SWNOVELXO Chapter 3: taking him away from the danger zone
Based on the Normandy Kingdom's usual response after the appearance of a White Mist Zone, the area within a hundred kilometers around the zone would be classified as a danger zone because monsters frequently appeared there, making it unsuitable for human habitation.
The nearest human settlement was over a hundred kilometers away.
In such a perilous area, Angela and the others weren't even sure they could get out alive, let alone return.
So, once they left, it would be difficult to come back, which meant Anthony would be left alone.
Anthony still wore a smile on his face. "If you can't come back, then you can't. I'm already seventeen years old, I have hands and feet, I can take care of myself. You staying here is a waste of time; it's better for you to go and live well."
Over the years, Anthony had urged them to leave countless times, but Angela and Grandpa Alan always refused.
As Angela put it, "You saved me, so I'm going to take you out of here with me. I have to fulfill the promise I made!"
It was a promise made by an eleven-year-old girl to a ten-year-old boy.
If it were just Angela, Anthony might not be able to persuade her, but now there was also Grandpa Alan.
The elderly man was losing his ability to move, and it was uncertain whether he could survive this winter.
Rather than suffering here, it would be better for him to enjoy his last years outside.
Hearing this, Angela bit her lip, "Then... then I'll take Grandpa Alan to the safe zone and come back to stay with you!"
"No!"
Anthony firmly refused. "Grandpa Alan is already so old, and he's missing a leg. How could he manage without someone to care for him?"
"But, I don't feel at ease leaving you here alone."
"What's there to worry about? I've survived seven years here. Besides, if a monster does show up, you wouldn't be able to save me anyway.
Seven years have passed, so who knows, maybe they've already found a way to become an espers out there. If one day you become an espers, you could come back anytime, and then you could protect me."
Hearing Anthony's words, a glimmer of hope flashed in Angela's eyes—becoming an espers...
Seeing that Angela didn't argue back, Anthony continued, "Once you're in the safe zone, there'll be electric lights, gas, underfloor heating, you can take hot showers, drink hot soup..."
Normally a man of few words, Anthony rambled on as if he were trying to say everything he'd ever wanted to in one go.
Angela, usually so lively and carefree, was uncharacteristically silent, listening quietly.
After what seemed like a long time, Anthony suddenly sneezed.
A cold wind whistled through the gaps in the window, and the temperature inside the room had dropped below freezing. Anthony's thin body wouldn't be able to last much longer.
Seeing this, Anthony didn't dare stay any longer. Although he still had much to say, catching a cold in such conditions could be fatal.
"Since you've agreed, start preparing tomorrow and leave as soon as possible."
With that, Anthony turned to leave the room, but Angela threw off her blanket, grabbed him, and pulled him into bed. "Don't go, stay with me a little longer."
"Mmph, I can't breathe..."
...
The night passed without incident, and morning came.
As the morning light filtered in, Alan hobbled out of his room, yawning. Despite sleeping all night, he still seemed fatigued.
"Hmm, are you two planning on going far?"
Alan was surprised to see the living room filled with bags and packages.
Due to the mysterious invisible wall that blocked Anthony, he could only move within a 17-kilometer radius around the White Mist Zone.
With the White Mist Zone's radius extending over 300 kilometers, Anthony's range of movement was limited to a large ring.
Although the distance was far, they rarely drove because the noise could attract monsters.
Even if they did drive, it was usually during good weather, so heading out now, after a snowfall, puzzled him.
Anthony brought out a pot of warmed stew and smiled, "Sister Angela discovered a warehouse yesterday, but it's outside the wall. We'll need your help."
Hearing this, a smile appeared on Alan's wrinkled face.
"Don't worry, with me around, Angela will be just fine."
As he spoke, Angela emerged from her room, her eyes slightly red. Normally so full of energy, she seemed unusually downcast today.
"Angela, what's wrong? Are you feeling feverish?" Alan asked with concern.
Angela shook her head and forced a smile. "I'm fine, just had a bad dream last night and didn't sleep well."
"Let's eat before the food gets cold," Anthony said, changing the subject.
During breakfast, Angela remained quiet, often staring at Anthony in a daze.
In contrast, Anthony was busy serving food to the other two, chatting happily with Grandpa Alan.
The meal passed in an odd atmosphere.
After breakfast, Anthony loaded several bags onto the Pickup truck.
These were things they had scavenged from the surrounding area over the years.
There were hundreds of thousands in paper currency, various gold and silver jewelry, and some scales and bones from the monsters.
These items are worthless in the danger zone, but if they can return to the safe zone, they would be a considerable fortune.
For seven years, Anthony didn't know what the world outside was like, but these things should be enough to ensure Sister Angela and Grandpa Alan live out the rest of their lives in comfort.
After a while, everything was ready. As the engine of the Pickup truck started, it slowly rolled over the snow, driving away.
Watching the Pickup truck slowly disappear into the distance, Anthony smiled and waved goodbye.
In the driver's seat, Angela's body was trembling slightly, her eyes filled with tears. If Grandpa Alan hadn't been beside her, she would have cried out loud. But to avoid suspicion, she had to suppress her inner sadness.
"Angela, didn't you say we were going to transport some things? Why did you pack so much?" Alan asked, puzzled.
Over the past six months, his health had been deteriorating, and he lacked the energy to manage many things. Fortunately, Anthony and Angela had grown up and no longer needed him to worry much. But today, he felt something was off.
"N-no reason, it's just some tools," Angela stammered.
But Alan furrowed his brow, sensing something was wrong. Suddenly, he realized something and shouted, "Stop the car, stop right now!"
However, Angela didn't respond. Instead, she stepped on the gas, and the Pickup truck sped away.
At that moment, Angela could no longer hold back and burst into tears.
Grandpa Alan let out a heavy sigh, his already weathered face seeming to age even more in that instant.
Although his energy was not what it used to be, he wasn't foolish. Reflecting on everything that had happened, he had already guessed what was going on.
Angela was taking him away from the danger zone!
...