Things I Want to Do
After learning that her fantasies were an early sign of Void Force corruption,
I went with Besta to the library to find a solution.
Mind as clear as still water...
Captain, I just need a mind as clear as still water! I found the answer!
It's this book right here!
They say Eastern warriors train their minds to stay calm in any situation through meditation.
So if I can master meditation too...
...
Kgh!
Another nosebleed?!
Saying "stay calm" reminded me of Commander Ceres in battle...!
Just why...?
You don't get it? You probably wouldn't.
Those perfectly formed... adorably sized...
Even when she moves so fiercely, they never budge—kgh!
Mind as clear as still water...!
Can we take this seriously, please!?
Isn't this a general store? What brings us here?
...You want to buy a doll as a gift?
What if we shift your attention elsewhere?
Maybe you'll stop fantasizing!
I see. A sound tactic.
It's a strangely shaped cat doll. A plushie, is it?
It's just the right size to hold close.
As Besta hugged the doll, its cat paws began to vibrate.
This is...
It's the Meowbot Mk-3!
It didn't sell as well as Meowbot Mk-1, but still has its fans.
It now has a massaging feature built into its paws. Want to try... M-miss?! Your nose is bleeding...!
This doll...
is too dangerous!
Maybe even more so than the monster...!
With that, Besta collapsed to the floor.
What's with the massaging feature!?
After checking out several places...
Peace.
Peace in the world means peace in me.
Right now, my mind is perfectly calm and clear—without a trace of impurity.
There's literally light flashing behind you...
Still, we made some progress.
Just as I thought it might be over, a scream echoed from nearby.
KYAAAH!
Hmm...?
I-I'm sorry, sis. I stepped on your foot by accident.
Haha, it's fine. Felt like a bluebird just landed on me.
Hmm...!
You okay? You're sweating bullets...
...I-I'm fine. Just two sisters chatting, isn't it?
My mind is like a clear lake. Mind as clear as still water
Never again.
I'll never look at the world with dirty thoughts again!
Bluebirds are supposed to bring happiness...
How should I bring it to you today? Is there a place you want to feel happiness, sis...?
Well, that's up to the giver, isn't it...?
Mm?
Hmm...?
It wasn't a fantasy this time!
Besta! Your nose! It's bleeding again...!
...I understand now.
Captain, I'm beyond help.
Don't give up...!
Captain, I'm fully aware of my own condition.
I'll never stop fantasizing. The Void Force is already too deep inside me.
If that's the case...
Then I'll decide how it ends.
Until I pass the Journey and reclaim the West.
I just have to hold on until then. I just have to stay alive until then!
And then!
Besta looked up at the sky painted in sunset.
Then I'll breathe my last.
That's enough for me.
...Huh?
Is that all? What do you mean by that?
...Something I want to do?
Tell me what you really want. I'll help you.
But.
But...?
I'm not helping so you can go out without regrets.
I'm helping so you have something to live for.
...
Is that really all you want?
What I really want is...
Bathed in the glow of the setting sun,
Besta's eyes looked more serious than ever before.