Nikke, something’s seriously wrong with this evacuation point! Chapter 70 70: The light is right here

Finally, Ana put down the food in her hands.

Her heartbeat was fast, but she still tried to maintain composure. No–she couldn't embarrass her parents. She absolutely had to maintain her image, her dignity.

If before she had rely been acting spoiled in front of Charon, now she wanted to show him her "lady-like" side.

But that thought faded within three seconds.

What lady? In the hideout, he had already seen her at her most "undignified" state. He already knew exactly what kind of person she was. What was the point of pretending now?

Waaah, too an–Charon was too an!

A situation like "the legendary idol is actually the older brother I like" had happened to her. The only thing she wanted to do was pinch her own cheeks to check if she was dreaming–maybe she would wake up back in the hideout bed?

"…What are you doing?" Noticing her pulling at her cheeks, Charon helplessly grabbed her hand. "Alright, behave. I'll buy you sothing tasty later, okay?"

I don't want food!!

Ana cried internally. Did he think she was just a foodie? Her weight control was perfect, okay?!

"Um… Charon-sensei, so you… you are actually…"

In the end, she couldn't hold back her shock and whispered it out.

Charon hesitated, exchanging a strange glance with Abe, then patted Ana's head without speaking and gave her a silent "shh" gesture.

Ana's heartbeat suddenly accelerated.

'Waaah… a wink… that's cheating…'

Outwardly, she obediently covered her mouth with both hands and nodded hard. The next second, she gave a determined look, as if promising to take this secret to her grave.

"You bastard… so Liliweiss is one thing, but now you're even targeting little girls?" Abe crossed her arms, looking at him like he was trash.

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Charon smiled bitterly, raising his hands. "This kid just really admires the Goddess Squad. That reaction is already mild… anyway, since we're here."

His expression turned serious.

"Abe, I want you to take care of her."

Ana froze. She wanted to say sothing, but her expression quickly dimd.

Abe clicked her tongue imdiately.

"I refuse."

Her tone was firm.

"My place is basically a retirent ho. Raising a kid there is not a good idea… besides, because of that woman, I'm basically struggling to take care of myself. I don't have ti to raise a child."

"That's exactly why I ca to you," Charon said seriously. "Because of that, no one will notice her there. She's smart, clean, and can cook. She won't be a burden."

"…She can cook?" Abe looked at Ana's silver twin-tails and slightly pitiful expression, then sighed deeply.

"Please, Abe… this is my one and only request," Charon even put on a pleading expression.

"Pfft–stop that, I'm going to throw up!" Abe turned away, covering her face, clearly trying not to laugh.

"Actually, there's another reason," Charon continued seriously. "Your technology won't stay buried forever. They'll eventually realize that without you, the next-generation 'Fairy Tale-type' developnt can't proceed. When that happens, having her with you might make your life easier. You understand, right?"

"…Hah, I didn't expect you to know that well," Abe said, finally showing a satisfied expression.

Charon looked away. (He couldn't admit he had just made that up to persuade her.)

But it wasn't entirely false–Abe, a top VTC researcher and professor-level figure, was undeniably talented.

"Fine… but I'll make one thing clear. I can raise ten kids without spending much money anyway," Abe said, looking at Ana. "Kid, give a reason to adopt you."

"If you're just going to cry, act spoiled, beg for candy, or scream over a bit of dirt, trust –you'll be in the farthest orphanage within 24 hours."

"And don't tell you're 'well-behaved.' I don't need a pet."

Charon was about to speak, but Abe shot him a glance–clearly serious.

He beca worried.

But when he looked at Ana, that worry disappeared.

Her eyes had changed.

They were more determined than ever.

She clenched her fists tightly, fingers turning white.

"I've seen many terrifying things," she said softly. Her voice was young, but steady. In her mind flashed images of her parents falling, Raptures attacking, and the scenes from the Möbius Hotel.

"Maybe more terrifying than you can imagine. Things that tried to turn into part of them–into sothing disgusting."

"But I've also seen people like light."

"Because of those people, weak beings like were able to grow, and even beco like them one day."

"I am weak now. I can't do anything. I'm just a burden."

"But I will grow up. I want to beco one of those people. Even if I'm just a pair of eyes recording everything, I want to rember that light. I want to rember those who shine in the darkness."

"I want to live. I want to beco strong. Stronger than anyone."

"I want to protect those who once protected , and those who are as weak as I once was."

"And tell them–don't be afraid."

"The light is right here."

Charon froze.

He hadn't expected Ana to say sothing like that.

At that mont, even his heart was moved.

Abe silently stared at Ana, then muttered only to herself:

"…Where did he pick up this kid who's just like him?"

Then she spat lightly.

"Enough talk about ideals, kid. The world doesn't let you survive just because you're determined."

Ana lowered her head slightly in disappointnt.

But Abe suddenly changed her tone.

"Fine. I'll make an exception and see what kind of thod you'll use to beco as strong as you claim."

Ana looked up again, startled, then turned toward Charon.

Charon said nothing.

He simply smiled and gave her a thumbs-up.