"…That's more or less the whole story."
Although Revy still felt uneasy about the dream he'd had earlier, he knew it wasn't something he could explain to others. So, when he recounted the events to Mostima, he stuck to a heavily simplified version.
Notably, he omitted any mention of the "Demon King," instead chalking the entire experience up to a localized Catastrophe. It wasn't entirely implausible—after all, the Originium spires that had erupted from the Chernobog battlefield had been witnessed by many.
"Hoh? Never thought I'd see the great 'Prophet' get himself caught in a localized Catastrophe."
Mostima chuckled teasingly, her tone playful.
"If the other Messengers heard that, their jaws would probably hit the floor."
"On the battlefield, blades are often deadlier than Catastrophes… and don't call me by that stupid nickname."
"Nope~ That's my favorite part."
Watching this mischievous Sankta woman grin like a little devil, Revy let out a sigh that masked a sense of relief.
He had met Mostima two years ago.
Back then, Revy owed someone a favor and had been forced to take on a dangerous assignment in Minos. Mostima, by some twist of fate—intentional or not—got involved in that same mission.
That deadly operation, and the way they'd helped each other through it, had quickly transformed their relationship into one of genuine trust and rare friendship.
Mostima became his first—and only—partner among the Catastrophe Messengers. Since then, every time Revy made a prediction, he'd send her his reports exactly as they'd agreed.
After that mission, Revy even took a rare sabbatical, traveling the continent with Mostima for a whole year. Along the way, they'd chased down mobile cities, delivered letters, saved towns from oncoming Catastrophes, and even gotten into a few morally gray adventures.
That journey with her was one of the brightest chapters in his otherwise turbulent life.
"You joined Rhodes Island?"
Mostima glanced at the insignia on his coat.
"I've heard of them—aren't they that pharmaceutical company treating Oripathy?"
"Sort of like coming home, I guess. Rhodes Island used to be Babel—I mentioned it before."
Revy smiled faintly.
"And as for being a pharmaceutical company, well… everyone has a front. Doesn't Penguin Logistics also call itself a logistics company?"
"But Penguin Logistics actually does deliver packages, you know."
"…Well, I've never seen Rhodes Island making medicine, so."
They paused—then broke into quiet, knowing laughter.
"So why'd you go back?""Got bored of being a Messenger?"
Revy shook his head.
"Not really. I just… felt like someone needed me.""And from where I stood, I couldn't say no."
"She?"
"The new leader of Rhodes Island. A little bunny girl named Amiya. I'll introduce you sometime."
"Hm."
Mostima didn't ask any more questions.
That was an unspoken rule between them—no prying into each other's secrets. Some things were too heavy even for close friends to share.
"So how about you? Been a year since we last met, right?"
Caught off guard by the sudden question, Mostima blinked.
"Not much has changed, honestly. Same as ever—travel, deliver letters… and sometimes keep tabs on you."
"What's there to hear about me?"
"It's fun."
Mostima flashed a cute smile.
"Stories like 'The Prophet miraculously saved another city' or 'Regulus Harvey becomes the hero of yet another stronghold'… they make for great tavern talk."
"Ugh. Sounds so pretentious… and exaggerated."
"People faced with unstoppable Catastrophes don't want facts—they want hope.""They need someone to idolize. A savior."
"But Messengers aren't gods. We make mistakes too."
"Yet you've never been late. Never wrong. Isn't that true?"
Revy rubbed the back of his neck, awkward.
"By the way, where's your little shadow today?"
Trying to change the subject, he glanced around.
"She's usually glued to you with that scowl on her face."
"Shadow? Who—oh, you mean her."
Mostima took a moment to realize who he meant.
"You scared me for a second—I thought someone was tailing me.""Didn't you two hate each other? Why bring her up?"
She was clearly remembering their first encounter—an argument that turned into a scuffle, which ended with Revy disarming the poor girl and pinning her to the ground. The image still made Mostima want to laugh.
Revy had even made her cry.
That moment had become a recurring joke between Mostima and the girl in question.
"It wasn't hate. Just a misunderstanding. She's been avoiding me ever since."
Revy sighed.
"She went back to report in. Besides, I don't need a babysitter all the time."
"If that girl knew you'd snuck off to Chernobog by yourself, she'd be furious."
"Which is exactly why I came while she wasn't looking."
Mostima's eyes gleamed mischievously.
"I ran out of gum… got any booze?"
"…Knew I couldn't hide it from you."
Chuckling, Revy pulled a small flask from the inside of his coat and tossed it to her.
"Don't drink it all."
"Spare me."
Catching the flask, Mostima twisted the cap off and took a long swig.
"You're always generous—except when it comes to your booze. What gives?"
"…Good kids shouldn't drink."
"I'm drinking for the good kid—so you'll quit already."
"..."
Revy may have lost that round of banter—but for some reason, a smile tugged at his lips anyway.
(Maybe… this is what Mostima is really like.)