Hope

That night as well, Marin went to the basement of the mad scientist.

But she didn't find him there anymore. The whole basement was empty. Only a large sack and a letter remained.

[I had a breakthrough thanks to you! I'm leaving! Take these coins and live your life.]

Marin slowly opened the pouch and her jaw dropped at the amount of money.

One year? Two years? No, she could finish her whole schooling with this amount. Once she's out, maybe she could even apply for outside schools based on scholarship.

"T-Thank you!" Marin knelt in front of the letter and cried for a long time.

Then, she silently left the place, still not fully believing that she'd never have to return again.

Once she reached home, the illusion in the basement was lifted.

Varian lifted his foot from the mad scientist's throat.

"Y-You! Why are you meddling? Who are you? I have connections with the big boss of this region! If you touch me, I'll—eek!"

Kacha!