In the dim sewer, a small girl led the way, with Altair following close behind, heading deeper into the tunnels.
It wasn't a long journey, less than a minute, before they reached a bend. Around the corner, a group of girls in tattered, dirty clothes, their hair equally unkempt, huddled behind an elderly man, peeking out curiously.
"Hello, I'm Matsuzaki."
The old man, leaning on a cane and wearing glasses, smiled warmly at Altair.
"Hello, Matsuzaki-san. I'm Altair."
Facing this kind old man, Altair saw no need for bravado and gave a simple introduction.
"Just call me Matsuzaki."
Matsuzaki chuckled, his eyes narrowing to slits behind his round glasses.
He seemed friendly, but those round glasses and squinted eyes gave Altair a fleeting sense of a scheming mastermind, reminiscent of a famous villain who hid behind a similar smile. Of course, it was just a passing thought.
"I've come today to discuss something with you, Matsuzaki, and these children."
"Please, go ahead."
Altair's handsome appearance and polite demeanor made a strong first impression on Matsuzaki and the children.
"I want to help these children, to give them a better living environment."
"You're willing to help them?"
"Yes."
"That's wonderful!"
Matsuzaki's face lit up at Altair's offer. He had been caring for these children alone, scraping by with barely enough food. The children, and even he, often went hungry. The sanitation was deplorable, and if not for the Gastrea virus enhancing their resilience, many would have succumbed to starvation or illness long ago.
"However, while I can provide a better environment, there's a condition. The children must form a contract with me. Once they do, they can enter my domain, where they won't have to worry about food, living conditions, or the Gastrea virus's erosion rate."
"It sounds wonderful, but…"
Matsuzaki adjusted his glasses.
"Forgive me, Mr. Altair, but it's a bit hard to believe."
The International Initiator Supervisory Organization (IISO) was the leading authority on Gastrea virus research, yet their monthly suppressants for registered Cursed Children only slowed the virus's progression.
Altair had mentioned a domain, which sounded far-fetched. Could he be a leader from some distant settlement? If so, perhaps they'd developed a cure.
"I'm not from any specific place you might be thinking of. My domain is much farther away."
"I see."
Matsuzaki frowned slightly, clearly skeptical. For the children's safety, he had to be cautious.
Altair wasn't bothered by Matsuzaki's wariness, it was only natural for someone protecting these children.
"Alright, Matsuzaki, let me show you something."
Altair summoned his Somersault Cloud. Despite being in a sewer, the cloud materialized effortlessly, unaffected by the surroundings.
A white cloud appeared abruptly in the gloomy tunnel.
"Whoa!"
The children behind Matsuzaki gasped in amazement.
"It's called a Somersault Cloud. Go ahead, touch it."
Altair guided the cloud toward Matsuzaki. The bolder children emerged from behind him, reaching out to feel the soft, fluffy surface. They instantly fell in love with it.
Soon, all the children rushed forward, surrounding the cloud, poking and prodding it. Some of the braver ones climbed onto it, rolling around gleefully.
Matsuzaki watched the children play happily on the cloud, momentarily forgetting his astonishment. One thought dominated his mind: This defies logic!
He looked to Altair for an explanation.
"In truth, I'm a knight, a member of the Hestia Familia, under the goddess Hestia."
Altair reached into his spatial pocket and pulled out the Hestia Familia's banner, planting it in the ground with a grin.
"And, by the way, I'm also Hestia's husband."
"Uh… what?"
Matsuzaki had hoped for clarity, but this explanation only deepened his confusion. A Somersault Cloud was familiar to anyone who knew certain myths, but a knight tied to Greek mythology? The combination was baffling.
To any rational person, Altair's words sounded like nonsense, almost as if he were unhinged. Yet, there was the cloud, floating low in the air. Was it advanced technology? A bizarre magic trick?
"I haven't started researching the Gastrea virus yet, but it won't take long. Soon, I'll develop a suppressant, not the low-grade ones distributed out there, but one that fully suppresses the virus. Every child will receive it."
Despite Matsuzaki's bewilderment, Altair continued his explanation.
"I came in a hurry today and didn't prepare much, so for now, I'll provide some food. I'll bring more supplies later."
With that, Altair approached the Somersault Cloud and began pulling food from his spatial pocket.
The stockpile he'd gathered from the Highschool of the Dead world was still plentiful, as he'd had little need for it. Now, it was perfect for these children. If it ran out, he could always "borrow" more from a convenience store.
Altair placed the food on the Somersault Cloud, lowering it close to the ground like a floating table among the children.
"Come on, pick what you like. There's not much variety now, but next time I come, I'll bring more."
The children stared hungrily at the packaged food but didn't move, instead looking to Matsuzaki.
"It's okay, eat."
Matsuzaki nodded with a smile. Though he didn't fully understand Altair's words and found him odd, his care for the children seemed genuine.
With Matsuzaki's permission, the children eagerly began choosing their favorite foods. Though the selection was limited, it was a feast compared to their usual meager fare. Every child was delighted.
Altair stood by the cloud, helping shorter children reach their desired items, opening packages, and handing them over.
Watching Altair interact with the children, Matsuzaki was convinced of his sincerity. A heartfelt smile spread across his face.
"I hope he can truly help these children."
***
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