Zenless Zone Zero: I'am a Dullahan!

"Commander, I'm sorry, I…"

After the visitor left, Soldier 11 began to speak again, but Zane already knew what she was going to say and cut her off.

"I told you, just act like you used to. It's awkward for you to talk like that, and it's awkward for me to hear it."

"This whole thing isn't a big deal to me. I'm a lieutenant in the Falkenhayn Mercenary Troupe, and Shin is on my side. If anyone's to blame, it's her."

"I'll deal with her myself."

Someday, I'll strip her of every last feather.

"But you need to learn your lesson. Once bitten, twice shy."

Seeing Soldier 11's stubborn expression as she tried to speak again, Zane's tone cooled.

"That's an order."

At that, Soldier 11 had no choice but to swallow her words. Following Zane's instructions, she pulled out the documents and quickly filled out the receipt.

She tucked the papers away, still looking apologetic. Zane didn't mind anymore, but she still felt deeply guilty.

"You really are something. I used to bully you all the time, and now that we're even, you're still looking like you owe me something…"

Zane gave her a helpless look, but Soldier 11 didn't agree. She shook her head and said,

"It wasn't bullying."

"It was growth."

Zane twitched at her words, a few black lines practically forming on his forehead. He sighed and looked at her with mock pity.

"Fine, fine, it was growth."

"So what happened? Why are you like this now?"

Soldier 11 hesitated before answering,

"These past few days, I've been delivering death notices and condolence payments to the families of fallen comrades..."

"It... it really hurts."

She had grown numb to this kind of thing, but that didn't mean she accepted it—especially when facing her comrades' families directly.

She lowered her head. There weren't many official members of the Obol Squad. After working together for so long, they were more or less familiar with one another.

Zane's expression softened. He understood—no one could go through something like that without being affected.

Parting in life and death... was never easy.

"Trigger was sent on a mission to the Mars District. I didn't meet the requirements, so they didn't send me."

Soldier 11 continued quietly.

"We exchanged one letter during this time. She said everything's going well, the secret mission is progressing smoothly—but she didn't know when she'd be back."

"She did share some info. Zane, do you know about the Shiyu Pillar? The thing that powers all of New Eridu?"

"Beneath the city, the underground's filled with crisscrossing pipelines and small Shiyu Pillars. But the Mars District is different—there's a massive underground space there."

"I knew about that before, but I didn't know what was inside. Trigger told me humans are building their own steel 'monsters.'"

Her voice grew more worried.

"She said everything's fine, but based on what she told me, I dug up some intel... That place is dangerous."

"I'm really worried about her... If she ends up having to do what I've been doing these past few days..."

She shook her head, unwilling to even picture it.

She murmured,

"I don't have much left anymore."

The cat café went quiet. A little white cat padded silently over, brushing against her leg as if sensing something.

After a few seconds, Zane spoke softly.

"Try to stay optimistic."

"If Trigger heard what you're thinking, she'd probably scold you without holding back."

He stood, walked up to her, and gently removed her goggles. She didn't react—didn't stop him.

Revealing her eyes, she looked up at Zane.

"You rushed over here, so you must be hungry, right?"

"I could hear your stomach growling."

Zane put her goggles on his own face with a slight smile. He wasn't good at comforting people—especially in situations like this.

So if he couldn't offer comfort, he'd just change the subject.

"Let's go. I'll treat you to ramen."

"The super spicy kind."

"Ramen…"

Soldier 11 rubbed her stomach and blinked, clearly tempted. Her heavy mood was already starting to lift.

"Come on. That's an order."

Zane waved, and she had no choice but to follow.

They walked side by side down the street.

The stars above were still shining bright,

as if watching over the world.

Suddenly, Soldier 11 whispered,

"Zane, I heard... that when people die, they turn into stars and watch over the people they cared about. Is that true?"

"Tch, you're not a kid—can't you tell truth from make-believe?"

Seeing the sadness in her eyes, Zane knew she understood already—she just wanted to hear an answer.

But... for Soldier 11, that belief didn't quite apply.

"Right, once I've wrapped up things here, I'll take you to see someone you probably know pretty well."

"Who?"

"It's a secret."

...

The commission from Belobog Heavy Industries came faster than expected. Early the next morning, Belle received a message from Anton.

The whole team geared up and headed for the ruins of the Brant Street construction site.

Same lineup as always—not a single person missing.

"Anby, you really jinxed it!"

"Ah… you can't blame me for that…"

Hearing Anby's words, Billy let out a deep sigh and fell into thought, murmuring,

"I hid Dennies in such a secure place… How did Boss Nicole find it?"

"Well, it's lucky the Starlight Knights' event got pushed to today for some reason. Who knows how long this commission will take—let's just hope it's short…"

Anby glanced over and said,

"Billy, are you sure this time...?"

She didn't finish, but Billy got the hint and grinned.

"Hmph, don't worry! I've got Dennies on me this time!"

"No matter what, there's no way Boss Nicole's snatching it from me again…"

Anby lowered her head, thinking.

From her understanding...

It wasn't impossible.

"What are you two whispering about back there?"

Nicole's voice suddenly called from up ahead. Billy instantly straightened up, rubbing the back of his head with an awkward grin.

"Boss Nicole! Anby and I were just talking about your excellent leadership! Without you, Hare's House wouldn't be nearly as prosperous!"

Anby nodded along beside him.

Nicole eyed the two of them suspiciously. Something felt... off.

But then again, with such a great boss like her, getting praised behind her back seemed only natural.

The more she thought about it, the bigger her smile grew.