Chapter 248: Talking with Bellina 8

Bellina narrowed her eyes, pondering Haruto's explanation. "Hmm... If that rumor is truly spreading, wouldn't official organizations act immediately? They'd handle it before the situation worsens. Besides, isn't the Black Market owned by one of the Ten City Councilors?" Bellina spoke seriously, her gaze fixed on Haruto, as if trying to read the young man's thoughts.

Haruto remained silent, unprepared for such a weighty question from Bellina. His heartbeat quickened slightly, but he worked hard to maintain his composure.

"Well... I don't know?" Haruto finally replied nonchalantly, feigning indifference. To Haruto, it was better to appear a little clueless than to delve into something far more complicated.

Bellina observed him for a moment before letting out a long sigh. She could sense that Haruto was hiding something—a secret he wasn't willing to share with anyone. Yet, she chose not to press him further.

Haruto offered a faint smile when he realized Bellina wasn't probing deeper into the previous topic. Her silence brought him a small sense of relief.

However, the peace was short-lived. "Oh, by the way... Now that I think about it, what did you do for work in your previous life?" Bellina suddenly asked, shifting the topic with a curious tone.

Haruto turned to her, slightly startled. "Hmm? I worked in many places," he answered casually, shrugging. "Life was tough, so I had to take on various jobs to survive."

"Ah, I see..." Bellina smiled faintly, as though understanding the hardships Haruto alluded to. "In my previous life, I was a veterinarian," she added softly, her voice tinged with nostalgia.

Haruto looked at her with a puzzled expression. "A... veterinarian? Is that why your ability is healing saliva?" he asked hesitantly, narrowing his eyes as if trying to find logic in such a peculiar power.

Bellina froze. The question caught her off guard, and she didn't know how to respond. Haruto was truly unpredictable.

"I'm... not sure about that," Bellina finally replied, her voice uncertain. She lowered her gaze slightly, as if contemplating the possibility for the first time.

Seeing her expression, Haruto let out a small sigh and waved his hand dismissively. "Forget it. Just focus on getting stronger. We have no idea what the future holds," he said with a calm smile. There was sincerity in his words, as if he genuinely wanted Bellina to survive whatever lay ahead.

Bellina lifted her head and gave a small nod. "Ah... Alright," she murmured.

Haruto then leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling for a moment before speaking again. "By the way, after graduating from the City Academy, what do you plan to do?" Haruto's tone was light, but his curiosity was genuine.

Without a hint of hesitation, Bellina answered, "Become a mercenary."

Her response caught Haruto off guard. His eyes widened slightly as he looked at her more intently. "May I ask... why?" Haruto inquired, his tone turning more serious.

Bellina took a deep breath, her expression growing resolute. "You know, don't you? The Apocalypse is coming in thirteen years," Bellina said softly yet firmly, her voice laced with bitterness. "I don't want to die when it arrives. In my previous life, I never read the ending of this novel, so I have no idea what will happen when that day comes."

She paused, locking eyes with Haruto. Her gaze reflected the fear she hid behind her cheerful demeanor. "William is the protagonist of this novel," Bellina continued, her voice trembling slightly. "But there's no way William can save everyone. There's a limit to what he can do. That's why I want to grow stronger. At the very least, I want to have a chance to survive."