My Strange Savior - Chapter 136

Chapter 136

Gia’s tense eyes trembled with unease. 

Kalion carefully held Gia’s head in his broad arms and gently pulled her closer.

As Gia found solace in Kalion’s embrace, she lightly pressed her forehead against him. Kalion, with one hand wrapped around the back of Gia’s head, used his other arm to hold her small and delicate body more firmly. His expression twisted in pain.

“Kalion…”

“Yes.”

“Do you think the remaining cure will really… have any effect?”

Gia’s voice lacked confidence. If, by some minuscule chance, the obtained cure did have an effect.

The hope that had welled up in Gia’s eyes faded once again. She knew too well that such a thing wouldn’t happen to her.

Gia’s eyes sank into dullness. Still… still. Her heart surged thousands of times, and within that turmoil, hope and despair fought fiercely.

Responding to the sound of her heart, Gia cautiously lifted the hand of hope. Nevertheless, she couldn’t shake the knowledge that there might be no real hope. The Alpha antidote in Sector A, where she was located, might not be effective.

“It will work. Surely, it will.”

Gia raised her head slightly at Kalion’s voice, filled with more certainty than anyone else.

“Really?”

Strangely, Kalion’s words brought a sense of relief. When he said it like that, perhaps it really could be true. Her agitated mind became calm.

“Yes. I believe it will.”

“I wish I could believe that too.”

“Even if it’s not, I’ll find a way to cure you.”

Kalion’s hand gently caressed Gia’s cheek. Although the possibility was almost zero, Gia wanted to believe Kalion’s words. Otherwise, she would break down and want to cry right here, giving up all hope.

Kalion couldn’t keep sitting in despair while comforting her like this. Gia, forcing herself to appear strong, strengthened her neck and spoke with a cheerful voice.

“Let’s look for the remaining Alpha antidote.”

“Yes.”

Knowing Gia’s efforts, Kalion also put on a nonchalant expression.

A slightly calmer Gia, with a flushed nose, turned her wrist to check the watch.

Kalion, grabbing Gia’s leading hand, stood confidently by her side.

“Let’s go together.”

“Yeah.”

* * *

Sector A was not far from the research building. 

Gia was relieved she had brought Helene’s ID, the spouse of David. The obstructing doors were easily resolved with her single ID.

Anyone affiliated with the shelter, upon their death, had their demise recorded in the system, rendering their ID useless. David probably couldn’t have declared Helene’s death with his own hands. Thanks to that, Gia found Helene’s ID quite useful.

Amid various thoughts, Gia suddenly opened her mouth and let out a soft moan.

“Why are you like this?”

“Kalion, I… thought people hated me.”

Of course, they did, she thought, even if they outwardly recognized her as a colleague, even if they knew Morrison had spread the virus, it didn’t change the fact that it was her father who had created it in the first place.

In her younger days, covered in a sense of victimhood, Gia thought people treated her well only pretending everything was fine.

If she had been declared missing, she wouldn’t have been able to access the shelter. Gia, who had stopped on her way, took a deep breath.

In other words, her identity had not been revoked.

‘As if hoping for my return…’

It felt like she had hoped for that.

Gia’s chest swelled with emotion, and in her elation, she covered her mouth with her hand. Despite the sudden action, Kalion patiently waited for her next words.

Gia’s eyes moistened once again. She looked at the man standing steadfastly in front of her.

“But… it seems not.”

“Who could hate such a lovely presence like you?”

Gia laughed at Kalion’s sincere words.

“Yeah. So that’s how it is.”

“Absolutely.”

In the sincerity of Kalion’s words, Gia smiled faintly.

“Even if you die or go missing, you can’t access the shelter.”

“Is that so? But you just came in.”

“Well, my identity must still be intact, meaning my remaining colleagues haven’t processed my death or disappearance…”

Gia’s sagging words were filled with joy. Even in a situation where she might become a runaway, the small affection of her colleagues melted her heart.

“That seems to be the case.”

Crying and laughing alternated on Gia’s face, now flushed. Kalion raised his hand, and Gia’s warm cheek touched his palm.

“Your sincerity is understood by your colleagues.”

As if by habit, Gia tilted her head and rested her cheek on Kalion’s palm.

“Your father may have invented the virus, but they must have realized you’re a good person.”

“Are you laying it on a bit too thick on my face?”

“It’s the truth.”

Kalion lowered his hand and intertwined his fingers with Gia’s. Walking forward, Gia listened attentively to Kalion’s voice as he spoke somewhat absentmindedly.

“At first, I thought… well…”

Chuckles. Kalion cleared his throat with a fake cough, and his neck turned red.

“I thought you were a crazy person. Plus, your actions were rough, and I thought you were worse than a disciplinary case.”

As Gia listened to his confession, the corners of her eyes lifted in relief.

“Isn’t that too much? Would it hurt to say it nicely? Even if it’s a lie…”

Gia glared at Kalion, who was oblivious to lying.

“But then, I naturally learned that you’re a person whose actions might be rough, but your heart is warm. Someone who knows how to protect the weak and take responsibility not just in words but also in deeds.”

Was Kalion always this articulate? Lips that didn’t speak much unless asked now poured out words without hesitation.

“A tender person who doesn’t overlook weakness. You don’t need to step forward, yet you go all the way, trying to resolve things like it’s your duty. Maybe those people were just like me, back then.”

Gia’s eyes trembled with the kindness contained within. The waves of Kalion’s tenderness seemed to engulf her.

Even though the surging waves might be intimidating, Gia stood firm, facing the incoming tide. Swept away, she was battered and bruised.

Within that embrace, instead of fear, it felt warm.

Gia examined Kalion, who was looking at her.

Kalion, with a heart steadfast enough to endure anything.

Was there another man with black hair that complemented him so well?

Beneath his prominent forehead, manly eyebrows rested gently when he looked at her. His eyes, red like a scorching sun, held more warmth than a midwinter frost but released a gentle breeze like a spring day when looking at her.

Past his straight nose, his lips, which rarely opened except in necessary situations, flowed freely when dealing with her.

Affectionate Kalion. Honest Kalion.

Someone who could see beyond the external appearance. That’s why she liked him. Because he was warm and affectionate, knowing how to speak kind words. 

Gia tightened her grip on the hand she held.

“What would have happened if I hadn’t met you?”

“That would never happen. Even if we had met across time, we would have found a way to be together.”

The words, spoken with Kalion’s soft and deep voice, felt so reassuring to Gia that it was almost tingling. 

“Yeah.”

“Yes.”

Gia’s eyes were filled with confidence. She felt a strong belief that even if she were to lose control, he would never abandon her.

Gia shook the hand she was holding. 

“At this rate, we might not make it to Sector A by tomorrow.”

Responding to Gia’s urging, Kalion adjusted his steps. 

Despite the silence that surrounded them, it felt comfortable rather than awkward.

[Sector A.]

Gia reached out with joy towards the prominently written sign. 

“We’ve arrived.”

What if there is no cure? Gia pondered. 

There was no guarantee that the cure would be intact within the shelter that had been neglected for so long. Moreover, someone might have entered and taken the remaining cure.

The worst-case scenario was not just that the cure had not been preserved but also that someone had taken it.

What if the cure has no effect? What would happen then? The thoughts that had been pushed aside were now firmly held by Kalion’s determined mind.

Gia’s hand, holding Helene’s ID, trembled.

“It’s okay.” 

Kalion reassured her, taking the ID from Gia’s hand. He followed the familiar procedure, placing the ID on the screen. The door opened wide, accompanied by the voice of a familiar woman.

Kalion embraced Gia’s trembling shoulders and supported her as they stepped inside.

“Gia.”

In response to Kalion’s voice, Gia reluctantly lifted her heavy eyelids.

The longer her eyelids trembled, the more Gia’s long eyelashes fluttered.

“I’m actually really scared.”

“Look.”

Kalion gently held Gia’s shoulders. Gia found courage in Kalion’s words.

“That’s…”

“That’s the Alpha antidote he mentioned.”

In the center was a pedestal that reached Gia’s waist, and on top of it, a rectangular glass box emitted a chilling mist.

Phew.

The cooling system was still functioning well, and the cold air pierced Gia’s nose. Hesitatingly, Gia couldn’t easily approach. Kalion positioned himself behind Gia and slowly moved, causing Gia’s body to automatically turn forward.

Embraced by Kalion, Gia, like a child taking its first steps, walked awkwardly. Her eyes widened in disbelief.

Amidst the swirling mist inside the glass box, a blue color revealed itself. The liquid inside, contained in a bottle identical to the one David had shown on the screen, was visible.

Gazing at the cure right in front of her, Gia hurriedly moved her hands. Placing Helene’s ID on the touchpad on the pedestal, the screen quickly filled with information about the cure.

[Alpha Antidote / Genetic Information / Final Supervisor David Brian / Preservation Status – Excellent]