked.
The Veronica Parameter was a term Ray coined after reading mathematics books, measuring the white mana levels in Veronica's vessel. It ranged across five stages from 'Safe' (no anxiety) to 'Blinding' (vessel engulfed by white light). Another metric, the Viola Matter, quantified narrative absurdity. The current Veronica Parameter level was...
Caution.
Stage 3: Moderate concern.
Ray parted his lips.
"No need to worry. I won't use it unless absolutely necessary."
"So you will use it in emergencies?"
"Naturally, if it's life-or-death."
"......"
Veronica's lips puckered in protest. She disliked this truth but couldn't refute it.
"You promised not to use it last time! Liar! Should've made you sign a contract. This is why we can't trust—"
Her grumbling faded into the background as Ray continued unfazed.
"A prevailing theory suggests the Rainbow is an infinite mana gemstone, now shattered into seven fragments scattered worldwide."
Philip leaned forward, captivated.
"Mercred's leader supposedly owns one. Their members' charging stones are partial fragments."
"So we'll investigate Mercred and these gemstones?"
"Precisely."
Ray paused, expecting fear to flood their vessels. Yet seconds passed without emotional shifts.
...?
Philip shrugged under Ray's questioning gaze.
"Expected as much. Never thought this'd be a leisure trip."
"Your lives may be at stake."
"Nearly died plenty of times. You helped me taste it once at that factory."
Veronica interjected,
"Just don't use that ring! Unless you're literally dying!"
Unexpectedly, lemon-yellow mana blossomed in their vessels - courage brighter than ordinary people's. Ray recognized this hue from their past confrontations: Veronica facing the Zephyr gang, Philip saving Cedric from flames.
...
To be charitable: brave. Less charitably: reckless.
Ray concluded they weren't naturally fearless, but could summon conviction when crucial.
"I acknowledge your resolve." His voice deepened with rare gravity. "I'll protect you within my means and aid your goals. In exchange—"
Having left Sector 50, the harsh outer world demanded collaboration.
"—provide your expertise. Philip handles funds and negotiations. Veronica advises on magical matters."
Their earlier doubts ('Why choose us? You're stronger alone!') dissolved into relief at his clarity.
Philip shared first:
"I'm finding my mother. She left to earn money when I was six."
Memories surfaced - cloudy park skies, trembling farewell, biscuit scent clinging to small hands.
"I know she probably abandoned me. Might be dead. But I'll keep believing."
Tears welled in Veronica's eyes.
"Too sad! Hiccup!"
"Not that tragic—"
"Y-you made her cry! Fix it!"
"WAAAAAH! MOOOOM!"
After calming her, Veronica revealed her goal:
"Completing Grandpa's research on Black Rain."
The mysterious precipitation caused incurable diseases like Somnus Syndrome. Despite her grandfather's efforts, the meteorological phenomenon remained poorly understood due to insufficient data across vast sectors.
"I want to honor him...and prevent more deaths."
Ray recalled a golem from Sector 50 - its heart merging multicolored mana into black smoke rising skyward. Could this relate to Black Rain? He decided to withhold theories until verified.
Philip nodded.
"I'll help however I can."
"Me too," Veronica sniffled.
They turned to Ray, seeking leadership.
"Mutual assistance is our transaction," he concluded. "The surest contract."
A shared purpose solidified between them - not mere camaraderie, but a symbiotic pact. Philip's chest fluttered with unfamiliar warmth; Veronica felt tiny sails billowing within hers.
Philip placed his palm over their campfire.
"Let's do this."
Veronica stacked hers atop his.
"Together."
Ray observed.
"Cold hands? I'll stoke the flames."
"N-no! It's a teamwork gesture!"
After explanations about Sector 50's different customs (clashing palms, victory shouts), Ray reluctantly added his hand to the pile. Warmth spread, dissolving residual anxieties as stars watched over three figures bound by fate.
The vehicle raced onward.
"Day six?" Philip mumbled against his window.
"Seven?" Veronica stared blankly opposite.
"Nine," Ray answered from the driver's seat.
"Eeep!"
"Gaaah!"
Greasy hair and grimy skin testified to their marathon journey through monotonous landscapes.
"Maps might help gauge distances..."
"Never seen one."
"Richer sectors might have—"
Ray interrupted.
"Nearly there. Took ten days from Sector 50 to 49."
Hope straightened their postures. They marveled at Ray's machine-like endurance behind the wheel.
Philip's exhausted mind wandered:
Could Ray be a robot? He mentally undressed Ray's face before shaking his head.
Sleep deprivation talking.
His gaze returned to the horizon just as—
GRROOOOOOOOOM!!!
The earth quaked. A dust storm erupted at the world's edge.
