Plague Lord-Chapter 56: Questions and Answers

"Ms. Rose, forgive me for intruding, but could you tell me how exactly you awakened?"

Curiosity piqued, Nightingale asked a question that was perhaps too personal. The matter of «Awakening» was a dangerous phenomenon that could spiral out of control if not managed properly. Many who experienced it succumbed to their own power before reaching the Association, bringing destruction upon everything they held dear.

It was no wonder, then, that most Awakened were sensitive about discussing how it all began.

Flaming Rose turned her head from where she rested. Though her face was hidden behind the pristine mask, Nightingale could easily imagine the faint frown forming beneath it.

After a brief silence, she spoke.

"What’s the point of that question?"

Nightingale shrugged lightly.

"Nothing much. I’m just curious. If you don’t want to answer, that’s fine too."

Her tone sharpened slightly.

"Would you really be okay with that?"

He wore a wry smile.

"Maybe not. I asked because I wanted to know, after all. I’d be a little disappointed if my curiosity went unsatisfied."

Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, he added,

"How about this, let’s make it an information exchange."

"Information exchange?"

"It’s actually simple. I will ask three questions. If you answer my questions, I will answer your questions. Additionally, you can only refuse to answer one question and one question alone."

"Ah, so you’re talking about the three questions exchange from Greek mythology."

"You know it as well, huh. Then that makes it easier."

Three Questions Exchange. This was a game that originated from Greek mythology. According to that story, the Gods would challenge mortals to a contest of wit, where each side could ask three questions, and only one could be left unanswered. But the human version was harmless and a good way to break the ice.

Nightingale then asked:

"So what would it be? Are you game or not?"

Rose didn’t answer right away. She seemed to be weighing something quietly in that thoughtful mind of hers. Then, with a hint of amusement in her voice, perhaps even a smile, she said,

"Alright, I’m in. It’s not like there’s much else to do anyway."

"True, true. There’s barely anything we can do up here. We can’t even set up a fire to keep warm. What a tragedy," Nightingale lamented dramatically before sighing and rummaging through his backpack.

He pulled out a small, colorful packet and tore it open.

Seeing what it was, Rose’s tone carried a note of surprise.

"Is that...?"

"Sour Patch Kids," he replied casually. "Why? Want some? I’ve got plenty."

She chuckled.

"You do realize this isn’t a camping trip, right?"

He raised an eyebrow. "So that’s a no, then?"

Rose shook her head.

"You’re really something, aren’t you?"

Nightingale popped a candy into his mouth and said with mock seriousness. "Thank you. I take pride in being something."

Following that interaction was a brief silence but it wasn’t uncomfortable.

The faint rustle of leaves in the cold wind filled the gap, mingling with the distant song of the night.

Just then, Nightingale leaned forward a little.

"Alright then, let’s begin the exchange."

Rose tilted her head. "You’re starting first, I assume?"

"Of course. It’s only polite for the one who proposed the game to lead." He paused, thinking for a brief second before asking, "So, first question; what was the trigger for your Awakening?"

A breath escaped her mask.

"...Straight to the point, aren’t you?"

"Isn’t it good to be direct?" he replied smoothly.

She was silent for a long time. The branches creaked faintly beneath them as the wind passed. Then, softly, she said:

"It was the fire."

Nightingale blinked.

"The fire?" 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

She continued quietly,

"The one that burned down the southern district two years ago. I was there when it started."

Her voice trailed off, the last words almost lost to the wind.

’Southern district? Was it about that incident?’

His eyes widened.

’I remember hearing about it. A famous musician’s concert was halted midway because of an explosion. What was his name again? It’s been so long, I can’t recall. Anyway, the reports claimed that one of the stage pyros malfunctioned and ignited a fire, consuming the entire area. There were even rumors online suggesting that an Infected might have been involved. That must’ve been the real cause.’

But why did the media lie? Was it because there were no deaths or injuries?

Come to think of it, public sentiment toward Espers had always been fragile. The authorities probably crafted the cover story to avoid panic and backlash.

Nightingale understood the implication and said nothing further. He simply lowered his head, his expression softening, though the faint glimmer of curiosity still lingered in his eyes.

"I see... That must’ve been rough."

Rose shrugged, neither confirming nor denying it.

"Your turn, Mr Devil. You owe me an answer now."

"Ask away."

"Tell me about your Awakening. Since you asked about mine, it’s only fair that you share yours too."

Nightingale froze mid-chew, the candy resting on his tongue. A quiet, uncertain laugh escaped.

"That’s... actually a fair question."

"Well?" the masked Caster pressed insistently, clearly noticing his hesitation, yet made no effort to let it go. After all, she was right. It was only fair that he answer, just as she had.

He began to sweat.

’What to do? What to do? Should I really tell her? No way! How am I supposed to tell that I almost awakened in highschool? Won’t she just look down on me?!’

It was an awkward predicament. Unlike Rose, his face wasn’t hidden behind a mask, so there was always the risk of running into someone who might recognize him like a former classmate, an old friend, maybe even one of his third-year buddies.

And to make matters worse, he was the one who had suggested this game in the first place, hoping to break the ice.

Now, it was coming back to bite him in the butt.

At the moment, he saw three possible options:

First, he could lie but returning his partner’s honesty with deceit didn’t sit right with him.

Second, he could tell the truth and risk exposing the fact that he’s an highschool student.

Lastly, he could refuse to answer altogether but that would mean forfeiting his only chance to skip a question, leaving him vulnerable to whatever she asked next.

After a moment of silent deliberation, Nightingale finally arrived at what he considered a satisfactory answer. Composing himself, he spoke evenly,

"I awakened inside one of the Association’s safety rooms."