REWRITE: Lets escape the reality

Hours later, Ataparag gathered her team in that same room, the air thick with anticipation. Ten members stood in a neat row, a large whiteboard behind her listing their daily tasks—mostly patrolling the town's borders or conducting rounds.

She stood at the front with Nyabu and Toto, addressing them with a steady voice. "You may head to your duties. Stay cautious and alert," she instructed, her tone firm yet gentle.

After assigning roles, her team dispersed one by one, leaving the room quieter. Moments later, she approached my seat, her steps hesitant. Sadness clouded her face, her eyes avoiding mine directly. "Uh… Mister Nathaniel, I want to apologize for what happened," she said softly.

"I know you're confused about earlier, but I want you to know it wasn't your fault," she added, her voice trembling with sincerity.

"Huh? Oh… thank goodness. The green-haired woman explained it earlier," I replied, relief mixing with lingering unease.

Her eyes widened, surprised someone had already filled me in. She explained that her body sometimes reverted to its beastly form unconsciously—often after battle injuries or drunkenness—but never during sleep until now. "Honestly, this is the first time it's happened at night," she confessed, her brow furrowing.

I wasn't sure if she spoke the truth or if, as the Hube suggested, she remained unaware of her actions. As we talked, Nyabu interjected, her tone as sharp as ever. "It's obvious why, Leader. If you hadn't let a human sleep in your unit, you wouldn't have craved human flesh," she snapped.

Ataparag clapped a hand over Nyabu's mouth, insisting, "I don't eat people—or any creature! Believe me, Mister Nathaniel, I never meant to harm you. I just wanted to help!"

Her desperate plea and the disappointment etched on her face begged for my trust. Perhaps she hadn't intended harm, but the danger she posed lingered undeniable. She bowed her head, asking, "Are you afraid of me now?"

Recalling the floor holes—clear evidence of her attempt to eat me—fear was natural. Yet her kindness and gentle demeanor made anger impossible. "I'd be lying if I said I'm not scared, but I'm alive. If you hadn't restrained yourself, no one could've stopped you last night," I admitted.

"My trust and gratitude for you remain, Miss Ataparag," I added.

She grasped my hand, smiling gratefully, though her expression soon turned pensive. "To be honest, I'm not sure if last night was a dream where I wanted to eat… Good thing I ate so much meat," she mused.

I winced—her restraint seemed less willpower and more a full stomach. Her mood brightened, her smile returning to enhance her charm. But as our rapport grew, Nyabu slapped Ataparag's hands away from mine. "Stop that!" she barked.

"Nyabu, that hurt!" Ataparag protested.

Furious, Nyabu scolded her. "You can't get close to humans—especially him, who's useless! I don't get your thinking, Leader. You want our team to succeed, yet you bring a liability!"

Ataparag countered, bound by Aoi's orders, and defended my potential. "He could assist with paperwork or deliver messages," she suggested.

"Leader, that's all you do all day, and now you want to dump it on someone else?" Nyabu retorted coldly.

"You're too harsh, Nyabu," Ataparag replied, embarrassed.

I wanted to intervene, but choosing sides was tricky. Paperwork sounded tedious, yet Nyabu's "useless" jab bruised my pride. Nyabu sighed, exasperated, citing her efforts for Ataparag. "I'm all you need—stop forcing him on the team!"

She argued fiercely, ignored in her concerns, her glare and gritted teeth radiating irritation toward me. "I won't allow you on this team—remember that," she warned.

Sensing the tension worsening, Ataparag stepped between us. "Why not join us in delivering the applicant list to the base?" she pleaded.

"Tsk, I won't go if he's included," Nyabu huffed, storming out defiantly.

Ataparag's kindness made her a lenient leader, rarely angered by defiance. Afterward, she apologized again for Nyabu's behavior, which I brushed off—I was growing accustomed to it. "But she has a point," I admitted.

"Not that I doubt you as a leader, but isn't it risky to include me when I have no power?" I asked.

She sighed, turning away briefly. "queen Sei once told me a being's appearance, race, or ability doesn't define their worth. I saw how you protected your companion, risking yourself for what's right. Your compassion and justice—that's what I want in my team," she explained.

Her words felt shallow—not because they were wrong, but because in real battles or disasters, justice alone wouldn't help, as I'd failed to protect Zhui. "You're wrong. The queen heard your words, and I think she'll help if she finds proof," Ataparag countered.

She noted Sei's rare hesitation in judging Zhui, suggesting hope lingered. "If you truly want to save your Soul Eater friend, join Eskapa," she urged.

I hesitated, but she had a point—Zhui was in a black cage, and proving her harmlessness could sway Sei. "I hope you're right," I said, exhaling heavily.

"Of course I am right , are you still doubting me?" she boasted, her sweet voice and playful grin disarming despite her blunders.

Her confidence was infectious, and I clung to it, needing to believe for Zhui's sake. Soon, she prepared us to head to the base early with the applicant list.