𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙡 ♥︎

Chapter 54: 『BURST I』

Clink!

Gulp!

Crow sets down the shot glass and leans over the table, trembling slightly as the alcohol moves down her track, some of it spilling from her lips. She sighs as it all goes down, letting her sit freely back on the stool.

Her breathing seems heavier than usual, her cheeks are flushed red, and the trembling does not seem to be subsiding. Any normal person would look at this display and immediately label this person as a drunk.

But that's not exactly the case. While the effects of the alcohol are still there, Crow is free to think without it blurring her thoughts. At least if she doesn't take a couple more shots in the meantime.

''...'' The bartender looked her up and down while wiping a glass. ''Would that be all for tonight, Miss?''

''Let me... Let me calm down a bit, and I'll tell you.'' Crow answered, head hung low. ''I may go for another one or two.''

''Gotcha.'' The bartender moves his gaze and tends to the other customers, leaving the dark-haired Nikke to herself.

... You may be wondering, why is she doing this exactly? Crow doesn't seem like the type of person to constantly go out and party with drinks, does she?

She isn't... For the most part. Even if she does go out, hardly could anyone call it partying, more like planning over a couple bottles of substance or narcotics. What she is doing now is rather 'Out of Character' for her.

Never before has she witnessed herself in such a predicament like this. Her guts are churning, but not from the alcohol, but something rather more sinister.

It has been plaguing her mind for quite a while now, almost an entire week. Ever since she tried her hand at assassinating that goody-two-shoe commander everyone's praising.

Her instincts tell her to jump up and dig further than she needs to. She knows that there isn't anything more to it than what she knows.

The Commander is dead, along with everybody from the Commando Unit. Yet, her doubts remain.

... Crow has learned a lot before going up north. About him and the rest.

About his conditions, medical records, and previous mission engagements. She has even dug far enough to reveal that Rapi may not be all that she seems to be.

And enough to... Well, shuffle the dirt away.

''August of last year, Miracle Commander thought to be deceased, returns and stomps a potential invasion of the Ark...'' She mumbles to herself, deep in thought. ''What a load of horseshit.''

Is it though? Why are you so pressed?

... Awww, is someone worried that they'll be foiled soon enough? That's what makes a bad leader: it's their own self-doubt.

And only part of the reason she could not succeed as Heavenly Ascension's leader.

But while she was sombering away at all the negative thoughts present within her mind, the bar entrance swung open, and a new face entered through.

Donning herself in a white sleeveless crop top, a pink puffer jacket resting below her shoulders, with a chromatic skirt reflecting the lights, and thin white fishnets almost blending in color with her skin.